Packing Notes

On my last day in London I am able to reflect on what a great holiday I have had. The weather is beautiful here now but even when it wasn’t I was able to appreciate this wonderful city. As Alexander McCall Smith suggests, one must have the ‘right attitude to rain’ in order to live and visit the United Kingdom.

Packing wise- this trip was a semi-success. I made some mistakes, wished I’d brought a few things I hadn’t and didn’t use everything I brought. I think the next time I travel my packing skills will be on par with that of a well-oiled machine- a well-deserved product of trial and error.

This trip was tricky as I spent the first week in a very hot location (Portugal) and the next two weeks in a slightly chilly location that turned hot (London). Below I will list the items that I brought with me that I used over and over again and which proved invaluable:

-Dark fitted blazer (great for the plane and pairing with jeans for a casual dinner)

-A cashmere cardigan

-Three pairs of jeans: one tailored for heels, one tailored for flats and my black skinny jeans.

-Four tops that I love that I was able to pair with blazer or cardigan for chilly days.

-Two or Three layering tanks (mine are all from Michael Stars)

-Two bathing suits (they don’t take up much room do they?)

-One cover-up for the beach (mine was a little boring this year- next time I’m going for a bright Pucci-inspired one… might as well make a statement, no?)

-Two dresses for eveningwear and special events. This trip I found myself having tea at Claridge’s and lunch at Wentworth Golf Club. Both of the dresses I brought were black (so boring!) Next time I will bring more appropriate colors for spring.

-Black pashmina for the really chilly days and nights.

-Two pairs of ballet flats by London Sole, one pair of heels(Ferragamo are the most comfortable), and one pair of gold sandals.

There you have it… my packing notes for an early spring foray through Europe.

I would love to know how you pack for your spring holidays…