What's in my suitcase? So far...

Going on holiday is undoubtedly fun and exciting, but if you're anything like me, packing your suitcase can be an absolute nightmare. When you think about it, you have a small luggage allowance and you have to decide exactly what you're going to wear for the next few days. When you're packed, that's it - no turning back. I've decided to a 'What's in my bag' inspired post regarding suitcases to help other travellers get a grasp of what to take on holiday, plus it gives you all a chance to unleash your voyeuristic side and analyse my clothing decisions.

So this in my suitcase with everything thrown into it. I still have a few days to pack and still a few things to add, but I thought I'd show you what I have so far. My baggage allowance is 20kg and currently I'm on 11kg. Obviously it's important to leave space for items you're planning on bringing back home, so I aim to travel light knowing my shoppaholic tendencies.

First into the suitcase are my beautiful Madden Girl sandals I bought in a House of Fraser sale not too long ago. I love the colours and I bet they'll look fantastic on the beach. Following the scandals are my Gucci sunglasses that I wouldn't leave the house without.

Next are a few dresses. I still have more of these to pack, but so far I have two evening style dresses and this gorgeous maxi dress from New Look.  The middle dress will definitely be one of my Ibiza party dresses and that was bought from Lipsy by my fiance as a Christmas present.

As many of my readers will know, this holiday is going to be quite symbolic for many reasons. Firstly, it's my first ever adult holiday abroad due to my laziness in renewing my passport, secondly it's my first holiday abroad with my future husband and third, I've never ever worn a bikini before and after losing all this weight, I think it's about time. I fell in love with both these bikinis as soon as I tried them on. The one in the above image is from Primark and the one below is a high waisted bikini.

Due to the hot weather, it's inevitable that I'll be spending the majority of my time in shorts. I'm taking my new lace shorts from H&M and my stars and stripes shorts from Topshop, along with both crop tops from New Look.

I bought these amazing pink heels from a local boutique a few weeks ago. I think they'll be great for partying and nights out. Teamed up with a white dress, they are the perfect statement wear.

Wedges from Primark! I'm not usually a Primark girl, but these are so comfy. I'm guessing I'll be wearing these quite a lot.

A mask and snorkel and an underwater camera. I love my water sports so I can't wait to take lots of photos!

A few weeks ago I was kindly given these samples of Suntegrity's lastest range to review. It's a natural face moisturiser with a 30 SPF sunscreen protection and can be also used as a primer. Each of the products have a wonderful citrus scent and provides anti ageing properties. When I get back, I'll properly let you know how well they did in the Ibiza heat.

For now, the last things in my suitcase are my Euros, European health card - vital if you're an EU citizen travelling abroad and of course my passport. European health cards are just as important as travel insurance as they allow you to get state health care for free or a reduced rate in emergency situations. Being accident prone myself, I would never even consider travelling without travel insurance or a healthcard. 

So that's my suitcase so far. I still have yet to pack my makeup and a few other essentials. I hope you're enjoyed your sneak peak into my bag and the advice I've given. One last tip, always pack in advance - it makes sure you don't forget anything!

Are you going on holiday soon?

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Dreaming of Ibiza: Swimsuit Edition

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My holiday to Ibiza is almost a month away and I cannot retain my excitement. Every day I look outside at this British weather, I'm dreaming of the much hotter climate i'll be spending a week in, relaxing by the pool. Don't get me wrong, the weather over here has been more than fabulous lately, but it's not quite hot enough to give me an all over tan. Having not been abroad in over 10 years, I cannot wait to embrace the jetset life and finally embark on a new adventure. I miss the thrill of being on a plane and the warm air almost snuggling you as you reach your landing point. I can't wait to get there and jump straight into the water with a mask and snorkel - hello tropical fish  it's great to see you again.

To be able to go swimming and to properly enjoy my holiday in Ibiza, I get to grab some new swimwear. I've been working my a** off at the gym and my bodies looking in a little better shape, so I really need a bikini that will show off all my dedication and hard work. I've been searching the web, going into stores and looking on Ebay for my favourites and here are a few I've come across on my search. So far the Topshop high waisted bikini's are winning for me, but I could really see myself purchasing every single one in a mad shopping frenzy.

The High Waisted Bikini's

Having lost a fair bit of weight, my stomach isn't in the best shape. I've got the odd stretch mark I'd rather not have and a little bit of loose skin. A high waisted bikini is perfect for me, because it shows off my lovely toned upper half and covers all the bits i'm terrified of showing. I love the sexy bandage cut Topshop bikini's and this little Red Herring floral number is so cute - grab it whilst it's on offer, I'm tempted to do so.

The 'All in One' Swimsuit

These designs are classic and pretty much suit everyone. I love the retro designs that are out at the moment and you could really envision an Hollywood icon wearing the New Look and River Island designs. The Asda swimsuit is cute and I think the design adds a little bit of fun, which would bode well with the party lifestyle in Ibiza.

The Skimpy Bikini

These bikini's are great for those who have the perfect beach body and want to flaunt it. There are so many amazing styles out there at such affordable prices. I love the Lego design of the Primark Bikini, it makes me think of the 80s. The American flag design from Bank is classic and I love the fun thrills on the Missguided bikini. If the Missguided bikini doesn't get you excited for your holidays, their new blog  definitely will. Check out their holiday wear guide to give you holiday motivation.
























All of the swimwear mentioned have such great price tags that it's easy to pick up one or two on anyone's budget and I could easily see myself spending a fair amount in the next few weeks.  Creating this blogpost has fuelled my holiday excitement even more. I can't wait to say bye bye England and hello Ibiza!

Do you have any holidays booked?

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Festival Fashion - What will you be wearing?

It's 9 days until my favourite weekend of the year - Download Festival and words can't describe how excited I am. This week I will probably be starting my packing and yet again, I will begin the tremendous battle between my wardrobe and suitcase when deciding what to wear.

Here are a few of my current ideas:

Unleashing the Inner Rock Chick

Festivals are probably one of the best times to experiment with your style. In this photo, I'm channeling my inner rock chick. Here I am wearing my River Island leather jacket, Karen Millen silk top, a studded belt and some wet look leggings.

Grunge

Festivals are a great time to exhibit all those band t shirts that have been residing in your the bottom of your cupboard - well, that's what happens to mine. I tend to go band shirt crazy when I go to festivals and buy lots of them, but most of the time they tend to be wardrobe souvenirs. In this picture I'm wearing my Aerosmith t-shirt from when I saw them last year, my River Island shorts and my studded belt again.

Preppy 70s

And finally, with all them retro bands playing, may be you want to transport yourself to the 70s bohemian trend.You can't go wrong with a pair of staple denim shorts and this lovely top from River Island.

Just remember to follow these key points:

Keep it light weight - your going to be in and out of busy crowds and it's bound to get warm.

Take a jumper and waterproofs - It may get cold on a night and there is a slight chance you could get soaked in a random downpour.

Cheap is Chic - Don't go to a festival wearing incredibly expensive clothes - your likely to damage them and/or get them covered in mud. Opt for some cool inexpensive items.

And finally remember...

Whatever your style, wear it with confidence.

Festivals are about having fun, not worrying about how you look. 

xoxo

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