Ahh summer, the season of romance and wine. Where birds chirp merrily and the skies deepen into a deep, cloudless blue. There’s a cool breeze wafting through the summer haze and as the children queue up for another endless round of ice cream on tap, I sit and smile from afar. Summer is coming and while I am a ‘spring girl’ at heart, there is something so quintessentially magical about summer. Long walks on the beach turn into campfire cookouts while shooting outside in your bikini is as common as drinking beer in open gardens. But there is one ‘asset’ that summer has to offer that perhaps other seasons dosent and that is ‘swimming outside’. For those of you who don’t know me, I was born in the UK to Portuguese parents, hailing from the island Madeira. With warm moderate temperatures, stunning scenic views and breathtaking natural volcanic beaches, I hail from an ancestry that practically grew up on the beach. I remember spending summers riding the waves, feeling the warm spray of ocean water drench me and laugh like I was carefree once more. Although I have been to beautiful beaches in the UK, it is going abroad to places like Madeira that make me nostalgic for my ‘summer holiday’ years.
*Contains Affiliate Links
Shop The Look
I was often dubbed the ‘fearless one’ when it came to swimming although I actually didn’t learn to swim until I was 11 or 12, after nearly drowning as a young kid. The bug hit me hard once I’d learnt though and while many of my friends or family preferred lounging on the beach until they turned a delightful shade of ‘tomato red’, I was much more a fan of diving into the deep blue sea which I called my ‘mermaid paradise’. I was always the first one to jump into the sea and whether I went alone or with others, the childish feeling of elation would never fail to make me feel like I was ten years old again. It was bliss and just thinking about the warm haze of the sun and basking in its golden sensual glow is enough to make me long for the days where rent was non-existent and my income disposable. There were no bills lurking in the shadows, nor was the rent man tapping on the window to collect what he was due. Instead I was free to spend my money on what I pleased, oh how I wish I had that sort of income right now. In fact the last time I went on holiday was nearly four years ago, which is far longer than I would like to admit. As you grow older you make sacrifices and many luxuries like ‘buying clothes’ or holidays become a rarity, while the money that you earn quite literally goes on rent, bills, travel and food.
Shop The Look
Still I remain optimistic that one day I will actually buy that lottery ticket that I keep telling myself I will buy and that ticket will win me enough money to treat the ones I love and myself too. But for now I dream, having a serious case of wanderlust as I flick through my favourite Instagram accounts. I might not be going abroad anytime soon but the wonderful team at Prezzybox decided to send me some treats that would make my ‘swim into summer’ a little easier, even if that ‘swim’ will probably end up being in the UK. Although I am a beach girl at heart and love nothing more than riding the waves, there is a natural easiness about swimming in pools. Whether they be indoors or outdoors, pools are a safe space where you can be free to swim without the fear of sharks gobbling you up, drowning or being swept away with no sense of destination. When I go swimming in the sea, I tend to go without any cool unicorn floats or whatever fad is the flavour of the month as I am always conscious of how unpredictable the sea is. Besides the best thing about swimming in the sea is witnessing the unbridled energy that the beach has to offer and just letting go. In the pool however I feel like I am about 5 learning to swim again, with all my cool kickass floats. I am still searching for my magical unicorn to whisk me away into another dimension but for now my trusty swan, bag of popcorn (yes really) and massive love heart are the ‘cool’ factor I need to rock the pool scene.
Shop The Look
Here is where the issue lies, while most bloggers would conduct their ‘swim shoots’ at the beach, with shots of them swimming, frolicking and making love to the sand , as a ‘visual artist’ with a street art orientated aesthetic you can imagine how hard it was to shoot candid photos with a swan in the middle of the street. I must admit it did make me giggle as hordes of drunkards would jump into photos and even tried to get into the swan with me while others started laughing and asking me ‘what the f**k I was doing’. I must admit it probably looked quite amusing me walking down the street with a giant swan’ and all the other floats in tow, but this was one of the most enjoyable shoots I have ever done. After all whats not to love about a giant swan and finding a ‘beach themed wall’ to match?
But it wasn’t just the floats that had me in the mood for summer; you might remember that I was a tad obsessed with the ‘pineapple trend’ last year and this year watermelons seem to be my thing. Watermelon juice is so refreshing but aesthetically the watermelon trend has been one I have lusting over these last couple of weeks. Not only do I have the cutest watermelon one piece swimming costume arriving soon but this now sold out watermelon cooler bag was a bag that would be perfect for my summer trips to the pool and I can’t wait. I would have chosen it regardless of whether it was a cooler bag or not but the fact that it can keep my drinks ( read mojitos ) nice and chilled is enough to get me excited about swimming into summer. So whether you fancy swimming with a mother freaking unicorn or want to indulge your sweet fancies with a sweet ass donut, make sure your ‘swim into summer’ is as cool as mine. After all FOMO might exist but who says you have to go abroad to have fun?
