Latest news with #Euro-summer
News18
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Diamond Now: How To Style Your Euro-Summer Fits With Sparkle, Sophistication And Ease
Last Updated: This season, diamonds are stepping out of the vaults of evening glamour and into everyday sunlight, adding a quiet elegance to linen co-ords, breezy dresses, and summer soirées. News18 There's something undeniably magical about a European summer, sun-drenched days, cobbled streets, Aperol in hand, and wardrobes that dance between comfort and understated luxury. This season, diamonds are stepping out of the vaults of evening glamour and into everyday sunlight, adding a quiet elegance to linen co-ords, breezy dresses, and summer soirées. From destination weddings to rooftop dinners in Paris, diamonds whether natural or lab-grown are redefining vacation dressing. And Indian women are embracing this shift, pairing sparkle with soft silhouettes and making each outfit feel personal, yet elevated. Weddings in the Sun: Subtle Yet Stunning Summer weddings call for jewellery that strikes the perfect balance between simple and striking. According to Mira Gulati, Founder & Principal Designer, Mirari, 'A pair of classic natural diamond studs paired with a delicate necklace adds just the right sparkle. This look works beautifully with both updos and soft waves, letting the diamonds catch the sunlight naturally." For evening weddings or more formal affairs, she recommends going bold with a diamond drop necklace or a tennis bracelet but keeping the rest of the accessories minimal so your statement piece shines through. Palak Bansal, Founder of Oliveara Jewels, echoes this vibe for summer styling: 'Lab-grown diamonds are the perfect plus-one to your curated warm-weather outfits. Think beyond traditional settings. For daytime, pair dainty diamond studs or a delicate tennis bracelet with puff-sleeved dresses, white linen, or floral maxis, it adds a subtle luminosity without overpowering your relaxed aesthetic." Vacation Mode: Light, Layered, and Luxe Diamonds aren't just for special events. They can elevate even your most casual travel outfits. 'When packing for a vacation, think minimal and versatile," says Gulati. 'A slim diamond band, small hoops, or a petite pendant can instantly elevate a relaxed look — be it a linen dress or a swimsuit cover-up." Bansal adds, 'If you're leaning into the quiet luxury vibe, stack minimalist diamond rings or go for a single, well-cut pendant. These pair beautifully with basket bags and espadrilles, adding polish while keeping things breezy." When the Sun Sets: Diamonds That Dazzle As dusk falls on your Euro-summer evening, let your diamonds take the spotlight. Bansal recommends statement chandelier earrings, layered chokers, or bold cuffs to glam up slip dresses or tailored jumpsuits. 'The trick is to balance sparkle with sophistication think refined, not flashy." Hair styled in loose waves or a low bun helps keep the focus on the jewellery, allowing it to frame your face and outfit. The Euro-Summer Diamond Rule? Quiet Luxury Meets Personal Style 'There's something truly special about a European summer, the soft sunlight, the slow-paced days, and the effortless way women express their style," says Gulati. 'I've always believed diamonds don't need an occasion; they just need the right mood. Whether it's a pendant worn with a breezy dress in Capri or stacked rings at a beachside lunch, it's all about that light, polished elegance." Bansal agrees, 'This Euro-summer, let your jewellery do more than shimmer, let it tell a story of modern glam, sustainable choices, and timeless style." So whether you're wandering the lavender fields of Provence or dancing barefoot in Mykonos, your diamonds can come along effortless, expressive, and endlessly chic. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Advertiser
28-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Towels at dawn: Inside the battle for sunbeds, parking and poolside peace
I'm chatting to a friend's daughter about her just-completed Euro-summer - the sort of school-leavers' holiday that should feature nothing more stressful than which flavour gelato to choose. "It was amazing," she beams. "But the sunbed hogs ..." Ah. The sunbed hogs. She goes on: "People would literally set their alarms for dawn, creep down to the pool, and cover every single sunbed with a towel. Then they'd disappear - back to bed or off to breakfast." By the time she and her little girl gang sauntered down, ready for a swim? Every lounger bore a towel - yet half sat empty for hours. Chaos would erupt as guests started shifting towels and clashing with others over "ownership", she told me. Her group, to their credit, simply flopped poolside in quiet protest. I've been there, too. For years, I holidayed on Fiji's Castaway Island with four other families. We'd take over a neat row of beachside bures, each with its own set of deckchairs out front - at least in theory. More than once we'd emerge to find every chair and even the hammocks draped with strangers' towels, snorkels and inflatable dolphins ... but no people in sight. We'd set up around the ghostly placeholders, and sometimes the "owners" wouldn't appear until late afternoon. Sure, it's a first-world problem - but it's also a masterclass in holiday bad manners. Because where does it end? If it's okay to reserve a pool lounger at 6am and not sit on it until 3pm, is it okay to bag a whole row at the theatre with cardigans? To "own" a cafe table while you queue at the counter for 20 minutes? To leave a sweat towel