Wednesday 20 December 2017

Ready To Go - Travel Packing & Some 1970s Inspired Finds



The Seventies are dead...long live the '70s! By the frequency with which flamboyant sleeved tops & platform soled shoes are turning up in charity shops it seems that the craze for all things 1970s-inspired is on the wane and those of us who dress that way because we love it rather than because the fashion mags told us to can now snap up our favourite styles for a pittance.


This black top was £2 from Scope last week. Deadly boring on the coat hanger but perfect with the £1.99 zig-zag print bell bottoms I bought from a charity shop in the Autumn.


I usually wear this 1970s maxi with nothing more than a heap of ethnic jewellery and a pair of shoes but today I'm winterising it with a flared sleeve top, new with the original shop tags still attached, which I found in the clearance charity shop on Friday for £3. I remember salivating over these suede platforms in Topshop a few years ago so I was thrilled to find a pair in my size for £2 - a saving of around £58! Like I always say, if you wait long enough, the object of your desire will always turn up in a charity shop.


Ready to go? You bet! With just over a fortnight to go my India bag is packed. Here's my final cut. Gone is the denim waistcoat, my Dollyrockers skirt and the 1970s Miss Selfridge crochet vest - I've been ruthless!


Clockwise from top left: Three crochet bikinis; 1970s Chelsea Girl block printed maxi skirt ; Indian kimono sleeve maxi dress; Crinkle cotton maxi with ladder detail; Butterfly vest; Aztec print column dress; Cotton zip-up bustier; Vintage block printed tunic ; Black cotton tiered maxi ; Bejewelled Indian tunic top; Crochet halterneck; Indian waistcoat trimmed with mirrors & pom-poms.
Yes, that's 35 days worth of clothing. Don't worry, if the NEW dresses I'm taking fall to bits along the way I can guarantee that there will be plenty of shopping opportunities.

 Three bags - not pictured is the massive tote bag I use as a beach bag I made from a 1970s curtain ; a selection of Indian scarves & sarongs plus my new Polarised sunglasses (recently bought from eBay). I have terrible trouble with my feet when we're away, it doesn't matter how regularly I've worn my sandals, after a couple of days in India my feet are a mass of blisters - this year I'm taking no chances and taking four pairs. There's my silver Birkis, the £3 Havianas from eBay (don't bother with cheapo flip flops, these really are good), some rose gold leather chappals which I bought in Mumbai back in 2015 and will probably be replaced this year (I usually pay around £3.50 for a new pair) and the bronze leather gladiator sandals were from a charity shop a couple of years ago. I bought the straw hat from eBay for our last trip, it's foldable and ideal for squashing into my beach bag.


My jewellery (and the belt Kelly gave me when she popped by to see us in London back in September). It goes without saying that I'll be travelling in my rings & bangles - I stick them on after I've gone through the X-Ray machine - not that it matters, the screws in my hip always set the alarms off. That's five necklaces, four pairs of earrings, a couple of toe rings, anklets and armlets.


Here's the toiletries. Other than the sun stuff I never buy new, I take whatever is in the bathroom and replace it when it runs out. I'll carry tissues, hand sanitiser, toothbrushes & tooth powder and mozzie repellent in my handbag along with my reading glasses, sunglasses and e-reader.


The make-up - Tweezers, Sleek creme blusher, Barry M kohl, lip & nail paint (toes only when I'm travelling) and a pencil sharpener. I apply individual lashes the day before I fly and replace them as and when they fall out.

The make-up, toiletries and jewellery as well as a pack of black hair elastics and a couple of hair screws (HERE) comfortably fit in these two bags. Both can be hung up which is essential when you're staying in a titchy beach hut with limited space.

WEARING: Vintage Alexander Clare of London Crimplene maxi dress (99p, eBay, 2013); Contemporary knitted top with flared sleeves (£3, Cancer UK); 1970s Sheffield Stainless Steel pendant (Car boot sale)

I've decided to make my own Xmas wrapping paper this year so I've got 16 metres of brown paper to block print before the weekend. Nothing like leaving stuff to the last minute, is there?

