"I've Nothing to Wear"

The following article is taken from Style by Caroline’s July 2010 enewsletter. To subscribe to our monthly enewsletters, simply complete the subscription form on our website, www.stylebycaroline.ie.

In light of the findings in our recent style survey, this month I’m revealing the top three reasons why people “have nothing to wear”, and, more importantly, how to overcome these wardrobe deficiencies.

PROBLEM 1

Ill-fitting clothes: More often than not, ‘problem wardrobes’ are bulging with clothes that simply don’t flatter the wearer’s figure. Perhaps their shape has changed, and they’re not sure how to dress for their new physique, or maybe they’ve bought into popular fashion trends which don’t flatter their figure. If your clothes don’t fit you properly, you will never feel comfortable or happy wearing them.

Solution: Take the time to analyse your body shape. Identify your best features and choose clothing styles that highlight these (do this with beautifully-cut designs plus attractive colours, patterns, detailing, textures and accessories). By the same token, avoid drawing attention to areas that you are conscious of (achieve this with mute colours, simple patterns, minimal detailing and discreet support).

PROBLEM 2

Clothes don’t match lifestyle: In an ideal world, you should be getting repeated quality wear out of every garment in your wardrobe; however, as our survey shows, the majority of wardrobes in Ireland are barely half-used.

Solution: Sit down with a pen and paper and analyse your lifestyle. Apportion a percentage of time to your daily activities. For example: 50% = work time, 30% = time with the kids, 10% = exercise, 10% = social activities etc. If this person’s wardrobe was in balance with their lifestyle, 50% of clothes would be work-wear, 10% social-wear etc. If the percentages don’t add up, then make a list of shortfalls and keep it in your purse. When you go shopping, ONLY buy what is on this list!

PROBLEM 3

Disorganisation: Often, people can’t find anything to wear because, put simply, their wardrobe is a mess!

Solution: Categorise your clothes by occasion e.g. work-wear, social clothes, casual clothes etc. Ensure that everything in your wardrobe is clean, ironed and on a hanger. Likewise, organise your accessories so that they are clean, visible and accessible. When you can see everything, it makes it a lot easier to find an outfit!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Camouflage Red Cheeks

READER STYLEMMA

“Hi Caroline, I hope you can help me with a make-up problem. I have really red cheeks and a few broken capillaries as well for good measure. The thing is, I hate wearing heavy foundation but I feel that I have to as otherwise I look roasted! I’ve tried using the ‘green creams’ under my foundation but they just leave a green tint on my face – which is worse than the red! Is there anything that I can do to hide or eliminate the redness?”

CAROLINE’S SOLUTION

Reader, you’re certainly not alone in this issue. Thanks a combination of genetics, climate and environmental factors, Irish people are particularly prone to developing red cheeks. Be aware that redness is a sign of sensitivity so before you go trying to cover it up, you need to get to the root of the problem and see can it be alleviated.

First Things First

• GP Check: The first thing I suggest is to check with your doctor that there isn’t an underlying medical condition or skin ailment which is causing your skin to become inflamed.
• Skincare routine: Secondly, I suggest that you look at your skincare routine and see whether it might be exacerbating the sensitivity. Perhaps you have an allergy to certain cosmetic products, or perhaps the products or techniques that you are using are too abrasive for your skin (e.g. some facial scrubs can be very harsh). There are many brands on the market nowadays which help sensitive skin e.g. La Roche Posay, E45 etc. Perhaps you might consider using products with 100% natural ingredients. Your GP or pharmacist will guide you as to what’s best for your skin type.
• SPF: Thirdly, make sure that you ALWAYS wear a minimum SPF15 on your skin. If you’re an outdoorsy type, consider an even higher SPF.
• Diet: Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Make-up Guidelines

• Base: Before you apply foundation, apply a yellow-based colour corrector to the red areas. My favourite is the Master Corrector (in “Yellow”) by Giorgio Armani* (pictured below). Apply sparingly using a concealer/foundation brush. It will look a little yellowy at first, but by the time you have applied your foundation over it, your skin will have the desired neutral tone.
• Foundation: In terms of foundation, you don’t need to wear a heavy formula once you have used a corrector underneath. Choose a yellowy shade rather than a pinky shade. A yellow base will cancel out your natural redness whereas a pink base will emphasise it. Secure your foundation with a translucent powder.
• Blush: The rule regarding blush is ‘less is more’. Avoid cool pink shades which will only draw out your natural redness. Instead, choose warm peach or brown tones.