on the gym's only squat rack while you take a work call? To stand in a parking space to save it for a friend? (That last one - the human car-spot-holder - is surely nature's most annoying invention.) It's undemocratic, it's irritating, and it kills the holiday vibe. Some places are already cracking down. Harbourside councils in Sydney outlawed reserving prime New Year's Eve vantage points with tents and tarps - at one point the foreshores looked like eerie, abandoned tent cities. Wollongong City Council even had to post signs that banned people from using cling wraps to "seal" picnic shelters so they could hog them. The prime minister himself once weighed in, frowning on the practice of using cabanas to reserve stretches of sand on Sydney beaches. Resorts and hotels should follow suit. Some of the more civilised have - introducing poolside booking apps that will release a lounger if you don't show within 30 minutes. Others have pool managers allocating spots on a first-come basis. The boldest of all feature signs warning that unattended belongings will be removed, thrown out or - my favourite - dumped in the middle of the pool. That's the sort of tough love we need. Because maybe, just maybe, if you're not waking at dawn to drape your towel over the best spot, you'll rediscover how to actually have a holiday. You might stumble upon a quiet beach around the corner. Or spend a lazy morning in the village, eating pastries and watching the world go by. Or, heaven forbid, just take the first sunbed available and realise it really doesn't matter. And you might even - finally - relax. I'm chatting to a friend's daughter about her just-completed Euro-summer - the sort of school-leavers' holiday that should feature nothing more stressful than which flavour gelato to choose. "It was amazing," she beams. "But the sunbed hogs ..." Ah. The sunbed hogs. She goes on: "People would literally set their alarms for dawn, creep down to the pool, and cover every single sunbed with a towel. Then they'd disappear - back to bed or off to breakfast." By the time she and her little girl gang sauntered down, ready for a swim? Every lounger bore a towel - yet half sat empty for hours. Chaos would erupt as guests started shifting towels and clashing with others over "ownership", she told me. Her group, to their credit, simply flopped poolside in quiet protest. I've been there, too. For years, I holidayed on Fiji's Castaway Island with four other families. We'd take over a neat row of beachside bures, each with its own set of deckchairs out front - at least in theory. More than once we'd emerge to find every chair and even the hammocks draped with strangers' towels, snorkels and inflatable dolphins ... but no people in sight. We'd set up around the ghostly placeholders, and sometimes the "owners" wouldn't appear until late afternoon. Sure, it's a first-world problem - but it's also a masterclass in holiday bad manners. Because where does it end? If it's okay to reserve a pool lounger at 6am and not sit on it until 3pm, is it okay to bag a whole row at the theatre with cardigans? To "own" a cafe table while you queue at the counter for 20 minutes? To leave a sweat towel on the gym's only squat rack while you take a work call? To stand in a parking space to save it for a friend? (That last one - the human car-spot-holder - is surely nature's most annoying invention.) It's undemocratic, it's irritating, and it kills the holiday vibe. Some places are already cracking down. Harbourside councils in Sydney outlawed reserving prime New Year's Eve vantage points with tents and tarps - at one point the foreshores looked like eerie, abandoned tent cities. Wollongong City Council even had to post signs that banned people from using cling wraps to "seal" picnic shelters so they could hog them. The prime minister himself once weighed in, frowning on the practice of using cabanas to reserve stretches of sand on Sydney beaches. Resorts and hotels should follow suit. Some of the more civilised have - introducing poolside booking apps that will release a lounger if you don't show within 30 minutes. Others have pool managers allocating spots on a first-come basis. The boldest of all feature signs warning that unattended belongings will be removed, thrown out or - my favourite - dumped in the middle of the pool. That's the sort of tough love we need. Because maybe, just maybe, if you're not waking at dawn to drape your towel over the best spot, you'll rediscover how to actually have a holiday. You might stumble upon a quiet beach around the corner. Or spend a lazy morning in the village, eating pastries and watching the world go by. Or, heaven forbid, just take the first sunbed available and realise it really doesn't matter. And you might even - finally - relax. I'm chatting to a friend's daughter about her just-completed Euro-summer - the sort of school-leavers' holiday that should feature nothing more stressful than which flavour gelato to choose. "It was amazing," she beams. "But the sunbed hogs ..." Ah. The sunbed hogs. She goes on: "People would literally set their alarms for dawn, creep down to the pool, and cover every single sunbed with a towel. Then they'd disappear - back to bed or off to breakfast." By the time she and her little girl gang sauntered down, ready for a swim? Every lounger bore a towel - yet half sat empty for hours. Chaos would erupt as guests started shifting towels and clashing with others over "ownership", she told me. Her group, to their credit, simply flopped poolside in quiet protest. I've been there, too. For