Thursday 13 September 2018

I'm On An Island


Well, almost! Very soon we'll be on a Greek Island in the South Aegean.


Courtesy of Google images
Here!
Photographed in Corfu last year

Despite flying with a cheap 'n' cheerful airline we've each got a generous 22 kg baggage allowance included - and we intend to use it! We're driving to the airport and being picked up on arrival so, for once in our lives, we won't be lugging our belongings on and off public transport -so there's no real need to pack light. Also, after two months of being on the road with space for our own clothes extremely limited, we've both gone a bit mad and allowed ourselves plenty of sartorial choices.

June 2017

Don't worry, though, I haven't gone and bought myself a whole new wardrobe or anything daft like that. If I see something summery (and affordable) I like in a charity shop, regardless of having a holiday booked or the time of year, I buy it, stick it in the washing machine and stash it away in a suitcase on top of the wardrobe. When it comes to packing for a trip I simply grab the case, tip it upside down on the bed and it's like shopping for free as I've usually forgotten what I've put in there.

From left: Dollyrockers cotton maxi, white cheesecloth maxi, Marissa lace-up cotton maxi, 1960s psychedelic hooded gown, Grecian style rainbow dress, original Ossie Clark halterneck.

 With the exception of the white cheesecloth maxi which I found in a charity shop for a couple of quid a few weeks ago, you'll have seen all these dresses before. It'll be the first time I've worn that 1960s psychedelic hooded gown which I snaffled from Aspidistra Vintage at Stockport's Vintage Village at the beginning of the Summer.


My Dollyrockers and Grecian-style maxis made the journey to Corfu last year.


 The only things that haven't been featured on the blog before are the navy cotton shirred top and the embroidered, tassel-trimmed shorts which cost £1 each and came from my favourite charity clearance shop. I made the off-the-shoulder top out of a charity shopped Indian cotton scarf a couple of years ago and I've had the vintage '70s Scandinavian patchwork print skirt for at least eight years. The Broderie Anglaise blouse and gingham skirt came from a certain Spanish label in last year's Summer sale - you might associate them with throwaway fashion but there's nothing disposable in my wardrobe, I buy things I love and keep them for years.


I borrowed the foldable straw sun hat from the Kinky Melon stall back at the Larmer Tree Festival when it was 35° degrees and my scalp was starting to burn and subsequently decided to keep it. The ruffled chartreuse bikini was 50p in a charity shop bargain bin (second hand swimwear? I've no problem with that - if it's dirty I don't buy it, if it isn't then I do). I found the Matthew Williamson tile print bikini on the clearance rail from one of the few shops remaining in Walsall town centre - it was reduced from £48 down to £8. At the last minute I also slipped a yellow triangle bikini in which I wore in Corfu.



The pom-pom trimmed basket came with me to Corfu last year, it'll double up as my carry-on baggage. The Moroccan leather clutch bag was a charity shop find (new with tags) at the beginning of the year and obviously I couldn't not buy the vintage '70s Greek souvenir shoulder bag I spotted for £1 in a charity shop last week.


Footwear! I bought the turquoise leather chappals in Mumbai back in February specifically for wearing in Greece, they cost around £3. My old pink jellies are for swimming in, Greek beaches are often pebbly and murder on the feet. I'll travel in my yellow clogs.


Also packed, but not pictured, is a vintage navy lace fringed poncho which I keep in my bag and chuck on for modesty's sake if we visit any monasteries or religious sites (as seen in photo above) and a couple of pairs of nude coloured knickers - that cheesecloth dress & rainbow stripe maxi are a bit on the see thru' side! There's also a pile of second-hand paperbacks (I've read everything on my E reader), a couple of pairs of sunglasses, hairbands & hair screws, my jewellery and my reading glasses.


Toiletries! Once a day sun cream in factors 20, 40 and a separate one for the face. Lush shampoo and conditioning bars, shave cream (Jon's) and deodorant bar. Pills and painkillers (just in case), Indian mozzie repellent, South African lip balm from my friend Kim. Facial scrub, a foot file, a mini bar of soap, his and hers razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, a wet and dry hairbrush, eye makeup remover wipes and after sun. Cosmetic-wise it's the bare minimum, super bright matt lipstick, my black kohl pencil, creme blusher and turquoise nail paint. I've got eyelash extensions so no need for mascara.


Jon's bought nothing new either.


Most of these shirts and shorts travelled to Greece previously. (I've crossed the tsunami print shorts out as he's since decided to leave them behind). The only new addition is the 1980s pink St Michael granddad shirt. Curtise sent him the turquoise floral Paul Smith shirt years ago, it's just in case we go somewhere fancy (likewise the reason I've packed my Ossie Clark maxi). Not pictured are his black linen trousers and favourite vintage silk shirt which he's travelling in.


A couple of pairs of Birkis (he's travelling in desert boots), two pairs of swim shorts, four tee shirts, a vintage Kangol cap, sarong and a leather belt with a concealed zipper money compartment (bought almost 20 years ago in Goa).


Bring on the Greek salad!


This is my travel outfit - my patchwork maxi skirt and pom pom bag, a Moroccan enamelled pendant and a shirred blouse that cost me a £1.

See you soon!

38 comments:

  1. Aaah I love seeing your packing! I hope you both have a brilliant trip.

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  2. I've got a serious case of the green eyed monster! I hope you have an amazing time and get to go somewhere fancy! xx

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  3. How fun! I remember your Greece pictures from last year (including the greek salad pic!). Was it realy that last year?! Time flies. Xxx

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  5. You'll light up that already-colorful place with all your splendid outfits! You two are no accidental tourists--prepared for ANYthing.

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  6. I enjoy so much your 'baggage posts' and I think they're pretty useful (at least, they're useful for me: a shampoo bar was added to my baggage after reading your posts!, such a nice product!, thanks for this idea!)
    Usually, I have to pack a 'cabin luggage' but sometimes they allow us a big case and it's such a difference. Because it means I don't have to hand wash everyday!
    And you look so fabulous in your patchwork skirt and cute top!, colorful, gorgeous, hippietastic!!!
    I wish you a fantastic holiday and lots of fun!
    besos

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  7. Thank you, Vix, for adding a sunny smile to my morning coffee! It's a cool, gray day here in the Midwest. The List for the past weekend included sorting out my fall/winter wardrobe in muted hues -- and my eyes glow green at your rainbow of holiday duds. Time to hang that brilliant yellow curtain in the kitchen window!

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  8. Oh how I miss a true Grecian salad, even if I try and replicate it never tastes the same as the tomatoes and onions taste so different. I am constantly on the search for a decent feta, have one or two I can live with but none as good as in Greece. I too am constantly on the search in the thrifts for warm weather wear for future trips. I will be waiting for your return for some fabulous Greek posts (and yes, one day we will make it back there!)

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  9. Have an awesome vacation! You've certainly earned it!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  10. Vacation here you come, alright. I'm even ready to go now. And bringing a rainbow with you. Have a blast.

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  11. don't you already live on an island?

    Enjoy the trip.

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  12. You will be the loveliest person on the streets and at the beach.

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  13. Bon Voyage. You'll be the best looking couple for miles wearing those items.

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  14. Have a brilliant time, thank you for sharing your packing with us, you are such an inspiration. My son Luke said that when he saw you at End of the Road you looked very regal and beautiful. He was thrilled to see you. xx

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  15. How I love that photo of you standing behind the arch!

    You will be the most adorable and stylish eccentric British couple on the island, that's for sure! Love all the options - bright and beautiful, just as the outfit you're showcasing today. Blue is so pretty on you!

    Have tons of fun, dear!
    Lots of love!

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  16. You make packing look so easy! I'm totally crap at it, and always end up taking the wrong things, as you know. Then again, it might be easier packing for a Greek island than for Shropshire. I love all your choices, and you're looking holiday ready in your travelling outfit. I'm also very impressed with Jon's choices. Jos is just hopeless ... I had a chuckle at Thorne Garnet's comment, as I was thinking exactly the same ;-) Anyway, wishing you both a fantastic time, you totally deserve it! xxx

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  17. Travelling light by my standards i think you should have room for just one sarong, they are so flexible as scarf, shawl, strapless dress, skirt snd even to lie on at the beach! Love your chappals. Have a great time.



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    1. p.s. just spotted the sarong in the ensemble! and I envey your Goan money belt.

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  18. Have a quick snoop around the internet. There are plenty of free downloadable books.

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  19. Ooh, you have a vintage Ossie Clark! I keep hoping I will find one in my treasure-hunting! I love all your colourful travel clothes! Have a blast, Vix and Jon!

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  20. Wishing you and Jon the most wonderful time, Vix. I hope to get to Greece in September 2019 - I have only wanted to go for twenty years! Alli Canberra

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  21. Wonderful assortment of holidays clothes! I am lusting after your white maxi dress and I adore the Grecian maxi. Are you going to the same place as last year which was Corfu, I seem to recall, or are you going to Greece itself? Which ever one it is have a fabulous holiday and come back firing on all cylinders!!

    xxxx

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  22. Yay, a Greek Island, Feta salad, beaches, sun.... maybe I could hide in your enormous luggage allowance? Failing that, I look forward to seeing the photos.
    I love your travel outfit. xxx

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  23. hippy glam at greece!!!
    wish you both a fabulous vacation in the sun! happy holidays!
    <3 <3 <3
    xxxxx

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  24. What an absolutely brilliant holiday wardrobe. You have everything so well organised and pack so lightly. I don't know how you do it. It is an impossible art form. I hope that you and Jon have a very well deserved break in the glorious sunshine and I am looking forward to seeing you amazing photos and hearing your travel tales. Have the best time! Xx

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  25. I so envy you !!! Have a wonderful time. You both deserve it!!!

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  26. That Dollyrockers maxi has always been a fav---just love it!! Bring on the Greek salad!! In Tarpon Springs, a predominantly Greek community near Tampa/St. Pete, they put a scoop of potato salad in it!

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  27. I am so excited that I will be going on an island vacation the same time you are... mostly because my life gets a little more boring when I don't have your blog to read. I will be sporting the same color nail polish as well. Blue polish was a "no-way" for me until I saw how well you wear it. Now it's just about the only color I wear on my toes. So thanks for that... and enjoy Greece!

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  28. That grecian maxi is one of my favourites of all your summer dresses - it looks soooo good on you; very chic and slinky! Wishing you a wonderful vacation! Wish I could pack that lightly when I travel.

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  29. Have a super holiday! That's one snazzy holiday wardrobe, I look forward to seeing pics xx

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  30. You find the best bargains, I adore those little fringed shorts (and everything else in your suitcase)! Have a fabulous trip!
    xx

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  31. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year
    old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed
    the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab
    inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

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  32. Are you off to Corfu again or another Greek island!?
    I always love seeing what you packed! Such a pretty wardrobe. How nice you have generous luggage allowance- that is great!! Hope you have a wonderful time.
    I never buy anything specially for a holiday either- I have too many clothes already!x

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  33. You are sooo generous with your time posting all these fab posts thank you I know I'm not alone in getting so much enjoyment out of reading them. Hope you both have a fab break you so deserve it. Looking forward to reading all about it xx

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  34. Yah! Holiday! I envy you - I could really do with a sunny holiday, maybe I will make it to Greece one day.

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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