Honeymoon Essentials

14/06/2013 08:00:22 by Vicky | with 0 comments

So it's only taken me 30-odd years but I think I've finally worked out how to pack a capsule suitcase for a weeks holiday, this is probably due to having children who quite rudely take up most of your suitcase space! I've now realised that I probably only wore around 30% of what I ever took and with a bit of ruthlessness and now have my key pieces which I add to if I have the space!

I thought I'd share my findings with you as honeymoons are probably one of the holidays you might want to pack lightly, whether it be because you are island hopping around the Carribean or mini-mooning in Venice, dragging around a huge suitcase is simply not pleasant. I've compiled a list of what I would not leave with out {that is if I was going on a beach holiday as opposed to trekking the himalayas...you may feel you should add some kind of walking boot if this is the case!}

I've created a pinterest board to visualise the looks that you can put together with the key pieces above, where I've seen nice bits I've also included where to buy although most of the items are pretty basic and you probably can source these yourself :)

{l-r, source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4}

So the humble denim staple, either a pair of skinny jeans, chambray shirt for cooler evenings or the super wearable cutoff short, these are a must for your case. Mix your shorts with a loose cotton shirt for sightseeing, a breton stripe vest for lunch or a bright blouse and stilettos for the evening and you have a most versatile, and not at all bulky key piece!

I'd advise travelling in your favourite pair of jeans too to save room in your case and match with a t-shirt, light cotton cropped blazer and an oversized lightweight scarf which will serve you well as a sarong for the beach or wrap for the evenings. Oh, and buy your straw hat at the airport and carry through to stop it getting squished! I always pick up a cheap panama or trilby at Accessorize en route!

{l-r, ray bans, denim shorts, trilby, oversized wrap}

Another more recent find of mine but which are now essentials are some simple t-shirt dresses, I wear them with some havainas for the day or with a statement necklace, wedges and a belt in the evenings. I'm also adding in a new piece this year, a crochet kaftan which can be worn over your bikini or over a vest and shorts for the evening, I love this one bottom left from South Beach swimwear.

{from top left clockwise, source, stripe dress, crochet cover up, source}

For the beach then I like to bring three bikinis, a couple of plain ones and a printed one but all of which can be mix and matched, I love colour blocking a coral top say with a cobalt brief or a mixed pattern string with a bold coloured bandeau, both of these below from South Beach.

A little more sophisticated perhaps, match a classic black bikini from Zara with a snakeskin print and a coral bandeau.. both from South Beach swim.

For the evenings I am looking for a pleated maxi to add to the capsule of pieces as again its summery and versatile but I've yet to find one in a 'petite' length!

{l-r, source 1, source 2, source 3}

One item I know will work is the Zara skirt-short {or skort as its been nicknamed by Grazia, seen here below} and it'll be great for summer holidays, mini length but with the shorts to protect your modesty! I love the asymmetic lines and the price is bargainous at £25.99! Worn with a plain tee {This one from The Kooples in in sale!} or printed shirt and some high wedges it will become a great allrounder I'm sure...

So you wore your jeans to travel in and need a few extras to jazz them up for the evening, a statement necklace, brightly coloured clutch and some killer heels will do this, simple yet chic!

Finally, don't forget the all important accessories which can finish off any outfit, your sunglasses, beach bags {a tote like this one below from Alphabet Bags is perfect as can be packed in your case} and some beaded, summery sandals like these from Monsoon.

Another great bag is this shopped which again can be packed easily in to your case, I spotted this one on the right at Zara..

{left source , right source}

Lastly, your jewellery, stack those bangles and you are good to go! I have the Marc by Marc Jacobs one shown here top right {again its in SALE!!!} perfect as its waterproof!

{Left, middle right, bottom right}

Of course this is the capsule, you'll want to add in a couple of favourite dresses for the evening but I promise you, travel light and you'll never dream of overpacking again!