years, I holidayed on Fiji's Castaway Island with four other families. We'd take over a neat row of beachside bures, each with its own set of deckchairs out front - at least in theory. More than once we'd emerge to find every chair and even the hammocks draped with strangers' towels, snorkels and inflatable dolphins ... but no people in sight. We'd set up around the ghostly placeholders, and sometimes the "owners" wouldn't appear until late afternoon. Sure, it's a first-world problem - but it's also a masterclass in holiday bad manners. Because where does it end? If it's okay to reserve a pool lounger at 6am and not sit on it until 3pm, is it okay to bag a whole row at the theatre with cardigans? To "own" a cafe table while you queue at the counter for 20 minutes? To leave a sweat towel on the gym's only squat rack while you take a work call? To stand in a parking space to save it for a friend? (That last one - the human car-spot-holder - is surely nature's most annoying invention.) It's undemocratic, it's irritating, and it kills the holiday vibe. Some places are already cracking down. Harbourside councils in Sydney outlawed reserving prime New Year's Eve vantage points with tents and tarps - at one point the foreshores looked like eerie, abandoned tent cities. Wollongong City Council even had to post signs that banned people from using cling wraps to "seal" picnic shelters so they could hog them. The prime minister himself once weighed in, frowning on the practice of using cabanas to reserve stretches of sand on Sydney beaches. Resorts and hotels should follow suit. Some of the more civilised have - introducing poolside booking apps that will release a lounger if you don't show within 30 minutes. Others have pool managers allocating spots on a first-come basis. The boldest of all feature signs warning that unattended belongings will be removed, thrown out or - my favourite - dumped in the middle of the pool. That's the sort of tough love we need. Because maybe, just maybe, if you're not waking at dawn to drape your towel over the best spot, you'll rediscover how to actually have a holiday. You might stumble upon a quiet beach around the corner. Or spend a lazy morning in the village, eating pastries and watching the world go by. Or, heaven forbid, just take the first sunbed available and realise it really doesn't matter. And you might even - finally - relax. I'm chatting to a friend's daughter about her just-completed Euro-summer - the sort of school-leavers' holiday that should feature nothing more stressful than which flavour gelato to choose. "It was amazing," she beams. "But the sunbed hogs ..." Ah. The sunbed hogs. She goes on: "People would literally set their alarms for dawn, creep down to the pool, and cover every single sunbed with a towel. Then they'd disappear - back to bed or off to breakfast." By the time she and her little girl gang sauntered down, ready for a swim? Every lounger bore a towel - yet half sat empty for hours. Chaos would erupt as guests started shifting towels and clashing with others over "ownership", she told me. Her group, to their credit, simply flopped poolside in quiet protest. I've been there, too. For years, I holidayed on Fiji's Castaway Island with four other families. We'd take over a neat row of beachside bures, each with its own set of deckchairs out front - at least in theory. More than once we'd emerge to find every chair and even the hammocks draped with strangers' towels, snorkels and inflatable dolphins ... but no people in sight. We'd set up around the ghostly placeholders, and sometimes the "owners" wouldn't appear until late afternoon. Sure, it's a first-world problem - but it's also a masterclass in holiday bad manners. Because where does it end? If it's okay to reserve a pool lounger at 6am and not sit on it until 3pm, is it okay to bag a whole row at the theatre with cardigans? To "own" a cafe table while you queue at the counter for 20 minutes? To leave a sweat towel on the gym's only squat rack while you take a work call? To stand in a parking space to save it for a friend? (That last one - the human car-spot-holder - is surely nature's most annoying invention.) It's undemocratic, it's irritating, and it kills the holiday vibe. Some places are already cracking down. Harbourside councils in Sydney outlawed reserving prime New Year's Eve vantage points with tents and tarps - at one point the foreshores looked like eerie, abandoned tent cities. Wollongong City Council even had to post signs that banned people from using cling wraps to "seal" picnic shelters so they could hog them. The prime minister himself once weighed in, frowning on the practice of using cabanas to reserve stretches of sand on Sydney beaches. Resorts and hotels should follow suit. Some of the more civilised have - introducing poolside booking apps that will release a lounger if you don't show within 30 minutes. Others have pool managers allocating spots on a first-come basis. The boldest of all feature signs warning that unattended belongings will be removed, thrown out or - my favourite - dumped in the middle of the pool. That's the sort of tough love we need. Because maybe, just maybe, if you're not waking at dawn to drape your towel over the best spot, you'll rediscover how to actually have a holiday. You might stumble upon a quiet beach around the corner. Or spend a lazy morning in the village, eating pastries and watching the world go by. Or, heaven forbid, just take the first sunbed available and realise it really doesn't matter. And you might even - finally - relax.
