Thursday 29 March 2012

Packing A Punch


Just when I thought I'd got my packing sorted I go and find this cute little crochet number at a jumble sale this morning.


You'll have to wait and see what else I bought, most of it's in the wash.

In the meantime here's what I've packed for Goa and a few tips for a successful travel wardrobe:

From left: A denim waistcoat (obviously), lion motif vest (courtesy of the gorgeous Clare) , my new-to-me crochet top, Indian mirrored halter neck, hand-made Broderie Anglaise crop top and a fringed boob tube.

A fortnight or so before flying I'll get every item of summer clothing I own out of storage, take my make-up off, scrape my hair back and try everything on barefoot and jewellery free. If what I try on needs make-up, heels and bling then it's pretty much useless for a chilled-out trip and so gets put back in the cupboard.

I tie-dyed this ultra violet and old gold but you can't tell with my ancient old camera

A week before D-Day I'll take another look and usually end up taking something out. If I'm not 100% sure before it goes in my backpack I know it's pointless taking it and wasting valuable book space.

Detail from my boob tube. This was liberated from Jon's collection and pimped up by me. 

I pack outfits, not separate pieces. Time is too precious to spend dithering about what to wear each day. I test everything beforehand so I know it looks good together and can sling it on and get on with having fun.

Crimplene maxi, Indian cotton gypsy skirt (Again from Clare), hand-made maxi (see HERE) and 1970s Kittiwake play suit (Seen HERE)
I'll only pack clothing that requires the minimum of care, synthetics are perfect as they stay crease free.

Crochet bikini (Seen HERE), vintage bikini (Seen HERE), frilly bikini (dead stock from the Salvation Army)

To save precious water, I'll take my laundry into the shower with me and wash my clothes at the same time. Lush's Karma Komba solid shampoo bars are perfect for travel, they don't spill and wash hair, body and clothing leaving a gorgeous patchouli scent. The temperature and humidity in Goa in April means that if I hang any laundry up outside our room it's dry and ready to wear almost immediately.



My multi-tasking bag from last month's jumble sale.

I travel dressed in clothes I can wear when I'm away. This time I'll be wearing my handmade maxi, the lion tee shirt and something I got earlier at this morning's jumble sale which I've revamped. My hand luggage will be stowed in my straw basket which I'll use for the beach.

1960s African maxi dress (Seen HERE),  Nylon beach dress (Seen HERE), 1960s psychedelic  jumpsuit (Seen HERE)
The African maxi will be my "best dress" for sight-seeing or visiting Goan friends. I always carry a shawl for modesty in case I stray off the tourist track or visit a temple, family home or city.

Paisley print maxi skirt (75p, Cats Protection charity stall), Crochet top (40p, jumble sale), scarab pendant (car boot sale), earrings (the fabulous Sandy)
Where we stay is known as the alternative resort of Goa, there's no hotels, major development or package tourism and accommodation is in family run guest houses or bamboo shacks on the beach. The main road in the village is known as Glastonbury Street because of the large population of long-stay hippies. 


If you like 5 Star luxury then it won't be for you but for us it's perfection.

Here's a typical party night at Fellini's, which serves better pizza than any I've tasted in Italy. I can't wait to get over there and join them.

66 comments:

  1. Sounds like fun! You'll have to drag me along next time;-)

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  2. Such a perfect holiday wardrobe, the crochet top looks great on you. Have fun!

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  3. I'm so excited for your holiday!

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  4. you are organized! i am not that organized but i do not forget to bring what i want to bring!

    I love the ideas of guest houses in India, a lot better than big resorts, that is the way i would want to see India - My recent holiday was in a resort, but in Cuba you do not have that many choices.

    Love your selection for your trip

    Happy belated 20th anniversary Vix!

