My boyfriend and I are heading to Paris in a couple of days as a last-minute, belated birthday present to ourselves. After all of the essay hand ins and exams that we've hidden ourselves away to do for university, we think it's the least that we could do to celebrate; especially as it was my 21st and I spent all day sat in the library!
I'm always dead unorganised with packing etc., so I've made a Polyvore list of mini-break essentials (ok, some of these are a bit lavish and I don't actually own them, but who doesn't love a lust-list too)...
I'm always dead unorganised with packing etc., so I've made a Polyvore list of mini-break essentials (ok, some of these are a bit lavish and I don't actually own them, but who doesn't love a lust-list too)...
1. Mango cat eye sunglasses £?
I recently ordered a cheapo version of cat eye's off ASOS that have a gold band across the top that I'm still undecided about, but who can deny that these Mango ones are lush!? I think they ooze soo much more style than other frames like aviators or John Lennon-specials. I look at them and just think PAR-EE in my head, so of course they'll be at the top of my hand luggage for the Romantic Capital. Plus, if you're having a weekend away and the city's drinks gets the better of you, the next morning you can pop out for a croissant with a pair of sunglasses on and not worry about last night's smudged eyeliner.
2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion, £17.50
I read loads of rave reviews about this moisturiser, yet Jacob accidentally picked up an oily skin version when my nose is actually drier than a camel's hoof, so I'm yet to be convinced - though through no fault of Clinique's. I always love to take a moisturiser away with me, even if it isn't even a summer getaway, just coz. I'm going to be on the hunt for this baby in duty free!
3. MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick, £15.50
This sort of goes hand-in-hand with the cat eye sunglasses: if you're feeling a little bit tender, or even just can't be bothered putting a full face of slap on, you can apply a little bit of this modern MAC classic and still look très chic without looking too over the top.
4. Daniel Wellington 'Classy Sheffield' watch, £159
Alright, guilty, I don't own this sensational watch. I've had the tab open on my phone for about 4 months, and then my best friend turns up at the pub with it strapped around his wrist so now I'm running the risk of looking like a right copy-cat. But I love a classic, albeit plain, watch. I could look at it all day, sigh.
Oh, yeah, and this is a mini-break essential because if you're anything like me, your iPhone battery is gonna bite the dust within twenty minutes of leaving your hotel from all of the photos you've snapped (and sod's law: not one of them will be Instagram worthy). So it's always good to actually wear a watch! Just remember to adjust it to any different time zones... we've all been there.
5. Batiste dry shampoo, £2.99
I hate washing and drying my hair at the best of times, so as if I'm going to be spending two hours every morning in Paris leaving silver shampoo in my mane and taming it with a minuscule. HOLIDAYS ARE FOR FUN. If you can get away with not washing it for a couple of days, exploit the dry shampoo. Got to be done.
6. Adidas Original Superstars, £64.99
Everyone keeps telling me that these shoes are cheap and ugly - but I want them. Let me relive my youth. Anyway, is it just me or does everyone always take really uncomfy shoes away with them and then instantly regret not bringing a pair of well loved trainers with them? I've seen some pretty fashionable Instagrammers wearing these Adidas trainers, so if they're good enough for them, I'll whack them on my mini-break essential/wish-list.
7. Bach's Rescue Remedy, £7.49
I picked up a bottle of this when I was shopping this morning because I'm panicky at the best of times and after not flying on a plane in two and a half years I'm not taking any chances! This product is recommended for things like flying, taking your driving test and performances - so hopefully it will steer me away from Valium and keep me placid on the plane. Hopefully.
Is there anything that you just could not go away without? Comment below!