Jewelled kaftans, but absolutely no Crocs! (From Living Northeast)

Jewelled kaftans, but absolutely no Crocs!

2:58pm Thursday 15th July 2010 in

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Packing for holiday can be something of a minefield, especially with all the weight restrictions imposed at airports. Ruth Addicott talks to Clare Mcbride, owner of Yarm-based fashion boutique Rubie Heels, for some tips on this season’s top trends.

What are this summer’s holiday essentials?

“There are two key trends I’ll be wearing this season and that’s the maxi dress and the jumpsuit. Make sure they’re lightweight silky fabrics in subtle pastel shades or bold prints to make a statement. Accessorise with bold, chunky jewellery and flat or high strappy sandals – perfect!”

What would you avoid at all costs?

“My biggest fashion fear has got to be Crocs. They are so wrong and best left to my three-and-a-alf-year-old little boy.”

Are there any key pieces at Rubie Heels you’d recommend?

“Jewelled kaftans are an essential summer item and perfect for beach-to-bar glamour, simply throw over your bikini and away you go. We have some great styles from Aftershock. We also have a Sea Green Grecian-style silk maxi dress by Blank, which is gorgeous for a summer evening.”

What are the best styles in terms of shoes?

“I think jewelled flat sandals are perfect for holidays as they’re easy to wear and add instant glamour to the simplest of outfits, as do wedges, which are comfortable and stylish. JShoes has some great styles.”

What kind of clothes would you recommend to travel in?

“Lightweight knits are always a winner for me and we have some gorgeous easy-to-wear pieces. My ultimate must-have for long-haul flights are my cashmere wrap and socks for comfort and a great book and favourite tunes downloaded on my iPod. I try to drink lots of still water and spray my face with Evian water spritzer, but my healthy intentions waiver half way through the flight as my husband insists on bag of sweets and Pringles for the journey.”

Do you have any beauty essentials you always pack?

“I would never travel anywhere without my Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Face Cream, a good intensive hair conditioner and sun block. I also take nail varnish in a dark shade to maintain the pedicure: feet are on show all the time on holiday so it’s important. My nails once went luminous yellow in the sun after a French manicure. I was mortified.”

What is your favourite holiday destination?

“Thailand – gorgeous beaches, amazing food and lovely people. The best holiday I’ve had was Phi Phi Island in Thailand: total relaxation and such happy memories. The ability to hire a longboat and experience breathtaking, unspoilt beaches is just amazing. The worst holiday was Morocco – not my thing, too much hustle and bustle.”

Is there one item you couldn’t go on holiday without?

“I have a kaftan by Ghost I bought ten years ago and it’s travelled everywhere with me.”

What’s the secret to packing light?

“Packing light takes a lot of planning, I like to choose a colour palette and work around that to enable me to mix and match and create lots of different looks. Although I can get a bit carried away when it comes to shoes, I’m trying really hard to overcome that and just pack three pairs. I’m not the best person when it comes to packing light.”

Have you ever had any luggage disasters?

“I was a flight attendant for many years and had my bags tampered with many times. I used to find the most bizarre things in my bag – people’s clothing, toiletries and shoes that were not there when I’d packed. I think the baggage handlers found it amusing to do such things.”

Who would you most like to sit next to on a first class flight?

“What woman wouldn’t want to sit next to a gorgeous man? So I guess it would have to be my husband. My idea of hell is someone with poor hygiene. I’d have to move!”

What has been your best buy this season?

“It would have to be my silk hareem pants from Zara, for £69. They are so comfortable and versatile. I always start packing weeks, maybe months, in advance to ensure I have something for every eventuality.”

And worst fashion faux pas?

“That has got to be my corkscrew perm, I wanted my hair like Carol Decker from T’Pau. Unfortunately, I looked more like my nana.”

Lastly, what are your do’s or don’ts with regard to looking glam on holiday?

“Do – have a good manicure, pedicure and exfoliate. Do natural – less is more. And don’t overdo the sunbathing – panda eyes and peeling skin is not a great look.”