Our Holiday Packing Wishlist

I’m going to the South of France this summer, but only taking hand luggage. An Away carry-on suitcase fits an amazing amount of clothes squeezed into it and  has a very satisfying roll. If you’re working on-the-go then order the one with a front pocket that fits a laptop so you can slip it out on the plane without having to unzip the whole thing. Inside it I’d like to pack a towelling dress to wear to the beach over a bikini from La Veste, a pair of velvet slippers for the evening and the new book by Jarvis Cocker (though it’s currently only out in hardback so might be better for the garden than a trip away). In it he tells stories via the random assortment of objects found in his attic – it’s very funny. A light handbag is another essential; this year I love Lucky Finds for handmade vintage crochet.

Essie’s Go Ginza nail varnish is great in the sunshine – it needs a bit of colour to make it pop. Swap to a summer scent, like the new seasonal fragrance from Ffern. And a notebook is always key, I love the gold-edged ones from Marin Montagut but really any will do.

This dress has my name on it. Just add beads – this sunglasses chain from Tinkalink is made from clear quartz crystals with evil eye detailing.

This summer, my family is finally heading back to a beach (it’s been a few years), with a pit stop in Athens. Packing light is always tricky with children, so I will be trying to put lots of multi-taskers into the bag.

My summer staples probably haven’t changed too much over the years – a good pair of jean shorts, a shirt that also works a beach cover-up, and one fab dress that can be worn day or out to dinner. As a long-standing fan of Birkenstocks, I am switching it up this year with this super comfortable pair of slides from Dear Frances.

From plane to beach, this big tote bag from L.L. Bean is a summer classic and you can order it monogrammed. It’s virtually unbreakable and will fit everything, including towels and a small picnic. La Roche Posay has amazing sunscreen for the whole family. This “invisible” formula goes on clear and dries quickly, but still keeps the sunburn away.

The “minis” section at Cult Beauty is always worth checking out to lighten things up. In addition to some of my regulars, this hair mask from Briogeo should keep my hair from getting too damaged.

I like to wear a strapless dress during the day that I can wear over a swimsuit and which doesn’t give me tan lines.  I wear it with summer jewellery and fake tan on my face, which I wear all through the summer – the Tan-Luxe Serum is definitely the best I’ve found.

Then at night, I dress up usually with a midi or long pretty dress and always with Nuxe oil on my skin which hydrates it and gives it a lovely sheen (you can also buy it with a bronzing glitter too).

I’ve just bought The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn which I’ve had highly recommended as one of the best books of the summer.  I also always take a squishy hat that’s easy to pack and Avene Sunscreen which is super easy to apply and has a clever screw-lid so you never lose it!