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The BAIAH Team's Holiday Wardrobe Essentials
The BAIAH Team's Holiday Wardrobe Essentials

The BAIAH Team's Holiday Wardrobe Essentials

Avid vacationers know that pulling together the perfect holiday capsule wardrobe takes time, effort, a keen eye, and learning from past mistakes. We’ve all had at least one trip where we forgot to pack that perfect beach kaftan, or left those giant, face-shielding sunglasses back at home. To make sure you never have a fashion holiday regret again, we’ve spoken to three of our most style-savvy team members here at BAÍAH, picking their brains about their dream holiday destinations and what they never leave home without.
KYAN

1) What has been your favourite vacation destination & why?

I've been to Florida, USA twice but had very different experiences. The first time I was 10 or 11 and was with my family, we swam with dolphins and of course, we went to Disney World which was magical. I'd say it was my favourite family holiday experience from my childhood. The second time I was in my early twenties with a group of friends and we flew to Miami. The city is amazing, so vibrant and full of personality. There’s a real mix of luxury and nature with the white sandy beaches and turquoise ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see. But head deeper into the sprawling metropolis and you can find the best and biggest clubs in the world, a wide variety of rich cuisine from Cuban barbecue to the freshest oysters. It was a sensory overload in all the best ways - I’m planning on returning in 2024.
2) If you could only pick one type of vacation, what would you choose? (e.g. adventure, chill, culture, sun etc.)

I’m all about experiencing different cultures, and trying things that aren’t offered back home. Whether that’s new types of food, activities or just learning about a different way of living, I love learning how other people live, it’s fascinating.

3) What is your dream vacation destination & why?

My dream vacation would be Cuba, I love the 1950s vintage aesthetic, the colours and the style are so bright and fun, and you can’t find anywhere else like it. Plus staying in homestays is popular there, and I would love to spend a few days getting to know a Cuban family, eating authentic Cuban food and learning about their culture.
4) What is a must-do for you when you’re on vacation? (e.g. reading a juicy novel / trying a local delicacy / checking out the local galleries and museums etc.)

Definitely food! I will try anything once, from deep-fried scorpions to frog’s legs, I’ll never say no! I love to mix it up with exploiting street food and sampling local markets, as well as making sure I book a few luxury restaurants and bistros that are recommended online by food bloggers. I want an authentic eating experience!
5) How would you describe your vacation wardrobe aesthetic?

Very colourful. I love a bold colour palette and big prints, lots of warm tones like yellow, orange and purple that compliment my skin tone. I love animal print too, so plenty of zebra and leopard print is packed in my suitcase for sure! If I had to describe my holiday aesthetic it would be… Safari Chic. Think bright and bold but with classic tailoring, with hats, scarves and sunglasses for protection and style.

6) What are your 5 essential must-pack items in your beach bag? (e.g Birkenstock Bostons / La Roche Posay Sunscreen / Waterproof phone pouch etc.)

The Taillat Dress in Tiger Leaf Print has quickly become one of my holiday wardrobe staples, it’s a perfect modern take on a classic resort shape. I also have a pair of vintage Chanel sunglasses that make me feel complete for any occasion. Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is great for my hair and scalp which are prone to drying out with chlorine and salty sea water, I never get a flight without it. My last two picks would have to be my classic hot pink Havaianas flip-flops, and my portable phone charger - I love snapping everything when exploring so my phone battery can die pretty quickly!
LEILA

1) What has been your favourite vacation destination & why?

It’s hard to choose but the holiday that comes first to mind is Sardinia, Italy. I went with my partner for two weeks of pure indulgence and relaxation and it was everything I could have asked for and more. Pristine beaches with stunning blue coves, and delicious food at every turn of course. Plus the locals were friendly and full of life, it was very romantic.
2) If you could only pick one type of vacation, what would you choose? (e.g. adventure, chill, culture, sun etc.)

I am a sun worshipper through and through, however I can’t just sit on a beach all day, I need adventure! I think a vacation that combines stunning scenery, heat and activities such as snorkelling, cliff jumping or anything that lets me explore is my dream.

3) What is your dream vacation destination & why?

I think I would say Australia, it’s so far away and the wildlife and nature are so different from anywhere else in the world, I’d love to experience it. Plus there is an abundance of things to do, from extreme sports like skydiving and bungee jumping, to endless vineyards, thick rainforests and whale watching, I don’t think I would ever get bored if I went.