I'll leave you with the inspiration behind today's blog title, Hurts - one of my current musical obsessions.



See you soon!

70 comments:

  1. This will be the third India trip I have seen on your blog and I love seeing what you pack to take. It fascinates me because I am such a bad packer and take everything but the kitchen sink.
    I hope you have a truly wonderful time and I so look forward to reading all about it when you get back.
    Hugs-x-

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    1. Three years and I haven't bored you yet! I'm a packing ace, I love packing for other people, too. xxx

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  2. Love that dress! Looks like you're ready for India!!

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    1. Thank you! Ready and counting the days. Picked up the visa yesterday - yippee! x

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  3. You can see the excitement in your eyes.

    I bow down to your extremely well edited packing skills.

    I'm always astounded that you can keep those lashes for so long. I'm lucky if I can stand more than 8 hours with them.

    Those heels are wonderful! Wow! You must feel seven feet tall when you wear them.

    Suzanne

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    1. I think I've surpassed my usual packing - There's loads more room in the bag!
      Those lashes usually last around 10 -14 days before they need replacing. They're my bit of glamour as the heels are left at home.
      Talking of heels, they're comfy but I don't think I'll tempt fate and walk very far in them this side of my holidays! xxx

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  4. Woohoo! Love a gal who travels with eyelashes! I used to wear Ardell Individuals too until I became sensitive to the glue- womp womp...xox

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    1. Ardell are fab, aren't they? I use Eyelure glue, it's much better if you can get hold of it.
      There's two types of travellers in India, the practical ones with the cotton trousers, tee shirts and trekking sandals and me in my false eyelashes, glittery top and jangly jewellery - I'm a source of endless fascination when we wander away from the beaten track. xxx

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  5. I listened and read again, very catchy :-)
    I love the final cut, with a pang, all those lovely Summer clothes! I have that black tiered skirt, or very similar.
    Your recent clothes finds are great. I like both. I used to wear black all the time at one point years ago. Until I realised I had nothing else and determined that colour was needed, I've never looked back! Still love it in small doses though.
    Good luck with the block printed wrapping feat, it will look fab. What a wonderful wrapping to receive a gift in, that's such a thoughtful idea. xxx

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    1. They remind me a bit of The Associates - his voice is beautiful!
      Summer clothes are best, aren't they? I had a few of those tiered skirts back in the 2000s and stupidly gave them away, now I'm buying them back when I can find them. xxx

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  6. I am fascinated with how little you manage to survive with on such a long trip...I pack more jewellery than that for a weekend away!

    I loved your choices of clothes to take with you and your outfit in the photo is fabulous. I'm after one of those sleeved tops but haven't found one in my size yet in the chazzas though they're slowly creeping in. Haven't noticed any 70s inspired stuff but I live in hope!

    You must be so excited - how many more sleeps?
    xxxxx

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    1. My excuse is that I can always buy more if I need it! It's quite fun to travel with such a small wardrobe - it makes me appreciate my huge collection all the more when I get home.
      I'm surprised you haven't found any 1970s style stuff yet - I'm sure it won't be too long.
      xxx

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  7. fabulous winterized look! the platform heel are totally glam!
    seeing your packing i want to go to india too at that very moment..... to live on light luggage.....
    xxxxx

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    1. Light luggage, veg curry and sunshine - so close I can almost taste the chai! xxx

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  8. Ooh your pom pom wreath.....love it Vix!
    Arilx

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    1. Eagle eyes!! I made it last year - it's about as Xmassy as I get. xxx

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  9. I haven't noticed any increase of 70s or 70s revival stuff in the chazzas over here yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed ... The zig zag bell bottoms remind me of one of my Barbie outfits (I might have commented the same when you first showed them on the blog), but I'm especially loving your second outfit. Wearing that flared top with your maxi is genius, and those shoes are just fabulous, although I am wondering how you can walk in them! Oh, and I've just noticed your pom pom wreath! I keep being amazed at your ability to travel light, but then again India is not Wales (or Shropshire), is it? xxx

