That holiday feeling – FM Magazine Feature

First of all I would like to say Thank you to FM Magazine for welcoming me on board as a guest blogger for their June issue. It was exciting to prepare the shoot for your feature! xxx

For these fashion looks, I have teamed up with Armani Jeans at The Point shopping complex to bring you some spring/summer 2016 collection looks ideal both for travelling or simply for getting into that holiday feeling here in Malta this season! We shot these looks at the Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay.

How to pack like a pro when travelling

Although we live in Malta, a country that is a beautiful holiday destination in the Mediterranean, all-year round, we all love a vacation. It gives us something exciting to look forward to, an escape from the norm. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on your state of mind), we need to pack our luggages to take with us the essentials, the gadgets plus some favourite clothing items to wear.

1. Travel Light

How many times do we say it? You feel different on holiday and being comfortable and feeling special are what’s important; concentrate on items that help you do this. Place all the things on your bed and then cut your selection in half. Yes! Remember how many times you take clothing or that extra pair of shoes that you never wear.

2. Think where and what

Consider where you are travelling and all the things you might be doing (swimming? Sightseeing? Cycling? romantic dinners?) Then put your favourite items for these experiences on your bed in separate piles – dresses, tops, shoes, equipment, jackets/coverups, swimwear. Anything that doesn’t have a specific use does not need to come on holiday without you.

3 Colour code your clothes

Look at everything and choose a common ground with colours that will match with each other. Thinking by colour codes makes your choices even simpler. What you are doing here is ensuring everything works well and that you don’t lose precious space from things you will definitely find useful.

4. Accessorise

Jewellery and accessories will liven up your outfits but it is not advisable to take anything too valuable especially in places that are known for pick-pocketing.

5. Limit the number of shoes

I admit to be guilty in stocking up on shoes to match every outfit and then end up with a very heavy luggage at departure! Remember that shoes will increase your weight allowance more than clothing so try your best to stick to a bare minimum number of shoes that match more than one outfit.

6. Slip in a few scarves

Scarves add very little to your load and will multi-task on holiday. Use as a sarong as a pop of colour, for the beach, as a cover up over a bikini, on your head turban-style to protect hair during serious sun bathing and, of course around your neck to protect shoulders from sun during lunchtime or at night if the weather is a little chilly.

7. Take more than one bikini to a beach holiday

If you are off to a beach holiday, you do not want all your photos and selfies to be showing the same bikini so please take two or three with you as they are the lightest item you can take.

8. Jacket too

For a smarter look when sightseeing or shopping in the city, take a lightweight jacket and co-ordinating trousers and/or skirt – try white or a flattering pastel colour. A denim jacket is another good idea that will work with everything from your evening dress, skirts, trousers or even your sarong.