Have you ever taken a short city break with a bulging suitcase only to find you have nothing to wear? I think the problem lies in over-compensating for being away from our closets. Assuming you’ll need endless items to create a different stylish yet comfortable look every day is a mistake we’ve all made. Who hasn’t done this then ended up wearing one outfit the entire trip? Blimey the amount of times I packed more shoes than actual days I was away astounds me now, phht…
Since I had children, times have changed. Necessity, the “Mother” of invention, very quickly taught me the importance of a streamlined holiday wardrobe. Needless to say packing for the family is a pain in the arse & complete waste of time when you simply throw in random pieces. The same can be said for the mini break or girls weekend aka Mummy’s holiday from aforementioned devils spawn. Whatever you call it, it’s all about looking chic whilst exploring a city, free of grubby little hangers-on.
I’ve taken a few of these miraculous bijou journey’s in my time so have perfected the art of minimal packing. Last year when I went to Dubrovnik, I even managed just a carry-on case! Let me tell you, that was a liberating experience & if you look back at my post you can see I didn’t do half bad on the outfits either. So what’s the secret to packing light yet staying stylish? Two words – DOUBLE DUTY.
First & foremost choose two pairs of shoes that’ll work with everything. I tend to stick with neutrals for simplicity. One flat pair & one with a low heel, preferrably block for the simple fact that in most cities you’ll encounter cobblestones at some point. In addition to the risk of a twisted ankle from a misplaced kitten heel there are often stone steps to navigate so I wouldn’t even entertain a stiletto!
HOTTER SHOES ARE MADE FOR COMFORT & STYLE
I chose the Viviene t-bar shoes in navy & cream because these colours work with my entire wardrobe & I love the heel shape. Turns out they’re even prettier than the website images suggest, beautifully made with nice tight stitching. The leather is so soft & supple they’re instantly comfortable, no need for breaking these babies in. And Oh boy that cushioned sole is heavenly…
The rest of my outfit was a no-brainer, effortless & relaxed. A perfect with pockets skirt to wander around galleries plus extra space to accommodate the mandatory food baby long leisurely lunch. Of course a T-shirt would’ve looked just as lovely for this however I decided on a delicately detailed blouse to elevate my next outfit & save packing another top.
Planning ahead is exactly how I avoid over-packing. Here is where double duty proves it’s worth.
Cushioned Insole…
STYLISH TRAINERS FOR LOTS OF WALKING
The second pair of shoes I pack are flats. This is purely practical so I can walk all day sightseeing & exploring. Practical yes, boring no. Your choice of flats should also do double duty & why not when they look this cute? My rose gold leather pair is so pretty there’s no need to change shoes for dinner, automatically giving me a second outfit option. Imagine them paired with my green maxi for a stylish yet safe tipsy stroll along ancient cobbled streets. It’s true I also love ballet flats (see my outfit in Paris) which work equally well doubling up day to night although they don’t have the extra support of my Piper trainers. There’s simply no contest that these are the most comfortable option.
Pairing the same blouse with cuffed jeans gives my casual look a classy edge. And remember, if I feel like lifting this outfit further I can always change back into my heeled shoes.
Now let’s talk bags…I always take a cross body bag when I travel. Hands free is THE only way to fly right? This powder pink leather bag from HOTTER is the right size to fit all my daily essentials like sunnies, wallet, lip balm, passport etc so again, pretty & practical.
OTHER WAY’S I’VE WORN IT
- TOP – Coast | with black jeans
- SKIRT – Whistles | with a cardigan
- CUFFED JEANS – Current Elliott | with a shirt & Nana shoes
- BAG & SHOES – HOTTER | All new
THE LAST WORD ON MINIMAL PACKING
Bear in mind this suggestion would be for a Spring or Summer city break. I think we’ve all had enough Winter fashion for the time being, don’t you? Even I’m sick of chunky knit cardigans & I’m the cardi Queen! Moving on…In addition to the pieces I’m wearing today, I would throw in a maxi dress, belt, light jacket or cardi & a pair of sheer socks. All of which I choose according to how they compliment one another – i.e. pick n mix. Your thoughts loves? Anything else you’d add to the list, or even remove for that matter?
I hope you enjoyed seeing more of my new neighbourhood, it was a glorious Saturday when Miss Lulu shot this.
*Thank you to HOTTER Shoes for partnering on this post
Bye for now xx
Comments ( 28 )
Simplement Lui
The outfit is great but the first pair of shoes is simple beautiful … so chic and elegant!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/04/17/chantilly-day-2/
MT
Yes I agree, also my favourite! 😉
samantha
Hello Fancy Feet!!