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    1. The fake 1970s gear will reach you soon, I'm sure! If not it'll be waiting for you in Shropshire.
      The trousers are very Barbie-like. I wish someone would reissue vintage Barbie clothes in grown-up sizes, don't you?
      The platforms are comfortable but I probably wouldn't risk a long walk in them - I don't want to bust the other hip before India!
      I don't do Xmas decs but I do do pom-poms! xxx

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  10. Your posts are a perfect guide for how to pack light for travel and look chic!
    Lovely outfits, as always! I started seeing that such "boring" pieces as the black top can be perfect in combinations! But I can't bring myself to buying them yet, there is always something colorful and with prints instead! :)))
    You look gorgeous in these platforms with bright red legs! <3

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    1. Thank you! Blogging about my packing keeps me on the straight and narrow, no sneaking anything else in or over doing it.
      Yes, I deliberated before buying that black top but it's been pretty useful. Almost everything I own is patterned as it's how my brain is wired - I'm the human equivalent of a magpie. xxx

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  11. I love seeing how little you manage to pack, I can't even go home for two weeks without packing a giant suitcase it's ridiculous! I hope you have a truly wonderful time, though I've no doubt that you will!

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    1. I take far more for a weekend at a festival in the UK. It's pretty easy for India as the weather's guaranteed, Goa's very relaxed and I just need a bit of modesty when i'm off the beaten track - I can always buy stuff if I get bored, the shops are cheaper than charity shops! xxx

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  12. What a gorgeous outfit. That top and matching tights combo with your fabulous maxi is lovely and now I have shoe envy. Those sandals are absolutely brilliant and more than a bit Biba does its take on Deco style. You are a mistress of packing light and still looking incredibly stylish. I would probably pack more than that for a weekend. BTW Do those screw things really work and not fall out? Xx

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! Topshop are still tops for cool shoes, aren't they?
      Did you see that I'd packed that gorgeous belt you gave me? It's going back to where it started life.
      Those screws are brilliant. I was sceptical at first but spotted them in Poundland and gave them a whirl. I'd never been able to keep my slippy hair in a bun all day until I discovered them now I can't live without them. xxx

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  13. Organisation is your new middle name.
    HAVE A FAB. TIME.XXX. 💺💺💕😎

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  14. I'm amazed at the size of your holiday wardrobe, gorgeous pieces though and those bottom three items on the left are so very me! I'm going to have to investigate hair screws, as I also have straight slippy hair, that's why it's rarely up! Have a Merry Christmas both of you and a fab holiday! xxx

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    1. You'll be really impressed with those hair screws - they keep my floppy hair controlled in a topknot all day - money well spent.
      Xmas love back at you. xxx

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  15. footwear looks perfect for the job, long skirt great, hope you have the most fabulous time - can't wait for blog posts about it all. Always look forward to your India posts.

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  16. Wow! That video was something else. The horse, butterflies, his dancing!
    Love the glimpse into your bag. Have fun with all those sparkles and jangles and falsies.
    xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Isn't it compelling? I have to keep watching it.
      xxx

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  17. don't you love trends? The same thing happens to all the "dated" housewares and home goods. I'm sitting on a futon couch surrounded by yard sale beaded pillows from a fancy import store. 5 of them for $5.

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    1. I do love trends, I get excited knowing I'll be able to get my paws on them in a matter of weeks.
      5 beaded pillows for $5? Madness!

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  18. I LOVE bell-sleeved tops! If you see another black one like that, please let me know (unless you want it of course0 haaha!!) as I would love one!
    Your packing is so impressive. Nothing worse than uncomfortable feet on holiday! I often have problems too. My Toms shoes are the only ones which don't give me grief!

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    1. I'll keep my eyes peeled, Kezzie. That black top is perfect under summery dresses.
      I saw some Toms in a chazza yesterday - my side but they wanted £10 for them! xxx

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  19. That song Vix it's fab and the video is amazing. I think I will have to find their albums and have a marathon. Cheers for the recommendation.

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    1. Hi Diane! So glad you enjoyed Hurts, I love discovering new music - it's exciting to hear something in the charts that isn't all wishy washy R&B! xxx

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  20. I'm impressed by your very tight, cohesive travel kit, clothing included. I'm a very light traveler as well, and can manage with one suitcase (carry on) plus a small bag for a pretty long time. I totally can't manage a whole month, though - I'm way too antsy to be gone that long.

