I may look over dressed (quite literally)

I’m off to Bergamo in Italy this week on a last-minute trip and so I have spent much time incessantly checking the weather forecast for the few days that I’ll be there.

It goes from dry and sunny to rainy but as I sit here thinking about what to pack, it looks like it’s going to be dry so I’m going to be hopeful and pack for good weather.

As I’m not an over packer and I never want to pay to bring a bag, I have to do my best to fit everything into a small backpack which I know people are shocked that I can manage this!

I may look over dressed (quite literally) going to the airport but I do plan on wearing two jackets to save on space and I don’t think it will look at all weird to wear a black blazer under my new oversized denim jacket. That way I save on space and have a dressy and casual jacket to hand.

Of course, I could also not be a cheapskate and check in a bag, but I’m determined to do this trip on a budget.

Anytime I’ve gone to Italy, I’ve always found the people there to dress very understatedly so I’m going to stick with neutrals with very little print except perhaps a leopard print neckerchief.

This makes it easier for me to mix and match some of the pieces in my bag. I always find light fabrics such as plisse are perfect if you’re tight on space and I’m going to pack two plisse co-ords which could be worn for day or night.

I’ll just change up my jacket and some jewellery accessories depending on when I want to wear them.

I also just make one handbag work for everything and I’ll bring my brown, squishy leather cross body bag from Irish label Somas that makes every outfit look that bit more put together and expensive.

When it comes to packing, light footwear can be where you run into a bit of difficulty, but I rarely wear heels anymore and so for day time I’ll wear trainers for all that sightseeing and for evening I’ll pack my gold woven flats which dress up an outfit and take up barely any space in my bag. Now I might even have a little bit of space in my bag for holiday shopping!

In other fashion news, Opera Lane will be hosting their first Style Clinic on Saturday 21 September.

With each new season comes the opportunity to weed out your wardrobe and ditch the items that no longer bring you joy but the gang at Opera Lane know from their vast experience, that everyone has at least one item in their wardrobe they never wear but can’t bear to part with! Myself included.

Bring along your fashion faux pas to Starbucks, Opera Lane and their personal shopper Breeda will analyse why it’s just not working and help you find the solution to your wardrobe woes.

Personal Shopper Breeda O’Connell is a fully qualified image consultant and colour analyst and can advise you on shape, fit and the best colour palette for you.

Breeda will answer your fashion conundrums to help you make the most of your wardrobe and will also have tips on how to transition from one season to the next. So come sip on some coffee, chat about style, and leave feeling fabulous!

Entry is free but spaces are limited so book your time slot on Eventbrite via the Opera Lane Instagram.