*Giorgio Armani cosmetics are available at Brown Thomas Dublin (01-6056666) , Brown Thomas Cork (Tel: 021-4805555) and Dublin Airport. Telephone ordering available from Brown Thomas counters (postage and packaging fee applies).

I hope that this information is beneficial. If anyone else has any tips, be sure to share them with us!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Storm in a D-Cup

A leading study conducted by UK Consumer Watchdog, Which, revealed that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.

Wrong Size – Does it Really Matter?

It matters a huge deal if you are not wearing the correct bra size. Not only does a poor-fitting bra cause bad posture, it can also lead to back and neck problems. Conversely, a bra that fits you properly will not only feel more comfortable, it will give you a more attractive silhouette, better waistline and slimmer tummy!

Why do Women Buy the Wrong Size Bra?

Reason 1 – “It says 36C on the label I’m a 36C”: In my experience, the reason why many women go wrong when choosing their bra size is that they think they are a certain size (e.g. 36C) and they continue to buy this same size without further thought. Now, ponder on this for a moment; when you go shopping for clothes do you always buy the same size in every brand? The answer is most likely “no”. Because there is no such thing as standardized sizing, sizes vary (sometimes dramatically) from brand to brand. Similarly, there is no such thing as standardized sizing when it comes to bras; so, one brand’s C cup is another’s D cup, and so forth.

Reason 2 – “Shur, I was measured before and I was a 36C”: Women’s body shapes change over time. Indeed an online survey by LaSenza.com showed that the average woman’s breast size changes up to 6 times over the course of her lifetime. Factors such as age, weight, pregnancy, hormones, medications, surgeries etc. all affect our breast size; hence, I strongly recommend that you get measured by a professional bra fitter for every bra that you purchase. However, if that’s a little much for you, then consider at least getting measured every 6-12 months.

Reason 3 – “I’m nervous of getting measured”: There’s no need to feel apprehensive when getting fitted for a new bra. True, you may feel a little self-conscious; however, rest assured that professional bra fitters are trained and experienced in this area and you can expect sound advice, minimal fuss and maximum discretion.

Reason 4 – “I didn’t need to try it on because it looked like a good fit”: Resist temptation to buy a bra without first trying it on. Not only must you consider the style, you must also ensure that the shape and size are suitable. No matter how good your eye-sight and imagination are, it’s impossible to know whether the bra is right for you without having tried it on.

A Bra that Fits You Properly Will…

• Have suitable straps: Your bra should do the work, not the straps. Your straps should be comfortable and secure. They definitely shouldn’t dig in to your shoulders or fall down. If you have a large bust, choose straps that are a little bit thicker for extra support.
• Have cups that fit: The cups should enclose your breasts perfectly; that means no gaps, gapes or spillage!
• Sit on the breastbone: The part of the bra that separates the breasts should sit flush against your breastbone. It shouldn’t dig in or stick out.
• Have a correct band-size: The bands which wrap around and fasten at the back must be perfectly level. If the bra-straps are pulling the bands upward, then the band size (e.g. 32, 34, 36) is too large. Elsewhere, the band should be thick enough to support you – if you have spillage above or below the band, opt for a thicker band instead.
• Fasten on the outer-most clasp: A new bra should fasten on the outer-most clasp (the reason being that the bra will stretch over time and you will need to use the inner clasps then). If you have to use the inner clasps on the first go, then the band-size is too big.
• Feel comfortable: Most importantly of all, you should feel comfortable and secure wearing the bra.

Caroline’s Tip Tips

• Professional measure: A trained, professional bra fitter (available in every specialist lingerie store and most department stores) will help you select a bra that offers the best comfort and fit for you. Get measured every 6-12 months.
• Matching: I suggest that you purchase a couple of sets of matching knickers to go with each bra that you buy. It’s lovely to wear a matching set!
• Washing: Never wash your bras in a washing machine – hand wash only. Follow the temperature and drying instructions on the care label.
• Straps: Tighten up the straps before every wear.
• Exercise: When exercising, always wear a proper fitted sports-bra.
• Discard: Once your bras start to lose their shape, discard them immediately. They’ll owe you nothing by that stage!

