A Sneak Peek Inside My Holiday Wardrobe

Having recently returned from a two week holiday in Tunisia, I can safely say that I am a person who majorly overpacks. Despite filling my suitcase to the brim and taking up a bit of space in Jake’s case too, I probably only wore half the clothes I took.

One of my favourite things about going on holiday is wearing nice summery clothes that I rarely get the chance to wear in rainy Manchester. So in the weeks leading up to our travels, I did find myself popping into every high street clothes shop I walked past. Thankfully though, while I did treat myself to a few new items from the high street, I spent most of the holiday wearing clothes that I’ve either owned for ages, bought from a charity shop, or nicked from my mum’s wardrobe.

So here’s a sneak peak of my holiday clothes. I wish I had more photos for you, but as Jake and I discovered, I am the most awkward person ever when it comes to having my photo taken.

Would you believe that I bought this absolute beauty of a dress for just £3.99 at a charity shop? White clothes are everywhere this season, so while I don’t tend to follow the crowd - I’m just SO alternative, after all 😉 - I was delighted to find something that I’d probably have to pay a lot more for on the high street. I also think it gives off a bit of a 60s vibe. Which I LOVE. The dress didn’t have any labels in it when I bought it, so if you happen to know that it was originally a tenner in Matalan, you can keep that information to yourself. Thank you.

This next little ensemble was a mix of old and new. I bought the t-shirt and black, white and grey sleeveless vest jacket thingy (anyone know its proper name?) from New Look…

…but these gorgeous white shorts were sourced from my very own mum’s wardrobe! I love the delicate little detail on the thighs. Since I moved back in with my parents, I must say I’ve done pretty well when it comes to getting my hands on mum’s cast offs. After a quick rummage through my wardrobe just now I’ve counted 4 coats, 5 tops, 2 pairs of jeans and 2 pairs of trousers that I’ve bagsied before she had the chance to get rid.

This holiday I’ve been reminded how important it is to only buy things that you absolutely love and know that you’ll wear time and time again. It’s even better if you buy things that aren’t particularly on trend at the time, because it’s less likely to go out of fashion. I suppose. The skirt in the photo below is just one example of something I’ve had for a few years and have not gotten tired of. I’ve teamed it with a blue vest top that I bought for about a fiver from an M&S outlet store a few weeks ago.

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And here’s another outfit that I’ve owned and loved for a few years. The denim crop top is a Primarni special and the skirt was from H&M. I remember spotting the top on the rail, carrying it to the changing rooms and laughing to myself at how daft I was for thinking it would fit me. Turns out it’s super flattering (especially when teamed with a high waisted skirt). There were a few occasions on this holiday though where I was concerned the buttons would all of a sudden just pop off *BADOIIING* and all hell would break loose.

This is the part where you rush to put your glasses on your face as soon as possible so that you can see my smoking hot beach body a little bit better 😉 Here I am wearing a bikini I bought from Gap. Again, it was an outlet stores so it was far far FAR cheaper than it is to buy this stuff online or in a regular Gap.

While I love the Gap bikini, it really had nothing on this beauty that I bought from Debenhams. It was about £45 for the set - a LOT more than I’d usually pay for a bikini - but I just couldn’t resist it. As soon as I tried it on in the changing rooms I knew it was The One. So having been so super frugal for so long I decided a treat was in order.

While I love wearing summer clothes, I often have a hard time when it comes to finding nice shoes to wear in the summer months. I wish I was one of those girls who could just buy 3 pairs of pretty pumps to last me ’til September, but I find them so uncomfy. For this reason I tend to stick to sandals when it gets hot. But there lies another problem…they can be pretty bloody painful too.

So I was delighted when Jake got me these sandals from the shoe shop he works at. When we first spotted them, we were concerned they may be designed more for older ladies, but as soon as I tried them on and felt as though I was walking on a cloud, I knew they’d be perfect for days involving lots of exploring.

Got your own thrifty holiday wardrobe to show off? I’d love to see how you’ve teamed the old with the new. Feel free to share your links, Instagram photos, or tweets in the comments below 🙂