It's no secret that I'm a major fan of the brand Mango. As far as high street labels go, it's without doubt my go-to. Every fashion editor has one, and over my 10 years of working in this industry, I've become accustomed to spotting the very best in design, quality and brand positioning. From the years of styling, packing and steaming as a fashion assistant and stylist, to my even more years writing about product and collections, there's no brand that I've come across that ticks all the boxes so regularly. From it's innovative campaigns to the its celebrity and designer collaborations (which have included Victoria Beckham, Hailey Bieber and Supriya Lele), this is a label catering to the fashion girl.
When it comes to my personal style, I'll admit that I'm someone who is weak for a trend. Not so much a classic dresser, I like to be a step ahead of the zeitgeist, adopting a trending colour, cut or accessory just before it becomes huge. For me, this is where Mango is able to quench my thirst. Whether I'm having a surfer girl summer, adopting a maximalist sense of dress or just looking for that next cult item: cobalt blue linen pants, the crochet white dresses or a lace skull cap, for example (yes, this is my search history), whenever I type for my next obsession into Google, the shopping suggestions for Mango always lead the charge. But this doesn't mean that it doesn't cater to classicists out there. Quite the opposite. Mango take the lead when it comes to offering luxury-looking staples for a fraction of the cost, too. From tailored sartorial favourites fit for a working wardrobe, to linen basics ideal for the heatwave, it delivers it all.
So as an avid admirer, when the brand invited me on a trip to Greece to celebrate its 'Slow Summer' campaign and visit its pop-up boutique in Hydra, I was there quicker than you can say "feta cheese." A selection of guests joined the team to experience a few days of wining, dining and slow summer activities, all under the Grecian sun. Delightful, right? Taking place just just before the summer solstice, this really kicked off the season for me, putting me in the mood for a few sun-soaked holidays and a months of long (occasionally lazy) and balmy days back home in London. The trip itself was far more beautiful and curated than I ever expected, and Hydra really caught me by surprise. If you've never been, please look to book a trip immediately. A small, special island off the coast of Athens, just one hour by ferry and with no cars just donkeys, it's like stepping back in time. The pop-up Mango boutique was thoughtfully designed—with whitewashed walls and brilliant blue tiles to decorate the space, and a selection of the brand's stand-out womenswear and home accessories to fill it.
Of course, I wore Mango from dusk until dawn. From the elevated styles in the latest Selection edit, to the collaboration with Eckhaus Latta that has fashion girls frothing at the mouth, there was a look for every occasion. From the quality to the fit, I often found myself thinking, I just can't believe this summer collection isn't designer—what more could one want from a high street edit!
And with that, see and shop everything I packed and styled.
Dinner Under the Acropolis: Jeans + A Sheer Shirt
Style Notes: For dinner, guests enjoyed a rooftop experience at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens. With views of the city and the Acropolis, we had drinks as the sun set, before sitting down for dinner. After dark, we danced all night whilst sipping Mango-flavoured cocktails—sublime!
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Lunch in Hydra: Boho Blouse + 'Skants'
Style Notes: After a night in Athens, we ventured to Hydra. One ferry and a lunch later and here we were! I wore the Eckhaus Latta x trousers with a skirt overlay with flip flops and a boho blouse. I've had my eye on them since they dropped and knew I needed to acquire them. Low-rising on the hips and oh-so comfortable, they're perfect for travelling in.
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Drinks at the Mango Hydra Pop-Up: Cotton Skirt + Lace Camisole
Style Notes: For our pre-dinner drinks, we visited the Hydra pop-up store. I wore a long linen white skirt, with a Selection lace camisole and the same shirt from the night before. I sized up in the lace cami, so it had a loose fit and would be ideal for beach days over a bikini in the future. As Hydra is completely cobbled, I paired this outfit with flip flops, although I would have liked to have worn my Eckhaus Latta x Mango orange wedges—I'll save these for another day.
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Dinner and Outdoor Cinema Screening: Just Add Accessories
Style Notes: For dinner on the coast, I wore the same outfit but added a few accessories. I ditched the flip flops for a heel, added a shell chain belt as well as a sculptural necklace and this beautiful beaded bag, which I know will get a lot of use this summer. After dinner, the Mango team held an outdoor screening of the French film, La Piscine. Set on the rocks, with the screen just above the sea, it was the perfect end to the most perfect day.
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Other Holiday Essentials
Style Notes: Of course I didn't just pack heels and skirts, but also a few holiday essentials. From my favourite white jorts from the Selection collection, to my shell earrings that have lived in my ears the last month, these were the extra items I couldn't have come without.
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Shop More Mango Holiday Essentials
