When annual holiday count is low, we look across to Europe for a long weekend of culture and cuisine. So, next in our series of BrandAlley HQ Travel Notebooks, we have our PR and Marketing Executive, Hayley who heads ‘from plane to pool’ in a city that has it all – the beautiful Barcelona.
Over to you, Hayley…
On your way
As someone who’s always considered herself a bit of a nomad, I’ve become used to a less-is-more approach to packing. For most European breaks, I can get away with only having a carry-on piece of luggage and some savvy styling. For this trip, I channelled laid-back chic as I city-hopped from London to Barcelona, taking inspiration from Jessica Alba, with a spinner suitcase and rose gold watch to get me there for Happy Hour.
My must-haves…
- A classic large tote to fit all the essentials and then some,
- Cropped or rolled up jeans, a style staple across Europe,
- A comfy pair of flat shoes – moccasins or loafers always do the job well,
- A lightweight top with sleeves to keep air-con drafts at bay.
1. Greywire £39.60 RRP £159.00
2. Skagen £85.00 RRP £119.00
3. Josh V £12.50 RRP £69.99
4. American Tourister £42.50 RRP £79.00
When you’re there…
Destination: Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel, part of the Marriott family and a unique piece of architecture in itself. I filled up on the delicious buffet breakfast in the morning and cooled down with a cocktail and a dip in the rooftop pool, come afternoon.
Barcelona is also home to one of the best beaches in Spain, so my packing list included:
Must takes: a small shoulder bag to carry around from day to evening, plenty of separates to mix and match: skirts and shorts with cotton tops and a few pairs of sunglasses, including my favourite Ray-Bans.
Beauty essentials: a mascara with staying power ensured I could check-in to my hotel and explore my surroundings without wasting any time re-applying. Of course, a good face moisturiser, including SPF 50 was essential to protect my freckled face from the Spanish sun.
Can’t-leave-home-without: my Carvela wedges – the perfect summer shoes and comfortable enough to both stroll and salsa.
Highlights include: One of the best things about Barcelona is how much of it you can see on foot. So, if you get the chance to go, spend a day or two strolling around, savouring every sight – Gaudi, gelato and good times galore.
Finish the sentence: “My travel style is playful, comfortable and lightweight.”
So, there you go, Hayley’s style highlights and hot picks for a city chic break in Barcelona. Stay tuned for the next BrandAlley HQ Travel Notebook.
For more style must-haves and inspiration for city breaks, head over to our Pinterest board ‘City Chic’ here. Happy pinning!
