Jacqueline's Blog

A lover of all things stylish and luxurious, Jacqueline divides her time between Stafford and Dubai. As a freelance writer she gets to check out and review new hotels and restaurants - which of course requires lots of new outfits!

When not in the UK she spends much of her time missing her favourite shops such as Hush, The White Company & Bob Books

Her favourite things in no particular order are: reading glossy magazines, having dinner with friends, mooching around in stationery shops, keeping a journal, anything cashmere, and drinking Veuve Clicquot at Selfridges.

Life's Little Essentials

Published on Wednesday 6th January 2010

Spurred on by my imminent move to Dubai, I’ve been forced to gather up 40kg (Emirates baggage allowance), of life’s ‘essentials’. My first trip is for 60 days, but the thought of not being able to turn my hand to something, suddenly makes everything seem more important.

My boyfriend and I are moving to the UAE, and while he’ll be working from the off, I'll be taking a ‘few months out’ to get us settled, to decide what I’d like to do (but that’s a whole other story!). Initially we’re going to be living on the ‘infamous’ Palm Island (and yes, that does mean I also need a full arsenal of stylish beachwear!).

Of course I’ve known about this trip for some time but I now find myself with one week before departure and nothing packed. But how do you define ‘essential’? I guess it depends on the moment.

Sitting here during these wintry days in the UK, my cozy cashmere wrap suddenly seems extremely important...I know, I know, it’s 34°C over there, but that’s not the point. In my eyes, cashmere is essential in any climate - it’s a comfort thing!

Then there are the handbags! When spending 60 days in one of the most glamorous cities in the world, I’m afraid a clutch and a tote just won’t cut it.

Every summer I read those articles in magazines - 'How to Create the Ultimate Capsule Holiday Wardrobe' - and every year I convince myself that I will arrive at the airport with 10kg of items that mix and match for pared down glamour...Oh, I wish!

Sure enough, on the morning of departure I find myself chucking things in the ‘maybe’ pile-an extra cardigan, shoes, belts and bag – just in case. Men will never understand. For them, it’s two pairs of trousers, five shirts, two pairs of shoes,and a couple of casual things for the beach–done!

So as the date draws ever near, I try to replace my negative thoughts with positive ones of a life that is clutter free (no I’m not convinced either!) After all, I’m going shopping in Nirvana, a land of excess, home to some of the biggest malls in the world. To a place where anything you wish to purchase is right on your doorstep (or can be delivered right to your doorstep!). So how will I get on? Only time will tell…

Would you like to COMMENT on this blog?

Simply login or register to do so (its free, quick & easy).

Please login below: