Travelling thanks to Covid 19 has got very expensive. How do you get maximum access to your luggage with Easy Jet, Ryanair or British Airways?

I have been on the road for the last couple of years and I am yet to master the balance between taking too much clothing on travel or not enough.

carl friedrick check in luggage

Luxury check-in luggage by Carl Friedrick.

carl friedrick check in luggage

It is so hot in Europe at the moment I am suffering regarding style and feeling comfortable. I am starting to use my swimwear as a top when it comes to shopping, beaches and eating at restaurants. It is the perfect combination regarding travelling with fewer clothes but being practical.

swimwear Capri

It is the perfect solution for swimming, then walking on the esplanade and going for a cocktail.

Gracie-Opulanza

Darling Decoupage Swimwear

Eclectic florals delicately adorn swimwear is the solution. This swimwear above always turns heads on the beach and even more so when I choose to wear it as a top. It looks fabulous with denim shorts and cowboy boots. It looks great with a white linen skirt. It teams well with blue linen trousers. Because there are so many colours within the swimwear the block colours worn are endless regarding colour combinations.

Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Swimming pool

When I want to cool off at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido, I do so in style.

Due to the off the shoulder design it gives a more flattering overall appearance to the outfit. On most occasions, people assume I am wearing a top, not swimwear.

Gracie-Opulanza-italy-Swimwear.jpg-Stetson

Hat Wear

Regarding the hats again when choosing to opt for decoupage swimwear keep your hat attire neutral. I am trending Stetson Europe this year with various colours. Of course setting the tone for cowgirl it always looks fabulous in summer and serves a purpose. Keeping the sun off your head.

Stetson hat Europe Gracie Opulanza (4)

Choose a neutral palette and mix different textures to add panache to your swimwear ensemble.

Stetson hat Europe Gracie Opulanza (4)

Travelling In Summer

Let’s face it how much do we wear what we pack? So choose wisely pack five swimwear and five bottoms. You will certainly thank me when you are walking the streets of Europe or Asia in the heat to your hotel.

Broderie Anglaise

Broderie Anglaise is so hot this summer and I am normally not a fan of it. But I did spot this unusual style which looks so super chic. I chose to go up a size because it I like the over size look and easy to take on and off if I am wearing my swimwear underneath. As on occasions entering a church for a tour that is where the swimwear attire won’t work.

In Italy they ask women to cover their shoulders whilst entering churches.

Stetson hats

Broderie Anglaise is 100% cotton perfect for keeping cool in the summer. I would recommend packing, Broderie Anglaise white tops during summer as they are super chic and super versatile.

Gracie-Opulanza-White-Top-Stetson

Practical Bags

This summer take on the Seventies vibe. Savour the beauty of bucolic dressing for winter and embrace clean-cut backpacks or art designs on your bags. I am a huge fan of studded leather over the shoulder bags too. This is my current bag collection with a mix of new bags and vintage bags.

Michele De Fine Aragosta orange leather bag Gracie Opulanza made in italy (1)

Orange looks fabulous with colour clashing swimwear.

Michele Del Fine Algoats orange leather venice bag

My new love is the vegan belt bag by designer Le Maniglie dell’Amore  it is handmade and perfect for hand-free travel. Pickpocketing in large cities is always something to be aware of. It is super chic and very light to walk around in the soaring heat. If you are a mum like me great to keep the kids near you when needed.

Gracie-Opulanza-italy-Swimwear.jpg-Stetson

Bags by Gracie Opulanza

Travel lite and Stylish

Regarding travel smart, I am a huge fan of my idea of wearing your swimwear as a top it is easy to wash, dry and carries. There are so many decoupage swimwear floral options to buy at the moment here in London and Europe.

When travelling to hot countries like Italy you need to take loads of swimwear you can swim in and use as a top too.

Michele De Fine Aragosta orange leather bag Gracie Opulanza made initaly (2)