holiday packing tips

With the weather in England being so unpredictable at the moment (one minute its sunny, then the next a huge downpour!) the one thing I can look forward is hot summer holidays on the beach.

Normally on a summer holiday I take checked in baggage, this year I have decided to only take a carry on bag, so I need to pack light, but practical.  The bag I am taking is the Ted Baker Paris suitcase.  Since my lovely boyfriend bought me this for Christmas, it has already been on 4 trips.

English Seaside

The first of my summer holiday trips is a weekend by the English seaside in North Devon.  Even though I am going at the beginning of July, sunny weather can not be guaranteed! 

5 Essential Items

1. Vests and tees for layering

2. Chunky knits for cold nights

3. Pac-a-parka to keep dry if there are any surprise showers!

4. Snood perfect to keep cosy on the long car journey

5. Comfy pair of stretch jeans or leggings for long walks along the coast and countryside

City/Beach Break in the South of France

The second of my summer trips is to the gorgeous South of France.  The last time I visited this lovely region was about 5 or 6 years ago, on one of my last family holidays.  This year I am hoping to join my family for a couple of days lying on the beach and soaking up some French culture.

5 Essential Items

1. Orange Gilly Hicks Leather Sandals, perfect for the beach to city transition

2. Striped bikini for lazy days on the beach

3. Kindle for a good read on the beach

4. Maxi dress to wear to dinner in the evening and as a beach cover up

5. Tinted Mositurer, wearing foundation in the sun feels to heavy.  I love the Benefit "You Rebel 

     Lite" and it has SPF 15, so doubles as sun protection too!

Clubbing Holiday in Ibiza

For the 3rd summer in a row I'm off to the party island for a week of cheap cocktails and dancing until the sun comes up.  In Ibiza it's important to wear comfortable clothing as a night out can last up to 6 to 8 hours!

5 Essential Items

1. A cute playsuit for every night

2. Florescent coloured bikini

3. Jelly sandals, I bought some last year from River Island

4. A travel sized fruity perfume or body spray to keep in your bag

5. A pastel coloured cross the body bag, at the moment I am loving this pastel green one from 

     River Island

paris weekend

Even after the 6th visit, Paris doesn't disappoint.  I had such a lovely girly weekend with two of my friends and despite only being in the city for 3 days, we managed to cram a lot in!

As I was in Paris, I of course visited the current Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs exhibition at Les Arts Decoratifs, which is a must see.  The two-floor exhibition explains the history of the Travel Trunk and houses some gorgeous fashion and shoe pieces.  Unfortunately you weren't allowed to take pictures, but pictures and further information can be found on the museum website.  The exhibition is showing until September.

easter weekend

So after a chocolate filled 4-day weekend, it was time to return to work today and start a diet!  I had a very relaxing weekend, which is just what I needed after starting my new job a month ago.


I did manage to go shopping this weekend and picked up a gorgeous scarf print playsuit from Republic, which I will show very soon.  Unfortunately the weather wasn't great over the weekend, so haven't manage to wear it yet, hopefully the sun will be coming out soon!


This week will pretty much be spent working, packing for Paris and a couple of birthday celebrations :)


Here's a few pictures from my weekend.

New purchases from Republic

Easter Treats :)

Starting to pack for Paris

pastels

Pastel colours are going to be huge this Spring / Summer and what better way to wear the trend than on your nails!

I actually mentioned these Topshop nail polishes in my February favourites post.  World End is a gorgeous baby blue colour and Waterlily, a lovely pale purple.

Pastel purple "eek" toes.

Pastel blue fingers.

dreaming of paris

Paris is one of my favourite cities and I have just booked a trip for next month, which shall be my 6th time visiting this wonderful city!

I just love the whole atmosphere and everything associated with Paris including the glamorous shops, little cafes, gorgeous architecture and of course the fashion.

Here are some pictures from my last trip in August 2011.  I was only in the city for 1 night passing through to Disneyland.  I had previously visited in the Winter, but summer in the city was lovely.

spring is finally coming

The weather is finally getting warmer (despite a little snow shower at the weekend!) and I'm so excited for Spring/Summer 2012 fashion.  The colour palette this season is gorgeous with pale blue, mint green, strawberry milkshake and pastel purple.  The high street stores are beginning to receive their new stock, so it's definitely a great time to clear out your winter wardrobe.

Spring/Summer Wish List

Pink Bag - Topshop

Mint Dress - Boohoo

Pastel Pink Dress - Republic

Pastel Collection - Models Own 

Pale Pink Jelly Sandals - River Island

Baby Blue T-shirt - Topshop

Mint Handbag - Topshop

soap & glory cosmetics

Some products from the cosmetics range.

Show Good Face.  I am yet to find a really good foundation that suits my combination skin.  After trying this, my skin has become very dried out especially on my forehead and nose.  During the day I feel my skin needs to be cleaned and a fresh layer of make-up needs to be applied.  I feel disappointed with this product, but unfortunately this does not get on with my skin. 

Treat & Treatment.  I mentioned this in my previous post for February favourites.  This is perfect for hiding dark circles as it has a yellow tone to it, to help neutralise the colour.  I have been using this every morning underneath my foundation and will definitely be re-purchasing.

Thick & Fast.  I was so excited when I received this in the post along with March's Elle magazine.  The brush is quite chunky and thick, giving a lovely voluminous look to your lashes, perfect for the evening.  However, again I was left feeling disappointed when after applying this product my eyes continued to water until I removed it.  This has never happened to me before and I do not have sensitive eyes, I will wait a few weeks until re-trying this product again.

Face & Body Brush.  I needed a new travel face brush and as there was an offer in Boots when I bought the other products, I thought this would be a good investment.  When I went to Venice, this was the main face brush I took.  Because of its size, it smaller enough to package easily for travelling or for your handbag, but still gives a great coverage.  I would love to try other brushes if they brought any more out.

All the products are package so nicely, which probably was the main reason for me wanting to try them and they are priced around an average of £10, making them competitive with other drug store brands, yet still reasonable.  I will be trying more products in the near future, I have heard good reviews about Kiss Ass Concealer and A Great Kisser lip balms.

All products can be found at Soap & Glory or purchased from Boots.