CITY BREAK WARDROBE PLANNING

I'm off to Bruges in a couple of weeks, and so naturally my mind has begun to wander about what to pack. We're only going for 3 nights so technically, I only need 3 or 4 outfits. I don't think I really need anything dressy. For evening I'll thwack on a pair of razzy earrings, or throw a jazzy clutch at the problem and call it a night. I think casual-chic is mostly the way to go? I might be wrong, I've never been there before!

CLOTHES TO PACK

 

From L - R, starting at the top: Topshop army jacket, Isabel Marant Haca jacket, Jaeger navy jacket, MiH stripe top, Whistles Lisa blouse, Topshop jumper, Topshop Neppy tee, Topshop jeans, Isabel Marant Bazil sneakers, Isabel Marant Dicker boots, Converses, French Sole ballet flats

The weather there seems to be pretty similar to London at the moment - drizzle ahoy - and high-teens-barely-breaking-into-the-twenties temperatures, hence the emphasis on useful little jackets and a light cotton parka to throw over outfits whenever I need it, and a jumper! Also note the shoes - all walkable. Yes, some more walkable than others, but the wedge on the Bazil sneakers (screams quietly with utter joy at how much I love these shoes!!) and the heel on the Dicker boots are definitely of the walkable variety. No tottering around for me - it doesn't suit. Converses are a clear must-pack, and pony flats courtesy of French Sole are perfection. 
All the shoes are mostly interchangeable with any of the potential outfits and each piece will marry up well with the khaki army jacket when necessary or one the the little jackets, which of course can be whipped off if the sun decides to come out. 
It's not quite city break style sudoku, but you get the idea! 

ACCESSORIES AND THE REST

Balenciaga City, Bruges guide book, Tom Ford Cary sunglasses, Topshop earrings, Phoebe Coleman necklace, Alex Monroe Pea Pod bracelet, Carmex lip balm, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Flirty Honey, Jo Molane White Lilac & Rhubarb Cologne, Bliss Triple Oxygen Infusing Mask 

At the moment our plans feature lots of beautiful building gazing, beer supping, chocolate chomping and the like. (Can you tell I haven't read my guide book yet?!)

Any tips for places to go or things to see in Bruges please DO let me know! 

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HOLIDAY TIME

It's that time of year again - hurrah! The coral nail varnish is out, the exfoliating, buffing and moisturising has begun in earnest, and I'm getting a little over excited about my impending trip to the mecca that is Heathrow Terminal 5 (you think I'm joking, I'm not. I love it. I already know what my airport outfit is.) 

I'm off on holiday in but a few days, and as per, have been crafting and re-crafting my 'what to pack' list. 

I really like having a clear list of things to bring so that a) I know what to pack (duh) and b) so that when I'm on holiday I don't have outfit panics and can glide from one darn fine outfit to the next. This is mostly for evening and day trips, because realistically much of my time is spent with my nose in a book by the pool, much to my boyfriend's chagrin. He's a pool games and bike rides sort of a fellow...

We're off to the same place in France that we've been early-"summering" at for a few years now with his parentals (Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse). I only need one or two evening outfits, most evenings are spent in what I hope resembles a sort of effortlessly stylish comfort - navy mariners and cream light cable knits for when a chill is in the air; white cotton blouses and cut-off denim shorts or jeans. 

My summer packing elements remain much the same as last year and form the foundations of my holiday wardrobe. Basic tees, pretty blouses, denim cut offs, one pieces and bikinis, fine gold jewellery, simple neutral sandals, black havaianas and converses, a favourite perfume or two (mine are Jo Malone Wild Bluebell for day and Pomegranate Noir for evening). 

I've always favoured white cotton blouses for Spring and Summer, and I recently came across these two little fellows in Whistles - they're everything I ever wanted from white cotton blouses and more. I stumbled across them in a post-exams haze, so glad am I that even with my befuddled brain their brilliance still shone out from amongst the rails. 

Whistles blouses - perfecto. 

I've fallen pretty hard for Topshop's new Neppy tees. Have you seen them? Yes they have that strange curved hem that hangs a little too low at the back, but they are so good. I've been wearing them so often. Some would say too often. I highly recommend. 

  

As well as the usual basics I think it's really nice to have a few bits and pieces that you feel are really special and you look forward to wearing whilst you're away. My new hero bits and pieces for this holiday include my delumptious Isabel Marant blue jacket, red frill Topshop shift dress and simple black Topshop blouse with lace panels. 

I'm very excited, and will be taking photos to share on Le Blog in no time at all! 
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NEW FRIENDS

Left top to bottom: Links of London, Dana Levy, Lucy Folk, Dana Levy, Links of London; Middle: Sandro, Topshop, Repetto; Right: Phoebe Coleman, Aamaya by Priyanka

I must admit I do not have much of a way with accessories. Simplicity always seems so much more appealing and much more "me". Of course I make an exception for delicate gold jewellery and in the last few days I've been taking tentative steps into ring territory too - with a thinner than thin gold ring from June Designs on Etsy and an equally skinny diamante rings from Accessorize. 

But lately I seem unable to resist the charms of friendship bracelets. It started last summer when I discovered Lucy Folk, and is reignited on a nigh-on daily basis. I love how they look with delicate gold jewellery, piled two or three high, providing an unexpected pop of neon bright colour. 

Jak & Jil

I like friendship bracelets set against a backdrop of simplicity - a grey marl t-shirt or cashmere jumper, jeans and ballet pumps or suede boots. This way I feel like I stay the right side of chic instead of straying into (whisper it) emo-gap-year-student territory.