Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

My Secret Holiday Packing Tip & My OOTD

So despite only being home from our summer holidays only a week & a half ago, it already seems a lifetime ago & we're already in need of another break!  Needless to say the promises I made to myself whilst reclining on a sun lounger of taking things a lot easier, trying not to be superwoman with my daily to do lists & trying to ignore the phone for half an hour of an afternoon for a power nap - have already flown out the window.....although I'm still going to try & achieve them!

One thing I will be taking with me from this year's holiday for future holidays is something that really worked for me this year & that was to just take one pieces - sundresses/jumpsuits etc for both day & evening.

Now a lot of people have commented that I seemed to take a lot of clothes away with me but I can honestly say that I think this is the lightest I have ever travelled.....hubby was certainly impressed as my pile of clothes was less than either his or our son's!  Plus of course it made deciding what to take so much easier & less time consuming as it was just a matter of choosing which dresses/jumpsuits as opposed to choosing bottoms & then having to decide which tops could be worn with each skirt/pair of trousers etc.  

Also my other packing tip from this holiday is to mainly take neutral clothing - blacks, creams, navys etc & mix with metallics, stud detailing & splashes of colour in the form of shoes, bags & jewellery.

So here's a list of what made it into my suitcase & before you say it I will fully admit I could have done without at least 2 of the dresses I took for evening but because they took up so little room they were easy to slip in!


5 x day dresses
6 x pool dresses
5 x bikinis
1 x pool flip flops
1 x panama hat
1 x jumpsuit
7 x evening dresses
4 x sandals
3 x evening bags
1 x wide studded elasticated belt
Assortment of necklaces & bracelets




























Of course the added bonus of packing (relatively) light is that it you have less washing when you get home & more importantly room in the suitcase for that all important holiday shopping!  Well it would be rude not to wouldn't it ;-)  Needless to say I full took advantage of the super savings you can make when shopping in Spain at Zara (the spoils of which I'll share with you in another post) but I also managed to purchase a few unique finds in the local boutiques to, as it's always nice to accessories with a few one off additional that aren't available back home.




Any guesses what colour I'm going with for accessorising for autumn?!!!

Finally here's what I'm wearing for a quiet Sunday.




Shirt - Zara
Bracelet - 
Jeans - Zara
Ballet Pumps - bought in Majorca


Classics With A Spot Of Hot Pink


Shirt - Next £36
Bracelet - Gemini-Woman £23
Jeans - Zara £39.99
Ballet Pumps - Next £22


So what do you think did I pack lightly or did I take far too many pieces?  Perhaps you have a packing tip that you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear how you approach packing & any tips you use for helping choose what to take.

See you in the morning.

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18 comments

  1. Love seeing your holiday outfits, Jane. Great packing! I always take too much though I was better this year (in fact I had to buy more while I was there because it was chilly!). Lynne xx

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    1. Thanks Lynne, it's so hard deciding what to take isn't it. Although if you have to make the odd purchase due to weather changes it's a great reason *excuse* ;-)
      Jane xx

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  2. I am just packing for my hols now and I agree with you, dresses are the way to go! I did this last year and found I took far less than usual and it was so easy to decide what to wear in the evening, I just picked the next dress! I'm taking some chunky necklaces, bangles and bracelets to jazz a few plainer items up too. Thanks for sharing your outfits. x

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    1. Ooh you lucky thing about to go off on your hols, I'm so envious! Have a fab time.
      Jane xx

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  3. Wow I'm very impressed with how little you bought yet maintaining a beautiful style, but no shorts or vest tops how did you do it?

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    1. Hi Kerry, I actually didn't miss not having separates at all & was so easy just grabbing a dress. I shall definitely be repeating this next year.
      Jane xx

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  4. I think you took exactly the right amount, and some gorgeous outfits, you look stunning in the jumpsuit and I love all the pics with you in the hat - you look super relaxed!
    Abbi x

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    1. Aww thanks Abbi....I reckon I could fine tune it a little for next year but I shall definitely use my list as the starting point.
      Jane xx

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  5. I love the way you have it all so finely tuned, I always start out that way and then keep squeezing in a little bit extra!! Helen xx

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    1. Lol Helen, my incentive is to allow plenty of room for holiday purchases ;-)
      Jane xx

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  6. I'm with you on this Jane! I took dresses for the evenings to go with a choice of 2 pairs of shoes to go with. I took some separates for days but I think you are right....day dresses for breakfast are the way to go!! The less you take the easier it is!! Love your purchases and can't wait to see what you got in Zara xx

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    1. Yup it's definitely the way forward isn't it Michelle, so much easier & less hassle too!
      Jane xx

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  7. Hi Jane, I have been following you all summer and although I haven't commented for a while, I have enjoyed your posts enormously. I love the way you accessorise and the pops of pink are always perfectly pitched. However, the way you inspire me best is when you are dressed casually - as per your photo of the white shirt and jeans combo yesterday. You just look so effortlessly chic - which is what I aspire to! Keep the pics and wise words coming please! Imogen xx

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    1. Hi Imogen wow thank you sooo much for your lovely words. You've made me incredibly happy so thank you :-)
      Glad you're enjoying my posts.
      Jane xx

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  8. Absolutely fab outfits - its sensible to spend the time working out outfits before you go and matching sandals, jewellery etc. Well done.

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    1. Hi & thank you :-) If it means less washing when we get home I'm always happy to spend a bit longer on the packing!!!
      Jane xx

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  9. You look so gorgeous, stylished & super relaxed on holiday Jane! Lovely photos! In taking one pieces you cut back on the baggage space & saved room for new goodies! I love the scarf! Ax

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    1. Yes it seems to have worked a treat Andrea & I'll definitely be doing this again next year!
      Jane xx

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