    Ariane xxxx

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  5. I was going to say have a wonderful time, but I know you will so I won't! I do admire your minimalist packing I can't imagine trying to do that myself, I am a pack for every possibility girl so I would have BAGS of stuff. lol

    I shall think of you having a rare old time (waving at elephants) ;-P

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  6. Fantastic packing tips - I always love your holiday wardrobes (and your holidays - proper free spirit travel - love Glastonbury street).

    We are spending two weeks in France, so I think I'll need to organise a few warm layers too. But we'll be in Freda, so carrying it all will be a little easier

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  7. Great holiday tips,aah I'm lusting after your complete outfit it's beautiful and you look fab as always : ) xx

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  8. Ooh excellent packing, loving all the colours! :)

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  9. My word, Vix, I had no idea there'd be such a chilled out scene there! I am just going to have to live vicariously through your adventures out there, until I click my new red shoes and they take me eastwards!

    Gorgeous new crochet top - Delightfully skimpy and you'll wear it, I know, as if born to it!

    You are adorable. Mwah!

    Bon voyage, cherie.

    Fhi xxx

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  10. i love how you sort out what clothes to take Vix! I often over pack so i'm certainly going to rethink my packing for next time!

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  11. I love the fact that you have so much colour in your holiday wardrobe! Looks like you are going to have a stylish yet chilled out time on your holiday. xx

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  12. oh Vix it sounds heavenly! You are so lucky. I will be following your packing rules when I pack next.

    X x

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  13. I do love it when you go to India and we get a sneaky peeky at your holiday wardrobe. xxxxx

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  14. Another world completely, ahhhhhhhhhhh.
    I will miss you, my dear friend, but I wish you the best of times.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  15. You are a wise woman, Vix... love your travel wardrobe! I am going to try and apply your tips to my packing as I always take too much and end up regretting it! I want space in my bag for beautiful silky things from Vietnam :-)

    Hope you have a fabulous trip away...

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  16. i love your packing tips. also thanks for the tip on the lush soap. that is perfect for camping! i'm so over 5 star hotels b/c lets face it i'm not a 5 star woman! love your style vix, you truly are an inspiration (and i rarely say that.)
    have a wonderful trip.

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  17. Sounds like so much fun... and really like that paisley skirt! :)

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

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  18. That jumpsuit is seriously one of the best things I've seen! The print is too good! I love your new crochet top too. XO

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  19. am loving that playsuit, it was made for you! the crochet top is so cute too and I am loving the YSL bolero from your chazza haul post! I get lost in your blog so easily Vix, I love it!! Am so jealous of your forays off on holiday you'll have a wonderful time I know it xxxxxxxxxxx

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  20. looks like you're sorted. what about shades?

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  21. It sounds idyllic! Have fun!

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  22. Love that maxi red skirt. All your outfits look amazing, I am sure you will have a great time over there, bet you can't wait now :)

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  23. Sounds wonderful - got room for a few bloggers to come too?

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  24. You HOT babe! Such fantastic travel advice,and the very next time I make it to an Asian country,I am SO following this letter for letter...in fact,it will be useful for the States,too.You are a bloody legend. I always fret about packing.
    That crochet top is heavenly,of course you had to pop it in!A divine selection,and O what a grand time you'll have!Fellini's looks right up my alley,as does Goa generally!
    I will price out that Lush soap bar,but I bet I'll be horrified...there's only one outlet in Christchurch,in a part of town I don't go to much.
    You are my inspiration!
    love you,Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  25. I so need to learn to pack as well as you do. I am the worst, I take far too much and never wear most of it. Thanks for sharing and I totally love the crocheted top!!

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  26. You've certainly got packing down to a fine art Vix, you've chosen some really colourful pieces which will look fab on you especially with a tan. Love your new crochet top, basket and groovy pendant.
    xx

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  27. Vix, you look amazing. You have a body to die for, an 18 yr old would be extremely happy with your figure - good on you! xx

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  28. You sexy crochet cosita!
    I love your travel advice.
    As you know I over pack my suitcases.
    That band is groovylicious could picture you dancing all over them.
    luv ya

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  29. On the next trip I take I wil have to resort back to this post. My Gosh you have everything perfectly planned. I always over pack and half the time I only wear half of what I took.
    I appreciate your packing planning help.

    P.S. You look absolutely gorgeous in that crochet top and I am in love with your skirt it's so pretty.

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  30. This is such a big part of who you are the other side of your free spirited soul and im so happy you are able to continue to return each year. It sounds wonderful to me i love being able to see a country for what it really is and be a part of the community. Your suitcase is going to be full of lovely colourful clothes just like you. That crochet top you got today is lush. dee xx

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  31. What fabulous collections hanging freely on the washing line. You can tell you're a summer girl at heart. Your forthcoming trip does sound amazing and I know what you mean about Lush soap xx

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  32. You’ve got your packing down to perfection, and of course an array of such splendid pieces that suit every eventuality. Both sensible and practical xxx

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  33. Love your packing wisdom!, so great advice about trying everything before packing it!,
    And your summery and colorful clothes look fabulous and everything about your travel sounds heavenly!
    besos

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  34. I love that cotton/ crotchet top, sadly i am not the right shape for that. You look stunning as usual xx

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  35. You really have the packing strategy down! I learned a lot from this post. The African maxi is a stunner.

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  36. Can I please come with you!!! You`re packing rules are perfect) And what wonderful items you found again!!! Oh I need to visit England, even if just for the charity shops)

    >'.'<

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  37. Looks like it's going to be a super fun, hippie-trippy trip :O)

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  38. You are a packing addict like me, you realise that don't you? I get really hooked on packing light and I love that you try on on all your outfits without makeup and your hair up - if it doesn't work, it's out. I must try that next time - fantastic advice! I get so excited when you're going away as you share your packing adventures with us:). So glad the blue bikini gets to go on an exotic holiday and I can dream about the beach action you'll both be getting in Goa:)). I also love your accommodation - it looks simple and fun, which of course are the keywords to the best holiday memories:)) xoxoxoxoxooxoxox

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  39. I"m impressed that you apparently only carry a backpack! You have quite a wardrobe. How long will you be away this time?

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  40. Can you look any sexier in your new top!!! Hot dam Vix you really are so beautiful! Hug! Now! Please! I love each and everything you've selected thus far, happy, bright, carefree and fun. I love what you did to the Hendrix top of Jon's! Maybe you can show me I have one of Chris's old band tees just waiting to be reborn.

    I am going to take this packing advice to heart when visiting the UK, although it will require a bit warmer bulkier stuff but oh well maybe you will have an Indian summer :) plus I wanna shop! Great advice on the shampoo I love Lush products but haven't tried that shampoo.

    Talk soon sweetheart!
    Xoxo-
    Krista

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  41. Thanks for sharing your holiday wardrobe with everyone.

    The first time I went to India, I backpacked by myself for two months. I think I had 4 changes of clothes. You are so right about washed garments drying almost instantaneously.

    The African maxi looks like it was custom made for you. I'm glad you included it.

    I'm a planner like you. I make lists and charts of what will go with what when I pack for a trip.

    Your destinations sounds ideal. With 5-star luxury, you could be anywhere, so what's the point of traveling?

    Happy packing!

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  42. The crochet top was the universe saying "Here a little something for being so fantastic, Vix. Have a safe trip". :D

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  43. Hot. Hot. Hot. And I'm not talking about the weather. Have fun. Stay gorgeous.

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  44. You have packing down to a beautiful art!! Have a fantastic journey!! Sounds like a lot of fun....Adrian and I love off the beaten path, and places of character they lean towards the best vacations :) Love Heather

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  45. You need to take me with you awesome-clothes land. I need to move there or something. Your outfit is DIVINE and I love that fringed boob tube!

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  46. Sounds amazing and somewhere I would definitey love to visit. I love the crochet top. I used to have something very similar that I got in Thailand. Have a really lovely time!

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  47. Sigh. You look heavenly in that white crochet number. Of course you can pack light - you don't have to wear much fabric! But I do love your maxi dresses. I was always a backpack traveler too, staying among locals, the best fresh seafood around.

    Great photo of the street - I can imagine the dust kicking up as you walk along in your sandals looking for a cold drink after a dip in the sea... Another sigh, heavier this time.

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  48. aaah, your trip to Goa looks sensational. I love your travel tips, I'm insanely jealous!

    I love your new crochet top too - i'm saying that I could never wear something like that!!! :)

    Le Material Girl

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  49. Goa is so colourful.. I would love to go one day .. but looks as good as you.. that I doubt xx

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  50. sorry for the slow commenting... you have some amazingly beautiful clothes to take with you! That crocheted top looks stunning on. Hope you have an amazing time. I think staying in little guest houses actually sounds really good and a better way to get to know the place

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  51. OMG I am SO going to invite myself along one day! I adore all of your fabulous travel outfits - especially the jumpsuit - and I always love ewatching your packing/travelling process... you have it down to an absolute art. Mi amor, I'll miss you terribly but I love living vicariously through your exciting adventures! Love! Sarah xxx

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  52. You are so organised! I usually go on holidays where I intend to shop a lot so my suitcases are normally very empty. xxxxxx

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  53. That crochet top is gorgeous, Vix, and it looks absolutely stunning on you! xx

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  54. I am so envious of your holiday! I have been to Goa twice and its like nowhere else I have ever been. Glastonbury Street looks fab! And I would love to have friends to pop over and see. Where exactly in Goa do you go? Hope you have a fab time - can't wait for the photos upon your return!!

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  55. Fab packing tips, Vix! Love your crochet top, looks wonderful on you.

    I'm heading off to Edinburgh on Monday and I will do EXACTLY as you suggest.... Not that Edinburgh is like Goa - I think Goa has got much more going for it than Edinburgh lol!

    Ali x

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  56. Ah, expert packing advice from the Wise Owl of Walsall (demented or otherwise)! You are just so good at this, it's all the practice you get, haha! I'm just jealous of your fabulous wardrobe going on another fabulous holiday...
    Ooh, the Lagos frock as "best dress" - it deserves to shine!
    That crochet top looks amazing on you - it'd be the size of a hankie on me, so I'd need two!
    You'll have a wonderful trip, of course, and I look forward to hearing all about it when you're back. xxxxxxxxxxxx

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  57. I hope you have a lovely time xxx

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  58. Vix you are so attentative! Yes, I know about the elephant - I am a member of ARAN and we are going to be holding a protest tomorrow in front of the circus. It`s literally in my back yard! The press is going to be there so you`ll maybe see me on video!
    And you`re so right about the cats - I took more than 100 photos and only the 7 were usable.

    >'.'<

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  59. LOVE IT!!

    www.aroundlucia.com
    www.aroundlucia.com

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  60. Only way to travel- sort of resort I prefer too. Couln't be arsed with fancy hotels. Have done simillar in indonesia and SE asia. People are so hospitable.

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  61. That's a great little summer top - I love crochet pieces. Sooo jealous you are going away! I love getting to see your holiday wardrobe - take lots of pics to show on your return! I love your bikini collection!

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  62. That little crochet number is gorgeous! I love your approach to packing & I'm starting to use it whenever I go away. I actually really enjoy planning the outfits I'm going to wear beforehand, and choosing pieces that go nicely with everything else in the bag.

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  63. Can u pack me too? You don't even have to unpack me when you get there, Ill just hang out amongst all your amazing clothes.

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  64. Lovely outfit that top is gorgeous xx

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  65. I LOVE crochet (and lace) and your outfit is just perfect! Have a fab time! x

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  66. Wow you look gorgeous - and what a figure!!!!!!!

    Sal xXx

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Lots of love, Vix