Monday 28 March 2011

Sent Packing!



At last I've got round to starting to pack my Goa bag today. I hate choosing holiday clothes and find it so hard to whittle down my enormous wardrobe into a tiny canvas bag.
Rather than selecting individual items I plan the entire outfit and pack them together, no chance then of forgetting a pair of earrings or the right belt. The house where we stay only has a tiny mirror over the sink and it's essential to get the outfit right at home as I have no idea of what I look like when I'm there.

1970's polyester maxi dress (20p from a jumble sale) worn with a handmade hair flower, a choker bought from a Lamani gypsy in Karnataka and heaps of bangles.
I usually take five dresses for a three week trip and as they are mostly synthetic they can washed and dried outside within a couple of hours. My hair is worn up in a topknot during the day and either covered with a scarf or decorated with a flower clip and it's left loose and tousled at night.

Vintage cheesecloth sundress (Courtesy of my darling Helga), Tooled leather bag (Car boot sale), Embellished leather thong sandals (Street market, Tamil Nadu), Vintage Ted Lapidus sunglasses (Acorns Hospice)

My beach bag doubles as my hold baggage. I travel in closed-in footwear and change into sandals when I land. I learnt my lesson a few years ago when we changed planes in Paris and I had to walk through 7 inches of snow in flip flops after disembarking from the Mumbai flight. Never again.


Vintage ethnic print sundress (£3.95 YMCA) worn with a suede Country Casuals belt (50p Age Concern) and heaps of ethnic and vintage jewellery
We take two bags with us and put half our clothes in each, that way if a bag gets lost in transit we still have our own clothes to wear.
Vintage St Michael Bri-Nylon nightdress (Charity stall on flea market £1) worn with a 1970's denim waistcoat and a bronze headband (Boots' The Chemist 99p bargain bin)
I never buy new clothes for my travels, everything's old and well-loved and most of it has been to India many times.  I try everything on first to ensure that it still fits and requires no running repairs. I've spent a couple of hours today sewing over the hems, replacing old elastic and taking in seams.I don't want to be wasting valuable holiday time stitching.

Vintage Berketex maxi and matching scarf (eBay 99p) worn with huge hoop earrings (courtesy of the divine Helga) and my gorgeous Swedish Hasbeen clogs (Courtesy of the beautiful Sarah Misfit)
So that's the dresses sorted, it's separates, toiletries and books next.

70 comments:

  1. I love all the outfits. They make me want to go on holiday myself.

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  2. Love it! Have a wonderful trip xx

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  3. I love all your travel ensembles, but I especially covet your tooled leather toe ring sandals! And I'm insanely envious that you will be airing your pretty tootsies in paradise!!

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  4. oh how lovely, I love planning holiday clothes! I never buy new either - well new to me! - but I always have marathon sewing sessions before a holiday, tweeking, fixing and making new things from fabric I already have. I get excited even thinking about it!

    That is great planning 5 dresses for 3 weeks, it's the shoes I have a problem with, I always want to take them ALL!

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  5. Love the purple dress.. super cute!
    Have a good trip ;)
    *Ah! And don’t forget to enter the Vagabond Van Giveaway on my blog. You can win a beautiful scarf and an earring of your choice. Good luck!!

    Peace & Love
    www.foreverboho.com

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  6. Love the green and the cheesecloth dresses, I can only imagine how long it must take for you to choose from your wardrobe! xxx

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  7. Fab outfits Vix, great idea to plan the whole outfit. I love the green dress and the last one its so bright and cheerful.
    Dx

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  8. All your looks are amazing but it's the first one that I love the most! Last nite The Amazing Race travelled from China to India. They were in a few cities but the only one that sticks in my mind is Calcutta. Naturally, thoughts turned to you and Goa. xo, Bonnie

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  9. Lovely outfits and I love your denim waistcoat xx

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  10. Great capsule wardrobe, I'm coveting all your dresses and your impending holiday! x

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  11. I am soooooooooooo glad for you,but I will miss you, and your daily thrill a lot.
    I love the first dress cinch with that waistcoat, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Fantastic.
    I always travel light to buy abroad.
    Much love and besos.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  12. Hi Vix
    Love the tips on packing-losing a bag would be my worst nightmare so it's handy actually if Adrian and I used half a bag each for our hols-then no 'nothing to wear' dramas! Love the idea of packing 'outfits' as well-the times I've put something on and thought, ooh, such and such would look great with this-only to realise it is languishing at home!!
    Did a bit of charity shopping today-found a gorgeous pair of Karen Millen jeans, thought of you!!
    xoxo Amie xoxo
    www.creditcrunchchic.blogspot.com

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  13. I didn't realize my Vix crush could get worse, but seeing you rock serious holiday style in these wonderful frocks has my fashion heart-a- hearting. I love the incredible ease these dresses have and the wonderful, colorful style.

    Your travel/packing tips will be invalable the day I get to plan my dream to England and meet up with my favorite UK bloggers. lol. <3
    -Bella Q
    the Citizen Rosebud

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  14. You're so organised! But you're right, it does make sense to plan all your outfits in advance to avoid that last minute panic. As usual, you'll be rocking a very covetable wardrobe of vintage lovelies - my favourite? the St Michael nightie and denim waistcoat. Super gorgeous xxx

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  15. Lovely dresses - will miss your blog and look forward to your return!!! Love the night dress as a dress!!! Enjoy enjoy enjoy!! Will be practically festival season when you get back!!!

    Eeek xx

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  16. Good packing advice! I'll have to try that.

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  17. those last 2 are particularly good, I can't believe I'm coming around to 70s fashions, its all down to you and Miss Peelpants.

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  18. I wish I could go ANYWHERE. I need a vacay, man.

    The outfits are great. I love you dearly.

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  19. Hi my dear-a perfect selection of stunning dresses, a really fabulous choice and thanks for the packing tips too-not long now, you lucky girl!! xxx

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  20. They all look lovely. You will look great whilst enjoying the sun.

    Very jealous.

    X x

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  21. I'm dreading going back to the office tomorrow, and wish I was looking forward to going to India too. You seem impeccably organised. My favourite dress is the Berkertex one, I love the colours in it. It's going to be such fun! xxx

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  22. oo how exciting.. i never pack until the last minute but never forget anything .. reckon i must be a genius at it!!.
    lovein all the outfits that your'e taking.. thats a great idea packing each outfit as a whole.. and also putting it into two bags

    love the last dress its so bright and summery
    charl
    x

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  23. All the outfit are lovely, I really like the last one with the matching head scarf, oooh you must be getting so excited now!! x

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  24. I love your blog - not many blogs feature words such as "bri-nylon"!!!

    You work hard to make travelling look easy and hassle-free - a great idea to pack whole outfits. I always, always take too much and only wear a quarter of it.

    Have a fabulous time - looking forward to seeing what jewellery you bring back! x

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  25. I have to pack for a trip this week, though not to anywhere hot!

    Pre-planned outfits is a good idea actually, thanks for that!

    And nice choices.

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  26. Your organisation skills are fabulous, I bet you are getting a bit fluttery in the tummy as it's creeping closer! I love your trusty denim waistcoat it works really well in loads of different outfits.
    Kandi x

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  27. LOVE that nightie and denim waistcoat combo- they are all wonderful but I think that's my fave!

    I've been caught out by the temperature-change when flying before too! And I'm a stickler for weather-apropriate usually.

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  28. O my word,you put my packing skilss to shame!! Not that I have any! My bag for Sydney has stuff just thrown in...I always change my mind and take stuff out,only to put it back in,or 3 other things!! You must be the most gorgeous thing in India from the moment you arrive,bedecked in all your finery!I shall miss you so,and am not sure I'll be able to chat before you go...gotta manage it somehow! EEK!Love you MADLY!!! Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  29. Such lovely dresses. Packing half and half in each bag is a genius idea - losing a bag could ruin a holiday. xx

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  30. Vix, I also pack my entire outfit when I travel because it's easy to get dress and enjoy you vacation!
    All the dresses are incredibly beautiful and the colors are so lively and amazing.
    I'm madly in love with the necklaces, earrings, belt and bangles that you are taking with your dresses.

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  31. Some top tips about packing there. Lovely dresses - wish I was going with you! I meant to ask you if you were watching the programmes Caroline Quentin did about India?