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Time Out
Is it safe to travel to Marseille? Latest advice after rapid wildfire spread
Marseille was the place to be in 2024 thanks to its vibey nightlife, lovely beaches and Mediterranean climate, but it's also the latest Euro-summer hotspot to be affected by a scorching heatwave and subsequent wildfires. Thanks to an area of high pressure trapping hot air from north Africa, much of southern Europe has been scorched by unseasonably high temperatures over the last couple of weeks, and the dry conditions left behind have left huge swathes of land susceptible to quick fire spread, all fanned by warm, dry winds. On Tuesday, a wildfire broke out near France 's second city, and while it's being contained for now, authorities are concerned the conditions could mean it re-escalates quickly. Flights, train services and roads into and out of the city remain affected. It's obviously worrying news if you're headed to Marseille, so here is all the latest information about whether it's safe for you to travel. Where are the wildfires in Marseille? A wildfire reached the outskirts of Marseille on Tuesday July 8, leading to the lockdown of the city's 16th arrondissement and prompting hundreds of evacuation orders across the city as well as directives for locals to remain indoors, according to the Independent. It's thought that the fire has burnt through 700 hectares (which is around 7km squared), and was fanned so far due to winds of up to 70km per hour. Reports say that the burning could be smelt in central Marseille. A separate fire also broke out near the southern French city of Narbonne, and government spokesperson Sophie Primas said that the wildfires have come earlier in the season than previous years. Is it safe to travel? The French fire brigade worked overnight to try and contain the blaze, and while it has been pushed back it's yet to be fully extinguished. So far, 110 people have been treated for smoke inhalation and related injuries, and 60 houses have been affected with 10 burnt down. All flights to and from Marseille were grounded on Tuesday, and while the airport has since reopened (as of 9.30am local time on Wednesday), there are talks of closing it again for commercial flights so that resources can be flown in if necessary. Train traffic was also halted, and railways and roads are still feeling the effects today. What's the latest UK Foreign Office advice? There's no travel advice which recommends against visiting France, but the FCDO's 'safety and security' page reads as follows: 'Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica. The French weather service has launched a fire alert map for travellers to check. Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. If you're staying in a high-risk area: check the local safety and emergency procedures; be vigilant; follow the advice of local authorities.' Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of wildfires? In terms of flights, you'll be covered as a UK traveller if you're travelling from a UK airport, arriving at a UK airport on a UK or EU airline, or arriving at an EU airport on a UK airline. This means that the operator is responsible for providing you with accommodation and food for as long as you're delayed. You should also be offered a refund instead of an alternative flight, but this stuff doesn't necessarily apply if the reason for cancellation is out of the airline's control (such as a natural disaster). You also won't automatically be able to cancel without a penalty necessarily, as the government hasn't advised against travel – speak to your travel provider directly to see what can be done. Where else in Europe has been affected by wildfires and heatwaves? Europe has been scorched by a heatwave recently, due to a 'heat dome' where high pressure trapped hot air that journeyed in from north Africa. It led to extremely high temperatures in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Türkiye and France, and you can read more in our guide here. 50,000 people were evacuated from Izmir, Türkiye due to wildfires in the region last week, and wildfires also spread across Crete due to the high temperatures and strong winds. The UK also experienced unseasonably high temperatures, with London and other areas in the south of England reaching highs of 35C. There's more on that here.
