The Summer Holiday Packing Post

Style Theory: Possibly one of my worst jobs...packing. I tend to put it off until the last minute as I never know what to take on summer holidays and always, always overpack (for me and the kids..the Husband takes near to nothing!) I am always worried that I will not include that one top or one pair of shoes that I 'need', that would be perfect and just make my summer wardrobe 'work'. Well, times have had to change (mainly due to Easyjet's..we fly cheap...teeny case weight allowance) and the fact we take 2 cases between the four of us (plus two trunki's..possibly the worst idea we have ever had) so now I have to pack smarter, less clothes, less shoes and leave all those things that I just 'might' wear.

So here it is, my entire holiday outfits for two weeks...

SWIMWEAR

This is my most important item/s of clothing to get right as we spend most of the holiday by the pool or on the beach running after the kids, dipping in and out of the sea or pool (looking more Godzilla than Halle Berry) so comfort, support and most of all swimwear that is as flattering as possible is a must. I will be taking one swimsuit and two (maybe three bikinis) this year. These are from CocoBay and after trying on hundreds of bikini and swimsuits these are stunning pieces and were actually flattering (a miracle!!):

Swimsuit c/o - CocoBay Seafolly Mod Swimsuit £66.50

Bikini c/o - CocoBay Aquaclara top £95 Pant £68 *
Lace Cover Up Top - Spain
Shorts - See below
Sandals - Mango (still avail in some stores)
Bracelets - Black and Sigi Hemmingway Bangle £29

T-Shirt Top - Mango £9.99
Vest Tops - H&M
Bikini c/o - Coco Bay Bandwave Bikini Top £56 Bottoms £39 *
Sandals: As above
Sunglasses - Asos 

*20% off all full priced CocoBay swimwear with the code SCHOOLRUN20 this will be valid until the end of August

DAYTIME

I would love to say I have a magic formula to packing, but unfortunately I don't. For daytime I like my shorts and tops to work with the swimwear underneath, some slight coordination there ..with daytime dresses this is not so important as the swimwear is covered. After years and years of having a patterned beach bag I now always keep it quite plain, an oversize straw basket bag fits the bill perfectly and is also used as my airport bag...

Tops from top:
Black - Mango (last year)
White - Mango (last year)
Pattern  - Mango (last year)
Cold Shoulder top: Vila (last year)
Vest top - Next

Shorts: Gap darker wash here £17.99
Levis 501 - Urban Outfitters £36
Short denim shorts - River Island similar here
Beige linen shorts - Topshop similar here
Black Strappy Sandals - Mango £19 (in store)
Sandals - Palmairas £42

 DAYTIME - SIGHTSEEING 

Stripe Top - Asos £14
Top: Zara £22.99
Skorts: Zara (old season)
Shorts: As above
Shoes: H&M (sold out)

Sunglasses: Rayban Wayfarers £125
Bangle : Black and Sigi  £33
Ring: Black and Sigi £19

DAYTIME BEACH DRESSES

These are easy to fling over a bikini in a flash, useful when a child announces they are desperate for the toilet on the beach and can't wait. They also take you from the beach straight to a restaurant for dinner without looking too underdressed.

Dress Left - Topshop (past season)
Dress Right - Topshop (avail in store)
Left sandals - Next £24

EVENING DRESSES

For me, this year it is all about the dress (plus I have just slipped in one black jumpsuit..just incase!) Dresses mean minimal fuss, I always buy them fairly loose fitting so they are comfortable, not too hot and can be dressed up with heels or if I am walking far they look fab with flats.

Lace Dress - Zara £29.99 (currently in store)
Bag: Aurora London Willow Bag £59.50
Bracelet - Gold Meridian Bangle £35
Shoes - As above

Dress: &Other Stories now £27
Rest: As above

Dress: &Other Stories last year
Sandals: H&M last year

Dress - Zara £25.99
Accessories - As above

I love this dress, it is a real stand out piece in my case, the fabric is a little thick and I have been warned by my sister it is incredibly hot in Spain at the moment but I am going to take it anyway as I love it!

So there is my packing list in photos...hopefully it all works together, so far the cases look ok still beach towels and toiletries to go in (eek) follow me on Instagram @Schoolrunmum to see my daily outfit updates and other holiday snaps...

