Thursday 6 September 2012

Packing For A Long Weekend Away

Last minute as ever, me and Mat booked flights to visit his parents in Mallorca earlier this week, we leave very early tomorrow morning and we're staying until Monday. I thought I'd share with you what sort of things I pack for a long weekend away and other tips I have for packing lightly.. Which can be a struggle for me.



I always get the basics ready first, whether I'm going abroad or travelling inside the UK. For me this is Passport, a large travel purse, IPad, sunglasses and a CD for the road. I find a large purse so useful for keeping everything together like money, tickets and anything you pick up on your travels.. This reminds me we need to print our boarding passes off!


As our trip came a little unexpected and we aren't going for too long I didn't buy any new clothes to take, instead I thought I'd treat myself to some nice shampoo and body wash. It's also a really great way to try different products as they're so tiny and a lot cheaper than buying a full size. It may come to some people's surprise but I've never tried an Soap & Glory products, so I took this as a prime opportunity. Here's just a selection of things I'm taking, suncream, Bioderma and my favourite moisturiser Lait-Creme.


I always go over board when packing my make-up, picking up crazy colours from my collection, thinking "I might wear this.. as I'm holiday".. I'm taking bare essentials this time. BB cream, concealer, a sheer lipstick, blush, mascara, bronzer and of course my ever so trust naked pallet. It's surprising what you can do with not a little, bronzer always doubles up as a great eye shadow and the shimmery colours in the naked pallet make for a super cheek highlight.


Hunting for bikinis end of season is an absolute nightmare, I picked up the polka dot one at a dance wear store in my local town, luckily it was in the sale, which is always a plus. Packing a light weight hoodie is always a good idea for cooler nights, I also use my sarong as a scarf, for evening out. A pair of sandals or flip flops is essential for any holiday, long or short. I'm taking my Birkenstock as they go with everything and aren't too heavy to take in my case.


Packing clothes is my downfall, I always take way to much. My essentials for holiday wear are shorts and light weight knits and cardigans. My favourites are these River Island shorts, that I cut of from long jeans about two years ago, they go with everything and can be warn to the beach or are perfect if your out for the day.


As well as knits and cardigans, I always pack a variety of T-shirts. I love lightweight cotton and linen tees as they always hang really nicely whatever you team them with. You can also take them from day to night simply by adding jewellery or layering them over maxi dresses. These are a few of my favourites in dusky pastel shades.


I always pack a few smarter options just in case we go out for dinner - it's always nice to dress up when your on holiday. I'm taking two dresses - I'm picking ones that I know I won't be able to wear in the winter, so I can get my final wear out of them for the summer.. especially this bright yellow one from TopShop.


And of course what trip away is complete without snacks for the car, as were flying extra early I'm sure we'll be needing the sugar.

 If you've got any tips for packing lightly or just packing in general I'd love to hear from you? Hope you all have a super weekend and I'll be back on Monday with no doubt photos of the trip xxx

28 comments:

  1. i've never tried soap & glory either, and i have no idea why as i alway mean to pick some up whenever i'm out shopping.
    you'll have to let me know whether its worth picking some up!
    hope you have a lovely trip
    laura xx
    http://ilikecrayonsxo.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thanks Laura, I know it's so raved about, but I'm just never drawn to it. Maybe I'll be swayed! x

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  2. i love that you bring a cd! that is a great idea! I am going to start doing that :)

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  3. You have such beautiful pictures on your blog! I love looking through them! great packing list. Love the sweaters/cardis especially!

    http://whatthehelvey.blogspot.com/

    Annie

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  4. Have an amazing time! I'm so bad at packing light, it's one of my downfalls xx

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  5. Have fun! I love spontaneous trips like that :)
    xoxo, Laura

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  6. What a lovely post :) and some great tips! I love your dresses - are those dragonflies I spy? Looks beautiful, as does the yellow one! I hope you have a fabulous time :) x

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    1. Thanks Hannah, it's dragon flies and skull lace x

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  7. Last minute mini vacations are the best! Have a great time with Mat and his parents this weekend. p.s. I"m dying over that sheer white dress... mind I ask what brand it is?!

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    1. Thanks Allison, it's from H&M, got it about 4 months back now around Easter x

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  8. Beautiful pictures! Who knew packing could (seem) so calm and elegant...My packing pictures would resemble something quite different!

    As for packing light, I'm awful at that, but if you roll things REALLY tight, you can pack loads in...its a shame you can't do the same with shoes!

    Have a fabulous time and don't forget to post your pictures when your back, bet your outfits are going to be amazing!

    Sarah XxX

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    1. Thanks Sarah, I should have taken photos of behind the scenes for this post, it would resemble a floordrobe! I can't imagine a packing session of mine ever being elegant :) pictures will be up soon x

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  9. This is such a great post however my packing would never be this simple. It takes at least two weeks of stress! Hope you have a great time, hope to hear from you soon, Bec xx

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    1. Thanks Bec, I'm a last minute girl with packing, I literally take everything I'm useless! x

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  10. Great tips! I really love the idea of using travel time and travel sized to try new products. Makes so much sense and have never thought of that!

    Also like that you are taking dresses you know you won't be able to wear in the winter. Somehow feels like a person would appreciate them more being aware of that....

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    1. we should always make time for spontaneous trips! x

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  12. the number one thing I hate about packing is that I have to unpack it all after haha looks like you are going to have a fun trip though!

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    1. This is the bane of my life, I have a heap of washing! x

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  13. This is all such lovely stuff! Very jelous of you! haha

    fortheloveofruffles.blogspot.com

    xxx
    Jenna

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