My day to day life often involves multiple bags of stuff. Baby paraphernalia, work related necessities (because one obviously needs at least 59 notepads right? especially if they’re pretty…) and my general day to day cosmetics/hair essentials/”just in case” garb.

I have definitely become much better at streamlining in recent months and I have to say, a relatively small change such as a more organised (and lighter!) handbag makes a significant change to my state of mind – no hyperbole intended.

As you read this I will be gathering together the final bits and pieces before we head on up to Cheshire to stay at James’s Mum’s, we are flying to the Dordogne from Manchester airport early tomorrow morning and Mabel will be staying with her Granny until Sunday.

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I have never been able to pack well for a holiday. I always include too many items I will never wear and not enough of the pieces that I actually would. I always take too many shoes. And bags. Don’t even get me started on the vast quantities of make-up and skincare that never even leave their designated zip up wallets.

For this trip I was determined to inject some logic and co-ordination, without scrimping on my personal style. It’s been an interesting task, not least because the weather in the Dordogne at the moment is doing all sorts of crazy things. I was expecting it to be moderately warm, much cooler in the evenings but apparently it’s somewhere around 27/28 degrees with a few thunderstorms thrown in just for “how are you supposed to dress appropriately for one of those?!” kicks. It seems Mother Nature is having a good old laugh at my packing inability expense.

I’ve tried not to steer too far away from my usual summer wardrobe, which tends to be a palette of metallics, nudes, greys and denim. With the odd print and cute slogan T thrown in for variety. I mainly live in flats on holiday, a pair of studded sandals from River Island and sliver gladiators from French Connection a few years ago. I’m also taking a pair of MEGA heels though, they were one of my all-time favourite footwear purchases ever, from All Saints. The combination of platform sole and pale fleshy hue means they make your pins look way longer. Winner.

At the moment I am very into my high-waisted shorts, they pull everything in and can easily be dressed up or down. Talking of which, that was the main thread of my capsule thinking – pieces that are flattering, fail safe and can be worn either in the day or in the evening with some mix “n” matching and the addition of some statement jewellery.

The maxi dress is the “Hayley” from Boohoo.com, fifteen quid and creates a lovely silhouette, it gives a great shape yet isn’t too clingy. I have one in black and one in grey and wear both in the day with a denim jacket or in the evening with a beaded cardigan. I always always take a pair of black skinny jeans with me because you never know if it might get a bit chilly, plus they are a super basic for accessorising with various night time glitzy bits. I treated myself to this ripped pair from Frame Denim, it’s been one of the only “trendy” investments I’ve made since Mabel was born.

The shorter dress is from Topshop* and I figured it would work with both heels and flats, it’s a modest length so you don’t have to flash your thighs and I love the elegant sleeve length. Plus I do like to inject some colour here and there.

I’m unsure about whether I’ll be brave enough to don a bikini but I’m taking one just in case – I bought this pineapple print two piece last year from J Crew and although spendy, it’s amazing quality and the fit is really good (i.e.. your bum cheeks don’t hang out of the sides.) I also rate J Crew for T-shirts, this palm tree patterned version is lightweight and a longer length which I prefer. I’ve also recently discovered ASOS own brand “Forever” T-shirts, they are only £12 each and are a kind of drapy/loose material that looks great with either skinny jeans and heels or shorts and flats.

I really rate Zara for bags, both the studded clutch and suede cross body were from there. The cross body gained so many compliments that I bought a back-up, who am I kidding? I bought two (!) they were £19.99 each. If you are already signed up to the newsletter (or sign up in the next few days) I’m actually giving one away. Storing three of the same bloody bag isn’t conducive to my general streamlining escapades.

*The Hayley dress has recently been reduced to £6!

*The review of the Topshop dress on line goes on about the small shoulders – I haven’t found that to be the case personally.

What are your “must haves” for a short break abroad?

Are there any items you would recommend I invest in that I haven’t featured above?

What do you always take on holiday that you never use?

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{Thoughtful Travel Dressing}

When considering what I’m going to wear on the plane/train/automobile I endeavour to make sure the outfit will be most importantly, comfortable, but also includes useful layers that I may need for my holiday yet don’t necessarily want to overload my suitcase with.

I’ll be wearing my trusty khaki green J Brand “flight pants” (similar to joggers) a black vest, a fine knit long-line black cardigan and my Spring parka coat (by the sounds of things I may need that hood!)

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