We all love travelling, whether a major summer holiday, spa break or City break. If you’re like me, travelling light doesn’t come easy; choosing outfits to stay within today’s luggage weight restrictions if you’re flying or to fit into a weekend bag, is hard enough, then having to decide which jewellery to take can just add to the dilemmas but jewellery is a wonderful way to make otherwise simple holiday dresses or t shirts into something fit for an evening so you can go straight from beach or sightseeing to bar!   Here are a few tips and suggestions…….

Don’t treat it as an afterthought

Don’t leave your accessory planning to the last minute. As you plan your outfits think about your jewellery. To be honest I sometimes jot down the outfits I’m considering along with the jewellery options. I find it really helps me focus rather than just empty my wardrobe and jewellery drawer on to my bed for packing only to have to put most of it back!

Leave valuables behind

No matter where your journey is taking you it should be a break from stress and worry so leave behind your most expensive, valuable pieces unless they’re a key part of an outfit for an extra special event on the trip or you’re not going to take them off!! (Not advisable ) If you are taking valuables make sure you have insurance to cover them.

Earrings are must-haves

All that said, don’t limit yourself too much. You should definitely include 3 or 4 styles of earring.   Earrings to me are the most important!  I just don’t feel dressed without a pair of earrings in and my go to studs at the moment are Muru’s Ancient Coin  or Purity Mandala Studs which just go with anything and  I have in silver and gold.  Due to my colouring I’m normally a silver girl,  but find when I have a bit of a tan I can also wear gold.  Hoops of one description or another are big right now so include a pair of those, add in some tassels and a statement pair, just in case. That way you should have all eventualities covered!  

This year’s trend

Seashell and Mother of Pearl is the big trend of the year and there are some really pretty styles to choose from in the form of earrings, necklaces and bracelets which are easily styled with your Summer wardrobe.  

Other necklaces 

Chains can easily get tangled so you need to take precautions – some tips follow later.  My advice? Limit yourself to one simple pendant that can be worn with multiple outfits and layered with other necklaces. My current favourite is a Muru Horizontal Feather necklace which can be worn with any neckline and has such lovely meaning attached and brings a simple elegance to an outfit so ideal for the City break when you may have an occasion to wear a slightly more formal outfit.   For those very casual beach evenings when all you need to wear are your crop trousers and a plain t-shirt or strap top pack a ribbon choker – immediately it lifts the outfit in a very contemporary way, while beads,  tassels and other materials such as leather, wood and horn can bring a pop of colour,  fun and individuality!

Arm Candy

Stretch bracelets, friendship bracelets and wraps come into their own when you’re on holiday.  Sometimes you need nothing else! (Well, in my case I’d still have to put something in my ears but maybe just some studs!)

How to pack your jewellery safely

Ok, so you’ve made your selection, now you need to pack it. Ideally use a jewellery roll with compartments to keep your items organised. If you don’t have one (mmmmm… perhaps I should start selling them!) I promised tips to prevent chains getting tangled.  Well you can use empty toilet rolls – just thread your chain through and pop the cardboard roll in a polythene bag or wrap it in a scarf; if you have some straws (not plastic of course!) thread your chains through these,  cut the straw to enable you to fold it and again just pop the straw chain holder in a poly bag or wrap it in something soft.    Chunky items can also be wrapped individually in a ‘jeye’ cloth or similar then placed in a zip lock bag. Any bags that you received your jewellery in like the drawstring organza bags often used by us jewellery sellers, can of course be used. If you’re flying, my advice is to pack it all in your hand luggage – just in case your checked bag ends up in the wrong place!!  Happens to the best of us at some time unfortunately!  None of the pieces suggested in this blog will cause you too much financial trauma if they got lost so enjoy your vacation, relax and above all have fun!