I love the back story of Vacay – how Elizabeth Hynes started the company following a need to ‘pack light' on a boat trip. Her belief that a small collection of items could create multiple outfits fits totally with our own. Create these items in easy-travel and wrinkle resistant fabrics and you have a winner for a pack easy, have fun ethos whilst being confident you look amazing.
So, when we were asked to take a look at and try out some of Elizabeth's products we jumped at the chance.
The pre-set ‘Collections' are based around five key pieces, which you can combine with a couple of wardrobe staples of your own to create at least 14 amazing looks. You can also buy the pieces individually or mix and match your own collection.
I chose the maxi dress from the Martinique Collection, which is actually a 2-piece – a separate skirt and beaded top which gives you great flexibility. As advertised it can be worn in four different ways – top with jeans, maxi skirt, strapless dress and the full ensemble.
It arrived carefully wrapped in nice tissue paper packaging; I always like nice packaging 🙂 And it just so happened that a friend of mine – who is a fabric guru and fashion designer for leading brands – was round for a drink. Of course I sought her opinion, and her verdict: well made, nicely finished and a great product for the travel market.
I could tell the fabric would be ‘easy care'. Even after international shipping both pieces looked almost as good as new when I unpacked them. They have a lovely soft jersey feel, are light and quick to wash and dry when you need to, and really don't need ironing.
But how did it feel to wear? I really loved the beaded top and as an evening or dressy top it's perfect. I wore it with capri pants and loved it. It keeps you feeling cool and looking great.
The full maxi dress combo was also lovely, and I could really see myself wearing this for dinner on a balmy holiday evening out; teamed with a pashmina it would take you right through as it started to cool down.
Alternatively, pairing the skirt with a simple t-shirt for lazy sunny afternoons, I plan on packing it for our next weekend festival. I think it would be great for sitting around on the grass listening to music and theatre and drinking a chilled glass of wine.
The combination of pieces makes for a great capsule wardrobe and is perfect for our own Pack Light, Pack Right ethos. Being able to buy everything in one go makes preparing for your trip even easier, and Vacay offer a discount for buying the full set too.
To see the rest of the Martinique Collection or the other Vacay pieces, visit their website vacaystyle.com.
And you might also want to read Emma's review of Vacay‘s Tahiti Crochet Trim Caftan.
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Written by Helen
Disclaimer: The Martinique Maxi Dress was supplied to us by Vacay for the purposes of review. There were no conditions attached and the above is a true account of our experience.
