What I'm packing for vacation
Though I have the most fun job in the world, sometimes I need one.
I can think of very few things that I dislike more than checking in a suitcase. Double dipping comes to mind, as do cinched ankles on men’s trousers.
I am going on vacation at the end of May, which, in my brain, means I’m already behind in packing. We’re covering all of the bases (meaning sun and city), so packing is going to be strategic and full of repeats/versatile pieces. Perhaps there might even be room for shopping if we’re savvy enough.
Clothing
Every European vacation needs a white dress, and I opted for this one from Réalisation. The rationale is as follows: it can be dressed up or down, thus translating to a wider range of activities, both day and night. And it covers any unsightly chest sunburns.
I live in dresses during vacation, mostly because I have very few pairs of shorts and find that in Europe these are generally reserved for the beach or athletic opportunities (unless they are long denim, but as I’m going to be mostly on an island, I would like my thighs to be exposed to the sun). I am packing this dress for the same reasons as the above Réalisation one, but at least with this pair I can tan my legs as well. I find that this neckline is really flattering for my arms, and provides the perfect canvas for a statement necklace.
I am bringing a pair of shorts though - I was successfully seduced by the Sporty & Rich Hotel du Cap Eden Rôc collection and bought a pair of disco shorts, which are no longer available. Linking similar ones here and here. Here’s hoping they arrive on time.
The linen trouser is a saviour on every vacation, again for its versatility and for its constant capability to flatter at any occasion. Though I love a long, draping trouser length, I love walking a whole lot more. With pants, that means the length cannot reach the ground - this spares me from having to do laundry while away. I wear this pair from COS so very often that the thought of not bringing them with me on vacation is unthinkable.
I am late to the Flore Flore party, but better late than never! For so long, the hunt for the perfect white tank top that flattered my broad shoulders felt fleeting, but this tank top is absolutely perfect. It covers exactly what I want (ahem, the dreaded region between chest and armpit), and enhances where required. I tested it out at a dinner party where several photos/videos were taken of me, and was pleased with how I looked in every single one. I took the liberty of ordering both this boat neck three quarter sleeve top in navy, as well as this strapless dress, both of which will be packed in my suitcase.
June in Europe is a neither-here-nor-there kind of situation - it’s not overly hot, yet it’s not spring. I’m bringing this cardigan which I’ve been repeating an exorbitant amount lately. This isn’t the first time I’ve raved over Jenni Kayne pieces in this newsletter or on my Instagram - I own at least five and they are on constant rotation, perfect for their drape, colour (it is hard to get a perfect shade of grey!), and impeccable quality for the price you pay. It’s not cheap, but this Khaite-like cardigan is far more wallet friendly than the actual thing. Anyway, I digress. This cardigan that I’m bringing is the perfect layer for an evening - it’s slouchy enough to be sexy when necessary (even when worn on its own with a bralette or bathing suit underneath), practical enough to be layered in other circumstances, and I always opt for a cotton cardigan over wool for summer weather.
As for a thicker coat, I am simply obsessed with this boxy leather jacket I received in February and it is absolutely coming with me. Its length and silhouette is reminiscent of the first Sabato de Sarno Gucci show (which I loved), and it serves both form and function: layer it over a dress or mini skirt for a chic evening out, or bundle it with the aforementioned Jenni Kayne cardigan for warmth (and travel days!)
If you’ve been paying attention to the links, you’ll notice that a lot of what I’ve packed is, indeed, black and white. I tend to gear towards a very minimal colour palette (save for a dramatic wash of yellow or orange in a statement piece) when I pack lightly, favouring colourful accessories to make an outfit pop. I am, however, packing some light button down shirts - perfect for a more conservative occasion and a sunburn cover-up alike. This pink SESSEI button down is perfect - the shade of pink will assuage any unsightly sweat stains (I have a beautiful blue shirt but in extreme heat, the sweat stains are very noticeable), and the light cotton poplin is easy to travel with. I’m a longtime fan of SESSEI’s shirting - it’s excellent quality and I love the monogramming.
I’m allowed one pair of jeans for this trip - I’ll be in cities for a few days, and it’s always nice to have a chic option that will feel fashionable. I’m oscillating between this pair from Amo denim (similar styles here and here) that I wear all the time, and this incredible statement pair of jeans from J.W. Anderson.
You may be thinking, “Where is the long white skirt? You always wear a Long Skirt!” Fear not! I have not forgotten about this inevitable staple. Unfortunately, the two Long Skirts I am packing with me are vintage, so linking them will be impossible. However, I am bringing a Pleats Please maxi skirt, similar of which can be found here.
Okay, last clothing item, I promise! I got this dress last year and it is SO VERY OFTEN worn. It’s a bit of a viral piece - it’s the Long Not So Basic dress from Sold Out. This dress singlehandedly goes with everything in my suitcase - it can be layered with every jacket, cardigan, and button up shirt. It can be spiced up with a statement belt, worn with sneakers, flats, sandals, etc. It’s just the best. It’s so flattering. If your bra strap shows, no biggie. You still look hot. Thank you Kiane for creating such a good dress.
I’m bringing two swimsuits with me: one bikini option and a one-piece option. Versatility is key! I love this Eres swimsuit for its bodysuit/tank top capabilities. The fabric is exactly the beautiful quality you expect it to be, and the twisted strap detail makes it a little extra special. This is a forever swimsuit piece, if you take care of it right. I ordered a size 2, but should have gone with a size 1.
The bikini option is - surprisingly - from Reformation. The top I ordered is currently waitlisted, but here is a similar top and these are the bottoms. Sizing here is very TTS.
Shoes
Though I was so greatly tempted by The Row’s jelly sandals, CAD$1500 could be spent instead on some really delicious meals and perhaps some vintage collectibles in Europe, so I opted instead for the Ancient Greek dupe in aqua, which
and have both written/posted about. Jelly sandals are so nostalgic and fun and playful, but they are - at least to me - a trend, and I cannot justify spending over a certain amount on something that lacks evidence of standing the test of time.Comfortable loafers are essential for walking, for the plane (please wear socks…), and no one does it better than Jamie Haller. I recently ordered these and they are just like wearing butter. Soft, light, perfect for walking, and impeccable quality. They’re certainly an investment, but these loafers transcend trends. Highly worth getting a good pair that won’t result in blisters. I even have my eye on the intrecciato pair…
I blew out my flip flop (that’s a Jimmy Buffet reference for all of you Floridians/folks with Midwestern fathers) at a wedding last year by dancing too hard - specifically a really good pair of Mango flip flops that were the perfect strap thickness to qualify for city wear. I’ve purchased them again out of sheer reliability; they got so much wear last year that it makes sense that they completely fell apart at the end of the summer when I decided to go wild on the dance floor. These are great for the beach and for any outfit.
Accessories and jewellery to come in the next newsletter! Stay tuned ;)
So many great pieces! Love them all. Just curious, what footwear will you wear for evenings?