Ever since I attempted to give myself a little bit of time off of work, weekends actually have become a bit of a thing. As in, I recognise I shouldn't work from 6am - 10pm and I should probably schedule some down time for Netflix and takeaways and more Netflix and some shopping (followed by some more Netflix, obvs.. ). And with the arrival of this newly discovered weekend thing - who knew that they could be so exciting, I finally get the Friday feeling - comes the possibility of weekend getaways.
Now, as a girl who's never really comfortable in one place and is desperate to see the world, I do love to get away on holiday, but the thought of being away from work for a week freaks the living daylights out of me (I seriously need to learn how to live don't I?) so weekend getaways are my saviour, and with the Easter Weekend fast approaching i.e the perfect time to book a trip as your other half/friend/family member/[insert your own holiday partner in crime here] is most likely off of work too, I thought I'd put together a list of my weekend getaway essentials - whether it's a beach or city break - to give you a little help in the packing department.
And also remind myself that I don't need 50 identical shades of lipstick and 10 outfit changes for a 2 - 3 day trip...
Now, obviously you aren't just going to wear one outfit for the entire trip, but this look is not only an absolute favourite of mine, but it consists of items that can be paired with so many different looks and worn in lots of different ways meaning it's the perfect versatile combination.
Starting with the Red Herring chambray shirt dress which I am absolutely obsessed with. I have always been a denim shirt dress fan but this definitely gives you that extra somethin somethin. For starters it has a slightly more relaxed cut and a lighter material meaning that not only does it work amazingly walking around the city with a pair of trainers and comfy shoes, or for an evening out paired with a pair of killer shoes - showcased here - and a slick of lippy to amp things up, but it also works perfectly over the top of a bikini for those days when the sun gets a little too much. I also personally love this dress with a pair of tights and boots for the chillier weather making this absolute dream of a dress a total quadruple threat.
Doesn't quite have the same ring as a triple threat but you know, you get the picture...
Now, depending on whether you have a beach or city trip, there a whole load of shoes that you should probably be packing just in case. Trainers, flip flops and a comfortable but chic flat goes without saying but one shoe that I've found I really can't do without, is the dressy but comfortable heeled sandal and these Red Herring Black suedette mid-heeled sandals are a pair that I generally don't know what I did without. For me, these are absolutely perfect for beautiful dinners out, smart lunches in town or if you're a glam beach kinda (I really am not, gimme all the flip flops, no makeup and comfortable clothing please). Basically, they're a beautifully well made pair of low heeled sandals that work for so many occasions.
The bag. Now, obviously this bag isn't my overnight/weekend bag because I couldn't even fit in clothes for a day, let alone my 20 options for a 2 day trip attire. But this Call It Spring Black 'Gillyflower' grab handles for me is the perfect weekend getaway bag as it's big enough to hold your camera - a total trip essential - purse, a bottle of water, sunnies, 20 identical pink lipsticks that are of course always a necessity [insert sarcastic smile/"no but seriously, we all do it right?" emojis here] and everything that you need on a day to day basis. It's also just bloody beautiful. I absolutely adore the trapeze style and structure, and the mix of monochrome block colour and stripes just adds to the holiday feel I personally think. Maybe it's the nautical vibes, or maybe it's because the Easter weekend is fast approaching and all I can think about it mini eggs and trips away.
Sunglasses are an essential that need no explanation. They look chic, they're going to protect your eyes if you're in a warm climate, and protect your under eye circles no matter what the climate. These beautiful Red Herring Light brown cat eye sunglasses glasses are the perfect option as the subtle cat eye suits almost every face shape whilst the tortoiseshell colouring is very soft and wearable.
The minimal makeup menu. If I'm being totally honest with you, I rarely wear makeup on a beach holiday because I'd much rather be comfortable and not worry about wiping mascara all over my face when topping up my sunscreen. But there's no doubt that it definitely makes me feel more confident - I hate that that's the case but unfortunately it is - which is why my minimal makeup bag comes with me on every trip; city or beach. I always have some form of coverage but opt for a light, healthy glow on a getaway which means that the only option for this has to be the Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Foundation. This is the most beautiful foundation, with a really luxurious feel and finish to the skin and is also pretty long lasting too which is exactly what you need when you're on the beach or out exploring. My next absolute necessity is a good concealer and I adore the Mac Pro Longwear concealer which lasts all day long, has fantastic coverage and is also pretty waterproof too (I know this after watching the Notebook and crying away every scrap of makeup but my concealer). I personally look half asleep without mascara so the Benefit Rollerlash mascara comes out to play as it's the most lengthening, curling, stunning mascara that really gives those fluttery Bambi lashes that we all dream of. Finally my last makeup essential would be a nourishing but pretty lip product and for this, there is no other option than the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. So incredibly moisturising, extremely glossy giving you that fresh, chic feel, with a beautiful selection of colours too. My personal favourite is number 01 which is a pretty pink that goes with all makeup looks. Finally, I always like to throw in a bright, glossy lip for the evenings when you want to subtly up the ante with your makeup without being too high maintenance. My absolute favourite bright lip of late is the Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick which is the most stunningly raspberry pink, glossy lipstick which is so nourishing and really brightens the face. Plus, did I mention that it smells absolutely gorgeous? [insert heart eye'd emoji's here].
Skincare on the go - There is nothing worse than rooting through your skincare drawer trying to find products that are small enough to fit in your travel bag which is why I couldn't recommend mini's, or ever better, travel skincare sets enough. Now, I have this one from Clarins and I have to say, I am utterly obsessed with it as it contains everything I need. From the Clarins Beauty flash balm which is a gorgeous moisturiser, to the cult classic Instant eye makeup remover. From the Clarins Blue Orchid treatment oil facial oil which might just be one of my all time favourite skincare items to the Light comfort lip oil to keep your lips silky smooth and protected, this set covers all face and body bases and fits easily into my bag. I did also put it another skincare item as I'm pretty sure my skin would have a bitch fit if it went a day without the Guerlain Midnight secret late night recovery treatment which is genuinely one of the most amazing overnight treatments I've ever used leaving my skin more plump, fresh looking and with visibly clearer pores. It quite literally cheats an 8 hour sleep and I am all about that. Love! Finally, part skincare, part skin protection, part saviour... the Clinique SPF Face cream comes absolutely everywhere with me as it is quite simply the best SPF face cream I've ever tried. It protects your skin wonderfully without feeling like you've got sticky, thick sun cream all over you. I actually wear it under makeup on sunny days in the UK anyway so it's perfect for a weekend getaway no matter what the destination.
Fragrance for me always evokes a certain memory, it's one of the things that I love the most about it. So I usually take a different scent away with me every time and this time I opted for Jimmy Choo which is the most stunning fruity floral scent inspired by the modern woman; strong, empowered, beautiful and seductive... who doesn't want to feel all of those things on a getaway? Also, how ridiculously pretty is the bottle? Yep, enough said...
So those are my main fashion and beauty essentials for a weekend getaway. Of course, things like a good book, magazine, camera, bikini etc. also go without saying but I thought you might appreciate having a sneak peek into my "travel wardrobe/bathroom" as such.
I would love to know what your weekend getaway essentials are? Do you have any plans for the Easter weekend? I always love to hear your thoughts :)
As always, thanks so much for reading!
xx
*This post was created in collaboration with Debenhams. All thoughts and love of denim dresses and skincare that makes me look awake, my own.
Labels: Fashion, Lifestyle
