How I Pack for a Summer City Break

How I Pack for a Summer City Break

I'm working in the shop today, but my mind is already on London. I've got an early train tomorrow morning and my Atelier Weekend Bag is sitting waiting to be packed.

I'm heading down for a couple of days for the London Textile Fair - the forecast is around 30 degrees, which sounds great until you remember it's London. Thankfully, I've booked the Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch and they've got a rooftop pool. After walking about the city all day, I can see myself finishing each evening up there.

Only a few weeks ago I was over in Porto visiting Intertex, Europe's leading textile trade show, looking at fabrics and meeting makers for future PARA-DAIZA collections.

One thing Porto reminded me of...I still pack too much.I hadn't even checked the weather before I left.

When I got home there were shirts I'd never taken out of the bag, an extra pair of Pinch Chinos that never saw daylight, and all I could think was...

"Why did I drag all this clobber with me?"

It's something I say to customers in the shop all the time.You don't need loads of clothes.You just need to make better choices.

This trip is business, not a fashion show. I'll be carrying my bag around London on the last day, so let's be smart about it. Travel light, keep it cool and pack things that all work together.

It Starts with the Bag

I love this bag.

Like most things in the collection, I designed it because I wanted it myself.

For years I could never find the perfect weekend bag, so eventually I thought, "We'll just make one."

The vegetable-tanned leather is incredibly soft, the antique brass hardware gives it a proper premium feel, and despite looking substantial, it'll still squeeze into the overhead locker on a Ryanair flight.

The shoulder strap makes it comfortable if you're walking about all day, and yes... I could fill it.

But that's exactly the point.

Instead of asking,

"What else can I take?"

I now ask,

"Do I actually need it?"

Pinch Chinos Always

Every trip starts with a pair of Pinch Chinos.

At the moment I'm working on a new Sashiko repair service with Monika at Remode because, let's be honest, some clothes only get better with age

She's repaired my very first pair of navy Pinch Chinos with subtle red Sashiko stitching across the knee and I absolutely love them.

They're soft, lightweight and full of character now.

They'll be perfect for my first evening in London, paired with the Paradise Print Shirt.

Sometimes the oldest pieces in your wardrobe become your favourites.

Watch this space as we have a Sashiko Repair Service and Pinch Chinos coming soon

Great Summer Shirt

If there's one shirt making the trip with me, it's the Paradise Print Shirt.

The cotton and linen blend makes it ideal for summer.

I'll probably wear it open over a white or black T-shirt during the day while wandering around Shoreditch.

Then for dinner it'll be buttoned up with those old battered Sashiko Pinch Chinos.

Same shirt.

Completely different look.

That's packing smart.

It's also exactly how I think when we're designing new collections.

Every piece should work more than one way.

Shorts for the Day, Chinos for the Evening

Most of the daytime will probably be spent in the Navy Core Superflex Shorts.

They're comfortable enough for walking all day, grabbing lunch or sitting outside with a coffee.

When evening comes, I'll probably swap into my Pinch Chinos.

They're lightweight, the 2% stretch makes them brilliant for travelling, and they're still smart enough if we're heading somewhere nice for dinner.

Or if I simply can't be bothered getting changed twice.

Knitted POLO

This is a cracking piece.

I wore it loads in Porto.

The organic cotton and linen blend gives it a naturally cool, dry handle, so it's ideal when the temperature starts to drop later in the evening.

If we decide to head somewhere a bit smarter for dinner, this will be the one I reach for.

Again, it earns its place in the bag.

My Daytime Tee

When it's pushing 30 degrees, comfort wins every time.

The Paradise Isn't Given Relaxed Tee is definitely coming with me.

It's lightweight, breathable and works with pretty much everything else in the bag.

I love the relaxed fit.

Perfect for the beach, festivals or just cutting about London all day.

Sometimes simple really is best.

Don't Forget the Swim Shorts

Image – Khaki Core Swim Shorts

The rooftop pool at Virgin Hotels was enough to convince me these had to come.

Even if I only wear them once, they take up hardly any room.

Sometimes it's the smallest things that end up making the biggest difference to a trip.

The Finishing Touch

The last thing that goes into the bag is always Number One.

I never travel without fragrance.

Years later you'll catch a scent and instantly be taken back to a city, a restaurant or a holiday you'd almost forgotten about.

I love that.

Places I'm Looking Forward To

One of my favourite things about travelling is finding good independent businesses.

It's probably no surprise that's where I naturally end up.

We've booked Camino because the food is banging - it's well worth a visit.

Good food.

Good wine.

Exactly my sort of place.

If we've still got some energy afterwards, Mad Cats is next on the list.

Cocktails, vinyl and good music sounds like a pretty decent way to finish the day.

I'll let you know if they live up to the recommendations.