I am hoping to pick up a bright large clutch or bag in Spain to brighten up my black dresses, but if not I am happy to go all black, I quite like it when I have a light tan (in the last two days!) 

How do you pack, do you have tried and tested methods, I would love love to hear them, would love any tips...

I will not be blogging over the next couple of weeks so I'll catch up with you in a few weeks, in the meantime come join me on Insta (@Schoolrunmum)

Happy holidays, Frances xxxx 

Dreaming of Summer.....

ph Las Calles de Barcelona

Style Theory: The days are getting longer, the sun has shown it's face after months of hiding away behind heavy, grey clouds and now my attentions are turning towards summer and beachy holidays. I long to lay on the beach - ok in reality, chase kids/ build sandcastles/ remove unwanted sand from their feet/be made to jump (not a nice sight) over every wave that hits the beach - in order to do this with some sort of confidence I love a beautiful bikini or swimsuit. I normally start looking about now, that initial trying on session is horrendous but makes me realise that in less than 3 months I will be faced with the reality of strutting my stuff down to the sea edge in a bikini. To soften the blow of an unworked out, rather out of shape Mum of two in stepped Coco Bay Beachwear, the answer to my swimwear worries....

Coco Bay - Seafolly Miami Stripe Neon Bikini Top from £53 Bottoms from £38
Coco Bay - Seafolly Soundwave Drummer Kaftan £53
Coco Bay - Bulaggi Pineapple Beach Bag £40
Coco Bay - Hipanema Amor Bracelet £70

I have long been a fan of Seafolly swimwear it is cut beautifully and is incredibly flattering, it is also substantial enough to withstand toddlers tugging on it and stays up whilst grappling with them in the sea! Although it is slightly more expensive than some other high street own brands, they really do last, the colour does not fade and I have had mine for quite a few years. When the bikini above arrived I let out a little gasp of delight (genuinely) the colour is stunning, like a tropical sunset and the cut perfect for me.

I wanted an easy cover up to throw over me with ease so when a child declares they need the toilet I am there in a flash and thank goodness not walking up to the cafes in my bikini. I love the bright edges of the throw and the white base, it will look fab with cut off denim shorts and tan strappy sandals for long lazy lunches. I also always need a huge beach bag that can carry at least two towels and as much other stuff I can pack in it (spades, buckets, beach hats, extra kids clothes....) this Bulaggi Pineapple bag is perfect.

Coco Bay - Seafolly Miami Stripe Neon Bikini Top from £53 Bottoms from £38
Coco Bay - Seafolly Soundwave Drummer Kaftan £53
Coco Bay - Bulaggi Pineapple Beach Bag £40
Coco Bay - Hipanema Amor Bracelet £70

There were so many beautiful bikinis and swimsuits to choose from on the Coco Bay Beachwear website I was spoilt for choice. Here are a selection of my favourites and they also have D/DD/E/F Cup swimwear in beautiful styles and colours..

Seafolly Miami Neon Melon Bikini - Tops from £53 Bottoms from £38Seafolly Miami Neon Melon Swimsuit £94

These neon colours are so flattering against any colour of skin, they take the edge away from a paler skin like mine and make it look a little less bright white. The bikini tops and swimsuit come with a detachable strap so you secure when diving in the waves...

Banana Moon Victoriane Bikini (left) - Top: £38 Bottoms: £38

Banana Moon is another favourite swimwear brand, I used to buy it from a little shop on the seafront in Spain now you can buy and try before you go on holiday. The boho pattern of this bikini is perfect for this years boho trend. The swimsuit is ruched in all the right places for a flattering effect and I always find navy a softer, kinder, more flattering colour against the skin.

Here are my are selection of my favourite pieces of swimwear for D-F cup on Coco Bay..

Top Left Seafolly Soundwave Bikini top from £58 Bottoms from £39
Bottom Left Seafolly Goddess Lapis Bikini top from £21 Bottoms from £27
Swimsuit Baku St Martins £99

Beautifully flattering and gorgeous colours, with lots of options to mix and match different shaped tops with different bottoms to ensure you buy the right bikini for your shape.

Coco Bay also has a fab range of beach clothing (love the boho top) and bags and accessories, well worth a cyber visit!

Do you buy your swimwear early or do you wait until the last minute, are you like me and need a short sharp shock of seeing yourself in a bikini to get moving? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances