In a matter of days, we’re off on our first summer holiday and yep, you can bet your bottom dollar I am counting them down!

To say we’re all ready for a break on a Greek island is an underestimate. It’s going to be hot and sunny. (Hopefully.) A classic beach holiday. I’m looking forward to the cocktails, the rustic Greek food, floating in the ocean and getting dressed up for dinner at night. Corfu looks dreamy and we’re looking forward to exploring the island.

Then later on in the month we’ll be hotfooting it Paris for a summer city break. It’ll be the third visit for myself and my husband but the first one for our little ones and as it’s one of my favourite cities in the world, I am more than just a little giddy.

Two destinations. Two very different places. Two lots of packing.

Here’s an idea of what I’ll be taking with me and why. (Because if you’re anything like me, it’s always lovely to have a nosey and discover what people wear when away from home.)

For the sunshine

Swimsuits, beach clothes and plenty of sparkle for the evening. Here are some of my favourite pieces, many old but some new, that I’ll be squeezing into my suitcase together with plenty of jewellery and just a few pairs of shoes.

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Two swimsuits –  a leopard print strapless costume from Zara (last year) and an incredible mustard / deep yellow costume by Nicole Olivier at UK Swimwear which is sexy but still practical for splashing around in the pool with the kids! I cannot wait to wear it.

One bikini – I’ve had this red Linea bikini from House of Fraser for eight years now and still adore it!

Beach cover ups – including this zig zag crochet dress from Primark that I picked up today to go over the mustard swimsuit for just £5 in the sale.

Shorts – old denim cut offs that I’ve had for donkeys years.

Sleeveless cowl top in orange from Kettlewell -light as a feather and incredibly flattering on, this will be perfect to slip on over a swimsuit or dress up for the evening.

Sparkle! – in the form of a vintage rainbow sequin top that was a recent eBay find and my new beloved Matthew Williamson for Debenhams kimono. (I wore this on my recent Prima shoot and managed to buy it in the sale.)

Comfortable floaty dresses – a selection of old and new including a H&M orange number that I wore in Australia last summer and a red handkerchief dress that I have worn for years.

Orange halterneck from Zara – a new sale purchase, this will be perfect for the day or evening.

Ivory cropped trousers from Precis Petite – I’ll have to be careful with the kids grubby hands but there’s something about white/ ivory/ cream trousers that just scream summer to me.

Brown leopard print skirt from Zara – this has been hanging unworn in my wardrobe for around six months so I’m looking forward to finally wearing it!

For the city

There’s going to be lots of walking, sightseeing, exploring and eating plus we’ve only got hand luggage options so I’ve had to get very specific with my clothes for the four days we will be there. Chic comfort is the name of the game!

Last time I went to Paris I ate that many delicious cakes and so much wonderful food, that I couldn’t do my skinny jeans up properly for the flight home! And we were only there for three days! So I’ve ditched the jeans this time around and here’s what I’ll be taking with me instead.

Culottes from Kettlewell in sea blue – these are as comfortable to wear as a pair of pyjama bottoms plus they have a stretchy waistband which means I won’t have to scrimp on cakes. Hurrah!

Red embroidered blouse from Very (another item I wore on my Prima shoot and loved so much, I had to buy!) – depending on the weather forecast this blouse may get left at home but I’m hoping it will be cool enough for me to take. It’ll be just the thing to wear in the evening with some statement earrings.

A Breton striped top from Kettlewell – can you have even go to Paris without taking one of these?! I particularly love the autumnal colours in this version.

A mustard crochet jumper from Zara – this arrived yesterday after I had a splurge in the sales and is just the thing to take in case it gets a little chilly. Plus colour wise, it looks fabulous with the culottes.

A simple brown vest from Kettlewell – to wear underneath said jumper above if it’s chilly or on it’s own if it’s super hot.

A leopard print dress from Kettlewell – effortless and comfortable to wear yet also chic, this will be ideal for sightseeing or for dining out. Plus it’s practically crease proof!

Red leather shoulder bag from Kettlewell – just big enough for the essentials, this will take me from day to night and can be worn across my body leaving my hands free to hold onto the kids. The leopard print scarf (an old purchase from Zara) adds a little something to the bag or can be worn in a variety of ways so will come in super handy too.

Ivory blazer from Precis Petite – yes it will probably get a little grubby but it goes with everything, smartening up an outfit as well as keeping me warm.

Red espradrilles from Air & Grace – comfy and about as Parisian as you can get! Especially when teamed with a classic Breton stripe.

Hope you’ve enjoyed a sneak peek into my summer wardrobe. Which holiday pieces will be going with you in your suitcase this year?

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*Disclaimer – The Nicole Olivier swimsuit and Kettlewell items were kindly gifted to me this summer. The Precis Petite suit was gifted to me around four years ago and the Air & Grace shoes were given as a gift three years ago.