Scotsman
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Get the look: Frankie Bridge's Italian Riviera Style
Get Frankie Bridge's Italian Riviera style with River Island midi skirt for just £39 |This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Loose Women star rocks Italian Riviera chic with River Island skirt. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Loose Women star Frankie Bridge is once again proving her fashion credentials, this time with a stunning summer ensemble straight from the Italian Riviera. Sharing her chic outfit on Instagram, the style icon showcased a crisp River Island White A-line poplin midi skirt £39. It's already catching the attention of fans and fashion lovers alike. Frankie Bridge, known for her effortlessly cool and wearable looks, described the outfit as ideal for warm-weather getaways. Instagram/frankiebridge | Instagram/frankiebridge The wardrobe staple is made from lightweight poplin cotton with a structured A-line silhouette that flatters every figure. Falling to a midi length, it strikes a balance between classic elegance and casual versatility, making it ideal for anything from sightseeing to a sunset dinner. Paired with a simple cropped top and strappy sandals, Frankie's outfit is a masterclass in minimalist chic, with the white skirt taking centre stage. The styling possibilities are endless: dress it up with a tailored blouse and wedges, or down with a tank and trainers for an effortlessly cool daytime look. River Island White A-line poplin midi skirt River Island White A Line Poplin Midi Skirt | River Island What makes this skirt particularly appealing, beyond its flattering cut and breathable fabric, is the price point. At just £39, it offers high-end style on a high street budget. River Island's seasonal pieces are known for their trend-forward designs and accessibility, and this midi skirt is no exception. With the summer holidays in full swing and city breaks high on the agenda, it's no surprise that Frankie's Riviera-ready outfit is resonating. It's polished, practical, and perfect for warm days when looking stylish still matters. Whether you're planning a Mediterranean escape or simply want to inject a touch of Euro-summer into your everyday wardrobe, this River Island skirt might just be the piece to pick up before it sells out. ⛱️ How to get airport lounge access from just £11 – without flying business class ✈️ You don't need a premium ticket to enjoy a quieter, more comfortable airport experience. Lounge access is available to all travellers – and you can now pre-book passes from just £11. Holiday Extras offers discounted lounge access at 22 UK airports with complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi and up to 60% off. 🌍 Flying further afield? Lounge Pass gives you entry to over 800 VIP lounges worldwide – perfect for international or return trips. And for one-off getaways or group travel, this Wowcher lounge voucher is just £2 and gives up to 25% off for you and up to six others. Most lounges include drinks, snacks and flight info screens – a simple travel upgrade that makes early check-ins a lot more enjoyable. 🍷 Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld's Lifestyle reporter . If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here . You can also Get the best style and fashion news with Natalie Dixon in Tuesday's NationalWorld newsletter - sign up now
Scotsman
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Get the look: Frankie Bridge's Italian Riviera Style
Get Frankie Bridge's Italian Riviera style with River Island midi skirt for just £39 |This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Loose Women star rocks Italian Riviera chic with River Island skirt. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Loose Women star Frankie Bridge is once again proving her fashion credentials, this time with a stunning summer ensemble straight from the Italian Riviera. Sharing her chic outfit on Instagram, the style icon showcased a crisp River Island White A-line poplin midi skirt £39. It's already catching the attention of fans and fashion lovers alike. Frankie Bridge, known for her effortlessly cool and wearable looks, described the outfit as ideal for warm-weather getaways. Instagram/frankiebridge | Instagram/frankiebridge The wardrobe staple is made from lightweight poplin cotton with a structured A-line silhouette that flatters every figure. Falling to a midi length, it strikes a balance between classic elegance and casual versatility, making it ideal for anything from sightseeing to a sunset dinner. Paired with a simple cropped top and strappy sandals, Frankie's outfit is a masterclass in minimalist chic, with the white skirt taking centre stage. The styling possibilities are endless: dress it up with a tailored blouse and wedges, or down with a tank and trainers for an effortlessly cool daytime look. River Island White A-line poplin midi skirt River Island White A Line Poplin Midi Skirt | River Island What makes this skirt particularly appealing, beyond its flattering cut and breathable fabric, is the price point. At just £39, it offers high-end style on a high street budget. River Island's seasonal pieces are known for their trend-forward designs and accessibility, and this midi skirt is no exception. With the summer holidays in full swing and city breaks high on the agenda, it's no surprise that Frankie's Riviera-ready outfit is resonating. It's polished, practical, and perfect for warm days when looking stylish still matters. Whether you're planning a Mediterranean escape or simply want to inject a touch of Euro-summer into your everyday wardrobe, this River Island skirt might just be the piece to pick up before it sells out. ⛱️ How to get airport lounge access from just £11 – without flying business class ✈️ You don't need a premium ticket to enjoy a quieter, more comfortable airport experience. Lounge access is available to all travellers – and you can now pre-book passes from just £11. Holiday Extras offers discounted lounge access at 22 UK airports with complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi and up to 60% off. 🌍 Flying further afield? Lounge Pass gives you entry to over 800 VIP lounges worldwide – perfect for international or return trips. And for one-off getaways or group travel, this Wowcher lounge voucher is just £2 and gives up to 25% off for you and up to six others. Most lounges include drinks, snacks and flight info screens – a simple travel upgrade that makes early check-ins a lot more enjoyable. 🍷 Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld's Lifestyle reporter . If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here .
