Get the violins out. I’m not going on holiday this year.
Actually that’s not really true. I’ve had a few short breaks already, and no doubt I’ll go on a few more. But this year I don’t really have the time or money for a full week or two of lounging in the sun.
However, conveniently, the UK seems to have become confused about its exact location and for the last month or so we’ve basked in beautiful sunshine and I’ve taken my holiday in small snippets to make the most of it!
I was asked a while ago to take part in a Summer campaign with Debenhams and I was totally convinced that by the time I got chance to go anywhere near a beach with the “beach day” kit they sent me it would be snowing. But on Sunday I had a free day and there was not cloud in the sky, so we stopped by Waitrose to fill up on picnic food and headed out to the beach.
I decided to eschew the regular busy beach hotspots of Norfolk, and take a trip to a beautiful sandy beach at Waxham that I’d heard was lovely and not very busy.
Clearly you can see how accurate my information was from the small stretch of road visible over my shoulder on the (long) walk from the parking space we eventually found to the beach.
Obviously not a person in sight at this beach.
Actually we didn’t have as much trouble finding a spot as it happens, but I had forgotten how much I hate sand. It’s a pig to walk on, and Waxham beach is up a stupid hill. I was wearing the open toe Mel by Melissa rubber shoes that I have lived in since I sprained my ankle, and the sand just poured in one end and out the back. I don’t know if that’s better or worse than having shoes full of sand. Give me pebbles any day.
Still once we’d got all our goodies laid out it was lovely and soft! My beach bag essentials:
I’m not a “baking in the sun” kind of girl, so a parasol (similar one here on ebay!)and sun cream are a must. Nice big beach towel with a cool nautical print which almost immediately became covered in sand, and my kindle, on which I am currently reading “10-Minute Toughness: The Mental Training Program for Winning Before the Game Begins
Also essential for the beach, a bikini. Believe it or not when the weathers is nice British people DO wear actual swimwear on the beach, though they still reserve wearing it to the supermarket for when they go on holiday to Spain.
BEHOLD THE AWESOME ICE CREAM BIKINI!
It’s amazing. Long line halter bra top is nice and supportive, and nice high-waisted bottoms in a textured fabric that feels a bit 60s to me. It had a bow at the waist which I hated, but a pair of nail scissors soon dealt with that! It’s a little skimpily cut for my ample bottom, but not so much that you have to spend all your life with a wedgie, and I’m kinda used to that by now!
The other thing I forgot I didn’t like about sandy beaches, is sand flies. Seriously, next time I’m going to a sensible pebbly beach and not being swayed by the thought of somehow pretending I’m in a tropical paradise.
Though tropical paradise is kinda nice.
This is a random aloe vera drink we bought with our picnic, I just thought it looked nicely tropical, sat there with the sea in the background. Unlike the rest of my picnic, which looks like a terribly British Gala pie and tasted of sand.
Advice for the unwary, if you bury your glass to keep it upright, make sure you knock the sand off the base before you pick it up and wave it around over your plate.
Super cool picnic hamper comes from Mountain Warehouse
Waxham beach is really lovely if you’re fond of sand! To find it you can follow the sat nav to Waxham Barns and just take a little turn off on a U-Shaped side road just before you get there.
The beach goes on for miles, and thankfully the sand gets a little firmer and less of a walking on nightmare as it gets wetter down towards the sea. It’s on the North Sea, so the water is cold, but it’s really refreshing to paddle in on a hot day.
I’ve never quite got the hang of running around in public in just my swimwear, but I’m perfectly happy in just a bikini top, and I always find that a regular skirt makes just as good a beach cover up as something more beachy, like a sarong. With it unzipped I can put it on over my head, then run down to the sea for a paddle with my modesty intact, and, of course, prance around for photos. It’s ok at the beach, no one thinks you’re weird, they’re all doing it.
And there ends my day at the Beach. Or rather more accurately, my day at the beach ended with trying to empty sand out of the insides of all my bags, my shoes, oh, and inside my top.
