Travel Blog - Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotels

Fashion editor Toni Jones kicks off her series of posts highlighting on-trend weekend-wardrobe essentials for Mr & Mrs Smiths, with a stylish his ‘n’ hers packing list for romantic weekends away – just in time for your Valentine’s minibreak.

Let’s face it, you’ve already got enough to worry about (setting the seduction scene at your weekend abode, picking out that Valentine’s card, getting your hair done) without getting into a flap about what to pack for a dirty weekend of wooing. So here’s her capsule-wardobe shopping list for style-seeking amorists on the fly…

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MR SMITH’S ROMANTIC-WEEKEND PACKING LIST

The bag Bayamo leather garment bag, £675.32, Samsonite Black Label

Start your weekend away in style with some statement luggage. Samsonite has collaborated with a bevvy of industry gurus on their latest Black Label collections and their Bayamo range is slick enough to impress the most fashion-forward frequent fliers. Save valuable champagne-drinking time with this sleek carry-on size overnighter. It’s still roomy enough for all your hot date outfits though, AND it comes with shoe bags, so you can squeeze in those Manolos she’s always wanted… (hint, hint).

The suit Bespoke suit, to order, Gresham Blake

With the exception of Nick Kamen’s boxer shorts that laundrette scene, there’s nothing sexier on a man than a well-fitting suit. If you’re serious about sweeping Mrs Smith off her feet, it’s time to splash out on that bespoke two-piece you’ve been daydreaming about.

Brighton-based tailor Gresham Blake has built up a loyal following of stylish gents thanks to his impeccable cutting and quirky detailing. His North Laines shop is a mere 10 minutes away from the some of East Sussex’s most stylish beachfront hotels, so, having been measured in your lunch hour in London (ring 01273 622489 for an appointment), you can leave Mrs Smith dozing in Drake’s seven-foot bed while you pick up your hot new duds and prepare to leave her shaken and definitely stirred.

The smalls Limited-edition ‘Celebration’ trunks, £15, Hom at Figleaves.com

It’s not just the girls that need to pay attention to their Valentine’s pants: imagine Mrs Smith’s disappointment if, after slipping into her slinkiest silk lingerie, Mr Smith peels off to reveal the same boring boxers he wears every other day of the year.

Splash out on something simple, snug and touchably soft, and she’ll have you out of them quicker than you can say ‘Marky Mark’. These limited-edition Hom trunks are a super-soft stretch jersey, and the red pair are a nod to the Valentine’s theme without screaming novelty.

MRS SMITH’S ROMANTIC-WEEKEND PACKING LIST

The lingerie Naomi or Cendrillon lingerie set, from £40, Agent Provocateur

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to inject some extra sex appeal into your lingerie drawer. Practicality be gone, today is all about va va voom underwear that will knock the socks off Mr Smith. If Myla doesn’t tickle your fancy (and don’t forget, Smith members get a great discount), Agent Provocateur has the best range of saucy and sensuous bras, briefs, camisoles and basques. We’re loving the floral Naomi collection, or the seriously hot strappy Cendrillon sets (left). Basically, if it doesn’t make you blush when you buy it, it’s not hot enough. And if you get it as a present, even better.

The cover-up Bell-sleeved wool coat, £190 (full-price £380), Sara Berman at mywardrobe.com

Clichés exist for a reason, and no Valentine’s weekend away is complete without a dash of red. The colour of love, passion and all things romantic is an instant attention-grabber and all grown-up girls should invest in a beautiful crimson coat that will turn heads from Marrakech to Méribel. This season-proof Sara Berman coat adds upgrade allure to any travel outfit, goes with riding boots and jeans for shopping, over your LBD for dinner and will look even better thrown over nothing more than your new Agent Provocateur lingerie set… AND it’s currently in the sale for half price…

The fragrance Tom Ford Black Orchid, from £39.95 at Harrods, Selfridges and Heathrow Duty Free.

Trust the most handsome man in fashion to come up with a scent to get our pulses racing. Tom Ford’s Black Orchid is one of the sexiest perfumes on the market, making it a must-pack. The heady mix of exotic black orchids, sandalwood and lotus will transport you both to an exotic hideaway, even if you’ve only made it as far as the Cotswolds…

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Check back soon for Toni’s February must-buy…

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 at 9:00 am and is filed under Boutique hotels, Shopping, Travel tips, Uncategorized, Worth getting out of bed for. You can follow any comments on this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.