Finally, most women wear a band-size too large and a cup-size too small. Remember, if you go down a band size, you go up a cup size. Get measured the next time you buy a bra and see does it make a difference!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Make-up Advice: Blush

To my mind, nothing finishes off a make-up look quite like a sweep of blush. Blush gives a lovely softness to the face, as well as providing subtle (or not-so-subtle, depending on the look that you’re going for) colour to the cheeks. When applied properly, blush can truly transform the dimensions of the face; with a few strategically-places sweeps, you can soften harsh angles, or create contours where there aren’t any. I’ll do a separate post later on the topic of contouring; for the moment we’ll concentrate on the different types of blush, choosing colours and basic application techniques.

TYPES OF BLUSH

1. Powder: The traditional powder compact is still the most popular blush formula on the market. Powder-blush is suitable for all skin types, lasts longer than any other formula, and it comes in the widest range of colours. Apply powder blush over your foundation and face-powder. Illustration: MAC Powder Blush

2. Cream: Cream blushes are gaining tremendous popularity, thanks to the natural flush of cover that they offer. Their light, moist consistency makes them ideal for dry and mature skin types; however, those with oily or combination skin might find that cream blushes disappear from their faces in no time. Apply over foundation and under face-powder. Illustration: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge.

3. Gel: A first cousin of cream blushes, gel blushes are gaining in popularity. Like cream blushes, they give a natural, dewy glow to the skin. Most gel blushes are oil-free, which means that they are suitable for those with oily skin. Apply over foundation and under face-powder. Illustration: Georgio Armani Face Fabric.

4. Mousse: Mousse blushes are another derivative of the cream blush. They have a softly whipped consistency which glides onto the skin, giving a lovely natural glow. Again, these are most suitable for those with drier skins. Apply over foundation and under face-powder. Illustration: Maybelline Dream Mousse.

5. Liquid: The leader of the pack when it comes to liquid blushes is Benefit’s Benetint. Similar in colour and consistency to Ribena, it gives a fantastic pop of colour to the skin. It’s suitable for all skin types; however, I find that it fades quite fast so it may require top-ups during the day. Apply over foundation and under face-powder. Illustration: Benefit Benetint.

6. Crayon: Similar in consistency to a stick foundation, crayon blushes are ideal for your handbag as they also double up as lipsticks. These are generally suitable for all skin types. Apply over foundation and under face-powder. Illustration: Nars Multiple.

BASIC APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

Where to Place It: The general rule of thumb is that you place blush on the ‘apples’ of your cheeks. (The apples of your cheeks are the chubby parts that pop up when you smile). I like to extend the blush gently up along the cheekbone too for subtle definition. Don’t bring the colour too close to your nose or you will look like you have been in a sauna. Avoid this ‘sauna’ look as follows: draw an imaginary line from the pupil of your eye down to your cheek and blend outwards from this point. Also on the subject of ‘what not to do’, don’t bring the colour above your cheekbones or too far down your cheeks.

Using Powder Blush: Dip the brush into your powder compact. Tap the excess off the brush (you want the bare minimum of colour on the brush or else you will achieve the dreaded ‘Aunt Sally’ look, pictured above). Then blend the colour onto the apples of your cheeks, before finally sweeping the colour up the cheekbones. Repeat as necessary until you have achieved your desired colour. If the colour is too strong, simply apply a sweep of translucent powder over the cheeks, which will tone down the colour.

Using Cream/Gel/Mousse/Liquid Blush: Instead of using a brush, use your fingertips. Dab 2-3 dots on the apples of your cheeks and cheekbones, and blend gently and evenly. Reapply as necessary. Remember to ‘seal’ the colour with some translucent powder or else it will disappear quickly.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOUR FOR YOUR SKINTONE

Discover Your Best Colour: The quickest and easiest way to determine what blush tone suits you best is to pinch your cheeks, which will cause your cheeks to flush. Whatever colour your cheeks flush naturally will always suit you best!

Warm Toned Skin: If your skin has yellow undertones or is sallow in colour, or if you have freckles or tan easily, then your skin is warm in tone. Choose shades of blush that have warmth to complement your skin-tone e.g. honey, coral, peach, apricot, peachy-pink, hot pink, warm red, bronze and brown. Irish celebrities with warm-toned skin include: Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, Sheana Keane, Gráinne Seoige and Leigh Arnold.

