PLANNING & PREPARING FOR OUR SUMMER HOLIDAY GETAWAY

As with most things in life if you prepare and plan your holiday packing and give it some serious thought it will be so much easier when the time comes to deal with the stressful packing stage.

Style does not just happen it takes a bit of planning.

Obviously it really depends which type of holiday you are going on whether it be a relaxing beach holiday,  a more active break or a weekend away.

HOLIDAY CLOTHES SHOPPING

• Think about where you are going and for how long.
  
• Think about what is already hanging in your wardrobe.   Classics - stripes are the eternal style every season
• Look in magazines for inspiration but don't buy straight away - go to your wardrobe and you are sure to find something very similar in there that you can work with and re-create.
• We do not get much summer weather in the UK, however, it is so tempting to buy more holiday clothes as they look so lovely in the shops.
• Certainly buy something new but think about what you are buying and how you can transform it into different outfits with a bit of creativity.
  

PACKING

• UNDERWEAR/SWIMWEAR
  

• Flesh coloured underwear is ideal as it goes under everything.
  
• Invest in a good swimsuit or bikini - a great investment because if it is well cut  it will make a huge impact on your shape and overall confidence.
  

• CORE PIECES/COLOUR PALETTE/ACCESSORIES
  

• First of all think of a main colour you would love to wear on holiday.   Maybe something you don't wear much at home.  This gives you the feeling you really are going on your hols.
  
• Use  the core colour and introduce the neutral base to complement and bring out the colour -  for instance, neutrals would be great in white or cream.
• Think about how you can dress an outfit up or dress it down - maybe when wearing a maxi dress you would wear flats through the day and high heel in the evening with a creative piece of jewellery to ring the changes.
• Over-pack the accessories rather than over-pack the clothes, as it is, with a bit of practice, easy to re-create outfits with different accessories.
• Think about how you can demote your clothes as the holiday goes on. Wear a floaty top and trousers on the first evening and as the holiday gets into full swing wear the same floaty top with casual skirt or shorts  going to one of the local market trips.
  

• SHOES
  

The dreaded shoes - so heavy for the suitcase

• Think about the type of holiday you are going on - you don't want stilettos if you are walking the cobbled, hilly resorts.
• My advice would be:
• ballet pumps, trendy trainers or sandals for travelling and walking about (you do not want to be getting blisters).
• A wedge or a kitten heel for evening (maybe not your favourite pair  but you have to be practical).
• Flip Flops.
• Stick to a nude, white, silver or gold colouring as they go with almost everything.
  

• TOILETRIES
  

Nightmare for packing

• Due to restrictions at airports with sizing you should invest in some miniature plastic containers under 100ml.
• Don't forget there are shops when you are holidaying.
  
• Take a look at www.templespa.com/karendegg   where you will find lots of holiday essentials.
  

HOW TO PACK

Bottom of the suitcase
Your dresses, trousers and jeans are best at the bottom of the case laid flat and any excess material folded inwards at the end of packing.  If you are taking denim best to keep away from white trousers!

Middle of the suitcase
Your tops.

Top of the suitcase
Your shoes (I always put mine into plastic bags to protect my clothes). Your toiletries should be on the top.

Underwear & Accessories
Tuck underwear into any available space eg in shoes, suitcase pockets. Jewellery can be difficult, however, I have found a great product https://www.containerstore.com/s/jewelry-storage/1      Personally I would have cheap fashion jewellery in my suitcase.  If I was taking something valuable I would be wearing it!

A tip I have found useful is to roll the clothes rather than fold.

Happy Packing & Happy Holidays

Stylish wishes,
Karen x