4) What is a must-do for you when you’re on vacation? (e.g. reading a juicy novel / trying a local delicacy / checking out the local galleries and museums etc.)

I always try to do one thing that I’ve never done before when I’m on holiday. That could be learning to cook a local dish or driving a jet ski - I’m hoping that one day I will have been on so many holidays that I’ve tried everything!
5) How would you describe your vacation wardrobe aesthetic?

I’m very relaxed when I’m on vacation, I like to be comfortable and cool. I know what I like and what works for me and that’s usually loose and flowing looks, cover ups and kaftans. I’m usually on the move so I need clothes that are appropriate for any activity I find myself doing.

6) What are your 5 essential must-pack items in your beach bag? (e.g Birkenstock Bostons / La Roche Posay Sunscreen / Waterproof phone pouch etc.)

Blister plasters! I’ve made this mistake more times than I’d like to admit but with the sand, sweat and seawater, I’m prone to blisters with all the walking I do. I love an over-the-body bag, COS do a fantastic one that can fit my suncream (Ultra Violette SPF50+), my sustainable water bottle (Chilly’s Bottle) and all other essentials without feeling too heavy. I love the Martinique One Piece in the black textured rivulet print, it works perfectly as both a swimsuit as well as a top if I throw my sarong or beach shorts over the top - I love having the choice to do what I want in it.

NAOMI

1) What has been your favourite vacation destination & why?

Definitely Japan, I have family there plus it’s just such a unique landscape. I’ve only visited Tokyo as that’s where my immediate family is based and would love to explore other cities and the countryside. Tokyo is unfathomably big though, so I haven’t run out of new things to see and do there just yet!

2) If you could only pick one type of vacation, what would you choose? (e.g. adventure, chill, culture, sun etc.)

I like to chill and relax when I’m on vacation - that’s what they’re there for right? It’s cliche but I love to leave all my worries at home and focus on what makes me happy in the moment, whether that’s reading a book in a park, or playing basketball with my younger cousins.

3) What is your dream vacation destination & why?

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of those silent yoga retreats - being able to switch offline sounds like a dream, I’m partial to scrolling mindlessly when I’m bored which is a habit I’d like to break. Plus being surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, the only sounds being the birds and ocean waves sounds like heaven. I think there are a few different places that offer these silent retreats, but if it’s yoga then doing it somewhere like India or Nepal makes the most sense.
4) What is a must-do for you when you’re on vacation? (e.g. reading a juicy novel / trying a local delicacy / checking out the local galleries and museums etc.)

I honestly never make an itinerary when I go away, the only thing I plan to achieve is to finish whichever book I’ve decided to pack with me. If I’m in a city, sometimes I’ll put on a podcast and just wander around without any fixed destination. It's amazing the kinds of things you can stumble across when you’re just following your instincts. One time I was in San Francisco with my parents and I was walking through a park and there were loads of people playing chess! It was so bizarre but also kind of amazing. I stopped and watched a few games, even making friends with a cool older lady who gave me some great recommendations for vintage clothing stores.

5) How would you describe your vacation wardrobe aesthetic?

My vacation wardrobe isn’t too different from my regular wardrobe, it just has more swim and resort pieces thrown in for good measure. I wear lots of dresses, long and short, as well as layering mesh tops and open-weave jumpers over the top of my bikini. I love to accessorise so plenty of rings, bangles, bracelets, earrings and necklaces give me a beach boho look that still feels authentic to me.

6) What are your 5 essential must-pack items in your beach bag? (e.g Birkenstock Bostons / La Roche Posay Sunscreen / Waterproof phone pouch etc.)

I always pack a light jumper or cardigan in my day bags, even in the most tropical of climates, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. My holiday book, obviously, I never leave my accommodation without it, as well as my favourite big pink scrunchie (Good Squish) so I can tie my hair up in an instant. I’m also loving our Tamarama bikini top with the Elba bikini bottoms in burnt orange, they’re such beautifully elevated beach classics which I can style with my accessories and layers to truly make my own.
If our team’s Q&A has got you feeling inspired for your next escape, don’t forget to tag us in your chic BAIAH beach looks!
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