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  32. Vixcita,
    all those dresses are gorgeous, bet the locals, think your some sorta exotic Indian queen.
    my fave ones are the green one,ethic colorful ones and your big hoop earrings.I over pack and take things out and put more in. I use Buddys luggage too.
    awww going to miss you amorcito.

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  33. Top packing tips - I hadn't thought about the advantages of synthetic fibres for holiday dressing before - and a fine selection of maxi dresses. Have a fantastic time!

    x

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  34. These dresses all look perfect to me for the trip! I do like you... starting with a few pieces and then everything I pack has to go with each other. This way I managed to travel with hand luggage only in the last 8 years.
    You must be counting the days now, Vix! xxx

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  35. My word! You have your packing down to a science!
    I am in awe of the vintage berketex maxi and vintage cheesecloth sundress! You look beautiful in all of them :)

    I hope you have a fantastic trip and take lots of pictures for us all to see!

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  36. I don't know if you use Retinols in skin cream not, but I need the prescription retinoid cream for my skin but insurance no longer covers it and it is 80 bucks a tube in the US. It is over-the-counter in India and costs three bucks. So I thought I'd share that with you. Some ladies like to use it to fight wrinkles but I still need it for zits!

    Enjoy your trip, you will be the most fashionably dressed traveler for sure!

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  37. u pull off the maxi like such a 70's diva!!! i love it..the purple one is my fav coz i like the head band with it that u've used to style

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  38. Oh you are a treasure Vix. Your holiday packing advice has come in really handy tonight. Thank you for sharing your dress choices, they are beautiful like exotic blooms. You are a very creative and inspiring woman!

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  39. You are so planned and organized ... I like it that way! Loving all your dresses but the first is a favorite :)

    from © tanvii.com

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  40. Enjoy yourself. I love your flamboyant holiday outfit packing.. you are amazing. And I am totally lusting after that cheesecloth dress! xxx

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  41. Ha! You are taking five frocks for three weeks in India - I am taking three suitcases for three days in Sydney!

    You look so beautiful in each of these - I especially love the last one and the green and the cheesecloth and the huge hoop earrings. And aren't you clever packing half in each bag? Bloody hell, you should write a 'guide to modern living for fabulous women' book. I'd buy it.

    I am missing you already!

    Sarah xxx

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  42. How exciting! I did the same in Thailand - a handful of dresses that could just be washed and dried in no time.xx

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  43. You look like a supermodel in those long, lovely, slinky dresses! Rock it, Lady! Hearts, Janna Lynn

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  44. I absolutely love that green 70s maxi and the purple night dress! (ooh and the cheesecloth sundress and tooled leather bag...i'll stop now haha) Om nom nom...i've been reading your blog for a while now but don't think i've ever actually commented. Just want to take this chance to express how constantly amazed i am when i read your blog! You seem to find so many beautiful pieces of clothing at such great prices! Granted, i'm in no way as active in seeking out bargains as you but it's as if you have a magical ability to look like a bohemian goddess all at the cost of £1.20! Thanks for writing such a brilliant blog and being so inspirationally true to your own style, Vix! (by the way, you have a truly enviable figure aswell)

    I hope you have lots of fun in Goa, i'm very jealous...

    Lots of love, Lucy :) x

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  45. love watching all that pretty dresses you're going to enjoy in your holidays!!, and it's a great idea to pack some easy to wash & dry dresses, it's very convenient!
    I'm never totally content with my packaging, so I like to read some good ideas from you!!, and love how you make a so light and useful luggage!
    besos & my best wishes

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  46. Love all ur choices! The white one is the best:-) I also try out every outfit before I leave for a vacation and pack complete sets with accessories. I tend to buy new outfits for my trip becoz it just makes it more exciting:-)

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  47. The green is my favorite (maybe because I'm green with envy over your travel plans) but they are all wonderful selections.

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  48. I would wear everyone of those myself.You always look so good you are an inspiration.

