I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the essentials I pack in my holiday suitcase and although we have touched upon on it here and here I wanted to break it down for you guys into to the 5 things that my suitcase can’t live without. Whatever the destination these are coming with me no matter what…
A F L A T T E R I N G B L A C K B I K I N I
Ray Ban sunglasses | Annoushka necklace | Hunza G bikini
I’m yet to find someone who’s main aim in life is not to find the perfect black bikini or costume. There’s just nothing a summer holiday suitcase requires more and I’m constantly on the hunt for the perfect fit. I will always be a fan of a classic black bandeau (trust me I’ve tried them all and for me and my small bosom it’s the perfect shape) complete with a non -tie bottom ( I can’t deal with half my bum cheek hanging out) and I’m pretty sure I’ve actually found it 🙂 Cue this Hunza G number, in the stretchiest, thick fabric it’s so flattering. It doesn’t dig into your sides (anyone else have that problem?!) and is really comfy, plus I love the ruffle detail which gives it that edge. I *may* have persuaded white a few of my friends to buy it too and they are equally hooked!
A P O M P O M B A G
Nannacay bag
I was convinced that the pom pom obsession may die down this season but something inside me is so happy that it is here to stay. I am officially a pom pom lover and I LOVE a pom pom bag. We’ve all seen the oversized beach bags that are the bag of choice right now but there’s so many cute smaller styles that beat a clutch bag for those summer nights. I ummed and aahed about this Nannacay for a while but I’m so happy with it. It works with all my summer whites and blues and I can even wear it with my jeans in London too, plus don’t be fooled by the size, you can fit all the goods in there!
W E A R I T A N Y W H E R E W H I T E D R E S S
Zara dress (similar here) | Jimmy Choo sunglasses | Next sandals (similar here)
As you have probably gathered from my recent summer dress posts I love nothing more than throwing on a dress on holiday. Be it to the beach or for a drink; there’s nothing easier and it requires zero thought. Whether it’s long and floaty, short and off the shouder or midi and strappy you can guarantee I’ve always got a few in my case that I rotate throughout my trip. I do sometimes struggle wearing white in the city, it seems a little inappropraite to rock that slightly see through dress to the office, whereas on holiday it doesn’t seem to matter as much! That said nothing looks better with a tan than a white dress, dress it up, dress it down, find a style that suits you and trust me you will wear it though and through.
S U P E R S L I D E S
From L to R Asos gold slides | Rae Feather initial slides | Next pom pom slides | Charles & Keith snake slides (similar here) |H&M bow slides | Next raffia slides | Asos gold woven slides | Rae Feather x Apiedi slides
I admit I have a problem…with shoes…especially flats. I’m not a massive heels lover on holiday and I always prefer to be comfy. I’ve been caught out too many times tip toeing through cobbled streets in sky scrapers and now I’m a flats girl all the way. The slide has got to be my favourite shoe style for summer and I find them incredibly flattering whatever the hemline. I’m a big fan of metallics they’re good to the pool (so easy – no ties, no buckles!) and then straight to the bar as the sun comes down.
A G O O D E A R R I N G O R T E N
This year has been the year of the earring for me…there’s just something about a tasselly, dangly number that I can’t get enough of. I’ve always been into a good earring, but this summer they seem to have got bigger and better. Combine the tassels with an off the shoulder neckline, it’s that winning combo. They’re the kind of accessory that make any simple floaty top and shorts / floaty dress feel ‘done’ but not in an over the top way. Don’t be scared to try!