Much like the homecoming of a long lost friend, when summer returns it’s as if time never passed. Every shoe, bag and pocket is now somehow filled with sand and the scent of artificial coconut sun lotion lingers in every room. Summer is back and it’s here to stay … for a little while at least.

Escaping ...
After a brief stay-cation in Sydney over Christmas celebrating and eating leftover ham sandwiches for days on end, I’ll be fleeing the city to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland – a place very dear to me where I spent consecutive summers with family growing up. Here, the sun scorches like nowhere else as if she’s putting on a show. And with humidity levels to match, everything requires a coconut in hand for survival. Days are spent tumbling in the ocean, finding pipis or laying in the garden with a book (keeping an eye out for snakes.) and chatting with relatives until the sun sets and the mosquitos come out to play. Evenings are spent listening to old family favourites whilst perfecting [my Peruvian] family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, cocktails included of course. Let’s hope I do them justice…

Essentials ...
One of the most underrated essentials for summer is a great soundtrack, and with that I will be curating mine with meticulous detail. Sergio Mendes, Buena Vista Social Club, Willie Colòn, Winston Surfshirt and every song from the Blue Crush 2003 soundtrack will make the cut. As for my holiday ensemble: linen, silk and cotton on repeat, easy slides and a bright pair of sunglasses. Summer dressing done.

Celebrating ...
Carrie Bradshaw once said "I’m cheating on fashion with furniture", I will be keeping the flame alive with both this Christmas. Close friends and family will be gifted special pieces for their home or that item they’ve gushed over all year whilst I pretend not to notice. For a moment I’ll consider keeping them for myself – but what are best friends for if you can’t borrow that party dress?