Do you know what brings me joy dear reader? (Apart from shopping until a serious guilt complex kicks in). It is being somewhere, probably in Europe, with my phone on DND, 30 plus degrees and some kind of beverage thruple (usually a Cappuccino, DC and maybe an Aperol spritz) taking place. Then do you know what is just the cherry on top? HAVING ZERO PACKING REGRETS.
We all know the feeling, going to the airport confident that in your case, you have the best outfits and pieces anyone has ever seen. Then you get there and suddenly nothing is right. it’s like mufti day at school (non uniform) I would leave in the morning so confident I had mastered my look, only to get to school and have an internal mental breakdown about not picking the other pair of jeans I tried earlier that morning. So, to prevent this kind of breakdown mid trip this is my failsafe guide to packing like the coolest girl you know (spoiler it’s about to be you):
The Travel Bag:
Perhaps the most important of all on the packing list…When it comes to travelling and travel equipment, my motto is buy once and (hopefully) use forever. My usual rotation is this giant, and incredibly practical Antler suitcase and my trusty little Rimowa carry on (similar here). If I’m going for a little longer, I will add in this Paravel case too.
Swim:
Whilst I crave simplicity and minimalism throughout most of the year, I love having fun with swim. Whether that’s a beaded moment like this or a fun pareo like this. Some swim brands to know are
Left on Friday - one of the best swim brands right now. They also do great swim RTW like this.
Undies:
I’m unsure whether it makes me type A, B, C or W at this point, but admittedly undies are always the thing I suddenly remember I need to pack. Perhaps because it’s so second nature to wear them, packing them means a conscious crossover? My ride or die are these from Commando or EBY, but I also enjoy a fun piece like this. When it comes to bras, it’s this, this and this only for me.
Tops:
As a wise woman once said, we just need more interesting tops in our lives (and wardrobes) See below for some fun tops and how to wear them:
That being said, I bi-annually stock up on this t-shirt and bring multiple with me wherever I travel.
Shirts are also a go-to of mine, whether worn by itself or unbuttoned over a white tank. Brands and items I love for shirts are:
Dresses:
Suddenly when the sun comes out all I crave colour, pattern and texture. A dress is an easy and chic way to achieve ones cravings. These are the brands I am enjoying for dresses right now:
Cortana - I just bought this for a wedding tomorrow, I am shook. 70s Anita Pallenberg meets Olsen.
Alemais - buying something from here feels like buying a ticket to a very chic cult.
Arcina Ori - have an event this summer that requires a great dress? This is the brand for you.
Leo Lin - I mean this dress…excuse me!
Heirlome - everything this brand touches, turns to gold. Like this, this and this.
Third Form - I really, really like this brand.
Siedres - when I say this is cool girl coded, J Law is even a fan.
On the subject of dresses, the equally as important summer cover up…
Cover Up:
Full piece on how to style kaftans coming soon, don’t you fret!
Trousers:
These are my bread and butter when I’m travelling and I do not pack them lightly, whether it’s hot or cold I love a good trouser. Usually I would always bring:
Black gala pants, find similar here, here and here.
Skirts/Shorts:
This category is somewhat alien to me as I don’t wear shorts, unless it’s a pair of vintage Levi' cut offs. However for skirts and shorts I have heard these are pretty good:
Doen - add a touch of lace or pattern to your summer looks.
Comme Si - I know I said I don’t do shorts, but I will wear a white boxer style short.
Still Here NYC - all the feelings of a vintage Levi, with a very SH edge.
Bags:
I have learned in my adult years that all you really need when travelling is a great leather bag, a raffia number and some silly little fun bags like this, this and this.
Brands I’m loving are:
Cordera - I just bought this. This is also great and Row vibes.
Le Sundial - specifically this!
Jewellery:
A personal touch to any outfit, I love how jewellery can completely transform the identity of an outfit. It is the best tool at enhancing otherwise more simple summer outfits. I love these:
Sunglasses:
As essential as your passport.
Side Eye - iconic, simple and UES auntie.
Thistles - these are a forever classic.
The Row - when will these come out! Apparently July but plssss.
Footwear:
Now, when it comes to summer shoes this is the brand that all the cool girls are wearing this summer. Three words one brand, Ancient Greek Sandals. I’m throwing these into every suitcase this summer. I just got back from New York and the chicest women were wearing barely there sandals like this and this from Ancient Greek - with vintage Levi’s and white embroidered shirts. This is how I’d style some of my favourite styles from the brand:
The Saionara Beaded Sandal Edit
Happy packing, wherever you may be going this summer. Even if you’re staying at home - these are my summer rules to live by.
OW X
Buy of the week: A meal at Canteen Cotswolds
If you’re familiar with The Bull in the Cotswolds then may I present to you our latest arrival. Owned by the same team as the aforementioned Bull, Canteen is the Cotswolds answer to an authentic Italian eating experience. We went last night and I am thoroughly impressed, we absolutely stuffed ourselves and I plead you all to go! The menu changes weekly but I would urge you to try the Risotto if they have it!
The Coolest Girls you Know have these things on their Radar Right Now.
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Jun 3
Greetings one and all from an incredibly wet and cold England. When one is provided with not so summery times like this, it is in the British spirit to find the good. For someone as unhinged cultured! as moi, good finds translate to £950 19th century fabric boxes, beaded sandals and a giant raffia hat. So do indulge m…
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