GET-AWAY GLAM

Many of us had written off going abroad this year. The economic climate being what it is, it seemed more sensible to stay home and decorate instead, but now we are three weeks into the summer holidays and those deals in the travel agents’ windows are looking more and more enticing.

Who wouldn’t prefer to be somewhere in the Med right now, floating calmly on a blissful lilo in your very own (for the week) sparkling infinity pool, at your white-washed, sun-drenched villa, surrounded by olive groves and buzzing cicadas?

Well, if you’re going, you’d better get your holiday wardrobe together pretty sharpish.

It is fortunate then that there is still a reasonable amount of swimwear and holiday gear around. In fact, when it comes to swimwear, there are new collections too, ideal for those who like to hit their holiday spots in the very latest releases.

I had a look around earlier this week to see exactly what is in the shops, as you don’t get the full picture just looking online.

For example, at Dorothy Perkins and The White Company, you can still find the tail-end of summer’s swimwear, but it does tend to be in the large and small sizes, so if you do fall into those categories, now is the time to take advantage.

On the other hand, there is oodles of swimwear at H&M, which very much has a constant rolling programme of ever-changing, rapid response, seasonally-appropriate stock, so it’s an excellent store to head for when in search of reasonably priced, colourful and serviceable holiday wear. Entire sections are devoted to swimwear. Plus the accessories are just great, particularly for long necklaces, scarves, belts, earrings and clips for your hair – ideal for transforming your holidaymaxi dress or kaftan into an evening outfit.

There’s a new swimwear collection at Marks & Spencer, alongside its functional if not terribly exciting selection of kaftan tops, linen trousers and cover-ups. For something more glam, try River Island, which also has a new swimwear collection.

Online companies such as Figleaves always have a broad range of brands available in all sizes, but it’s also worth checking out Very.co.uk and sites geared towards the more mature market, including Marisota, Isme and Fiftyplus.

Invest in some swimwear cover-ups now too – East has some fab bargain kaftans at £7.50, while Monsoon is still a sales junkies’ heaven.

Don’t forget your flip-flops (glitzier the better), your sunnies, a pair of shorts or cut-offs – and if you can find a long true wrap skirt at a reasonable price, tell me where.