Why is it I am so good at telling and showing my clients how to do something, but actually undertaking it for myself is an entirely different matter?!
Packing lightly seems to be one of those “things” I’m not so good at doing myself.
I teach my clients what to pack and how to pack (I’ve been round at a client’s house at 10pm before packing her suitcase!) however if I’m away for a couple of nights I like to take what seems to be a rather extensive collection of clothes, shoes, makeup and toiletries. A couple of coats, hat and of course that all important underwear (like I change my bra 3 times a day?!)
Why do I turn into a walking John Lewis? If it’s somewhere I’ve not been before, how do I know what the style and code of clothing is? I like to look the part you see (This is the girl that bought a very expensive tweed jacket for an hour’s clay pigeon shooting lesson! Yep!) It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, however is it a glam getaway? Will it be rather swanky or will I be walking for miles in the freezing cold? Panic starts to set in, that’s the trouble with my job. If asked what I do for a living I find it hard to answer if I’m wearing my comfy jeans, UGGS and a simple sweater. I fear they will look at me in shock horror. However I am this girl, don’t get me wrong I love a bit of glam but when I’m off duty it’s generally casual and definitely doesn’t involve red soles!
So it was time to put my skills to the test, a two night stay at the George in Stamford for Christmas with my mum. I’ve been to the George on many occasion so I know what to expect which is a good start. It’s got a smart casual vibe but it is Christmas so I’m thinking about glamming it up a bit and packing those red soles!
And so it begins… the outfit planning.
Travelling and arrival outfit – Black J Brand skinnies, H&M check shirt, over the knee black suede boots, Chloe camel coat, camel Mu Du fedora.
Christmas Eve outfit – Matthew Williamson long dress, Jimmy Choo heels and clutch
Christmas Day outfit (suitable for breakfast, church, lunch and dinner) – H&M Jumper dress with black opaque tights and over the knee boots (worn to travel in)
Boxing Day outfit- Black J Brand skinnies (I wore to travel in) All Saints vest, J Crew Jumper, over the knee boots and Chloe camel coat (both previously worn)
Total of 11 items plus 4 pairs of nickers, 2 bras, makeup, toiletries and hair straighteners… and all of this needs to fit in my Samsonite firelite which apparently holds 35L (unfortunately my clothes don’t come in liquid form).
The actual case is brilliant, it weighs just 1.95kg and has spinner wheels so it’s incredibly easy to pull or push along. I chose the off white as I thought it looked really stylish. It’s incredibly practical as it also meets the IATA recommendations for cabin baggage. Which is great for a short haul flight when you don’t want to pay an extra £50 on luggage thank you very much! It also comes with a limited 10 year global warranty, what’s not to love?
Never in a million years did I think I would fit in all my stuff, low and behold (with a little re-shuffling) my suitcase was packed ready for Christmas! Cue proud as punch face.
The tip is to be organised, plan and prepare your outfits before you go. Think about what can be mixed and matched so you don’t have to take as much. Wear the bulkiest heaviest pieces to travel in and have a go at packing your case a couple of days before if you can. Check your hotel room has a hair dryer (these take up lots of space) get travel sizes of all your favourite products and don’t take your entire collection of makeup. Just so you can fit in that extra pair of shoes you never wear :o)
The Samsonsite Firelite case is available from Cellini in Leicester priced at £249 my clients get an exclusive 10% discount, its definitely got the Cleo seal of approval. www.celliniluggageandleather.co.uk
