Skip to main content

Pack like a Pro

With May just around the corner you are probably starting to think about that upcoming summer holiday.  With holidays comes the dreaded question of what to pack and what to leave out.

I would be lying if I said that I have never been one of those women who takes everything but the kitchen sink when I go away.  My husband can testify to my ‘just in case’ packing style over the years.  Thankfully, since I changed my career from PA to Image Consultant, my packing habits have changed for the better and I’ve learnt the simple formula of the capsule wardrobe.

If you are lucky enough to be heading to a port this summer, about to set off on a cruise, you are probably only limited by how many cases you can cram into your car or taxi.  However, with the airlines’ habit of reducing the weight allowance for hold baggage, as well as tight restrictions on hand luggage, we all need to consider the capsule wardrobe concept.  So where do you start?

Capsule wardrobes are all about careful colour choices and, it goes without saying, suitability for your destination and type of holiday.  Start by picking 2-3 colours that all work together, then add 1 or 2 neutrals (perhaps black and white if they are in your colour palette).  Now put together the following number of items, using this principle:

8 tops:  For example, 1 jacket, 1 cardigan or shrug, plus 6 assorted tops, T-shirts and blouses.  Consider a knee-length dress which you can wear alone or as a tunic with trousers or leggings

4 bottoms:  Perhaps 2 pairs of trousers, a pair of shorts and a skirt

Would you believe that from these 12 items, you can put together up to 60 outfits?!

Add to this list a couple of pairs of shoes or sandals, a pashmina (great on the plane if you get a little chilly), a number of accessories such as belts, scarves, costume jewellery (best to leave your good jewellery at home), a pair of uber-cool oversized shades, swimwear if necessary and of course your underwear.

By keeping to just 3 colours, plus your neutrals, you can mix and match all of these items and dress them up or down with your accessories.  Use your pashmina as a sarong, even wear your swimsuit (a one piece, unless you are really daring) as a top, with a shrug or jacket and skirt or trousers.  There are so many possibilities.

Do remember that travelling light doesn’t have to mean that you have to compromise on style, or indeed that certain something that defines you as an individual – known as your wardrobe personality.  This can be expressed through the colours and styles you choose, as well as in your accessories.


So, there you have it, a simple, effective plan for your holiday wardrobe.  No more excess baggage to pay for, and just think of the extra space you’ll have in your case for all those bargains and souvenirs you want to bring home with you.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PRODUCT REVIEW - Tropic Skincare Smoothing Cleanser

I’ve  been meaning to write a blog post about this product for some time. Since I have now become a Tropic Skincare Ambassador and am trying out all the rest of the gorgeous products for myself, it’s the perfect time to start a regular review with this hero product from the range. I have been a huge fan of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish for a number of years.  I love the fact that it takes off not only the make-up and daily grime from my face, but also my eye make-up, without making my eyes sting.  It also smells lovely.  I would probably have continued to be a dedicated fan if I hadn’t recently discovered that since the Liz Earle range has been available in stores, such as Boots, they have had to add preservatives to the products due to these stores demanding a longer shelf life.  I was very disappointed with this news, so having chatted about the Tropic range with a fellow image consultant and discovered that they have a very similar product, I j...
Post a Comment
Read more

PRODUCT REVIEW - Tropic Skincare Tamanu Balm

Following on from my earlier review of the Tropic Skincare Smoothing Cleanser , m y next product review just had to be this absolutely brilliant little pot - a total skin saviour! I discovered this product when a fellow image consultant and Tropic Skincare Ambassador came to my home to do a pamper party for me and my friends. I was a little sceptical at first and the smell could be a little off-putting for some, although it's by no means offensive and can perhaps be best described as 'herby'.  Tropic claim that it is great for anything from rosacea to insect bites and lots more besides, and, as with all their products, it is entirely natural, vegan and cruelty free. Having had an itchy rash on my shin for over a year, for which I had tried everything I could think of over the counter, including: itch relief cream, Sudacreme, antihistamine cream, Calomine & aqueous cream and E45, all of which had failed to do any more than temporarily calm the iritation, I dec...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Art of Layering

We have reached the autumn equinox, which basically means that summer is over (sad face)!  Having said that, we often get some lovely days at this time of year, when there is still some warmth in the sun, so you may be reluctant to pack away your summer clothes just yet.  There are also many ladies out there who have their own personal central heating system that kicks in at all times of the day who would benefit from some flexibility in their outfit! This is exactly the time of year when layering comes into it’s own, but doing it successfully may take a little thought.   You need to find a happy medium – it’s not quite cold enough for those thick sweaters, but you need more than a thin top.   Layering can take you right through the winter and into spring.   The air trapped between the layers helps to keep you toasty warm, and will do a better job than one really thick sweater on its own.  Make sure you don’t add too many different colours though – id...
Post a Comment
Read more