What I’ve Packed For My European Summer Holiday

An itemised list.

I’m currently writing this newsletter from my apartment in Lisbon, Portugal, where I am already four cities into my European holiday. I’m usually one of those people who shops a lot before a trip and ends up with such a full suitcase that I can’t shop on my holiday. Regretfully. This time around, I’ve only packed things that I truly love to wear and so I’ve left lots of room for purchases. Funnily enough, I haven’t been in the mood for shopping. I think I’ve only bought one thing so far – a Zara top I’m wearing in the picture below.

My only purchase so far is this cream Zara top which I bought in London. I’ve been wearing it so much. It was 30 pounds.

I know I haven’t had much personal news on here in a while, so I thought I’d share what I’ve packed on this trip (the things I am actually wearing!) and some photos from the holiday so far. And so far, it’s been so much fun. I loved returning to London, where I lived 13 years ago and where my dear high school friend Miranda still lives. I got to stay with her in her very quaint village just outside of London and I’m looking forward to returning there in August. After that, I boarded the train to Paris, where I saw Beyoncé (Cowboy Carter! Incredible!) and strolled around the city looking in every book store. I’ve just left San Sebastián, where I fell in love with the pintxos and 1 euro glasses of vino – now I’m in Lisbon which is already one of my favourite European cities I’ve visited.

Next stop: Porto, Portugal.

My European Holiday Packing List

1. Hyde & Stone Classic Shirt in latte. I don’t think I go on holidays without it. This is a perfect cut, made of crisp cotton and goes with everything. I have it in three colours (black, white, latte).

2. Nagnata Shorts & Bralette in black. I love to work out when travelling as I find it helps with fatigue and makes me feel great, even if it’s only for 10 minutes a day. I use Fluidform At Home when on holidays and will work through one of their challenges. Usually, the workout is only about 25 minutes long so it’s easy to fit into my mornings. I usually meditate for 20 mins, then work out for 20 mins, then get ready for the day. I’ve been wearing this Nagnata set to work out in the hotel but also the shorts are good with an oversized T-shirt for a day of sight-seeing. I’ve also packed one of their black wool bodysuits (similar here) which is nice under cotton trousers.

3. Marle Relaxed Jean Shorts in heritage blue. Great colour and super comfortable. I’ve been wearing them with a white Uniqlo T-shirt and Matteau Everyday belt.

4. Elena Ferrante Neapolitan Novels. This is what I’m currently reading – perfect for a European holiday.

5. Two swimsuits. My classic black Matteau maillot and a Maggie Marilyn checked/striped navy one-piece which I love.

6. Two Deiji Studios cotton tops. These are so easy to wear! I have this one in black and I think they’ve sold out of the one I have in white but I like this one too!

Deiji Studios cotton top, Venroy trousers and A.Emery shoes (plus carrying my Rylan handbag).

7. Monos Metro Tote in Mahogany. This is my carry-on bag and it fits everything. I love the laptop pocket inside and secret spot for my water bottle. So well designed.

8. Then I’ve brought with me this Rylan tote. This is my everyday bag – fits a lot and feels safe tucked under my arm.

9. Beare Park cap. Of course.

10. Yolk SPF. On the topic of sun safety.. smells like vanilla and coconut and it’s SPF50.

11. Harris Tapper Gisbon T-shirt in black and white. These T-shirts are oversized so I love them with a pair of linen trousers for an easy daytime look.

12. A.Emery sandals. Any pair! Comfortable and you can walk for miles and miles in them.

13. Merit Shade Slick in Pointelle. This lip balm is the perfect nudey pink and great for day as well as night.

14. Kye Recline Pant & Shell. I love Kye Intimates and its range of chic basics. I wore these super soft pants on the plane and have also been wearing the set in the (over)air-conditioned apartments I’ve been staying in.

15. DMY Studios sunglasses. I have this style and adore them – I’m wearing them in the picture below.

Okay, I think that’s it. I was starting to list all of the beauty products I’ve packed but that might get quite long, so maybe I’ll do a separate, similar newsletter on the skincare/makeup/haircare etc I’ve packed and why.

Didn’t include this outfit in the list because I bought both pieces off my friend Helen at the Kirribilli Markets and I would have no clue how to find links. Skirt is Munthe and top is InWear.