Shop The Look
What Is Getting You Excited About Summer?
*Disclosure
I received PR samples for the purpose of this review but all stories, thoughts and research are my own.
I love these inflatables!! And that bag is amazing! But yes, I laughed out loud at the thought of you shooting with a blow up swan in the middle of the street, that’s so funny and I’m not surprised you drew some glances! I’m sure you were working it though!
Ana .. these are awesome! I laughed out loud. Where in the world are you putting the funny blow-ups after the photo shoot? And those red shoes of yours .. they are all sorts of wonderful. Thanks for making me smile big on a Monday!
That watermelon bag is so cute! But i definitely get what you mean about missing the beaches from your childhood. I’ve seen beaches in the Dominican republic, California, New York, but none of them is going to be the same as the ones in South Florida.
That post has certainly got me in the mood for summer and the beach! Love the outfits you chose and it’s a shame the watermelon bag is now out of stock. You sure do have great taste in fashion and I’m going to check out the links to see what’s available.
Oh Hun, I was looking forward to seeing this post and it made me laugh so badly, the vision of you wandering around East London with those giant floats… that’s just priceless 😀 Next time you’re up for swimming into Shoreditch High Street, I’m in! 😀 I can understand why are you nostalgic thinking about the holidays from your childhood… must be absolutely amazing up there! I actually nearly drown as a child too but, unlike you, I’ve never learnt to swim. I truly love being around water, there’s something very calming and majestic to it if you know what I mean… although for me admiring it from the shore has to be enough 😉 Xx
I can imagine the fun you had shooting the photos on this post! The swan and the popcorn are my favourite and yay Summer is coming soon. Your outfit though, is gorgeous especially the Jeans pencil skirt.
Oh my goodness how awesome are those floats, now if only I had my own pool to put them in I would be in heaven.
Love the swan and im too giggling at the thought of you carrying these down the street
Ha Ha Ana this was a fun post and its great to see a big smile on your face. I love those inflatables and used to have lots of them as a child. Very clever of you to stick to the wall art theme and still manage to do a “seascape” shoot in keeping with your beach theme.
I love your outfits here, especially that watermelon bag
Oh My Gosh!! This photo shoot looks like so much fun. I love your bikini and watermelon bag in the first set up and the swan in the last one.
I love swimming rather than lounging round and getting red!!!
I love the way you have used those inflatables in your pictures that inflatable swan rocks I need one in my life!!
I want that watermelon bag SO bad! OMG that is totally my style!!
HAHA I love the inflatable swan! I need this for my holiday coming up. Love the watermelon bag also. Pineapples were huge last season, maybe this is the new fruit of the season!
Umm why have I never heard of Prezzybox before?!?! This looks like so much fun! I would kill for that giant bag of popcorn! I actually just looked at their website and the variety is AMAZING!
I want a blow up swan! Would love to take him on my next trip to the beach x
Haha you look so stylish and cool on that Swan. Work it!
I’m loving Quay sunglasses at the moment, they have such a great selection! Fab swan as well by the way, I’d have loved to have been behind the camera watching that shot, I’m sure it was great fun!
I like the way you pose for photographs, that coupled with all the accessories you highlight.
In short, it’s simply awesome!
That must have been so funny shooting on the street with that swan, I’d have paid to see some of the onlookers faces! Seriously though, they’re great inflatables, I’d be fighting the kids for them!
I could identify myself in your words, the first one who jumps into the water. I still do that and i am not ashamed to admit that instead of going in the sea like a lady I run like a kid. My advice to you would be not to give up on your dream holiday. Sometimes vacations in Spain or Portugal are much cheaper than a weekend at the seaside in the UK.
Oh I love the swan! We live near the seaside so no-one would have batted an eyelid here lol! Love your photo shoot. Kaz
Okay, I love these inflatables! We do have a swan, but I need the popcorn, since I eat it so often. The watermelon bag is fabulous too!
It’s true as you get older you do make sacrifices and in many cases where money is tight holidays are not always highest on the list of priorities. I bought a lottery ticket today, here’s hoping!!! Ps. love the swan and watermelon bag they are perfect for the beach.
cute little bits, love how colourful this post is! xo
Love how you stayed with the street art theme even though they were beach inflatables! Roll on summer
These look perfect for some fun in the sun this summer
I love that massive swan. What fun that must have been!