MT
Hellow gawjus! xx
Rozanne
Nice shoes and some good advice! Hotter were never on my radar but I had a look at the website and will definitely consider them now, the Donna heeled shoes are just gorgeous. Lovely to see some of your new surroundings too x
MT
I don’t think the Hotter site does itself any favours Rozanne. Their shoes are beautifully made & far better in real life xx
Lazy Daisy Jones
Congrats to Miss Lulu for her excellent photography skills !
Mrs T you are looking superb and yes lively to see more of your new locale !
Bestest wishes
Ashley x
MT
Teehee thanks Ashley I shall pass on your number should you need a pint sized photograper in the U.S 😉 xx
fatima
Never considered Hotter and I have a branch locally so will have to check them out now! Great advice and I just LOVE seeing your new surroundings hon x x x
MT
That’s great thanks FT! xx
Jayne
Looking fabulous as ever Michelle. The hotter shoes look lovely and you can’t go wrong with beautiful shoes that are comfortable too! Will be checking these out x
MT
Hey beautiful! Thanks for dropping in, it’s so lovely to hear from you. Glad you enjoyed the post babe xx
No Fear of Fashion
Those blue shoes are beautiful! You made a very sensible list, nothing to add. Looking very feminine and modern in your skirt outfit. Love the cute pink bag as well. Who takes your pictures by the way?
Greetje
MT
OK so for this post I took Lulu (the 8 year old) with me to “help”. I felt she needed a confidence boost so I set up the tripod & had her press the button for every shot. It was so lovely seeing her little face puff up with pride. As you know Greetje, her confidence has taken a hit recently 😉
Lisa the sequinist
Both pairs of shoes are absolutely darling, but I’m pretty sure I need pink metallic sneakers in my life now! I dearly love those. The retro vibe of the heels goes so beautifully with your midi skirt and the delicate blouse.
Well done Miss Lulu, you did a stellar job of capturing your Mummy on a sunny day! I love seeing your new surroundings. Love to all of you xxx
MT
You know Lisa, I wasn’t 100% sure about the sneakers when I chose them online. But boy oh boy when they came I knew I’d chosen well, they were gorgeous! So much better irl. You’d love them xxx
Petite teacher
Hi Michelle. Like you I have mastered the skill of packing the minimum for the maximum use and effect when going away for a weekend. I can also do with 2 pair of shoes 🙂 I have got an additional advantage of course. I am so small that I can simply take more with me than many of my friends, just because my clothes (and especially my shoes) are so much smaller than average 🙂 I love your choice of shoes and the beautiful outfits and photos. I am sure you had a great time. Love, Lieske
MT
Hey that’s cheating! 😉
Nah only joking obvs, good for you lady xxx
Lizzy
Oooh Michelle, what fab photos. Lulu did brilliantly. Wise words too regarding the packing. I try and streamline more and more and I agree, it gets born out of necessity. I love those rose gold sneakers. I’ve been wearing sneakers of late and I love how they dress down an outfit but still look stylish. The shoes are so pretty, perfect with your vintage aesthetic. Lovely to see you looking so happy and at home. Lots of love my darling xxx
MT
Yep agree Liz, sneakers have crept into my life more & more of late. Must be all that running around we do babe 😉 Might as well look stylish running errands eh?
Annette
Lulu took these photos? I’ll hire her should Jasmin not be available 🙂
Oh yes, I know about packing… already thinking about my London trip next week and how important cmfortable yet stylish shoes are!! Both pairs look fabulous, Michelle!!
xx
Annette
MT
You have the best walking shoes Annette! Always so stylish & comfy, the perfect fit. I’m sure your London trip will be awesome, I wish I was there to catch up with you. All my best to Alena, what a proud Mama you must be 😉 xxx
Suzy Turner
I’m coveting not pairs of shoes, Michelle! They’re exactly the kind of thing that would get my attention! Love the skirt too – wow. Beautiful photos – Lulu is quite the photographer!
Hope all is fabulous with you and your family <3
Suzy xxx
http://www.suzyturner.com
MT
Thanks Suzy! xxx
Kirsty
I always plan to pack this way and then at the last minute find myself throwing my stuff into a bag. This year I promise myself I will pack my stuff first and not the kids
MT
It aint easy Kirsty, nobody gets it right every time 😉
Anita Irlen
Isn’t it great that trainers can be worn with all kinds of things these days? While I never really liked the look of most dresses with trainers, I appreciate it after a day of walking and walking… Birkenstocks too, my personal preferred “ugly shoe” can be worn with almost anything. Good tips, Michelle.
Anita
MT
Yes & yes Anita. I agree I’ve never fully fallen for the sneakers with skirt look, I do appreciate that it’s great to go there when necessity dictates without feeling like a muppet. If you know what I mean?;-)