But I don’t think we need any pictures of that….
Outfit details for the day:
♥ Denim Dress – Oasis ♥ Anchor Beach Bag ♥
♥Ice Cream Bikini top and bottoms – Floozie by Frost French ♥
♥ Yellow Midi Skirt – Warehouse ♥
♥ Shoes – Mel by Melissa all c/o Debenhams ♥
♥ Parrot Brooch, bracelets & headscarf – Vintage ♥
(interestingly the scarf is vintage Debenhams, bonus coincidence points!)
♥ Sunglasses – Derek Cardigan* ♥
Thanks to Debenhams for helping me be a lot more stylish at the Beach than I would otherwise have been! They’ve also generously offered to help one of you guys with your beach wardrobe with £100 of Debenhams vouchers up for grabs, or you could just spend it on shoes, it’s up to you.
Want to win? Just follow the instructions on the rafflecopter widget below. There’s several entry options, and you can do them all for extra chances to win, or just one. If you’re already a fan or follower on any of these places then lucky you, free entry, just click the button!
The competition will run for 2 weeks and finish at midnight on the 20th August 2014.
Comments
173 responses to “My Day at the Beach and a £100 of Debenhams Vouchers for You!”
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/X7JbduojSZ
Love outfits. Have fun
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/ZkMPLu172H
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/H0rBHC4y4t
I love this swimsuit! Cute and retro in one, and my favourite colour combo. perfect for adding to my capsule holiday wardrobe.
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/l6UyV6sQQN
Love that bikini! I’ve been looking for one that would be supportive and safe for my, er, assets!
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Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/m8GJNYTjUu
I love the Floozie Frost French Designer pink striped bandeau bikini top and matching Designer pink striped frill bikini bottoms!
I am in love with the midi skirt. That is going on my lust list!
Love this one http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020604460_-1 ( Melanie M )
I love the bikini – exactly what I have been looking for. And such a good idea about the skirt instead of a sarong!
Oh no! The bottoms have sold out in my size! 🙁
Argh! Could you try a size bigger or smaller? They’re quite stretchy?
I would probably need to wear spanx with them for a size smaller 🙂
Worth a try though – thanks x
RT @Retrochick_uk: My Day at the Beach & £100 of Debenhams Vouchers for You! #DebsBeachDay: http://t.co/VI3HqbyIAI
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/twRcNy74LV
Awesome giveaway via @Retrochick_uk http://t.co/MjIiIRe1oA
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/jna70d6rPM
Fantastic giveaway 🙂 Ahh you are making me long for sandy beaches – love them, until it all ends up in my swimsuit. Great post, and great giveaway. I hope the ankle is healing nicely x
love this http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/a6DoG4ycIH
Lindsey Donaldson liked this on Facebook.
I’ve been staring at that bikini for months and now I have confirmed I need it in my life. It looks absolutely amazing on you!
Thanks! It is an awesome bikini! I need to move somewhere with more opportunities to wear it!
This spotty swimsuit is lovely…. http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318645_-1
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020323045_-1
If I ever get enough money, I will be getting this!! Perfect even for tanning at the park! http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020303233_-1
I like this http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020211995_-1 with the tummy control!!
I love your bikini it’s gorgeous!
I love the Bikini. It is a very unusual style!!
Totally love the ice cream bikini and you rock it! Would be cheating to say that’s my favourite so had a little browse and found the swimsuit version perfect for the not quite so brave like me – unfortunately now I really want to buy it!! So fingers crossed and all that!! http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020305723_-1
It did make me giggle when you mentioned the sand falling off your glass onto your plate. Been there, done that. We do live and learn, don’t we? 😀
love the bikini
i love the Black polka dot bandeau skirt tummy control swimsuit
You look absolutely fab! and I I want the same bikini from Debenhams (although the swimsuit almost gives the same effect as i don’t have the same abdominal muscles as you!
Abdominal muscles! Thanks, they’re under there somewhere! 😀
RT @Retrochick_uk: My Day at the Beach & £100 of @Debenhams Vouchers for You! #DebsBeachDay: http://t.co/VI3HqbyIAI
I love what you are wearing in the picture 😀
And I also like this Ice cream swimmig costume its too cute!
I also love the retro choices as I am very retro! ^_^
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020328642_-1
Great giveaway. Those mel shoes look fab. I’d definitely go for a floppy hat like the floozie nautical trimmed version. I expect I’d look like an old donkey bit I’d avoid burnt parting – ouch!
Love the colour of this swimsuit: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_285010210545_-1
I like the Black geometric leaf print wrap swimsuit.
Ooooo I need these to style up my new mummy figure lol
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020219043_-1 is my favourite.
Ooooo I need this to style up my new mummy figure
Love this one http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020219043_-1
I think this skirted polka dot swimsuit is pretty cute http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020604460_-1
OMG! That bikini is *amazing*! Looks fab on you. Thanks for braving the sand to bring us these lovely photos 🙂
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_092010226843_-1
Love this one http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
I’ve had a good look but it’s hard to beat your ice cream bikini!
Love this one – http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020305723_-1
I love this halterneck bikini from Freya. Can’t go wrong with classic monochrome polka dots. 🙂 http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020254760_-1
Black polka dot bandeau skirt tummy control swimsuit love it
My favourite has to be this super cute polka dot swimsuit! http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020604460_-1
I absolutely love the Ice Cream Bikini Set – It looks fantastic on you!
Love the retro feel of your bikini
Every girl (well me!) need s a bit of padding http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020321505_-1
Awesome Photography I like it. You are so sexy.
http://www.iportdoncaster.co.uk
I love the parasol, I feel my life will be incomplete without one!
LOVE IT!
The Fantasie Denver bikini
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020303843_-1
I tried to pick my favourite item of swimwear but frankly the Debenham’s mobile website it too fiddle-faddly to persevere with. Of what I saw (before life got too short!) my surprising favourite was a strapless floral number: http://m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020211560_-1
The fact that the flowers are pink is even more shocking to me!
But general good points are that the black background and the swim skirt.
BTW a good trick for sandy beaches is to have talc on hand to dust all the rogue granules.
looked on Debenhams site, but could’t find bikini bottoms with coverage like you are wearing, all seem a bit scimpy!
I linked to them directly from the post, but it looks like they’ve sadly sold out since Wednesday!
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020305623_-1
Love this but wouldn’t you get a strange tan mark? http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
i like the landsend tankini top thankyou
love this! http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318645_-1?CMP=AFC-ANET-473347
I love the bikili!
Looks like you had a smashing time you must have enjoyed yourself.
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020806360_-1
black cross over tummy control
I love the oasis tropical fern bikini http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_58605+4980008721_-1
This one looks nice with a bit of a retro print… http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020218343_-1
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_283010392043_-1
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
i love this one xx
I LOVE this …… http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020604460_-1 Stylish, pretty and would hide my big bottom !! lol xx
I love this, us little ladies need a helping hand sometimes & this is just fab
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020321880_-1
Great giveaway x
I do like this:
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020211560_-1
Wife says se likes this one! http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020806360_-1
I love the http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_073011303139_-1 stunning!
Oh wow! I love the bikini you are wearing, it’s so cute! My favourites from Debenhams are all from Floozie by French Frost – I always eye them up in store! xo
Green ikat geometric print underwired bikini top
too cute 😀 http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020604460_-1
Mrs. R would love the http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020313460_-1
I bought a floozie swimsuit last year and got a retweet from Sadie Frost when I posted a pic on Twitter 🙂
i love the outfit! beautiful day and a beautiful lady!. 🙂
The one I’d like to buy is this one http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020305105_-1
I love the colour, I am a sucker for a bit of a frill and the edging is gorgeous. I just wish it actually was DD+ as advertised and not standard sizing.
