Just before Christmas I jetted off to Cape Verde for some much needed sun soaking and daytime snoozing. I love going on holiday right at the end of the year because it feels way more luxurious heading off into the heat while Britain is freezing cold.

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The island of Sal is very, very relaxed. There’s really nothing at all to do other than lie on the beach with a good book (mine was Vivienne Westwood by Vivienne Weatwood and Ian Kelly) or sip on a cocktail.

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As far as beach cover ups go, I’m a big fan of We Are Handsome’s silk designs.

Easy, lightweight throw-on shirt dresses and tunics come in statement prints, from rocky mountain bears to tropicals and flamingos.

They feel really luxurious on and I’ve never bumped into anyone else on the beach wearing the same thing – they are just so unique.

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It’s not just cover ups either, We Are Handsome create amazing swimwear and beach towels too. Here’s some of my favourites…

Beach accessories are always a big straw or hessian bag, with smaller fabric zip top clutch bags inside to stash all of my valuables out of sight and keep them sand-free.

This cute Amanda Wakeley charity shopper really caught my eye because of the wonderful, vibrate colours.

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For the evening I like to keep things just as easy – a loose, billowing dress and flat sandals.

This embroidered Free People dress is so comfy and the intense orange thread looks really expensive.

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