Nine Ways to Pack Lighter

nine ways to pack lighter

 

Packing for a holiday must be the least favourite part of the trip.  What to pack causes so much angst for many and now there’s a bunch of decisions over luggage weight.

 

Since lockdown the options of which type of luggage to take seems ten-fold.  Do you choose to book space for large suitcases in the hold, or take a small and/or large cabin bag to stuff under your feel or lift to an overhead locker?

 

The latter also comes with the issue of finding tiny bottles of toiletries that get you through security.

 

With differing sizes and weights dependent on your choice of air carrier and budget it makes sense to pack as light and efficient as you can.

 

Overpacking Isn’t Fun

 

I’ll admit it, I’ve been known to take too much.   Cue lugging 22kgs around a Greek island in a giant suitcase, only to bring much of it home, unworn.

 

Generally, it’s because I’ve left it to the last minute. Some people plan and start to pack up to a week ahead of departure.  Not me, I like to do it as near as possible to my flight time.

 

So, what I’ve done in recent years is draw up a list of what to pack.  I have an excel sheet for long haul, a separate one for a Mediterranean week away, and even one for city breaks.  These lists have saved me time and time again, from the “what if” moments that have previously had me stuffing a bunch of clothes and shoes that I may need, but really don’t.

 

Next week we are heading to Croatia to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.  We’re going island hopping and I really don’t fancy pulling a large suitcase around. So, I’ve ordered a new medium size suitcase.  I’m looking forward to travelling lighter.

Nine Ways to Pack Light

I’ll have my trusty list that I’ll use for packing and here’s a bunch of other ways that can help me, and you, pack a whole lot lighter.

 

  1. Based on the activities you’ll be doing rather than how many days you are going away make a list. It helps you identify exactly what you need.
  2. Reduce the number of items you need by choosing a simple colour scheme, e.g., neutrals to mix and match.
  3. Most people use more tops than bottoms. Try packing seven tops and a single pair of trousers/skirt/shorts in neutral colours to go with them.
  4. Pack more in tight spaces by rolling clothes. It saves on space and lessens creasing.  If you have pieces like cotton shirts that wrinkle easily, fold and lie them on top.
  5. Multiple use clothes are the best. Take shirts and dresses for evenings, which can also be worn as beach cover ups or for sight-seeing.
  6. Swimming costumes can be worn as the light layer underneath a shirt or worn as a body prior to swimming pool or beach days.
  7. Layer up on the plane. Don’t put a knitted cardigan in the suitcase, wear or tie it over your shoulders for the journey.
  8. Taking a hat? Pack upside down and fill with small soft items, like underwear to make better use of space.  Do the same with handbags, or use them to tuck away chargers, etc.
  9. Shoes are heavy. Consider packing just three pairs – flip flops/slides, neutral flats, and a pair of heels.  Wear trainers for comfort on your journey and walking while on holiday.

I hope these ideas help, but if you would like a more bespoke styling session please check out my services here and drop me a line at info@notgivinin.com.

Happy holidays.

 

Gail x

Three Straight Leg Jean Outfits for Spring 23

This week in my Style With Gail Facebook group I talked to my members about the latest jean styles and how to wear them.  In a group poll, straight leg jeans came out as the most worn style.  So I thought I would share three straight leg jean outfits for spring 23 that everyone might like.

I can totally see why, after a lot of us have worn skinny jeans for so long, that this looser fitting classic jean is so popular.  It suits all body types, with a few adjustments to suit proportions, but hourglass, apple and strawberry (inverted triangle) wear it very well.

Ideally, you’re looking for a fit that ends on your ankle, or about one inch above, for a contemporary look.  Great with boots and trainers for every day wear, I’m really looking forward to getting rid of socks and choosing loafers and heels this spring.

Of course, the weather isn’t playing ball at the moment and its sleeting while I write this, so my first outfit choice below includes a leather look long coat and boots.  Right now, you’ll need it.  There are lovely layers here and items that you’ll either have already, or if bought, will make great staples in your year-round wardrobe. I’ve added in a silk scarf and my intention is for it to be tied around the handbag strap for some added colour and a polished look.

