The summer season has us in high spirits and super-excited for much needed vacations. So after all the excitement of our recent Times Supplement shoot on ‘Summer Holiday Style’, we thought that you might like to join us for our brand new blog series of BrandAlley Travel Notebooks over the coming weeks. A few of us here at BrandAlley HQ will be sharing our summer style adventures and holiday-wardrobe picks, which will hopefully inspire you on what to wear on your way to your own glamorous getaways and, of course, when you’re there.
First up is Joey who’s just come back from Turkey. Take it away, Jo-Jo!
When it comes to holiday packing, I like to play it safe and pack for (almost) ANYTHING. Yes, I’m that girl who has clearly over-packed and overflowed into her hand luggage with yet another pair of shoes she doesn’t actually need or wear. We’ve all been there, haven’t we! It’s 1am the night before your 7am flight and you can’t zip up your suitcase because you MUST have two bikini options a day.
If you, like me, need a little packing inspiration and limitation, here are my ‘must-have’ items to help you with your holiday packing.
On your way…
Summer holiday style is not just about how you look when you arrive, it’s as much about stepping off the plane and owning the airport runway. Effortless elegance is my motto for airport attire and mastering the art of this is a challenge in itself. Which is why I use four simple tips. Think the four Ls – large, layers, luxe and low.
- A large tote for carrying accessories – I always take my Gucci Pilot sunglasses, Clarins Opalescence Face/Blush Powder, Skin Chemists Lash Intensive Mascara, Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Skin Protectant Cream (all less than 100ml).
- Extra layers, such as this Muubaa leather jacket – It’s perfect to layer over a dress in the evening when the sun sets and the temperature drops. By wearing, it you aren’t taking up much needed space in your suitcase.
- A luxe Chinti and Parker cashmere jumper to snuggle up in if you fancy a snooze – perfect to keep you cosy on an air-conditioned plane.
- Low shoes for comfort – shuffling along in shoes too high walk in is never a good look.
Now you have your jet-set style sorted, you’ll be sashaying your way to the departure gate, like Miranda Kerr below, in no time.
- Balenciaga £745.00 RRP £1,035.00
- Gold Collection by Liv Oliver £35.00 RRP £143.00
- Miss Butterfly £17.25 RRP £69.00
- Gucci £75.00 RRP £155.00
- Great Plains £12.50 RRP £45.00
When you’re there…
Destination: Sabrina Haus, Turkey – a charming and quirky boutique hotel, ideal for a romantic getaway for two. Relax with Thai massages in a tree-house setting by day and indulge in luxury ten-course meals on the oceanfront by night.
Must-takes: Plenty of bikinis and one-pieces, you can never have too many. Melissa Odabash and Wildfox are my favourites. I aim to roll enough dresses to have one for every evening, like this red-hot French Connection style. Go glam or go home! For the daytime, I pack a selection of Wildfox denim shorts and casual Jaeger t -shirts. I always bring a pair of wedge espadrilles in a neutral colour, because they go with everything and work seamlessly from day to night. This Kurt Geiger pair are ideal!
Beauty Essentials: I’m more of a stay-in-the-shade kind of girl, so I need all the help I can get when it comes to tanning. This St Tropez Tan-Enhancing Polish is perfect to encourage a natural sun-kissed glow. To protect my hair, I never leave the UK without TIGI Fashionista Colour Safe Shampoo and Conditioner. No one wants chlorine-tinted hair.
Can’t-leave-home-without: Melissa Odabash White Riri Fringe Top worn as a dress…
Highlights include: The view from our mezzanine bedroom over the untouched rolling hills of Turkey and Greece and private dining by the sea. It doesn’t get more romantic than that!
Finish the sentence: “My travel style is a mix of classic-chic and modern monochrome injected with colour on the beach.”
So there you have it, Joey’s essential pieces for a stylish beach escape under the Turkish sun. Stay tuned for the next BrandAlleyHQ Travel Notebook.
For more jet-set-style inspiration, head over to our Pinterest