Cool Toned Skin: Cool skin is recognized by blue or pink undertones. Many Irish people have cool-toned skin, which is often pale and doesn’t tan very easily. Choose shades of blush that are cooler in colour e.g. pastel pink, rose, plum, crimson, wine, blue-red and terracotta. Irish celebrities with cool-toned skin include:Amy Huberman, Gemma Hayes and Aoibinn Ní Shuilleabháin.

Note that your skin-tone can change. Causes include: aging, environmental conditions, medications, fake tanning products etc.

CAROLINE’S TOP TIPS

• Buy a Good Brush: Invest in a high-quality blush brush, with soft, natural fibres. Wash the brush regularly with a brush cleanser.
• Apply Sparingly: Blush is easy to put on but not so easy to tone down. Build up your colour gradually.
• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure that you blend thoroughly so that you’re not left with harsh lines.
• Coordinate Colour: Ensure that your choice of blush colour complements the rest of your make-up look.
• Intensity: Generally, the darker the skin-tone, the bolder the colour can be. Likewise, the lighter the skin-tone, the softer the colour choice should be.
• Ask for Help: Many stores nowadays have trained make-up artists on hand to help you choose the right colours and textures.

I hope that today’s tutoral was beneficial. If you have any queries or comments, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Our June 2010 Style Survey Results

Style by Caroline, recently conducted an on-line style survey to ascertain Irish women’s opinions on style and shopping. The results certainly show interesting patterns of behaviour when it comes to wardrobe management and shopping, with Irish women demonstrating a keen love of shopping, but perhaps more mixed emotions towards wardrobe management!

Wardrobe Woes

• Certainly, our findings suggest that Irish women’s wardrobes don’t always match their lifestyle needs.
• In response to the question, “have you ever despaired’ I’ve nothing to wear’”, a whopping 95% of respondents answered yes! By the same token, 4 out of 5 people wear LESS THAN 60% of their wardrobe contents.
• Although our wardrobes aren’t fulfilling our lifestyle needs, Irish women aren’t averse to decluttering. 28% do an annual clear-out and a further 40% will reach for the refuse sacks at least every 2 years.

Shopping Behaviour

• As legend would have it, most Irish women are partial to clothes-shopping, with only 1 in 10 respondents stating that they dislike shopping.
• Most are regular shoppers; 16% shop once a week, a further 27% shop once a fortnight and another 28% once a month.
• High street chain stores are the preferred shopping destination for half of our respondents, followed by Department Stores. 10% favoured second-hand, vintage and charity stores, 8% prefer boutiques, and 6% cited the Internet as being their favorite place to shop.
• Half of those surveyed spend up to €100 a month on clothes and accessories. A further 38% will spend up to €250 a month, and 1 in 10 spends up to €500 a month.

Celebrity Style

There was no shortage of nominations for favourite Irish Celebrity dresser; Kathryn Thomas topped the poll, followed by Amy Huberman and Grainne Seoige in joint second place, and Yvonne Keating in third place. Other honourable mentions include; Celia Holman Lee, Lorraine Keane, Imelda May, Glenda Gilson, Andrea Corr, Sharon Ní Bheoláin, Saoirse Ronan, Sile Seoige and Victoria Smurfit, to name but a few.

Kathryn Thomas – voted Ireland’s most stylish

Thank you to all who took the time to compete our survey; your assistance is hugely appreciated.

If you have any queries on this survey, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Little Black Book

I’m in the process of putting together a ‘little black book’ for my customers.

Essentially, it will be a directory of the best fashion, style and beauty providers in Ireland – be they shops, markets, salons, freelancers, websites etc.

For now, I’m thinking along the lines of having four categories (see below), but I may yet develop this further.

1. Clothes
2. Accessories
3. Beauty
4. Hair

I obviously will be including my own favourites; however, I want to cast the net wider. You see the beauty of this directory is that it is by the people, for the people; hence I’m seeking for your suggestions .

To qualify for inclusion in the ‘little black book’, these service providers must offer the following: (a) excellent quality, (b) value for money, (c) great service and (d) a little something special. If you would like to recommend a service provider that fulfils these qualities, simply email their name (plus address, telephone number, website, any other important details) to info@stylebycaroline.ie or put a comment up on Facebook.

If you have particularly nice things to say about your nominee, why not write a review and I’ll post it up on this here blog, with full writing credits to you of course!

It may take a bit of time to put together but I must say I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Turquoise Flamingo

Every so often, a website comes along that adds a bit of sunshine to my day.

