Note 05 - The Holiday Edit - Portugal
Happy Sunday! I've just returned from a two-week holiday where I feel like I’ve finally recharged my batteries. I don’t know about you, but I’m the kind of person who tends to over-plan everything, and I rarely go on a relaxing vacation. I usually plan city breaks where I try to fit in as much as possible. A normal vacation day for me would be walking 20,000 steps, ticking off every café and restaurant saved on my list, and even squeezing in a pilates class at a local studio.
This time was completely different. I spent two weeks in Comporta, Portugal with my boyfriend’s family, and it was all about slowing down. We made no plans, just took each day as it came. Some mornings, I’d roll out my yoga mat for a quick Pilates session, but most days were spent walking to the beach, reading for hours, and simply seeing where the day took me.
Before leaving, I also took pleasure in curating a holiday wardrobe (while resisting the urge to overpack). In this post, I’ll be sharing my vacation outfits, swimwear essentials, the books I read, and more to give you inspiration for your next holiday!
What I Wore On Holiday
From left to right: Top and Skirt - By Malene Birger, Sandals - Aeyde / Shirt: Matteau, Shorts: Doên / Dress: By Malene Birger
I’d say the biggest challenge was resisting the urge to overpack. I always end up bringing more than I actually wear, so this time I focused on curating a few versatile pieces that could be reworn while still feeling cohesive, almost like building a mini capsule wardrobe.
The standout for me was a greyish-blue knit set from By Malene Birger that ties at the back. It instantly made me feel confident and put-together. I also loved styling my blue Matteau shirt over a swimsuit. It was comfortable, easy, and added a fun pop of colour.
Doên pieces were another favourite, their broderie anglaise designs are perfect for easy summer days and always make me feel effortlessly polished.
Overall, I packed with three rules in mind: will I feel good in this, is it comfortable, and can I mix it with other pieces I’m bringing? To stay organized, I used the Indyx app to create a collection and plan a few outfits ahead of time.
From left to right: My holiday wardrobe /Doên dress /Aeyde sandals / Matteau shirt, Céline sunglasses and Doên shorts
Swimwear Edit
From left to right: Bikini and cover-up - Totême / One piece swimsuit: - Lido, Hat: Felix by Janessa Leone / Bikini: Faithfull the Brand, Suglasses: Céline
I honestly can’t remember the last time I went on a beach holiday, so I wasn’t exactly well-prepared in the swimwear department. I picked up a few pieces in the sale that feel timeless, ones I know I’ll keep for years. I went for a Totême bikini, which I paired with a matching monogram cover-up I already owned. I also fell in love with a cream one-piece from Lido, which is elegant, minimal, and perfectly understated.
And then there’s my true favourite: my Faithfull The Brand bi-colour bikini. It’s playful and features two of my favourite shades: cornflower blue and butter yellow.
My go-to accessories for the beach and pool were simple but versatile. I had the Totême cover-up, good sunglasses, and a Janessa Leoné straw hat that kept me shaded from the sun.
Sunset at the beach
Memorable Reads
Over the holiday, I wanted to re-read The Trio by Johanna Hedman, a novel I really loved when I first read it three years ago. It follows a group of three friends navigating their lives and studies, set mostly in Stockholm but also spanning Berlin, Paris, New York, and London. I’m drawn to stories like this that focus less on plot and more on atmosphere, vivid descriptions, and the dynamics between characters. I cannot wait because The Trio is being adapted for TV, and Hedman has also written a new novel that I’m hoping gets published in English soon!
831 Stories - Big Fan & Square Waves, Alexandra Romanoff
In my latest post, I mentioned how much I loved Exit Lane by Erika Veurink, which is the latest release from romance-focused publishing house 831 Stories, so it was only natural for me to pick up more of their books for my vacation. I ended up reading two by Alexandra Romanoff (Big Fan and Square Waves), both classic rom-coms. If you’re looking for easy, breezy beach reads, these are perfect! I still preferred Exit Lane, but Romanoff’s stories were just what I needed to switch off and daydream a little.
This Week’s Edit
These are hands down the best suitcases I’ve ever used. I love the sturdy hard-shell exterior, the built-in lock, and the smooth 4-wheel design that makes gliding through the airport effortless. The interior layout is extremely well-organized, allowing me to fit a lot, and the integrated laundry bag is a thoughtful bonus. And, they look sleek and stylish. My only tip is to wait for their sale before getting them!
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl on Sentimental Garbage
For the past few Taylor Swift album releases, my go-to analysis has always been Caroline O’Donoghue’s Sentimental Garbage podcast episodes. They’re funny, sharp, and the perfect listen for any Swiftie. I also recommend diving into her back catalogue of Taylor episodes (here are the links for Midnights and Tortured Poets Department). I’m a bit of an anxious flyer, and having something captivating and comforting to listen to makes it all the more comfortable.
Our go-to salad over the holidays (we made it almost every day). It’s a simple mix of white beans, finely chopped red onion, parsley, garlic, and a fresh vinaigrette. We loved it so much that white beans were the first thing we added to our grocery list when we got back home. And when served in these beautiful Portuguese ceramics, it was impossible to resist.
Little Liffner Tulip Tote in Brown
Another travel essential: my trusted Little Liffner carry-on tote. It fits absolutely everything like a modern-day Mary Poppins bag. I love the design of the structured handles and the rich brown suede, which only gets better with time.
Love, S.
