and then....: The Empresses new clothes...

My attitude to packing for holidays was formed at a very early stage.

By the age of 3 I had developed a strong bond with all of my toys and ‘in the interests of fairness’ could not bare to leave behind the less played with rejects, only selecting my favourites to experience the marvel of foreign travel. The next 10 summers involved long car journeys to France spent with my legs resting on clans of Sylvanian families, a herd of my little ponies a gorilla army of stolen action men, and of course Billis - the half naked bear who was a gift from the Gas Board.

I’m now 26 and while the cuddly toys have been replaced with clothes (Mr H and Billis tend to clash over political beliefs) I still make sure nothing is left behind. This only became an issue when I decided to take the world of me to a festival in Spain a few years ago. 3 hours of dragging the contents of an entire wardrobe (and a last minute panicked airport shop) through sun baked fields soon makes you realise it’s time to be selective (with clothes AND holiday choices)

With an impending trip to Rome in mind, I have resolved to break this and welcome on board my new mantra:

‘take only what you need to survive!’

Okay, so maybe not ‘survive’ in the purest sense but definitely from a sartorial perspective.

Here are my favourites (so far..) First stop is the Coliseum, and while Mr H pretends he’s Russel Crowe these Topshop gladiator sandals should help me get into the mood.

Maximus Geordious Xanthius
1.

Comfortable enough for day trips around the ancient city, the metallic detail gives a smart enough edge to throw on with this bold River Island dress for an evening date with the Emperor…

They say all roads lead to Rome, and my map reading skills will definitely be putting this old saying to the test. Perhaps the tiny colourful arrows on this Whistles Arrow Print T-shirt will help me out.

A loose cut body and low round neck top keeps the top cool and light while still pulling off the city chic look, it pairs perfectly with a fat-bottomed-girl-friendly peg leg trousers.

Long since known to be the bargain basement of on trend shoes, New Look has stepped up a gear with its summer swimwear collection. An array of purse friendly bikinis are available as separates great for mixing up colours and styles (and for those whose top’s don’t quite match their tails)

For those who are more Easter Bunny then Gym Bunny cover all one pieces are bang on trend and great for a nap by the pool. A pair of Jackie-O shades will enhance the 50’s vibe that comes with these lycra lovelies

Keep cool in the shade with Accesorize’s vast range of hats. If like me, you have a bonce to make the Elephant man point and laugh, this paper take on the 1920’s bonnet sits low on the head and covers up a dodgy holiday hair do well.

Finally, as no Roman Goddess would be complete without her trinkets, this fantastically named Golddigger bangle adds a stylish finishing touch to any outfit and balances out a lot of the hyper feminine pieces floating around the highstreet at the moment.