Sunday 9 September 2012

Keep Calm About Your Carry On

I like to travel light. I don't do bulky, heavy handbags or cross-body bags - I do backpacks. They add style, personality and they're easy to carry a lot of your stuff. I'm taking a backpack with me on the ferry to Paris, so it's essential that my bag is packed well (and carefully).

Here's how I broke mine down.

Only take what you'll use/need.
So good for A/W fashion ideas.

Such good style, and interesting stories throughout, too.

SPF 30, a mirror, a pill pot and extra paracetamol (for others, I'm not seriously injured), a lighter (for meeting people), first aid cream (burns, blisters, grazes...) and a watch. One was cut off the photo, but one is gold for gold jewellery and the other is silver for my silver jewellery. 
Actually, a lighter is something you should always carry, even if you don't smoke. Having a lighter meant I got to chat to loads of people at V festival earlier in the year and it got me to the front of the crowd for The Killers and Snow Patrol - the reasons I went. It was incredible, and all down to that trusty blue lighter you see before you! 
Sunglasses are perfect if you want to sneak a snooze or you don't feel like wearing eye makeup - if you sweep some tinted lip balm you'll look made up without even trying. A nail gives you something to do on the trip and if you catch a nail there's no need to worry. A hangnail definitely ruins my mood! It's also a good conversation-starter when someone asks for one - they will! And, lastly, your purse. Mine was from Primark and was the around the five pound mark - I have my eurohealth card and my passport with me at all times. It's something to consider when choosing a purse - how many cards can you fit in, is the change/note area secure and can you fit your passport in properly? It saves a lot of hassle and panic if you can keep it on your person, even if you don't think you'll need it. 

Finally, pack as lightly as possible. Take light food that can be shoved unceremoniously into corners of your bag and doesn't leave hard-to-dispose-of mess, unlike fruit. Things like boiled sweets, mints and breakfast bars are ideal for travel. Try to avoid crisps - they're noisy and some give you bad breath. Or they stink the car out...

What are your top tips for travel? 


Accessories!

I am not a big jewellery girl. It's just never been for me. I read once that Mary-Kate Olsen is all about the bling, but Ashley doesn't wear any, and I'm kind of the same way, except there is one thing I love - rings. Big chunky in-your-face rings. I love them, but I can only wear them for so long before I get annoyed...which is the same story with necklaces (they move and twist and argh!) and bracelets (have you ever tried to write wearing a bangle? not possible.) I just can't do it. Rings, though, are easy. They dress you up without getting in the way, so to show my appreciation, here are my 'rings of the moment'. They're all coming with me to France, just in case I am asked on a date or trip to the Eiffel Tower or I feel really super boring in my work outfit. Either way is cool by me!

Oh, look, I turned into Phoebe Buffay!


From left to right -
Big turquoise stone ring - vintage.
Slim purple stone ring - vintage.
Peace ring - Topshop.
Green gem ring - Topshop.
Belt ring - vintage.
Eye ring - Topshop.



Excuse My French, But I'm In France!

Welcome to my very first post!

My name is Jasmine, I'm eighteen, and this is what I'm taking on my (working) trip to Paris, France!
Firstly, shoes. I'm taking two pairs of ballet flats just because I love their simplicity and comfort. Perfect for work, as they're easy to walk in and wear, perfect for travel because you can just slip them off and perfect for lunch and dinner, because they're just so chic and elegant. There's something lovely about the idea of walking around such a beautiful city in simple, pretty shoes.



The ballerina flats were from Primark and Lilley, both costing less than £10, and the heels are by Footglove for less than £20. I love the second pair the most - the fronts give a little extra interest that I really love in my clothes.

Jasmine Jade