Nicky's Rag Tales

As I am constantly traveling and attending working fashion events which necessitate looking good I have a constant struggle when it comes to packing. As I’m usually away for two or three nights at a time this means four to five changes of clothes. Given the baggage restrictions and the fact that I like my lap top and my camera with me and it’s all a major headache. So here are my tips for making life as easy as possible.

Trish Mc Evoy Make up Planner

1. My Make-up is all confined to my Trish Mc Evoy Planner which contains my mineral make-up, blusher, eye shadows and liners and all brushes and lip liners plus lip colour that I need. I add to the planner every season and bring the planner to the Trish Mc Evoy counter at the beginning of each season in order to update it. I carry it in my handbag so it goes everywhere with me.

2. As I like my regular cleansers, moisturisers and night creams with me I decant these into small containers which I get in Muji. It’s really important to get an indelible marker and write on each bottle what it is. even if you think you will know your moisturiser from your hair conditioner by smell alone it can all get terribly confusing in the dim light of a badly lit hotel bathroom.

3. I put all my clothes and combinations on hangers before I pack including all accessories. I try to keep it as simple as possible and like every other fashionista I end up in Black. I always bring a couple of scarves to brighten up an outfit and also a cashmere wrap for the plane journey.

4. Shoes prove a major problem as they take up the most space. Also the ones you travel in HAVE to be comfortable and easy to get on and off for security issues. Flat boots are a good smart option for Winter travel while flip flops are best for Summer.

5. Light weight wheelie cases are very important and Dunnes Stores have a super value range in at the moment starting at 25 euro for the carry on bag up to 45 euro for a decent size extra large light weight case.

6. IPhone apps are a must with the London Underground app offering a great route planner and the Great Books app offering a huge range of classic novels with optional text size which always goes back to where you left off. Remember to carry your charger in your handbag in case you are stranded for hours waiting in an airport as you can always find a socket to plug in the charger somewhere. If not go to the nearest phone store and ask them to charge it for you or a hotel concierge (they usually have all types of chargers handy)

7. Food. Carry a bag of mixed nuts and berries in your bag. That way your energy levels will stay on top and you won’t have to eat those fatty carbs that all airports only seem to have available.

If you have any tips to add please let me know so I can add them here

Tips Via Twitter so far:

1. Dry Shampoo, Klorane does the best one.

2. Solid perfume. ( It would be great if my favorites made a small solid version. There’s nothing like trying to decant perfume and I invariably end up carting a big bottle with me as it’s not something I’m prepared to leave behind)