Loving the floats and that watermelon bag is just to gorgeous. I love the red shoes in some of the pictures, they are really popping!
Loved that watermelon bag and all your outfits! You look totally adorable in your last pic with that giant swan. I can imagine how funny it would have had been to carry it on the streets for a photo shoot!
I want the popcorn 🙁 Your post is so light and I can tell how much fun you had shooting these photos. I can’t wait for the Summer!
These pool floats are so cute! I am obsessed with the popcorn one and the heart one is also super adorable! I need to check out these Prezzybox floats:)!
Giant floats are very in today. I love to have the swan and popcorn! its perfect for some photoshoot as well since they are colorful.
Love your post, but your pics really drew my attention! I am loving all your accessories. They are so fun! Those shades and purse A+++++
I am completely ready for the summer. And I can imagine that this shoot must have been a lot of fun, even with all the drunks busting in on you. You and that swan, let me tell you. You are gorgeous as always Ana. Keep that smile going, it’s an inspiration every day. I loved this post, although now you have me curious about that making love to the sand post . . .not. It wouldn’t be you. Although I do yearn to go to the beach this summer. Thankfully I am in a warm climate good for beaches. Only problem is with the extra cool water.
I just love the sun… so as soon as the sun is out, everything seems better and I feel happy and nothing else is needed to put me into summer mood.
I have that lottery ticket hope as well. ONE DAY haha. I loveee that watermelon bag 💗
I love all your fashion statements! Your shots are fantastic, it made me feel excited about summer!
Fun photo shoot! The sun is shining today and it feels warm after weeks of grey cloudy grumpiness, roll on summer!
I was in Crete recently and I saw someone use the swan lilo, it actually looked really comfortable x
Haha I love this – they’re definitely making me want to have a summer holiday right now! x
The pictures are enormous fun, I love the swan and the loveheart. Just super cute.
Well actually, the dresses, shoes and the bag from Prezzybox all look so cool. And the matched combination that you’ve put on indeed is looking just great..
These inflatables looks so fun, I wish I had my own pool LOL! I am so excited for summer
These are all awesome outfit for the summer. I love the popcorn pool float and this gorgeous Red Floral Print Shirt Dress. There is a few items I would love to check out. Thanks for sharing this awesome items.
Such a fun post! I love the inflatables and want the popcorn so badly. I love the photo of you in the floral kimono in the swan. You look adorable
Wow, I have been so busy working lately so I forgot that eventually I have to prepare for the summer. Thanks for reminding me 🙂 I can use the swan since I still cannot swim 🙂
I love summer! I also love swimming and it came natural to me. The pool inflatable are adorable! I am in love with that watermelon bag! I love your style! I hope your summer is filled with the magic that summer brings!
Loved this post and design of it, I am excited for the summer because I will be in Bali but also because I turn the big 3-0
Oh my! I didn’t even realize that you were shooting in the street with people looking. It turned out good, you look gorgeous and I like the props you used 🙂
Oh Ana. I loved reading this post. I can relate to almost every word you said. I love the beach too. I could live in a hut on the beach for the rest of my life and I would be perfectly content. Right now, I feel like I am an eagle with broken wings. My mind wanders to places to places I wish I could visit, but I know it will never happen, not in this lifetime! Unless of course I win the lottery…
I am in love with those floats and need to get some for our holidays this year!! like seriously!
I love the summer! I miss going to the beach and spending the day just playing in the sand and doing whatever you want. The island life is a dream come true for me. I think these floats are pretty awesome!
Some great products here. I like the inflatable swan!
This shoot is amazing! The inflatables look great and it really looks so much fun…beach or no beach, summer is coming!
I am so ready for summer! I love the floaties, I can only imagine how funny the photo shoot was! I keep on looking at holiday photos and that is definitely putting me in the mood. Which is a bit worrying since I still have essays and assessments for uni!
I am so looking forward to summer, counting the days! Love the summery accessories! 🙂
What fun photos! I love that duck float. And the watermelon bag is super cute. You are def ready for summer
You look so beautiful! I love the watermelon bag 🙂
Pretty cool idea when you shoot in the middle of the street with that inflatable swan! You look gorgeous! 🙂
I’m absolutely loving that red floral dress and those heels – So gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
I need those floats for my pool this summer! Also, I love the shop bando bag.
I love imaging you strolling down the street, swan in toe feeling all summery whilst everyone else is like er that girl has an inflatable swan 🙂 I’m actually in love with the swan but have nowhere to take it. Although it would give me an excuse to get something booked. I can’t wait for warm sunny spontaneous days where I grab a load of friends, stock up the car and drive to the beach
I am so excited to be able to spend days down at the beach with the kids this summer! My son is only 7 but a pretty strong swimmer and actually swims for his local swimming club (with her little sister desperate to follow suit lol).