Three Looks for Spring 23

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Ecru Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top, Mango

Oversize Leather Effect Trench Coat, Mango

Black Curved Leather Bag, H&M

Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses, H&M

Printed Silk Scarf, H&M

Cotton Shirt, Boden

Black Cowboy Boots, Mango

 

For the  next outfit look I’ve picked up on the French trend that is everywhere this spring.  Adding a pop of much needed spring time colour with a simple T. Shirt, I’ve paired with a boucle Chanel-style jacket.  A pair of kitten heels and metallic shoulder bag give a polished finish and silver jewellery are the icing on the cake.

Black Leather Kitten Heel, Zara

Shoulder Bag, Zara

Braided Necklace, Mango

Double Hoop Earrings, Mango

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Maxi Floral Tweed Jacket, Mango

White Oval Sunglasses, Mango

Pink T Shirt, COS

 

My last look offers a touch more glitz and I’d love to have this for when I go out for drinks with the girls, or my husband takes me out!  It’s all about the texture here and the cream, tonal look gives a sense of luxury.  I love the mix of wool, sequin and gold, which feels elevated, yet easy to wear. Ballet pumps are very much in vogue this spring and I love the armband which will show off otherwise naked arms.

Leather Ballerinas, Zara

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Sequin Bomber, Zara

Turtleneck Knitted Gillet, Mango

Hoop Knot Earrings, Mango

Textured Wide Armband, Zara

Mini City Bag, Zara

Hope you like these three straight leg jean outfits for spring 23.  Keep your eyes peeled for more jean style outfits to come.

There is a link above if you would like to join my Facebook group, and if you’re interested in a more bespoke personal shop do check out my 1-2-1 shopping service here.

Gail x

24 Stylish Shirts and Blouses For Spring

It’s the wardrobe go-to; a nice top and pair of jeans.  But what if your wardrobe is lacking in top half options.  Here’s a bunch of stylish shirts and blouses for spring offering a solution.  Some add a bolt of colour to liven your outfit (and mood), others offer a touch of femininity with softer lines.  Sometimes only an oversized boyfriend shirt will do, so there are a couple of options here too.

 

If you want to choose styles and cuts that can flatter your figure here are my top tips.  Pear-shaped ladies can go bold up top with colour and frills, while strawberry shaped aren’t looking for anything as dramatic, for these ladies the attention is better drawn to the bottom half.  If you’re hourglass don’t forget to tuck in  or use a belt to define your waist and apple shapes will look good is figure skimming and longer length options.  When it comes to rectangles, you’re looking to add shape and texture, so interesting designs and patterns are a great choice.

 

Hope you like the ideas.

 

Gail x

 

 

Silk Shirt, £130, Boden

 

 

Relaxed Cotton Shirt, £85, Boden

 

Satin Print Blouse, £35.99, Mango

 

 

Basic Fitted Shirt, £29.99, Mango

 

 

Buttoned Flowy Shirt, £35.99, Mango

Mango Bea Floral Cropped Blouse, £35.99, John Lewis

Per Una Floral Tie Neck Blouson Sleeve Blouse, £35.00, Mark & Spencer

 

 

Geometric Print Shirt, £28.99, Zara

Floral Print Shirt, £28.99, Zara

 

Bow Shirt, £27.99, Zara

 

Flowing Shirt with Rhinestones, £28.99, Zara

 

 

Florence Seersucker Shirt, £65, Hush

Violette Printed Spring Blouse, £69,99, Hush

 

AND/OR Cindy Gingham Ruffle Top, £49.99, John Lewis

Mango Ford Relaxed Shirt, £35.99, John Lewis

 

Kalisa Embroidery Blouse, £138.00 Reiss at John Lewis

 

Jigsaw Ruffle Trim Denim Shirt, £95.00, Jigsaw at John Lewis

 

Noa Ruffle Collar Cotton, £69.99, John Lewis

 

AND/OR Darwin Animal Print Blouse, £49.00, John Lewis

 

Boat Necked Satin Blouse, £17.99, HM

 

Pleated Blouse, £24.99, HM

 

V-Neck Blouse, £12.99, HM

 

Oversized Cotton Shirt, £17.99, HM

 

 

Oversized Poplin Shirt, £29.99, HM

 

Need help finding clothes and accessories to suit you and your lifestyle?  Check out my Wardrobe Reboot, Personal Style Development and Colour Consultation, and 1-2-1 Personal Shopping services.

