2014-08-04

By Maya Peilow

I’ve always been pretty useless at packing before a trip. I spend significantly more time avoiding the seemingly rather simple task so that I end up doing everything in a last minute hurry and forget something. In another almighty attempt at procrastination before my two week trip to Portugal, I’ve taken to Net-a-Porter to do my first Edit for FEAL. As a pre-holiday blog post, it seems appropriate to browse for my fantasy wardrobe. A girl can dream…

At the beach

While I love to explore and get a decent dose of culture when on holiday, one of my favourite things to do is to sit on a sun lounger in a bikini (which I’ve probably spent months shopping for) and a good book.



Zimmermann printed stretch-nylon bikini, £215



Melissa Odabash Key West triangle bikini, £185

The books? No fantasy required. I’ve packed Tamara Mellon’s memoir and ‘George Valentine’s Retirement Plan‘ which my best friend’s dad recently wrote. These have both shamefully been sitting on my bookshelf for weeks and I’ll be glad to finally have the time to read them!

I’ve recently invested in the Kayla Itsines ‘Bikini Body Guide’ and going on holiday is no excuse to skip part of the 12 week programme so, to make sure I stay on track, I’ll take a new pair of trainers and some luxe running shorts.



Splendid satin-jersey shorts, £100

Nike Zoom Structure 17 mesh sneakers, £95

Seeing the sights

For wandering around the town of Estoril near Lisbon, I’ll take advantage of the amazing weather and wear some DVF or Saint Laurent shorts with Sophia Webster sandals. But for bigger excursions, I’d opt for the foolproof midi skirt – perfect for during the day with a cami and easy to dress up for a night out.

Diane von Furstenberg Naples jacquard shorts, £255

Saint Laurent high-rise denim shorts, £315

Sophia Webster Bea patent-leather and raffia sandals, £195

Splendid Cotton and modal-blend jersey camisole, £50

Saloni Bettina printed cotton-blend cloqué midi skirt, £470

I couldn’t resist this chic Preen combo…

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi mint Zone cropped stretch-crepe top, £320

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi salmon Everly pleated stretch-crepe skirt, £670

Final touches

When it comes to accessories, I like packing things that go with everything. With limited baggage allowance, no one needs to take 10 handbags. I’d go for a neutral Mulberry Willow – the tote is perfect to travel with and take out during the day and the detachable clutch is ideal for going out. I feel unnaturally bare without any jewellery – I normally wear at least 4 rings a day. This Lele Sadoughi bracelet is gorgeous and easy to wear. I’ve been in love with Noor Fares’ jewellery for a while. She just  completed her MA at CSM and her collections are incredible and this ring is no exception.

Mulberry Willow leather tote in wheat, £1600

Lele Sadoughi Pearl Satellite gold-plated faux pearl bracelet, £355

Noor Fares Geometry 18-karat rose gold diamond ring, £1550

My hotel is near Casino Estoril, which is apparently the largest casino in Europe and the inspiration behind Ian Flemming’s ‘Casino Royale.’ The dress code, as you’d expect, is very smart so I’d better think big. Coming from a Lebanese family, Elie Saab is a household name so I’d love to wear one of his dresses. After wandering around all day, I’d better stick to flats so I’ll fulfil my Valentino Rockstud fantasy. The bag? The detachable clutch from my Mulberry Willow.

Elie Saab lace-appliquéd tulle and organza mini dress, £4625

Valentino Rockstud patent-leather point-toe flats in Opaline Green, £560

While I’m living in dreamland, I may as well fantasise about the luggage too. Edie Campbell seems to have the right idea in this Spring’s Louis Vuitton ‘Spirit of Travel’ campaign…

Louis Vuitton Spring 2014 ‘Spirit of Travel’ ad campaign featuring Edie Campbell and Karen Elson. Photographed by Peter Lindbergh (via Louis Vuitton)

The post EDITS: Maya’s Fantasy Holiday Wardrobe appeared first on Fashion Editor at Large.

Show more