ootdfashion
I had planned on sharing some beauty and skincare tips, especially about affordable sunscreens I’ve been trying out, but I can’t ignore the heatwave we’re experiencing. It’s scorching, and finding the right outfits to match this weather is nearly impossible. Plus, my house feels like a Georgian fridge!
I need to document this heatwave. As a UK resident, having over two weeks of continuous sunshine is quite a big deal. If you’re like me, rearranging schedules just to catch some rays while the kids nap, you’ll know what I mean. It’s a frantic rush from fully dressed to relaxing on the lawn in under a minute!
I have to post about this amazing weather to remember it later. If I don’t, it’ll fade from memory, and soon enough, we’ll go back to complaining about our usually lousy summers. This might be the best stretch of sunny days I’ve ever seen here. I didn’t check any stats, but this dry spell seems record-breaking.
I absolutely love a heatwave — but only when there’s a cool spot to escape to. I need shade and a cold drink to enjoy the heat fully. There needs to be a contrast. On holiday, it’s the hot sand and a dip in the sea; at home, it’s lying on the crispy lawn followed by retreating to the coolest room inside. If it gets too hot indoors, that’s when things get difficult.
Thankfully, my house stays refreshingly cool. It’s not trendy cool, just cool in temperature. My house has walls over two feet thick, keeping the heat out. While it’s 28 degrees outside, inside remains a comfortable 17. It’s like being in an air-conditioned store – you might need a light sweater or cardigan, but it’s not freezing like the freezer aisle in Tesco.
As people across the country talk about how stiflingly hot their houses are, I’m cozy in my pajamas under a duvet, enjoying the contrast of hot days and cool nights. It’s delightful.
Now, please don’t think I’m bragging. The rest of the year, when it’s miserably wet and cold, my home’s chill is less of a benefit. We’re busy trying to stay warm, collecting firewood to keep the fireplaces going. In winter, it feels absurdly cold — we practically wear hats to bed.
Our hallway never seems to get above 15 degrees; it’s like an icebox. We might as well keep our groceries by the door instead of in the fridge. “Come on in, but watch out for the bacon and Tropicana!”
But during a heatwave, it’s wonderful. It feels like this happens once every five years.
Another thing: why do stores sell clothes way ahead of the season? I want light, breezy dresses now, not three months in advance. Back then, it was still snowing! Now, with shop catalogs showcasing autumn wear, it’s totally misplaced!
One dress to grab before it’s gone is the Bloomsbury Shirt Dress from Hush, now only £45 on sale instead of £75. It’s short, so maybe not ideal for bending down, but it’s perfect for staying cool and casual. It’s black, which isn’t the best if you don’t want to become a heat sponge, but it’s worth a look.
I just checked Hush’s website and found a bunch of summer dresses. Kudos to them for keeping up with the season! Also, H&M had some lightweight dresses when I visited recently. Any other stores I should add to my seasonally appropriate list?
Lastly, are you over this heat or eagerly soaking it up? And how about your bedroom’s temperature? I’m a bit obsessed with knowing room temperatures, thanks to having kids. My room is 18 degrees, Angelica’s is 19, Ted’s is a warm 23 since it’s in the attic, and my office is 24 with the window shut to block out tractor noise. I’ve got several thermometers and a gadget that beeps when it gets too hot, though our “castle wall” insulation makes that unlikely.