Today’s ray of light came from Turquoise Flamingo, which surely has the most attractive name of any on-line boutique, no?

Turquoise Flamingo is a beautiful Irish website, offering vintage and pre-loved clothing. They’re nearing the end of their Summer sale at the moment so stocks are a bit low, but I read with excitement on the Turquoise Flamingo blog that they have new arrivals coming our way soon.

In the meantime, isn’t this 1960s Summer ‘Brunch’ dress just gorgeous! (I love the styling Cathy – well done!). It’s currently on sale for only €16.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Lip Service

Did you know that last Tuesday, 6th July, was National Kissing day in the UK? Which got me a-thinking about the best lip salves for curing and preventing chapped lips. Here are some of my favourites:

Prices quoted are for the Republic of Ireland and were correct at time of publication.

Best for Daily Use – Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner (€3.57 for 7ml)
Soothing, conditioning and long-lasting, this lip balm is ideal for everyday use. It contains key moisturising ingredients including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, aloe vera and collagen, as well as an SPF15 which will protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.

Best for Repairing Extreme Damage– La Roche Posay Ceralip Lip Repair Cream (€15 for 15ml)
Especially formulated for severely dry or sensitive lips, this soothing ointment will gently restore your lips back to full health.

Best Natural Product – Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (€3.95 for 8.5g)
Made purely from natural products (including lanolin, sunflower oil and coconut oil) this non-greasy formula offers instant relief to damaged lips. It also contains peppermint oil which gives a refreshing minty scent and tingling feeling!

Best for Preventing Damage – Vaseline Lip Therapy Petroleum Jelly (€1.09 for 20g)
Vaseline Lip Therapy has been used for donkeys’ years as a barrier against harsh elements and is still a market favourite today. With four variations now available – Original, Aloe Vera, Sun Protection and Rosy Lips – you’re bound to find a favourite.

Best All-Rounder – Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream (€30 for 50ml)
Not only does 8-Hour Cream act as an excellent lip salve, it also gives rapid and effective relief to dry skin, abrasions, rashes and burns. Furthermore, it has many cosmetic uses, serving equally well as a lip gloss, highlighting cream, brow gel and lash-thickener!

Now, get kissing!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Swimsuit to Suit

The following article is taken from Style by Caroline’s June 2010 enewsletter. To subscribe to our monthly enewsletters, simply complete the subscription form on our official website, www.stylebycaroline.ie.

Finding the perfect swimsuit takes time and effort. Your aim is to find a shape that flatters your shape and makes you look proportionate. I have outlined some suggestions below as a guide. Consider also investing in a flattering kaftan / sarong / cover-up which will (a) protect you from the sun (b) conceal any wobbly areas and (c) give you added warmth.

Best for Pear Shape

Features: Narrow shoulders, neat bust, slim waist and broader around the hips/bum/thighs.

DO draw attention upwards towards your narrowest features. Do this with frills, embellishments, gathered material, bright colours/patterns, padding/underwiring on the bust etc.)
DON’T draw attention to your broader areas. Avoid low-rise leg or detailing/bright colour around the bum/hips.

This La Perla swimsuit is available from Net-a-Porter (€239):

Best for Top-Heavy Shape

Features: large bust, undefined waist, may carry weight around the tummy & upper arms. Slim bum, hips, thighs and legs.

DO give great support to bust and tummy areas. Enhance your waist area (gathered material, drawstrings, embellishment, brighter colour etc. around the waist area). Stick to plain patterns/colours.
DON’T wear skimpy, unsupportive or strapless items.

This Magic Swimsuit is available from Littlewoods (26):

Best for Athletic/Rectangular Shape

Features: Body shape is straight up and down with very little waist definition.

DO try to create the illusion of curves with gathered fabric, curvy patterns, support around the bust, embellishment around the hip area etc.
DON’T wear boxy shapes or lines/patterns that are vertical/horizontal.

This Zimmermann swimsuit is from Net-a-Porter (€229.69):

Best for Curvy Shape

Features: Body shape is voluptuous.

DO choose supportive fabrics, hidden supportive panels, fabrics with a lycra/spandex mix. Also go for darker colours and plain patterns. Find out what your best feature is and draw attention to that with detailing.
DONT wear flimsy, skimpy, ill-fitting or tight-fitting styles. Avoid loud or bright colours and patterns.

