Byron Bay ft. The Horse — Alice and Lennon

With Coachella (or, as my friend Anthony likes to call it, "Urban Outfitters: the Musical") on everyone's mind -- and instagram feeds -- this week, I thought I would join in by sharing a series of "festival style" blog posts. And what better way to begin than with my trip to Byron Bay? Today I'm sharing one of my favourite new Summer outfits, the bulk of which I picked up for (or on) my recent trip to Australia.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse — Wearing: **Urban Outfitters Sunglasses**, **Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit**, **Subtitled Shorts** from General Pants, Watch by **The Horse**

Let's get down to brass tacks: I'm wearing an Urban Outfitters cossie (or bathing suit, for all you "Yanks"), white, high-waisted linen shorts by Subtitled that I picked up at General Pants right before my trip to Byron, rose gold hoop earrings that I borrowed from my sister (thanks, Amy) and Topshop sneakers that I received for Christmas. I don't often wear sneakers, so it was a big deal for me to choose these, and I'm really happy with both the fit and the colour -- they're quite neutral and go perfectly with most of my Summer wardrobe.

My pale pink, retro-inspired shades are from Urban Outfitters (I love their square shape, it's so unique) and I actually picked them up in the Men's department (!) right before I left for Sydney.

Last but not least is my BEAUTIFUL watch, generously gifted to me by one of my favourite Aussie labels, The Horse -- part of their "Original" line, it's the perfect accessory for Spring or Summer, with its large white face, polished rose gold details and blush leather band.

One thing I love about this outfit is its versatility. Pairing a one-piece swimming costume with some cute, high-waisted shorts (or my other favourite, a flowing skirt) equals summer-y, beach-y ease that will take you from the pool to the festival, or the beach to the bar, depending on where in the world you happen to be!

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse, Topshop Sneakers — Wearing: **Urban Outfitters Sunglasses**, **Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit**, **Subtitled Shorts** from General Pants, Watch by **The Horse**, **Topshop Sneakers**

As I've said before, I tend to opt for pieces that are both feminine and vintage-inspired, and when it comes to accessories, I don't often deviate from these habits. Although I love the simplicity of summer clothes, the New Yorker in me felt a little "dressed down" in Sydney casual wear, so I found myself often embellishing beach outfits with accessories such as girly shoes (I love mules, shiny sandals or pastel sneakers), wrap dresses or high-waisted shorts, earrings (usually hoops), hats or ponytails (which convert easily into a bun, as seen here) and my favourite new watch. This may sound impractical in theory, but I can promise you that other than the watch and the bun, I wore this entire outfit to the beach right before I shot it.

Photography: Amy Edwards

Styling and Edits: Me