    I love all the big sleeves in your outfits - so fun! The charity shops here are full of 80s and 90s stuff mostly. It's fun finding the 90s "vintage".

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    1. I'm a Sagittarius, I think being a nomad is par for the course. The only bad thing is leaving the cats but they have a cat sitter who absolutely adores them and I think by the second day they've forgotten who we are.
      I do love finding 1980s stuff - not for me but the kids love it at festivals! xxx

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  21. so lovely that 70's clothes are coming back to the charity shops, and those sandals are fabulous. Love your red top and those big sleeves, such a versatile piece to layer!. You rock your wintery outfit!
    I always enjoy your 'baggage posts', they're so inspiring! and love so much your wise advice!. I always wear some plastic bangles when I travel (no fuss at controls!), even massive ones, and some people have ask me if I'm comfortable wearing them when travelling. I would feel uncomfortable not wearing them!!
    Wish you a fab time, dear lady!
    besos

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    1. It makes charity shopping a lot more exciting when you know that the fast fashion the rails are crammed with might actually be stuff you like - a real rarity!!
      Plastic bangles are so much more practical - you've got me thinking now. I do have a stack of Kashmiri papier machine ones that would fit in rather well! x

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  22. I hate packing, you've done really well to be so ruthless and organised! Those Topshop suede heels are fabulous, good find. I'm still searching Ebay and the charity shops for their lemon print clogs, (in a size 41 if anyone's reading this and spots them!!).

    What a great idea about those big sleeves under the dresses, it looks great. I like to layer pussybow blouses underneath sleeveless dresses, it works well too.

    Not long until your trip, I bet you're so excited!!
    xx

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    1. I often used to pack friends' and my Mum's suitcases - I love it. I'll come and do yours next time!
      I'll keep my eyes peeled - those toppers clogs will be yours eventually! xxx

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  23. Loving those platforms. I always enjoy planning/packing for trips, when so many people say they hate packing - I couldn't match your skills though.
    Your jewellery section excited me the most, many many years ago I set off the alarms at Schiphol airport as I was wearing 15 silver bangles on my arm lol.
    Got room for a little one?? xx

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    1. I love writing lists of what I need and ticking them off - I'm such a packing geek. It's probably the novelty of having a teeny weeny wardrobe as compared to my usual choices.
      You at Schiphol sounds just like me! What with the bangles, rings, belly button and nose rings, earrings and prosthetic hip I should start getting to the airport a day before my flight to allow time for the X-ray machine and searches. xxx

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  24. Hi avid, love the Pom Pom Christmas wreath from last year, and how you winterized your dress. You sure were ruthless with you clothing, I'd be tempted to bring more outfits. Xxx

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    1. Hi Jess - I was only thinking that I hadn't heard from you for a while yesterday!
      Last Xmas's pompom wreath doesn't look too shabby considering it's been stuffed in the cupboard of doom for 11 months - I've added a few more pom poms just to give it a bit more oomph!! xxx

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  25. I cant wait to see your india photos but at the same time blog world is dull when your are not here lol , Do i recognise that blue halter maxi xxx

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    1. Thank you, that's so sweet! I know which maxi you mean - sadly I lent it to someone and am still waiting for it to come back - still, it's a good excuse to get a replacement! xxx

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  26. I was surprised to see the pants, but oh how I love them! I have several weekends away so need to figure out the right amount of packing.

