Summer starts now with TKMaxx

Apart from this week’s rain, how fantastic has the weather been in the UK recently? I’ve been making the most of it and getting out and about as much as possible. I live in South Wales, which is beautiful in the summer and I just have to show you some great hangout spots – they’re real hidden gems!

However, my wardrobe needed a refresh for the warm weather so I picked up some amazing pieces from TK Maxx, where they have a huge range of designer labels, top brands, stylish fashion picks and one-off finds. I love the whole ‘treasure hunt’ experience too – if you love it, you have to grab it because when it’s gone, it’s gone. And with up to 60% less than the RRP, it means that you can get great brands and labels for less.

Swansea Bay

There are several beaches in Swansea but I like Swansea Bay because it’s super convenient and accessible. Not only is it central and easy to get to, it is just minutes away from the City Centre, making it an ideal place to visit on my lunch break or straight after work for a quick dip in the sea. This black and white stripe swimsuit is ideal for wearing at Swansea Bay. I’m a little obsessed with monochrome so I have a feeling I’ll be wearing it all summer. It pairs well with my straw hat, which is essential for keeping my scalp protected in the sun. And not forgetting a good sunscreen (SPF 30, of course!) and a bright beach towel, all from TK Maxx!

Swansea Marina

Swansea Marina is situated in the award-winning Maritime Quarter area of Swansea City. It’s between the beach and City Centre, which has a variety of restaurants and bars. For me, walking around the Marina and taking in the scenery after being wined and dined is a wonderful way to spend a warm summer evening. This sleeveless denim dress fits the bill perfectly!

Blackpill

With plenty of space and sand, Blackpill is another lovely little spot for soaking up the rays. It’s a great hangout because I can stroll along the Prom, enjoy a picnic overlooking Mumbles Head or simply relax on the beach itself after a long day. Nothing beats the feeling of sand between my toes! This black and white shell bikini is perfect beach wear. The triangle shape of the bikini top is quite flattering on my smaller chest, I need to wear this cut more often! I also love the shape of designer sunglasses, the cat-eye effect is so cute!

Gnoll Estate Country Park

Running outdoors is one of my favourite ways to keep fit so when the weather is dry, I lace up my trainers and go! The Gnoll Estate Country Park is surrounded by a 18th Century landscaped garden, s full of open green spaces and wild woodlands so there is lots to see while I’m working up a sweat. Keeping hydrated is important, especially during exercise so this water bottle from TK Maxx is ideal. I only popped in for summer clothes but I just had to have it! It’s a nice size and the handle is really practical. I love adding fresh fruit to my water to give it some flavour.

Margam Country Park

For a cultured day out, Margam Park fits the bill. Margam Castle is magnificent to look at and I just love taking pictures of it. Besides the castle, there’s lots more picture-perfect features including the Orangery with ornamental gardens and wildlife set within gorgeous countryside. This grey leather saddle bag is the ideal size as it’s not too big and not too small – it fits everything I need when I’m out for the day. It’s a versatile colour too, making it brilliant for everyday use!

Aberavon

What can I say, I’m addicted to beaches! Aberavon has two miles of flat promenade making it very popular with cyclists and walkers alike. I love to walk there because there is plenty of room for everyone and you don’t get in anyone’s way. After a long walk, having a well-earned rest on the seafront is bliss! Here, I layered a striped top underneath the denim dress to keep the look casual and to keep my shoulders covered up in the sun.

City Hall

After shopping in Cardiff, I grab a takeaway coffee and sit outside City Hall to gather my thoughts…before I hit the shops again! It stands in the heart of Cardiff and is inspired English and French Renaissance architecture. It is superb to look at, while I sip my latte! For an afternoon of shopping, I opted for skinny white jeans, comfortable shoes and this classic striped shirt from TK Maxx which is ideal for throwing on when I’m having those ‘I don’t know what to wear’ days. It’s simple, smart and chic.

National Museum Cardiff

The National Museum in Cardiff is also another place I like to pass the time at, both inside and outside. It houses Wales’s national art and natural history collections as well as major touring and temporary exhibitions. After browsing, I like to sit outside and make a note of anything which inspired me. I stumbled across this cute notebook in TK Maxx and I didn’t really need it but again, I just had to have it. Who knows what future blog plans I could write in it!

Mill Lane

Before heading home to Swansea, I like to have dinner and drinks on Mill Lane, which is brimming with stylish eateries and bars. It’s an incredible place to chill after being in the bustling City Centre and there’s outdoor seating everywhere so you can still enjoy the sun. My evening essentials include fake tan for a natural-looking glow, my beloved designer sunglasses and a pair of pretty flats to give my feet a break after pounding the pavements all day!

Summer has never looked so good, thanks to TK Maxx, and the one-stop-shop for all you need to look your best. Summer starts now! Bag your holiday essentials now before they’re gone.