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  49. a quirky vintage treasure chest yet again x

    www.pinstripeprince.blogspot.com

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  50. Hi Vix...fabulous style as usual! I love the dress Helga sent you the most...but you look knock out in all of the outfits you are taking with you :) I always miss your posts massively when you are away,but i look forward to your return and tales of India and what goodies you have brought back.
    Have a wonderful time there with Jon.
    Lots of love, Mel x

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  51. Dearest Vix, I love the packing tips! And I won't be wearing a flip flop on a plane again!

    Gorgeous outfits, the purple dress! The cream dress and the Ted Lapidus sunnies, they're fab! But that last outfit is just amazing! You look gorgeous.

    I am going to ring you tomorrow. I'm trying to be organised this week. Don't laugh! Much love, C xx

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  52. Such a great trip about travelling together and spitting clothes between two suitcases in case one suitcase gets lost!

    Such a beautiful range of dresses you are taking on your travels.

    www.adventuresofagirlfromthenaki.blogspot.com

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  53. I love the waistcoat!I had one like that ages ago but gave it away,really wish i didn't now!!
    x

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  54. You have an amazing wardrobe of clothes. I have to say i love the last dress best the one with you wearing the headscarf you look gorgeous and you look great in a headscarf they really suit you. You must be soooo excited. Have a lovely week, dee xx

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  55. Oh Vix, you'll look lovely, have a fantastic trip...I'm so jealous lol! x

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  56. I dont know how you chose just five from your range of beautiful dresses! I wouldnt be able to pick! Love the ethic style maxi, I think its the favourite. The colours are gorgeous!
    Sophie
    x

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  57. Oh Vix your packing is making me sad - you'll be off soon! I love your organisation and your packing skills and the outfits are a wow as ever.

    Just read your previous post too and the cape is AMAZING!

    Misery child tray is a winner too. I still laugh at this, please do a miserable kid post!!

    I can't wait for superecrimpers too and am going to get as many tops tips as possible.

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  58. Some useful packing tips there Vix, wish I was away to warmer climes! Love that cheesecloth dress :)

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  59. Your holiday wardrobe sounds so wonderful and practical Vix, and ever so stylish as always.
    I wore flip flops in the airport last year on the way home, and when arriving back in England to a very wet and slippery car park, I fell over flat on my face, I was mortified to say the least xxx

    p.s I couldn’t find a label in the psychedelic bag but the jacket from the jumble is by Alexon Sportset, but that doesn’t mean much to me. I was thinking of hacking it up, but now I’m a little torn!

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  60. It's so exciting packing for a holiday, I love the vintage Berketex and matching scarf, 99p, thats amazing.
    XXX

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  61. Wow, you are super organised for travelling! I've never travelled very far away, so I haven't had to think about these things beyond the usual "chuck clean clothes in a bag and hope it turns out for the best" routine. I particularly love the idea of putting half your clothes in each bag in case one goes missing - genius! All those dresses are spectacular, and most definitely great holiday wear.

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  62. So organised! I love the last outfit the best!

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  63. I think you've got it down to a fine art! I'm envious of the sunshine you'll be basking in - I'm trying to pack for a week at the English seaside and god only knows whether it'll be sunny and lovely or freezing and rainy. Impossible to pack light!

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  64. Just catching up on your blog after a busy few days. The last two dresses on this post are my absolute favourites, you look amazing in them. I so wish I was able to pack like you, I really must learn from your posts. I am horrendous for completely overpacking. I'm off to Vegas for a weekend and am already wondering how I fit three nights worth of clothes in one small bag. I must improve!

    I hope you have a wonderful holiday. I am super jealous, although the sun is back in California so some relaxing weekends ahead.
    L-x-

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  65. Brilliant re the sharing luggage tip!

    Gorgeous dresses! That Berketex... 99p?????? sigh.... it would be priced at around 60pounds here!!

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  66. You are the queen of maxi dresses! I love the combination with a denim vest. Hope you have lovely time on your holiday!

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  67. I love how very organised you are when it comes to packing! I am a totally last-minute packer, as in, still cramming things in the night before, or the morning i leave..oh the shame!

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  68. how did I miss this post? Every outfit is more and more glorious! What an amazing holiday wardrobe! Like you when I go to Spain or Australia for hot weather there are always some favourite items I bring with me xx

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Lots of love, Vix