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    1. Thanks, Sam. Something I wouldn't have thought of buying if I hadn't seen them going cheap in a charity shop.
      I think packing's a lot easier when you know what the weather's going to be like - impossible for a holiday in the country! x

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  27. Fab Missoni-esque flares! They look ace with your new black top.
    Ha ha, you made me laugh saying you went through the x ray! I bloody hope not!
    I noticed your lovely alternative wreath too and well done for joining the brown paper brigade, I use it all the time for wrapping xmas and birthday presents, it's so easy to tart up. Really liked Hurts! xx

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    1. Note to self - don't drink & write blog posts!
      Brown paper is the best, isn't it? Even unadorned there's something lovely about it.
      Hurts are so underrated. Apparently they're massive in Poland and Russia. xxx

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  28. You look so ready I would not be surprised if you suddenly just took flight in those Topshop shoes without benefit of a plane, trailing all your bags behind you. But make sure you do a low swoop over Vancouver so I could see it. Hahaha! I'm glad you're finding those come-around pieces again. Turnover seems slower here but you know I'll pounce if I find something. Great packing post.

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    1. Maybe they are jet propelled - the platforms are big enough to conceal the mechanics!!
      We're lucky having Topshops in most places, better chance of getting their fab footwear secondhand! xxx

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  29. I was wondering what those little scrappy bits were in your packing picture. 3 crochet bikinis! no way. Must be your clothes are the least of your baggage for India. How nice to travel light.

    Be careful wearing your new finds. All those frills and heels, you mustn't take a pre-flight spill!

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    1. No heels in India - a whole month of flatties. I feel like a Giant when i get home and stick my platforms back on! x

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  30. Those sleeves are fantastic. Looks like you've got everything organized, I end up packing and repacking a few times before I get it right each time. Every time we travel I end up taking less. Enjoy Air France...we are flying back from Paris on them. I understand all your booze is free! Every little bit helps when you're flying with adult kids...who am I kidding, I likely drink the most wine of all of them :) Making Christmas wrapping..a wee bit of Christmas spirit creeped in!

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    1. Scheduled long haul flights always have a free bar - or at least all the ones I've ever flown on do. Air India is the best, the stewards walk up and down the aisles with a large bottle of whisky in one hand and a large bottle of gin in the other and refuse to take no for an answer! You are naughty - I tend to stockpile the wine, too! xxx

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  31. Everyone needs a couple of boring basics to go with anything and everything. I have navy jumpers that serve that purpose.
    Those platform shoes are gorgeous, and I was just saying the other day that f you wait long enough and look often enough the things you need (ha! want!) will appear.
    Your yellow maxi is absolutely gorgeous, I envy anyone who can wear yellow. Sad to see the denim waistcoat has been culled. I hate parting with my favourites, but the final cut looks amazing. Can't wait to see the holiday snaps :)
    xx

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    1. It's taken me 51 years to realise that a few boring basics aren't a bad thing - I think I'll set an imposed buying ban though, nothing over £3.50!
      I'm surprised you can't wear yellow. I used to think I couldn't - until I dyed my hair. It doesn't make sense really as my skin and eyes haven't changed! xxx

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  32. Omg the cotton zip-up bustier!!!!!!! I used to have a similar!!!!

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  33. All that glorious color -- and I'm staring at the black maxi skirt with glowing green, acquisitive eyes! How very clever of you to pack this "boring basic" that literally suits any top(s) with any shoes for any occasion!

    And by the bye, you've inspired me to acquire whatever metallic sandals and boots are on offer at the local charity shops: "metallic" is a neutral/goes with anything color.

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    1. I stuck that skirt in at the last minute for our most recent trip - I wore it loads. It's a decent shape, too with a flat waist and a side zip.
      I'm all about the metallics, often reduced to clear in "normal" shops as people are a bit scared of them! xxx

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  34. I need to take packing lessons from you! Mind you, you are packing for a warm destination, and whenever I travel, it's in the fall and spring and never to anywhere warmer than where I live, so I have to take more clothes.

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    1. Tell me about it. I have to take twice as much stuff for a weekend at a music festival in the UK - everything from fake fur coats, mittens and thermal undies to bikinis and factor 40 - the joys of the British weather! xxx

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  35. It's fascinating seeing what you're taking - I've no idea how I'm going to fit everything for my fortnight into 15kg... guess I'll be ponying up excess baggage costs to get from Mumbai to Kolkata!

    Those Topshop shoes are lovely - amazing how things turn up when you wait.

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    1. Do what we do - parcel up what you've bought or aren't going to wear - and post it back home . Postage from India is great value! xxx

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix