From cover-ups to bikinis and a bag to put it all in, here’s what to pack for your summer holiday

Great British Life: Protect your face and hair under this bright blue floppy straw hat by Accessorize, £15, branches throughout Kent including Westwood Cross, www.westwoodx.co.ukProtect your face and hair under this bright blue floppy straw hat by Accessorize, £15, branches throughout Kent including Westwood Cross, www.westwoodx.co.uk (Image: Archant)

Victoria says

Summer is on the horizon and although Easter felt like the never-ending holiday, we are not far off the best time of the year, the hope of a long, hot summer.

Great British Life: Midnight blue halter-neck bikini, top and bottoms both £65, style Jocelyn, by Sevenoaks-based Tiger Shell Swimwear, info@tigershell.com or www.tigershell.comMidnight blue halter-neck bikini, top and bottoms both £65, style Jocelyn, by Sevenoaks-based Tiger Shell Swimwear, info@tigershell.com or www.tigershell.com (Image: Archant)

Personally, I could quite happily live in the hills of Ibiza and have nothing to worry about other than which white cotton dress, bikini and sandals I should wear and although this is my fantasy living, once in a while it is a reality when a holiday calls or the hottest day of the year finally arrives.

When that day does come, are you ready to enjoy the sunshine, pop to the park or beach and feel the warm heat of the sun on your skin, or do you find yourself going through the motions of irrational hysteria convinced you have nothing to wear, your swimwear is hideous and your beach towels represent nothing other than a last-minute holiday/airport purchase?

Great British Life: Midnight blue halter-neck bikini, top and bottoms both £65, style Jocelyn, by Sevenoaks-based Tiger Shell Swimwear, info@tigershell.com or www.tigershell.comMidnight blue halter-neck bikini, top and bottoms both £65, style Jocelyn, by Sevenoaks-based Tiger Shell Swimwear, info@tigershell.com or www.tigershell.com (Image: Archant)

Well, here are a few local gems that will carry you from Camber to Cancun. Firstly, I’m very proud to introduce You Me and The Dream, a brand-new company offering the most divine beach towels you will ever lay your hands (head and feet) on.

They are ethically made ‘round’ towels that can be used for everything from the beach to a yoga session or as a chic rug when having a picnic.

Great British Life: Get shipshape in this cute Working Boats Whirl costume, £55, by Seasalt, www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk, whose newest store is at Whitefriars, Canterbury, 01227 646 001Get shipshape in this cute Working Boats Whirl costume, £55, by Seasalt, www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk, whose newest store is at Whitefriars, Canterbury, 01227 646 001 (Image: Archant)

The prints are so beautiful, I can’t decide which tribe I’m in, The Drifter, Pineapple, Boho or Urchin? Look out too for their gorgeous beach towel hoodies for little ones who want to be as cool as mummy.

A second local brand you may not be familiar with is Tiger Shell Swimwear, a Sevenoaks-based company offering a divine selection of mix and match bikinis and accessories. I love the cowrie shell and Tiger shell pendants, which look stunning with swimwear or a simple beach dress.

Great British Life: Sarah loves: Teva Women's Terra-Float Livia athletic-style flip flops are lightweight but very stable and comfortable, with a useful adjustable strap; in black and white or my fave navy/pink/white, from £54.95 at www.flipflopshop.co.uk or 0203 137 6426Sarah loves: Teva Women's Terra-Float Livia athletic-style flip flops are lightweight but very stable and comfortable, with a useful adjustable strap; in black and white or my fave navy/pink/white, from £54.95 at www.flipflopshop.co.uk or 0203 137 6426 (Image: Archant)

My personal go-to store for the biggest selection of holiday must-haves is Kitch on Tunbridge Wells High Street, where you’ll find a huge selection of kaftans, beach baskets, accessories and swimwear with brands such as Melissa Odabash and Hipanema and, new for 2016, Rae feather, a fabulous British brand selling personalised luxury bags and beach baskets.

If you’re in a total beachwear rut, I also offer a service where I can bring summer to you. Swimwear can be daunting and intimidating, it’s quite often the last thing you want to shop for or try on in a changing room.

Great British Life: This gold metallic leather shopper, £135, is perfect for all your poolside essentials, by Sarah Baily, www.sarahbaily.comThis gold metallic leather shopper, £135, is perfect for all your poolside essentials, by Sarah Baily, www.sarahbaily.com (Image: Archant)

I can bring all you need for your summer holiday to your home, you can try on and take styling advice on how to create looks for every element of your holiday, essentially packing less but looking like you have much more.