As the final bank holiday of the year dawns upon us, and the summer season is officially bookended, here at Because HQ we are serving up our fantasy looks for the eventful weekend ahead. From the streets of Carnival to a trip back home to the country and a backyard BBQ, celebrate the last hurrah with us and discover what we wish we were wearing!

Augustine, Fashion Writer
Notting Hill Carnival


After a summer of galavanting, this August bank hols I’ll be staying put in the Big Smoke and hopping on the Central Line to join the bustling crowds in West London for Notting Hill Carnival. The annual affair that sees every street in the neighbourhood jam-packed, lined with towering sound systems, blasting bass and sweet-smelling jerk chicken vendors, Carnival is a welcome attack on the senses – reminding us of the best parts this city has to offer in summertime.

For the occasion, I’ll be sporting these three-stripe track pants made in collaboration between Wales Bonner and Addidas for guaranteed comfort and cool when getting my groove on and navigating the sea of humans marching to the beat of the same drum. Paired with this sexy cut-out Supriya Lele number I'll be revealing just the right amount of flesh in true carnival spirit. I’ll top the look off with these beaming YSSO earrings, which will bring sunshine to the streets, regardless of the unpredictable British weather.

I’ve learnt a lesson from last year, that longevity on foot is key to bypassing festival fatigue and ensuring a good time at the event, so these newly launched Ganni x New Balance sneakers will ensure day-long comfort and keep me bouncing on the pavement even after the parade ends. I’ll be loading my Perfume H travel-size scent, for after-dance spritzes, water bottle and hipflask (because balance is key, right?) into this cute Telfar x Eastpack crossbody, which is both practical and sleek.


Matteo, Editorial Assistant
Garden BBQ


As summer draws to a close, I’m intent on squeezing out as much grilling time as I can get, come rain or shine. T-bone steaks with chimichurri, succulent chicken thighs marinated in mango and lime and a whole grilled tahini aubergine for my vegan loves. To prevent those dreaded charcoal stains on shirts and shorts, I’ll be wearing this gorgeous Brunello Cucinelli Apron, made from 100% linen. It comes with a matching glove set, which will be essential - I’d rather be seen dead than with a ruined manicure!

This stoneware bowl from Serax will form a stately serving surface for olives and other crudites. I identify with the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, and there’s something about the piece’s slight irregularity that I find deeply peaceful. I’ll be partnering the bowl with these stunning grinders from L'OBJET. Made from a rich smoked oak, they’ll be perfect for a generous crackling of black pepper atop a whole grilled fish.

It’s no barbecue without a bucket of ice cold beers, but in the past, fiddly bottle openers have threatened my patience. Hosting, grilling, opening – it’s all too much. Thank goodness I will have this impossibly elegant bottle opener from Soho Home, whose intuitive design and sleek marble finish will bring me closer to beverage bliss. For a final flourish, I will be wearing Ghost Flower by Altra for its earthy, smoky notes.

Mimi, Fashion Intern
Country Weekend


As autumn looms over us – and with it, the start of my final year at university – I’m seizing the long weekend by hopping on a train back to my chocolate-box childhood cottage for cliffside walks and pints down the olde worlde local. Even though I’ll be taking it slow, anyone from a small town knows it's a must to be the best-dressed during weekend visits. I’ll be cramming my Martine Rose tote bag (it’s a bag covered in dogs, what more is there to say?) with pieces that will usher a recharge in style – and give the neighbours something to talk about, of course.

These chunky heeled boots from Miista might not seem like a go-to for muddy trails, but you’d be surprised at how an extra few inches can save your hem from puddles and cow pats. It's only fitting to sport some fairytale bling when out in Dorset’s hobbity woodlands, and this hammered necklace by Harlot Hands looks like it's straight out of a Grimm’s bedtime story, perfect for adding an enchanted edge to my practical – yet completely adorable – jacket from Gentle Fullness. When Sunday rolls around, I’ll be desperately trying not to spill gravy on my perfectly pink Paloma Wool shirt as I gobble up some scandalous village gossip with my roast dinner.