Fun post 🙂 loving the ice creams
I really like this ruffly bikinininini from Floozie by Frost French-super cute! 😀 http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020305842_-1 (plus, worn with a stretchy pencil skirt or flippy skater skirt, it will help balance out my bum, lol)
This purple one from Lands End is gorgeous! http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_61132+425203WGP_-1
I quite fancy this one… http://m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020254760_-1?CMP=AFC-ANET-473347
Love the ice cream bikini too. Don’t hate the sand, sand is your friend!
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
amazing!!!
Loving this retro suit for the beach – http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
There’s too many nice ones! I may have lost 6 stone, but i don’t feel confident enough to wear a swimsuit!
I love the Black bow front bandeau swimsuit – looks like it would give me a bit of confidence as it looks quite slimming on a fuller figure 🙂
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-
lovely outfits x
love that bikini – I might consider buying one instead of my usual coverall costume <3
i love this one http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020246945_-1
Blue striped bandeau by Gorgeous
Wow, there’s so many to choose from! I don’t think I can pick a fab!
Love this swim suit which would hide my middle but still look flattering, thanks for great giveaway http://m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020313294_-1
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020211995_-1
I LOVE the Black bow front bandeau swimsuit – very 50’s and glamorous. I’d wear it with red lipstick and victory rolls!
Love this fifties style swimsuit http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020211560_-1
Yellow ice cream print underwired swimsuit by Frost French
I like this one piece, I think it is very figure flattering http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020313460_-1
I love this bikini 🙂 http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020305205_-1
I love the Black Bow Front Bandeau Swimsuit as it’s bright, cute and retro 🙂
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020318260_-1
I just love the: Blue gathered snakeskin tummy control swimsuit
Item No.0640202085
Love the bikini
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020215194_-1
i like this because it covers up a lot of bumps lol
I have already been to Debenhams and bought a bikini, what I have yet to wear, so I had no hesitation is choosing my favourite swimwear. It is http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020352333_-1
Black polka dot bandeau skirt tummy control swimsuit and Rider black open toe flip flops
Black polka dot bandeau skirt tummy control swimsuit
The Designer orange triangle print sleeveless dress is more for me than a bikini
I love the black geometric print bikini
Love this swimsuit! http://debenhams.scene7.com/is/image/Debenhams/064020318260?$PSPMedium$
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020305205_-1 I really like the skirt on this bikini set and the horizontal lines on the bust to give the impression that I do actually have a bust.
Black bandeau anchor swimsuit
Item No.0640202138
Blue gathered snakeskin tummy control swimsuit
I love the Green tribal striped underwired bikini top and Green tribal striped bikini bottoms
I need this one http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020211995_-1 for the tummy control.
This looks the most flattering http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020313460_-1
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020215803_-1 gawjus 🙂
I like the Coral spotted bow underwired bikini top by frost french
I like the bikini best 🙂 x
I love the Black polka dot bandeau skirt tummy!
Ice cream bikini
I like this
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020313460_-1
I’ve just had a baby, so I think it would have to be something like thishttp://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020326033_-1 covers the tummy and access to feed.
I’m in love with the bikini you have on! 😀 Such a cute ice cream bikini, I want it! :D.
http://www.gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk
xox
I’d choose this rather delightful number: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020322645_-1
so I could flaunt my curves down on the beach and gain admiring glances 😉
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/fBtkkPxFh0
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/ETdYvy83iP
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/NkUqRKqqKl
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/ce0CMoqiTq
i adour the one you are wearing it looks great they have a great selection at Debenhams but yours is a clear favourite
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/YwUI4xDpYC
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020604460_-1?CMP=AFC-ANET-473347
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/0d4ofQQFJf
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/1oSjvBrNyY
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/JjsbCDkzp5
Love the bikini very retro looks great on you x
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/vm9qYik3sT
Floozie by Frost French
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/JiSK1kVSFY
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/CD1zhfexiL
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/Ll13ZJKykO
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/mQ66X9Gyee
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/d4fqVD20NM
Win £100 worth of Debenhams vouchers and treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe! http://t.co/znmtyFGCwi
Live the Freya Pier halter swimsuit
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