So, it’s almost the end of January, and this is my last ‘holiday post‘. Which is OK, given that I got back weeks ago…
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you probably know that I’ve been to Madeira many times. So many times, in fact, that I’ve lost count. But that’s irrelevant here. What is relevant, on the other hand, is that by now I have a pretty good idea of what to pack for our mid-winter break.
For instance, I always pack one of my ponchos. In my opinion, a poncho is a great option for outerwear: it goes with anything and it’s light as a feather (well, almost). In other words, it’s perfect for those cooler evenings.
As you know, I don’t have a special ‘travel wardrobe’; I simply wear more or less what I wear everyday. And in a relatively warm climate, this means maxi dresses, lightweight wide-leg trousers, and t-shirts.
However, our trips to Madeira (always in December) have also taught me to pack a few long-sleeved t-shirts or pullovers for the cooler evenings. And, as I noticed on our last trip, they also protect me from local wildlife, especially the blood-sucking kind…
Seriously, if there’s something like catnip for mosquitos, I’m it. If I show even a tiny bit of skin after sunset, they take it as a free-for-all, all-you-can-eat-buffet, and invite all their friends and family to join in on the fun, too. So, every evening was like a training camp for the mosquito swatting contest! (It’s actually a real thing, look it up.)
OK, moving on…
When it comes to accessories, less is more. Shoes and bags are often the heaviest and bulkiest items in the suitcase, so I don’t want to pack too many of these. In my opinion, one pair (or two, maximum) of good walking shoes is enough, and a dressier pair for more festive occasions.
And bags… Well, on holiday I like to travel light, so a small cross-body bag is the most comfortable option.
Outfit details:
poncho: Marja Kurki / t-shirt: EDC / trousers: Ril’s (old) /
shoes: Fila / bag: Marc Jacobs (old) / sunglasses: Woobs
Tiina
What are your travel wardrobe essentials?
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You look fab. Isn’t it odd how mosquitos go for a particular person, they always bite my husband to death and don’t come near me. Lise
Author
Thanks, Lise. Yes, mosquitos seem to prefer some people over others, unfortunately.
You certainly have the travel wardrobe sorted Tiina . I am the same as you and travel with the same clothing as at home. Those pesky mosquitoes.
Author
Thanks, Jill. These days whenever I buy clothes, I also think how well they travel…
I always do a small crossbody while traveling: I just have found it more practical especially with corraling the kids. I am the same with shoes, usually 2 comfy pairs that I can walk in. Love your poncho for warmth. And I agree about the mosquitos… grrr
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thanks, Mireille! A crossbody bag is so comfortable, isn’t it? And it also keeps your valuables safe from pickpockets and bag snatchers.
Tiina, I love that outfit! The colors jibe perfectly! The two sets of stripes – poncho and pants – work so well together. For me, two sets of stripes would be intimidating, but you are really showing how it’s done. Thanks for that!
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
Author
Thanks, Michelle!
Tiina, these colors are so beautiful on you. I love that poncho paired with your striped pants. You look perfectly put together and totally comfortable. And how cute are those sneakers. I am like you with those pesky mosquitoes and any other bloodsucking parasite for that matter. If a house has fleas, I will be the first to know it! As soon as dusk is upon us, no one around me needs bug repellant, because I am like the light that attracts them all. From my understanding, it is certain blood types that they are drawn to more than others. Apparently, you and I have the same blood type. Mosquitoes be damned!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thanks!
Yes, I’ve been wondering what it is these mosquitos like. I’ve read that they like type O blood in particular (that’s not my blood type, though). Whatever it is they like, I seem to have it, unfortunately…
lovely outfit and lovely poncho, I love particularly this color combo and the matchy stripes which create a subtle harmony. You look cool, comfy and gorgeous!
Totally agree that it’s better to wear a small/medium crossbody bag, comfy and safe!.
And I think that you’re right about comfy shoes, two pairs are enough, and a pair of dressy ones is enough too. I usually pick my shoes first when packing and then I build my luggage around them. Your advice on this was pretty useful when I visited Canary Islands last Winter. I packed light, only a pair of sandals and another pair of maryjanes (which were pretty useful in the cooler evenings), but wore a pair of sneakers for the travel and excursions. Really love to read about your travels!
besos
Author
Thanks,Monica!
Packing is so difficult, isn’t it? I try to pack only clothes that mix and match perfectly, but there’s always something that doesn’t seem to go with anything else yet is ‘indispensable’ for some reason… I think learning to pack light is a work-in-progress (that sounds so much better than a never-ending battle).
Such a cosy poncho and I love the purple and red together! I always pack way too much on trips – I can never resist adding things “just in case” and I need to try do that less!
Hope that you had a great weekend 🙂
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! A new link up is live on my blog now, I’d love you to join again.
Author
Thanks, Mica! I always pack way too much, too. And I always wear wear only about half of what I packed… I guess learning to pack is a work-in-progress…
I love your bag, well I always like white bags – roll on the better weather I say. Thanks for sharing on the #linkup. Jacqui
Author
Thanks, Jacqui. White bags go with anything. Or almost anything. White is a good colour for accessories, especially in summer (or in warmer climates), isn’t it?