I definitely need to get me a swan for the summer though, its amazing!! x
I love that you embraced people’s reactions to your swan – it’s gorgeous though and completely reminds me of my childhood. I love the sea too, there’s something just so relaxing about it – and I only learned at the same age as you to swim too! I’m looking forward to sandcastles and ice cream with my boys beside the sea this year!
Nice article. I admire you for going in the street with your swan !! The pictures are beautiful and you do not need the beach to make photos look good.
The way you describe and characterize your younger self jumping for the “mermaid paradise” is so brilliantly powerful. Your capacity for language and the images you can invoke is truly spectacular, down to the smallest detail of what must be a beautiful memory.
I’m sure, with your determination and hard work, you’ll be able to go on that dream vacation soon. I love all the floats that you shared, my daughter will especially love that popcorn one!
I would love to have all of those floats if I could. I love to travel and it’s always more enjoyable when you’re somewhere sunny with the sand in between your toes.
i’m always in the mood for summer. I’m on countdown to my holiday 4 weeks and 5 days! I love the watermelon bag and the inflatables are perfect for a pool party x
OMG! Firstly I am loving these floats and secondly I LOVE that you stuck to your blog’s aesthetic and styled these up in the street – it looks amazing! I agree – this must have been a fun shoot indeed!
Thanks for sharing!
Leigh at Fashion Du Jour LDN x
this makes me want to go on holiday and buy some of those inflatables.
I absolutely love the watremelon bag and the popcorn floater! We’ve recently been to two family vacay and we had pizza floaters, donuts and an emoji. It would be cool to have this.
I absolutely love your idea to feature holiday items in front of graffiti wall! Wonderful!
I just can’t wait for warm weather that I could wear a dress without a jacket 🙂
Oh my goodness, those inflatables are too funny. I love the last one. It cracks me up. Secondly, your outfits my dear are rather gorgeous. You’re drop dead beautiful. <3
Lastly, I know how you feel about swimming. That was me too. Now I soak up anytime I can go to a beach or a pool!
That watermelon bag is hilarious! And I really want that sawn float! Would be so much fun in the pool and really screams “summer”
Such a fun post. The outfits and the floats, amazing!
The heart shaped float is super cute and my personal fave ^.^
Bring it on Summer 2017!
xx
Priscillia
https://kimdave.com/
I am dying to go on holuda, and what better way to look uper stylish and fun, than with these great inflatables. Not sure I will get a holiday, but doesnt mean I can not go to my local leisure centre, with one of these bad boys lol! x
I can only imagine what people were thinking as you sat in that swan! I am headed to the Azores with a friend in early June and I can’t wait! We will just stay on the main island though, but it all looks heavenly. You know … I got a roundtrip flight to your city from Malaga, Spain for 50 Euros. That beach trip could be here sooner than you think!
Love all your photos. The popcorn float is so adorable. The watermelon bag is cool too.
I’m looking forward to going to the beach with my 4yo and partner. We really enjoy the beach..I love the watermelon cooler bag!
I love you outifts! They are so trendy, i like how you let us know where they are from and how much. Think i might go and treat myself!
This shoot looks like so much fun! I love your watermelon bag. This summer, I’m looking forward to travelling lots and focusing on my career xxx
What a good post I enjoy reading this and by the way I really love your outfit
Right!! THATS IT!!
I need that popcorn & the swan, like NEED right now.
I may not have a swimming pool but hey.. theres a lake local to me!
OMG You SLAYED every look! I cant decided if the third or fourth is my fav. I am also a hugh watermelon lover, so that purse from the first look is a definity YES!
Great photoshoot! That must have been so much fun to plan!
Ana, My wife loved these summer dresses. and the Watermelon bag is too cool to miss out. Unfortunately it will be hell of a time for me to locate one here. Nice pics and collection
You go girl! You look great! That photo shoot must of been a blast! Keep it up!
This post definitely has me ready for summer. I showed this to my girlfriend, and she loved the style! Looking forward to more.
I absolutely love how you chose to show off the products! You on a swan is amazing.
These inflatables are fab fun! You look like you had a great photo shoot too 🙂 x
I always wonder what people are thinking when I’m out shooting photos, I can’t imagine having a giant swan or bucket of popcorn along with me lol
I love that giant swan and have seen a fabulous rose gold pinkish one that i need to have – only problem is im not going on holiday and the kids might get annoyed if i take over the paddling pool! Might be worth it though! lol