Clarks Spring/Summer 2016

As we gear up for a winter of jumpers and sequins, it's hard to imagine baring coral-polished toes to the sunshine. But this week, the Clarks Spring/Summer press day had me dreaming of warmer climes last week.

Clarks Original desert boots, sandals and shoes for Spring/Summer 2016

They've added some open-toe styles to their Clarks Originals range. These tassled sandals are made in the same buttery soft suede as the original desert boots. Instead of having to carry around a crack-team of plasters to break these in, I suspect the suede will mould to feet beautifully.

Clarks Originals sandal with tassel for Spring/Summer 2016

Another sensibly sturdy summer shoe was the cork sandals. The clean lines of these soft black leather beauties would look great with your battered 501s or toughen up your favourite summer dress. 

Clarks Original cork and black leather heeled sandal

Of course, the Clarks Original Desert Boot was also on display. As well as the classic sand, they've introduced an oxblood colour way that would actually fit better into my autumn wardrobe alongside leopard print coats and leather skirts. 

Clarks Originals Beige and Oxblood desert boots for summer

There was also a spattering of ever-popular animal print on show – I loved these neutral lace-ups.


It looks like sliders will still be going strong next year too...


Shoes available from January at Clarks.

Nails Inc Spray-on Nail Polish: reviewed (and how to do it)

Spray Can Nail Polish from Nails Inc: is it the future? Probably not. It's a faff... but GOSH it's fun. And it's fast. The spray can coats the nails evenly in just seconds – and once you're over the faff factor, it's actually a lot quicker and easier than it looks.
Messy with your manicure? Then this is perfect for you. There's no need to paint inside the lines when the whole point is to spray the polish all over the place. When you're done you just wash the excess off your skin.
But don't take my word for it, I gave the silvery 'Shoreditch Lane' Spray Can Nail Polish a whirl so you can see how it works...

Nails Inc Spray-On Nail Polish reviewed

1. Apply a base coat (we used the Nails inc 2 in 1 Base and Top coat) and allow to dry.

Nails Inc Spray-On Nail Polish reviewed

2. Put some paper under your hands to protect the surface, and then spray The Paint Can all over from a distance of 10-15cm. Don't worry about getting on your skin, but make sure each nail is completely covered.

Nails Inc Spray-On Nail Polish reviewed

3. Apply a top coat and allow to dry.

Nails Inc Spray-On Nail Polish reviewed

4. Wash your hands with warm soapy water to wash away the excess polish from your skin.

Nails Inc Spray-On Nail Polish reviewed

5. Voila! The polish dries in seconds and you're ready to go.

My Verdict: Fast and fun
There's no disputing the fact that this mani is quick. I reckon it'd be perfect for whipping out during pre-drinks on a Saturday night for a quick polish. (And it'll impress your mates so much you might have to wrestle it off them.). 
Nails Inc. Shoreditch Lane Paint Can, £10

Barcelona

Delicious morsels of chorizo topped with fried quails eggs, washed down with frothy Cava. Buildings growing out of the pavement with rib cages for balconies and a dragon scaling the roof. Towers of people gripping hands to climb up towards the sky. 
It's hard to say what my favourite thing about Barcelona is — but the tapas, modernist architecture and Catalonian traditions are right up there.
A good place to start is at the top —Gaudi's Park Güell is a technicolor playground that perches high above the city — excellent for getting your bearings. 
That is, if you can take your eyes off the tiled masterpieces and strange buildings.
The hill is full of tourists trying to take the perfect selfie with that salamander. But the park is still a beautiful testament to the city's favourite architect – and a handy vantage point to boot.
What I woreVintage blue off-the-shoulder dress, black velvet choker.
But the city's not all modernism, Barcelona's Gotic quarter is full of windy cobbled streets and hidden squares. The Cathedral of Barcelona is the monolith that can be seen peeping over every rooftop.
We travelled in September and stayed in an apartment using Airbnb.