Sunshine and Rain - Dressing for Tropical Climates.

So, since I didn't get to do a post before I left, I thought I would at least do a quick post here from sunny Barbados! Although the climate is a drastic improvement from the grey skies and bitter winds of London, many similar fashion dilemmas still arise, and it is not as easy to predict the weather here, particularly as it varies so much from place to place! Despite the fact that Barbados is so tiny, it is very common for it to be raining on one part of the island and for another part (sometimes just down the road) to be perfectly dry with sunny skies. This creates obvious problems when deciding what to wear as you really cannot tell exactly how the weather will be where you are.

It is for this reason that when here, there are certain adjustments that I make to my fashion decisions which are slightly out of character for me. For example, I am very very particular when in London to plan my footwear based on whether it is going to rain or be cold. No such planning can be done here and in a way it doesn't need to. A shower in Barbados is what in London would probably be called heavy rain, the only difference is that it is short lived. This means that whatever shoes you have on, your feet will get wet regardless as the likelihood of wearing wellies is...unlikely. So, closed toe or open toe, it really depends on your preference, I don't mind having wet feet so usually I opt for open.

The biggest challenge that I face dressing for Barbados weather is in fact man made. With daytime temperatures averaging 28ºc at this time of the year, there is no escaping my most hated device - the dreaded air-conditioning! As a naturally cold person, air conditioning makes my life hell, particularly those set to unnaturally cold temperatures. Constantly going from super hot to extremely cold means that it is hard to maintain a stable body temperature, making colds almost inevitable. Carrying a cardigan or shirt to throw over if inside for long periods of time is the best bet, however if going in and out regularly (like when shopping) means most of the time I just have to suck it up and deal with it...

Yesterday was a hot day but had several heavy showers. Here is a replica of what I wore...

How do you dress in unpredictable weather? Any advice? Let me know!!!

Ciao for now ;-) HMLDN xx

Capsule Wardrobe 101: 3 Week Beach Holiday

So, in approximately 6 days time (not that I am counting or anything!) I am off to sunny Barbados for 3 weeks! Considering the minus temperatures that London has been experiencing this week, I can't deny that the warmer climate (generally 28º - 32ºc!) is very inviting right now. But, as with any trip, the dilemma of what to pack had me stumped, particularly because after several short trips this year, 3 weeks seems like a life time! However, after spending hours trolling through probably every packing guide/blog post available online as well as capsule wardrobe advice, I came up with the following list...

2 shirts - 1 denim and one black. These can either be warn as they are or over tops/t-shirts like a jacket
4 t-shirts - each in different colours
2 vest tops - including a black one (always essential!)
2 blouses/ dressy tops - these should be able to be worn casually too
2 casual shorts - if your not a shorts person, you can add an extra pair of jeans or skirt
1 maxi dress - as I am tall, maxi dresses tend to be really heavy but if your not then add more!
1 normal dress - this should be able to be worn casual and dressy
1 jumpsuit/playsuit - strapless ones are great for the beach
1 beach dress/cover up - another item that should be versatile
1 maxi skirt - I'm going for a black one but any colour is good really
2 mini skirts - maybe in different styles, I picked a high-low skirt to change it up
1 pair of trousers/jeans/jeggings/chinos - preferably in a neutral colour
1 cardigan - not black as the black shirt serves this purpose
2 bikinis/swimsuits - I'm not really one for bringing lots of bikinis, I just want one to wear when the other is wet!
1 pair of flip flops - for obvious reasons
1 pair of wedges - comfortable and dressy (but also casual :-) )
1 pair of flat sandals - for those days when flip flops won't do
1 pair of trainers/closed-toe shoes - for those rainy days or days when considerable walking is required
1 beach bag - can be doubled up as your travel bag (which is what I am doing)
1 clutch bag - nights out, dinner etc.
1 sun hat - sun and hair...
2 sunglasses - 2 different styles maybe on more fancy?
Tons of accessories - a mixture of gold and silver, versatile things that can be dressed up or down

Minus the accessories and swimwear, below is the above materialised! It should cover activities such as beach time, shopping, lunches/dinners, bars etc. Most of the items I actually own and will be packing...

Do you think this will be enough for 3 weeks? Any capsule wardrobe tips? Let me know!!!

Ciao for now ;-) HMLDN xx