People are now heard seriously discussing the jet stream, which apparently is stuck. Meteorological experts spring up everywhere. Escape plans are hatched. One of my relations said today: ‘I think we are going to drive south.’

‘Oh yes,’ I said. ‘Perhaps at the tip of Cornwall you might find a ray of sun.’

‘Oh no,’ she said. ‘The South of France. The cloud goes all the way to Bordeaux.’

Selecting swimwear is one of the most stressful times of the year. Make sure you try on your costume from last year to ensure it’s best for your shape, especially if your weight tends to fluctuate. These top tips will ensure that you stand out for all the right reasons!

Shrink stomachs

For those ladies who are self-conscious of their tummies, there are lots of clever tummy control swimsuits which will slim your silhouette. The unique panels and material will smooth your stomach, define your waist and give you a great beach body. This adorable piece by Miraclesuit. £138, will make you look like a 1950s pinup as it claims to make you look 10lbs lighter! 

With the joy of the Jubilee fading fast, it's time to prepare yourself for another slice of classic Britishness - Wimbledon.

And nothing is more evocative of Wimbledon than strawberries. Showcase them in in this irresistible summer dessert.

When I was little, I liked summer. We had a big garden with a swing and trees and there was a lot of jumping through sprinklers, lazy picnics and going for weeks without wearing shoes.

But then there was a middle bit that I didn’t like – that bit where it was difficult to enjoy doing what I wanted to do, which was to sit under a tree reading Wind in the Willows, because I was supposed to be out carousing with my friends in public spaces.

But Kitty has saved me from all that. Her need, her desperate want and desire to be outside in all her waking moments, so arduous in the winter, is brilliant in the summer. She just wants to stagger about from sun up to sun down in just her nappy shouting “Bee!” “Flower!” “Ant!”

Hats are not only the perfect way to protect your hair and face from the harsh sun, but you’ll also radiate glamour and personality.

Make sure you choose a hat that suits your face shape and flatters your skin tone. A hat really completes an outfit so it’s important to ensure that your hat suits your ensemble otherwise it might look a little too fancy dress!

The Panama Hat is set to be a popular hat style this summer and will complete a casual, daytime look. The light grey Panama from Liberty, £120, (pictured below) will flatter those with a round face as the structured angles of the hat are particularly slimming.

During the summer it can be a tricky task to choose a work outfit that ensures you remain cool and comfortable, whilst projecting an image of professionalism and femininity in the workplace.

This summer you can survive the heat (when it finally arrives!) and still look smart and chic for the office by investing in a few staple pieces. Blouses are big news. They are light, feminine and can be teamed with tailored shorts, linen trousers or pencil skirts. An ideal wardrobe update, Bastyan has some gorgeous options to choose from, including a Limited Edition Collaborare shirt with a bat-wing silhouette and beautiful luxe style, which will look great in the office worn with a pair of lightweight, slim and stylish taupe jeans or trousers.

Ditch the blazer and go for a short-sleeved, cropped jacket for a cool cover-up which is bang on trend this season. A mustard yellow jacket is super stylish and will instantly transform a basic, monotone office outfit into something more sassy and chic that’ll take you through to dinner and drinks.