Nine Things on my Wish List

 

In need of some inspiration as we get through these winter weeks?  Here are nine things on my wish list.  These are pieces I’d love to add to my wardrobe as I plan for spring work and social get-togethers.

 

Let me kick off with a dream purchase and by that I mean it won’t happen any time soon.  A designer bag.  Visiting the Inside Bags exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum recently has  made me love handbags all the more. I saw some beauties there.  I have a few Mulberry bags that I adore and use daily, but now I’ve set up sights on adding a Louis Vuitton or Dior bag to my collection. Anyone fancy buying me one?

 

I have been booked for a few style talks this spring and want to add a few statement pieces to my wardrobe to make me feel confident at the podium.  I’m thinking of adding a colourful dress that will be easy to wear and simple to style.  A blouse that will brighten a black trouser ensemble (and jeans when I’m off duty) and a glamourous pair of heels.  I blame And Just Like That  and the return of Carrie Bradshaw for the last piece.

 

Meanwhile, I’m feeling chilly as I’ve got rid of a cardigan that has seen better days.  It was making me feel dowdy when I wore it and that won’t do!  I need a new backpack, as my last one, which I used constantly during lockdown walks, has finally given up the ghost.  I’d like some new floor-length straight or wide leg jeans as mine are all cropped and I’d like a new pair black rimmed glasses. Again, I’ve been influenced by AJLT.  Lastly, I fancy a beret.  Too much TV you think?

 

So, here we go.  Here are nine things on my wish list.

 

Gail xx

 

Louis Vuitton, second-hand so prices vary, circa. £600 – £800, Vestiaire Collective

Dior, Medium Bobby Bag, £2,800, Dior

Packable 2-Way Backpack (can be carried as a tote), £39, Arket

Floral Swedish Clash Dress, £89, Never Fully Dressed

Leather Slingback Court Shoes, £90, Dune

Satin Shirt, £29.99, Zara

Pure Cashmere V-Neck Button Cardigan, £119, Marks & Spencer Autograph

Blue High Waisted Straight Jeans, £42.00, River Island

Judd Large Acetate Glasses in Black, £125.00, Cubitts

Black Wool Beret, £23.00, Other Stories

 

Dressing up this Christmas

 

Let the fun time begin!  The build up to this year’s yuletide festivities is apace and as a ‘professional shopper’ I’m seeing pieces come in quickly and go out just as fast.  So, if you’re planning to party this Christmas don’t dilly dally on planning, finding and pocketing your outfit as quickly as you can.

I’ve been looking at classic pieces for Christmas parties and get-togethers.  I’ve focused on velvet, sequin and satin pieces which will not only work for this year, but for years to come.  And, of course, these pieces can work for parties and weddings too.  You break them down and mix and match with other items in your wardrobe all year for a high/low look. Think sequin top, jeans and heels for an evening with girlfriends, and sequin leggings with a chunky jumper for a concert or date night.

You’ll find a few short dresses in the selection below.  If you want to cover up legs with something other than fake tan, go for 20 denier tights and wear them with ankle boots for the edgier party look.

Velvet pieces feel cosy and look elegant, while satin has a lustre look that party girls can have fun in.

I’ve chosen mostly black pieces as it’s a classic choice, but there’s some colour in here too.

Choose jewellery to suit your skin tone and add a pop colour with the addition of a clutch or small shoulder bag.

And most importantly, have fun!

Satin

Velvet

 

Sequin