UK brands I love

I thought I might share with my lovely readers some UK brands that I really love. There is nothing better than waking up to a drizzly, misty day (what?) - and remembering that it means I get to wear my wellies! Rainy days are few and far between here in California, so, when they do actually happen I take it as a sign to bust out all my English countryside wear with gusto.

I'd wanted a good pair of wellies as long as I can remember, but just couldn't justify having them and living in California. So I was extremely pleased that on a recent trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, it would not stop raining - the perfect excuse!!! Oh course, I didn't spring for just the pretty coloured ones, nope. I had to buy the Union Jack version, and I am so glad I did! Now, I'm reminded of the beautiful United Kingdom every time I put them on. (as if I needed help in that department) 

Oh course, you all probably know already that the Wellington boot is a type of boot based upon leather Hessian boots, which became popular in the 18th century. They were worn and popularised by Authur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. The Wellington boot became a staple of hunting and outdoor wear for the British aristocracy in the early 19th century.

What do you all think? Which would you go for? Or would you go for another brand altogether?

Q&C xx

Packing for the girls trip to England...

It may be 40 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes away (thank you Virgin Atlantic for providing me with such a detailed countdown that I check DAILY), but I've been mentally packing my suitcase for weeks now. When I was younger, I would be the girl with her suitcase packed two weeks ahead of time - actually putting things in my suitcase is my nightmare now (is anyone else with me on this?). Don't get me wrong, if there is a plane ticket with my name on it, I'm going, but how are you supposed to pack for all of the events that will or may happen - a girl can never be too prepared. Oh course my wardrobe staples will be making an appearance (thank you Barbour, Burberry, and Hunter) but I fear I will be the one with a 70 pound suitcase, while my travel buddy the bff has just a carry-on. (she's amazing really, I mean truly amazing) A few trips ago, sans hubby, I had to rely on the kindness of strangers, and the people in London are really, really kind - every cabby I had wanted to know how my month in London was....( I was there for a week)

What are your essentials for traveling overseas? Are you a member of the 70 lb suitcase club? Are you an over packer, or just the bare essentials?