travel | packing for the south of france

tee | cos

skirt | topshop

sandals | hush

glasses | topshop

bag | vintage

I've always feel like packing your suitcase is the start of your holiday (maybe because I do it at the last minute before jumping in the car in a mad excited panic?) 

this time though I've been really organised and I've packed days in advance. as james and I tend to take a lot of city breaks I've become really good at packing light and only taking hand luggage. even though I have a bigger luggage allowance for this trip I decided to be quite strict and only bring what I know I'll use.. 

passport holder | paperchase

diana mini | amazon 

kindle | amazon

lipsticks | mac

hoola bronzer | benefit

one thing I'm looking forward to is not worrying about liquid allowances. I'm still bringing travel size products but I can be a little more generous than usual! as the weather is expected to be nice I'm only bringing minimal make up- no foundation just bronzer and concealer along with some mascara and a few lipsticks for nights out.

I'm bringing my kindle as we'll be in the villa most days (it's so much better than bringing heavy books in your case!) and a few cameras including my diana mini and instax mini.

fedora hat | topshop

shorts | levis

bag | topshop

sandals | topshop

tee | h&m

instax camera | urban outfitters

clothing wise I've roughly used the 5-4-3-2-1 rule. I'm bringing 5 tops, 4 dresses, 3 bottoms (shorts/skirts not trousers) 2 bags/shoes and 1 hat for the week. I've always found this strategy works especially well on beach holidays.

I plan out what I'll wear for day trips and nights out in advance so I only pack what I'll need. I like to keep it simple when I'm away so I'm taking basics that all work together so I can mix and match them easily. for nights out or dinners I tend to wear dresses but they always tend to be more relaxed in style (not a dreaded body con in sight) daytime tends to be shorts/skirts and tee's with some comfy sandals and a cute summer bag.

I think I've been quite responsible with my packing this year, my only splurge is taking 7 bikinis as I like to have one for each day! 

do you keep to any rules when you pack or do you throw it all in?

back soon

caroline x