Smith Travel BlogTravel tales and hotel news from the boutique hotel experts at Mr & Mrs Smith

As temperatures drop, big cities start decking the halls and donning their best holiday garb – so should you. Fall over yourselves to pick up our superhot city-break packing tips, whether you’re headed to the Cotswolds for a cosy Autumn escape or shopping on the Champs-Elysées…

As always, Style Monitor aims to please: these packing suggestions should ensure your weekends away are 100% wow, 0% wardrobe crisis.

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MRS SMITH’S STYLISH CITY-BREAK PACKING LIST

THE COAT
Cocoon yourself in comfort… In the winter months, get your weekend-wandering cover-up cracked and you could wear a binbag underneath it, for all we care. Cocoon shapes coated the catwalks this season (polka-dotted and lacey at Marc Jacobs; classic and leather-trimmed at Balenciaga; python and fur-trimmed at Prada) but shearling, androgyny and leather detailing were also hot trends for A/W ’11. And here they all are, on one amazing coat. Yowzers!

Pair with burnt-orange Sessun skinny cords by day (£120, Liberty), or leather treggings for a high-octane night-time look (if By Malene Birger’s are beyond budget, try American Apparel or Topshop).
Fleece coat, £289; leather leggings, £609, both By Malene Birger at mywardrobe.com.

THE BAG
Black and tan… Whether you’re talking Guinness and ale or patent and plain, this is a wintry combination we’ll never tire of. A structured satchel is the perfect all-day handbag to take away – and handily nods to fall’s ladylike accessories, too.
Tie Me Up leather satchell, $398, Henri Bendel.

THE COCKTAIL RING
Golden hour… We’re loving this rose-gold and smoky quartz cocktail ring – just glamourous enough to add a bit of art-deco fab to your fingers. Private-sale specialist Cocosa has it on sale until 24 October (so be quick!). Medina cocktail ring, £79, Monique Vinadier at Cocosa.

PACK IT IN!
Shadow boxer… Mrs Smith can’t live without this new eyeshadow compact by Dior: all your peepers need for a weekend away, in one little box.
Dior 3 Couleurs Smoky Eye Palette in Smoky Pink, £32.21, Nordstrom.

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MR SMITH’S STYLISH CITY-BREAK PACKING LIST

THE STATEMENT JUMPER
Getting warmer… A cheeky knit is de rigueur for manly striding this season, as showcased by designers from Margaret Howell and Raf Simons to Junya Watanabe and D&G: we reckon APC’s Fair Isle knit ticks all the chunky, patterned and snuggly boxes for crossing mist-wreathed moors (or taking aperitivi in Italian piazzas).
Wool Fair Isle sweater, £170, APC at Mr Porter.

THE  BOOT
Sole intention… Can’t choose between a desert boot and a trad brogue this season? No problem: have both! We love these waxed-canvas and leather infantry boots by Toast. Like the song says: made for walking.
Glenn boots, £195, Toast.

THE ACCESSORY
Jacket required… Give your Kindle the kiss of life and keep it protected on your travels with this stylish leather case; also available in a handsome Smith-approved red and black colourway (and more).
Leather Kindle case, £195, Bill Amberg.

PACK IT IN!
Scent from London… This Dover Street Market aftershave looks great in your bathroom, and is a delicious modern take on a woody cologne. PRO: Travels well, in a washbag-friendly 100ml bottle. CON: Will suit Mrs Smith, too – but Mr Smith is man enough to handle smelling unisexy, though.
Dover Street Market by Comme des Garçons, £50 for 100ml, Niven & Joshua.

SMITH TIP Mr & Mrs Smith members get fantastic shopping discounts on luxe labels from specially selected outlets, including MyWardrobe.com, Cocosa, Mr Porter, Toast, Bill Amberg and Niven & Joshua… FIND OUT MORE.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 7:45 pm and is filed under Destinations, fashion, Features, offers, Shopping, Style monitor, Travel tips, Uncategorized. 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.