Summer Holiday Looks… Buon Viaggio!

Summer Holiday Looks… Buon Viaggio!

Are you ready for your well-deserved holiday? Finally, summer is here and many of us will soon be enjoying a sunny beach, perhaps on one of the beautiful coasts in Europe? ... And some of you, hopefully, in Italy - my beautiful country? ;-)

Well, with traveling comes packing and I know that, for many of you, it is definitely not the exciting part! As a matter of fact, most people dread packing! More than once, you have probably over packed and, yet, you still felt that you did not have the right pieces to wear or that you had too many of the wrong pieces?

I hear this all of the time from both friends and women I meet (fortunately not from my clients anymore!) and, believe me, you are not alone…

So, why does this happen? The reasons can be many and various:

• You are worried that you are not going to have the right pieces to wear?
• You cannot make your mind up on what to pack when it’s time to do so?
• You hate packing and planning ahead so you wait until the last minute?
• You are stressed about what the weather will be or what your friends will be wearing, so you take everything ... just in case?

Sound familiar?…Yes, and the list can go on and on...

Whatever your reasons may be, packing for your holiday should be fun and easy. So, what is the key to avoid all this unnecessary stress; to pack and travel light knowing that you have everything you need?

1)  Plan in Advance 
Check the weather forecast and, if it's a new destination or you travel with others, try to get an understanding of the overall scenario and of the activities you're going to participate in so that you can think ahead about what you'll need and how you would like to look.

2)  Make Smart Shopping Choices
This is my biggest tip: Never buy pieces, instead buy outfits!
In order to have a functional, well-organized, beautiful wardrobe, stop emotional, last minute, sale-only shopping. Instead, shop for pieces that not only make you feel special but will create various looks and fulfill your needs.

3)  Buy Lightweight Easy Fabrics… 
But do not forget about the CUT!

It is not fun to travel with heavy luggage and, perhaps, too many clothes that you probably are not going to wear.
When you shop for your holiday, consider how they will pack and how heavy they are going to be. However, avoid a luggage full of crease-free only pieces because good quality cottons and linens can be light and will keep you cool in the heat.
I know what you're thinking, “linen creases quickly”... Stop worrying about it: that's the fabric nobility ;-). Look for a linen mix like those pieces I have personally chosen and pre-bought with you, my clients, in mind.
From my selections from Italy, in a super light and fresh linen & viscose mix, let’s choose the perfect pieces for YOU! With my personal buying service, combining style and comfort, you can pack and dress confidently... and with attitude!

After the practical tips, please excuse but it's “nagging time” ... Anyone who does work closely with me knows that it is part of the experience. ;-)  Please raise your hand - metaphorically - if you do not pay much attention to the type or quality of clothes you are wearing on holiday. (Be honest!)

Now, for the “nagging”! When you go away to enjoy yourself, relax and recharge please do not forget about your look. 
Too many times I hear: "oh that's just a holiday piece!".... Excuse me...so what!?

Why shouldn’t you look put together on holiday… at a time when you planned to have a good time, nurture yourself, relax and have fun? If you don’t think that wearing pieces that you love, that ehance your figure, and invite compliments aren’t as important on holiday as the rest of the time, I can assure you that it is!

You might be thinking "but I also want to be comfortable... I don't want to stress about what lingerie I'm wearing... I want to be able to take pieces that are not dry cleaning only…” etcetera, etcetera, right?

You see...I know and I listen to all of your concerns, that's why my personal shopping service focuses on research to be able to find those clever items that tick all boxes. Magazines and department stores might focus on trends but there is no point if, ultimately, you do not find your attire easy to wear. (Actually, it should feel like your second skin…)

Furthermore, true elegance is also about being at ease in your clothes and understanding what is appropriate for YOUR body, age, and lifestyle.

For example, this mood board is inspired by Portofino and any similar locations where you may spend most of your time on a boat and then go on land to enjoy a nice stroll, drink or dinner.

This selection is perfect for those who like a super chic, sophisticated look. The outfit is focused on pieces with clean simple cuts of excellent quality. Quite mono-colour, it’s based on light shades of beige and whites which can be combined with a pop colour such as a timeless marina combination of white and navy.

I want to emphasize the bermuda shorts I've picked. Not only are they a great length for a mature woman (too short are not always very flattering or appropriate) but they are made of cotton to stay cool and comfortable. Matched with a linen wrap around shirt (much smarter then simply a T-shirt), the result is definitely more feminine. For fun (because we don't like boring), I’ve accessorized the  look with tussle espadrilles and a whimsical canvas beach bag.

The all-in one swim costume pictured is colour coordinated to be worn with the shorts on board. For proper sun lounging, perhaps a bikini in almost-gold allure?

Finishing touches to complete your outfit, like the proverbial cherry on top, would be a few accessories such as the vintage Chanel bangles that look great for a holiday or summer urban outfit.

On the contrary, if you like to be very colourful under the sun and embrace a more Mediterranean flare, perhaps my Capri mood board will inspire you? Whether your vacation is in Italy, the south of France, Greece or any other idyllic destination, these selections will work beautifully. 

So, dear ladies, I hope this has given you encouragement and ideas for your vacation packing? And, of course, you know that I am always just a click away if you need suggestions or help…

Buon Viaggio!