This Resort Shapewear swimsuit is from Littlewoods (€37):

Best for Slim Shape

Features: Body shape is neat and slender

DO have fun! With your slim frame you can go crazy with colour, pattern, texture, accessories, detailing etc. Cut-out panels are very much in season for SS10 and would look great on you.
DONT wear dark colours, monochromatic patterns or boring styles.

This Cosabella swimsuit is from Asos (£75):

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Dress for the Rain

Ah hear! Who switched on the rain??

In less than 48 hours, Ireland has gone from sizzling to sozzling.

However, let’s not let the miserable weather rain on our fashion parade. Here are a few fashionable rainsavers that will keep you dry during any sun-shower.

A Waterproof Umbrella: I love these Lollipops Stripy Umbrellas by Bombay Duck (£22.99), available from BrolliesGalore.co.uk:

A Lightweight Mac: A Mac will protect you from the rain whilst keeping you relatively cool in the warm weather. Oasis have a lovely selection of coats at the moment, including this grey funnel trench which is on sale at £50! Also available in black:

Splashy Boots: “Summer” and boots” sound like a strange juxtaposition; however, bear with me. In our precipitous climate, splashy boots are a wardrobe must have. Choose a mid-heel style that is fashionable, comfortable and versatile, like these Adela Hard Wear boots from ASOS (£75):

Light Cotton Scarf: I always carry a light cotton scarf in my handbag. If I forget to bring an umbrella with me, I simply use my scarf as a Hilda Ogden-esque headscarf. If my hair starts to frizz in the rain, I wear the scarf as a bandanna. If I’m getting a little chilly, I wear it around my neck. It can also be used as a belt to jazz up a plain t-shirt or jacket. The possibilities are endless. For example, this Gypset Paisley Print Scarf from Accessorize (£10):

Waterproof Mascara: In the time it took me to fill the car with petrol today, I ended up with blurry ‘panda eyes’. Why, you say? Well I was silly enough to stand out in the rain whilst wearing a non-waterproof mascara. Next time I’ll be wiser and wear my trusty Clinique Lash Power Waterproof Mascara:

Hope you like these suggestions. Don’t be shy in sharing your fab finds in the comment box below.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Music Festival Checklist

With the summer music festival in full swing, and Oxegen only days away, it’s high time I did a post on what to pack in your festival kit. This by no means is an exhaustive list, but it will certainly so you for a weekend of music, mayhem and mud!

These festival girls appear to have forgotten their map!

Clothing Essentials

• Plenty of socks and undies
• Clothes with zip-up pockets
• Thin ‘layers’ that you can add/remove according to the weather
• Waterproof mac
• Warm hoodie or fleece
• Comfy footwear (no heels or flip-flops)
• Wellies
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses

Personal Essentials

• Suncream
• Vaseline with SPF
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dry shampoo (e.g. Batiste)
• Unfragranced baby wipes
• Antiperspirant deodorant (e.g. Mitchums)
• Mini first aid kit (including Paracetamol, plasters, Anthisan cream).
• Tampons / sanitary pads
• Glasses / contact lenses

Make-up Essentials

• Tinted moisturiser with SPF
• Waterproof mascara
• Waterproof eyeliner
• Multi-function product for lips and cheeks (e.g. Benefit Benetint)
• Lip gloss
• Compact mirror

The Last Few Bits

• The obvious things that people forget – ticket, ID and money!
• Map and itinerary
• Bottles of water
• Toilet paper
• Watch
• Travel torch (plus spare batteries)
• Food / snacks e.g. nuts, cereal bars etc.
• Bin-liners (they work as ponchos, seat covers, laundry bags, rubbish bins etc.)
• Pillowcase (stuff it with clothes and it turns into a pillow)
• Spare tent pegs

Learn From My Past Mistakes

• Pack light.
• Ensure your ‘kit bag’ is comfortable and easy to carry.
• Don’t bring valuables.
• Wear old or cheap clothes so as you won’t mind if they get lost/damaged.
• Have a full set of clean, dry clothes to wear on the way home. (You’ll thank me for this later!)
• If you’re camping, be sure to put some sort of a marker on your tent so that you’ll be able to recognize it amongst thousands of similar-looking tents!
• Make a mental note of where you parked the car or where your bus will be collecting you.

Have I omitted anything glaringly obvious? If so, be sure to add your thoughts to the comment box below.

Enjoy festival season!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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