It’s a real treat to have Duke of York Square on my doorstep and I can’t think of a more perfect corner of London to while away the hours and make some important summery additions to my wardrobe.
If you’re after some new bits and pieces for the summer season then you’ll find everything you’re after in Duke of York Square, with the added bonus of being able to fit in a cheeky food shop at Partridges (my very favourite!), afternoon tea at Gallery Mess (those scones!) or – if the sun puts its hat on – some of the most deliciously indulgent ice cream in our capital from Gelateria Valerie.
I’d start my summer shopping trip at Whistles where you can find some stunning two piece sets at the moment. Their prints are to die for this season and their forgiving take on the crop top works wonderfully with their matching A-line midi skirts – it’s a superbly flattering look on most shapes and sizes, so don’t be put off by the idea of a ‘crop’, we’re only talking an inch of skin on show, if that. The stripe and tiger prints are my faves.
You may not consider going to All Saints for swimwear, but if you’re after a cool bikini which is more grungey chic than OTT flower power, then they have some beautiful options. The hand embellished Nico bikini in gunmetal grey (£76) is definitely worth a look.
If you’ve got any garden parties or weddings to attend and you’re after something that’s not your usual high street fodder than you must head to Hoss Intropia, their dresses this season are so effortlessly chic. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but definitely pay them a visit if you don’t want to wear the same dress as three other attendees!
Speaking of more unusual dresses, Cos is where it’s at for simple fabrics in interesting cuts. Their boat necklines are stunning and their sleeveless blazer dress (£150) is truly a thing of beauty!
Everyone needs a pair of summer jeans and whilst I can only aspire to be sensible enough to wear white denim, those who can pull it off should look no further than Trilogy. They have lots of white denim in stock and plenty of Paige denim (from £185) if you want a truly perfect fit.
Knitwear can be underrated in summertime but let’s face it, we hardly enjoy 35 degrees day in, day out, here in the UK! Sarah Pacini is the place to head for lightweight knits in unusual cuts, they’re great for layering and you’ll no doubt rely on them more than you’d expect!
If shorts are what you’re after then ditch the classic denim cut offs and upgrade to something with a bit more style like the tailored offering in Banana Republic. I particularly like the white lace pair they carry (£49.50), but the white eyelet pair (£39.50) is great too.
I highly recommend Zara for both summer sandals and summer flats, but you must go to L.K. Bennett if you’re in the market for a pair of the slip on trainers that the fash pack are all excited about this season. I love their Berna skater shoes (£150) with shorts or turned up boyfriend jeans. Look out for the Whitley Bay canvas bag (£95) if you’re in L.K. Bennett too, English seaside nostalgia never looked so good!
It may not be fashion per se, but I can’t go to Duke of York Square without popping into Space NK. Now is the time to visit too as all their suncare goodies have just arrived. I like to change to my summer staple perfume around this time of year and nothing says sunshine to me like the smell of Diptyque’s Philosykos. Opt for the solid perfume (£28) and then you don’t have to faff about with small bottles when flying. Eve Lom’s Kiss Mix is my summery lip balm of choice as it has sunscreen, UV protection and gorgeously tingly cooling menthol (£16).
All this talk of shopping has me reaching for my credit card! I’d love to see what you’ve been buying at Duke of York Square this summer though, please tweet a pic to @PoppyD and @DOYSQ so I can see!
Happy shopping!
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