In 3 weeks time we’ll be back in Istanbul! We have a week in the city before heading to the coast where we are staying in a house on the beach for 3 weeks. I am already panicking about what to pack!

I love to get ‘dressed up’ when we’re in Istanbul – we don’t go anywhere too ‘fancy’ but this year we have said we may visit SoHo House for roof top cocktails. When we get to the beach I live in swimwear and denim shorts – so that is pretty easy – though this year we are staying a bit more out of the way, so I need to be cognizant of cultural norms and not head out wearing my sheer, see through dress…no I don’t have one!

I have to say I am completely smitten with Gap this year. I have bought more from them than any other year – hopefully I’ll pull them through their tough times they are currently experiencing! Over the weekend I ordered the following to throw in my case. In the US there is currently 40% off with code MONDAY.

I absolutely love a romper for the beach – we are literally right on the beach this year so this will be ideal for heading up back to the house for a cocktail. I can throw it on over my bikini after a tough day on the sand.

This maxi dress is gorgeous for Istanbul – I can throw a scarf around my shoulders when I need to show a little respect in certain areas or when visiting a mosque, and then it’s perfect for roof top cocktails listening to the call to prayer.

These soft spun dresses are currently reduced and the 40% off can still be applied. I adore them. Perfect for sightseeing – beautifully cool when being dragged walking around ancient ruins in the blistering heat!

I love the colour of this linen dress – again perfect for day to night in Istanbul with a pair of espadrilles.

Now with denim shorts I love to wear a lovely lacy, pretty top. Mango is always my destination for blouses as they are more generous across the bust and go up to a US 10 in most cases.

This is so pretty  – I love a collar.

I have a similar embroidered blouse to this one that I love to wear with jeans under a jacket in the spring and fall so it is really versatile.

This in pink is gorgeous – I have bought this – it is such and unusual shade – normally tops are ecru or black and that’s it! It will look stunning with black or grey jeans at home too.

Ok I made a joke about sheer dresses but this sheer blouse is beautiful over a cami and has sleeves so provides a little more modesty.

As always I will pack too much, wear 1/3 of it and get complaints from the rest of the family about the weight of my bag. I will never be a capsule packer! What about all those ‘just in case’ situations! 😉

As for the past week I feel I’ve been busier than ever with the kids out of school – the morning disappears when they are at camp and then I take them to the pool which requires an hour of preparation finding swimsuits, towels, lost goggles, spf and enough snacks to feed an army. On Friday I thought I’d cracked it then turned up at the pool without my own bikini bottoms – damn!

Top – Mango (last year but the same in black here this year) // Shorts – J.Crew // Shoes – Sam Edelman (old)

Top – Zara // Booties – Dolce Vita Haku (old) // Shorts – J.Crew

Shoes – TopShop // Jeans – J.Brand Selina // T-shirt – Madewell (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Dungarees – Gap // T-Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Shoes – fringe Converse

Shoes – TopShop // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – H&M (can no longer see online but this is similar with wide cuffs) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Oh I also popped into Zara on Friday and bought this beautiful top. I love it – this is a large.

And before I leave you – TopShop are on fire with their shoe game this season. Check out these new Gucci tributes – they are available in pink and gold and will sell out in a flash like the loafers!