I'm a terrible packer - here's what happened when a holiday stylist chose my travel wardrobe for me
I have a guilty confession: despite being a travel writer, I'm an atrocious packer.
While many holidaymakers pride themselves on neatly fitting a week's clothes into a tiny backpack, I find myself juggling multiple gigantic suitcases on every trip. 'Moving in, are we?' is a common quip.
Thankfully, help is at hand - in the form of a 'holiday stylist'. I decide to give one a try.
Step forward Deni Kiro, who offers a 'Style & Pack Travel Capsule Wardrobe' service, and whom I'm meeting ahead of my honeymoon in Rome and the Amalfi coast in a few weeks time. So the pressure's on.
It begins with a phone call. We establish my budget and holiday plans. Deni looks at my Instagram feed (to check my style).
And I complete a questionnaire on favourite colours, my current wardrobe (gym stuff, jeans, plain tops and dresses), where I usually shop (Zara, ASOS and H&M), and what I'd never wear (Crocs).
The questionnaire also asks for my biggest shopping challenge (I'm 5ft 1in, with short legs and a big bum, so dressing my lower half can be tricky).
And I provide a Pinterest board of the effortlessly chic vibe I'm seeking in Italy - plus a close-up of my face.
Deputy Travel Editor Hayley Minn enlists the help of Deni Kiro's 'Style & Pack Travel Capsule Wardrobe', to find out why more travellers are using holiday stylists
Deni helps Hayley pick out a staple white linen skirt and statement accessories, amongst other holiday 'must-have' pieces
Spending her honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast and in Rome, Hayley is after an 'effortless chic' vibe
Then we meet in Zara on the King's Road, London, with Deni explaining everyone has a 'colour palette' based on their complexion.
Showing me a photo of Margot Robbie, Deni says that I, like Barbie, have a 'cool complexion' and suit neutral, light pinks and blues, as well as black and white.
She explains that neutral colours are the 'magic glue' for a successful travel capsule wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match as you please.
However, 'some pops of colour that go with your palette' are needed, too.
Deni tells me she's already checked out Zara for my perfect outfits. This means we simply stroll in, she gathers a great armful of gorgeous linen dresses, trousers and skirts and we head to the changing room.
'Every capsule needs day-to-night outfits,' says Deni, asking me to try on some linen dresses.
I love three: a blue number, a white crochet frock, plus a coral dress.
All can be worn with flats for sightseeing and paired with heels in the evening - turning three outfits into six.
Deni explains to Hayley that neutral colours are the 'magic glue' for a successful travel capsule wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match as you please
This, I can already see, is working. Next up, we find a perfect 'bottom half' to go with any tops - soon nailing down a plain white linen skirt.
Then we turn to the question of my 'airport outfit'. Deni says: 'When you travel, it's good to consider your look from the moment you leave.'
I've never really thought about this, just chucking on trackies.
But Deni finds a pale blue matching co-ord. It's so comfortable, perfect for a flight, and the top unties too, so I can use it as a light jacket.
Now shoes. The trick is to find stylish sandals in a neutral colour that work with everything, one pair of heels (if you really want) and to wear gym trainers on the flight. I pick some brown flat sandals.
Finally, accessories. Deni selects a pair of statement earrings and bangles, plus a lovely little raffeta bag - and they go with every outfit.
At the till, I feel sick at the price (almost £500), but Deni assures me 'although this is expensive, you now don't need to think about your holiday wardrobe for a long time'.
The biggest shopping mistake, she says, is last-minute impulse buying of clothes you 'never wear again'.
