On Warmer Days Ahead
and Packing Light
We’re heading to one of our favorite spots in the Bahamas later this month. After a January of snowstorms and viruses, plus a week with my phone bricked, I’m finding it hard to think about anything other than our upcoming trip to Harbour Island.
When I have a trip on the horizon, I set up a foldable hanging rack and start pulling together outfits. I like to travel efficiently, and packing a carry-on always requires more intention than checking a bag. I get a lot of requests to share more of my wardrobe, so I’m testing the waters here and sharing what I actually pack and wear.
Over the week or so leading up to a trip, I add and subtract from the rack, building mental momentum for the trip. It feels a bit like scheming a room, with all of the materials laid out so I can visualize the plan. I usually settle on a clear palette so that everything works together and can be worn interchangeably. I pack with cubes (mine are old Paravel, but I like the look of these) that somehow manage to save space both in my suitcase and wherever I land. I’m hoping to squeeze everything into this Away larger carry-on I bought in London last year to pack purchases (their boutiques will messenger bags to your hotel, if you’re ever in a pinch!).
We’ve been going to Harbour Island nearly every year for a decade, and our days tend to fall into an easy rhythm. We start our mornings with coffee and breakfast at the Cocoa Shop or Arthur’s, then we pile into the golf cart and head to Ms. V’s for beach chairs, long swims, and grilled lobster for lunch. It’s vacation, so we have a painkiller or two before we head home from the beach. For dinner, we’ll pick up conch salad from Queen Conch and sushi from Da Vine for nights at home. If we’re going out, I like waiting for a table at the bar at The Landing, and the boys are happiest with the pizza at Acquapazza.

Nothing is formal, and all I need for the week is linen, a few bathing suits, and a handful of easy accessories. Some of the necklaces here are by Sophie Buhai and truly beautiful, but I also love semiprecious beaded necklaces found on Etsy (search for lapis, malachite, jade) and in souks and antique shops. I’m rewearing many pieces I already own, with a few additions I ordered online from my friend Elizabeth Tuke’s shop. This striped dress, a simple shift with a waist, and this chic bathing suit didn’t make the cut on the collages below but will get a lot of wear on this trip.



Ok, enough daydreaming about lounging at Ms.V’s. Back to work!
x Lilse





Your idea for a clothing rack is brilliant! I need one to help me organize looks for my next trip.
The rack idea to start collecting outfit ideas to pack is such a great idea!