I'm recently back from an interesting trip to Spain. Chris came out there with me for the first week and then flew home and then my friend Di came over for a few days. Which meant I was out there longer than my usual trip. I still only took hand luggage, which presents it's own challenges but as I have proved to myself - not impossible. The main and most obvious thing is to take enough stoma supplies. I flew Ryanair (other airlines are available), they're a cheap and cheerful (really? did I just use the word cheerful in conjunction with Ryanair?!?!? hahahahahaha) the best thing about them though is they allow two pieces of hand luggage on board. Which makes flying out on a 10 day holiday with hand luggage only very very do able. That said I did have to take less shoes which is almost a tragedy in itself but I coped. ;)
I've always bestowed the virtue of patterns, and on this holiday I noticed my pattern du jour was stripes! I didn't consciously pack only striped outfits, no matter how it appears, but clearly I do like stripes very much.
They do the job in hand ie distract and detract from the shape and outline of my bag. Most patterns do it too, but there's something very fresh and summery about stripes. A wardrobe staple I'd say.
Top from Warehouse, Jeans are Joni's from Topshop, Shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo - I know, I know, get me with my trendy ripped jeans. So maybe some may say I'm too old for them, but 'some' can keep their opinions to themselves as I love them! hahahahah, thoroughly recommend Joni's, they do them un-ripped too so don't fret. They are perfect for my stoma, super stretchy and so comfortable, I've bought 4 pairs now and haven't had a single leak or pancaking in any of them.
Top from Dorothy Perkins, Jeans Joni's from Topshop (I have two pairs and a washing machine out there if you're wondering), Shoes from Jimmy Choo.
When packing hand luggage only wear your biggest chunkiest shoes for the flight, that way you can fit more stuff in your case.
Shirt from Lacoste, vest top from Gerry Weber, Jeans from Topshop - Joni's, Shoes from Levi's, Hair piece from a wig shop in Lakeside.
Dress from Oliver Bonas, Shoes from Ralph Lauren, Tan - all my own hard work laying out like a beached whale hahahahaha.
I always thought Oliver Bonas was a maternity wear shop, no idea why, anyway they're not, they have some great clothes for wearing when you have a stoma. I haven't got one near me but I will pop in next time I'm in London.
Just to prove I did take some un stripey clothing with me hahahaha Top from Ralph Lauren, Jeans Joni from Topshop, Shoes from Ferragamo.
These two photo's were taken in Cartagena, Murcia. Chris suggested a day out to get a breath of fresh air, it's really a stunning place, only went in one shop, the rest of the time was spent eating Churros and walking round a roman amphitheatre. Incredible amount of history in one town. We'd not really explored it before but can't wait to go back.
This is my new beach outfit...I don't get to go to the beach very often. I am married to the most wonderful husband anyone could ask for, he's amazing, the only down side to him is he's near phobic of sand! I know, weird right!! Anyway, my friend Di loves the beach so I was able to get down there.
Bikini from Gok Wan at Sainsbury's, Chiffon trousers Gok again...although I'm sure you worked that out for yourself ;) Sunglasses Jimmy Choo, Hat from Sainsbury's, Shoes from Ferragamo, smile from ear to ear - all mine because I'm on a beach!
Packing wisely with cabin luggage only is the key, really think about what can be worn twice. That way there's enough room for stoma bags, black sacks and sprays. I buy kitchen roll when I arrive on holiday to save carrying it with me.
Happy holidays all. x