The City Break Checklist

Whether it’s Barcelona, Prague or London, packing for a summer city break can be tough. Unlike beach escapes where you can throw a few bikinis and a pair of flip flops in a case, city holidays need a carefully considered wardrobe.

City breaks are naturally more active than beach holidays, as you explore all that the city has to offer. With the wrong clothing, this can be a disaster — blisters and sunburn anyone? Thought not! Daniel Footwear is here to help with their our essential city break packing checklist.  Check it out below!

Shoes

Whether it’s ancient cobbled streets or long days spent sight-seeing, there’s only one thing for it: trainers. Thankfully, we’re in the midst of a 90s revival, meaning our trainers are bang on trend, as well as super comfortable. For a glam edge to your everyday style, we love our range of Michael Kors trainers.

When day turns to night, and the clock strikes cocktail o’clock, those cobbled streets and lengthy treks still remain. However, we fully understand that you might want to add a touch of glamour to your evening outfit. Depending on what you have planned, you may want to take some heels with you — you can always take a taxi if it’s a long way away. Wedges are a popular choice, and they look great with both jeans and dresses.

We recommend packing a pair of comfortable flats, such as sliders or Fitflop ballerina shoes, and a pair of embellished sandals too. Embellished sandals are a stylish alternative to heels, perfect for channeling that beach-to-bar look, while their added glitz adds a dash of glamour that every summer night needs.

Accessories

Sunglasses are a must – especially in those typical hot climates. They help you look stylish whilst protecting your eyes from the sun rays. Who doesn’t love a big pair of sunglasses? It can get extremely hot when you are out exploring a new city, partner your sunglasses with a sunhat for an instantly glamorous look. A sunhat is a timeless accessory that will shield your face from the mid-day sun, whilst making you look very chic.

For an evening, don’t forget to pack some statement jewellery to finish your look. Bold jewellery will mirror the glitz and sparkle of your embellished sandals.

Clothing

Maxi dresses are fabulous for the summer. They are a great city break staple that are cool and stylish by day, and totally glamourous by night when partnered with a pair of wedges and a chunky necklace – very boho.

When you are out exploring the city’s history, something light and floaty is ideal to keep you cool throughout the day. Cami tops, kaftans, floral playsuits and tea dresses are perfect, and totally on trend. They’ll even look great with your trainers. Fashion that’s comfortable, who would have thought it?

We also recommend packing some t-shirts to pair with some frayed denim shorts just in case you burn your shoulders. They cover up those sore burnt bits, whilst keeping you cool when you explore rest of the city.

Sun cream

Whatever you do, don’t forget your sun cream. It can get very hot when you are out and about during the day doing activities, and you might not realise the strength of the sun’s rays. You don’t want to ruin your strip with sore sunburn, or even sunstroke. Be safe and apply plenty before you head out into the sun.

*Collaborative post

The New Fashion Trend: Athleisure

I have always been a dress girl.  A pretty dress and preferably a gorgeous pair of Mary Janes is my constant outfit with lots of variations on pattern on colour.  But there is someone new in my life that is making my change some of my choices.

This fella!

Simba loves to go out for a walk and is never happier when he is bounding around in grass.  I love to see him run across the field or dart through the trees chasing after birds that he sees in the trees.  Unfortunately, my current wardrobe is not really suitable and the only suitable shoes I have are heavy snow boots.

This is why I am turning to the current trend of Athleisure.  

It’s never been acceptable to just crawl out of bed, throw on our trackies and stroll into work. I can't even do that when I am mooching around on the weekend.  While the basics of this look are comfort classics, you’ll need to style it right to create a perfectly polished look. Here, are some of the basics of Athleisure to take your look from slob to sass.

Must-haves:

To really nail the sports-luxe look, you’ll require some of the following must-have items. Make sure you’ve got:

• Trainers are key — forget heels, throw them to the back of your wardrobe, they won’t be needed. This trend all about a great pair of trainers. Ash trainers are the perfect choice, with a selection of sports-inspired styles to help you effortlessly conquer this look.

• A bomber jacket — HUGE in 2016 and set to be even bigger this year, the loose-fitting, bulky shape of a bomber is a must for creating this look. For a feminine look, choose fresh pastel shades.

• Leggings or joggers — we’re not talking your old gym wear here — invest in a pair of branded leggings or jogging bottoms that are tapered and cuffed for a close fit.

• Sports tops — cropped tops and hoodies are perfect when paired with a pair of leggings or jogging bottoms and bomber jacket. If you’re not quite ready to show off your tum, opt for a loose-fitting sports jersey with mesh detailing.

That’s not to say they all need to be worn together. You can play around with them to create the perfect sports-luxe outfit – or work them into other outfits — for example, why not wear your trainers with a flirty, feminine day dress? The juxtaposition will cement your status as the ultimate fashionista!

Whilst this look is versatile, keep these golden rules in mind:

• Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise! — sportswear is generally quite plain, so make your outfit pop with jewellery — think 90s throwback gold hoops and choker and delicate gold necklaces.

• Wear a coat — one of the easiest ways to take your look from gym to street is to wear a coat. Whether it’s a loose-fitting, vintage-inspired denim or bomber jacket or a longer, open duster coat, they’ll add to your look on cooler days.

• Cover your bum — if the thought of wearing leggings fills you with dread, tie a checked or denim shirt around your waist. Acting as a super-cool, bottom-covering skirt, it will tie-in with your look without cramping your style.

• Keep your workout clothes separate — if you are going to the gym, keep your workout wear separate to your athleisure wear so not to cross-contaminate fashion with fitness.

*In collaboration with Daniel Footwear

Summer Sandals - The No Budget Edition

Whilst writing my Summer Sandals Essentials Guide last week, my eyes could not help be drawn to the more expensive shoes and sandals sections.

If you decide to treat yourself to a pair of designers shoes, my tip would always be to chose something classical and not to complex.  You don't after all want to spend hundreds of pounds on a pair of shoes, only to find that they only go with one outfit!

These are my favourites sandals that I have been looking at over the past week, all of which could fit into any wardrobe whilst still eluding a sense of style of glamour.

Michael Kors £55.00

I just adore these Michael Kors Sandals.  They would be perfect to show off your summer tan and add a touch of bling to your outfit. 

Southaven - £119.00

These sandals are a classic strappy style with a manageable heel, given a cool edge with the vibrant orange colour.  These will look fantastic with a black dress, or something clashing if you are feeling adventurous.

Swedish Hasbeens £149.00

I love these shoes so much I cannot even tell you.  They aren't particularly stylish or up to the minute fashionable, but anyone who has ever loved the Mary Jane combined with a 50s sense of style will love these shoes as much as I.

J Crew - £360.00

Now we are getting into the pricier end of the market.  I love the simple style of these sandals, jazzed up with the sequinned heels and strap.  You could wear these sandals with lots of different neutral tones.

Alaia £750.00

Last, but not least, the most expensive pair of sandals I am showing you today.  Classic, stylish, expensive yes, but absolutely beautiful.  These are the pair that you save for.  What is more, you could wear these shoes with any evening outfit for years to come. 

What are your favourite pair?