Friday, 11 July 2014

Hebridean Escape Edit: What To Pack For a Summer Staycation ( short version)


Hello 

With many of us all opting for the convenience of a staycation this year we thought you'd appreciate help packing your bags. Our destination would be a Hebridean escape, the team at INIS are so inspired by these islands and if there's one thing we'd score high on, it's getting around the West Coast Islands (and what to wear whilst doing so!)

No matter where you're thinking of heading we hope you'll enjoy our covetable everyday items available to purchase on www.inisonline.com or in one of our friendly local shops.

Our first essential item is the erdele dress by White Stuff (1), perfect for transforming a daytime look into a relaxed evening outfit. Ideal for lunch in Oban before taking a ferry over to Mull, our base for exploring a few of the west coast islands. You will need a cardi on hand for the ferry as even on the nicest days winds can be blustery. We love this soft cotton cardigan by Avoca Anthology (2), the creamy shade matches just about anything! 

There are opportunities to take boat trips to Iona and Staffa which are some of the most beautiful islands forgotten by time. Take your camera to Staffa and get snap happy with some cute little puffins. Rain is never far, so don't forget your Isle Jacobson rain poncho (3) which wraps up nicely into its own pouch. Wellies are essential and these cute as these ones by Seasalt (7) are ideal with their optimistic sunshine shade.

No trip to Mull would be complete without visiting Tobermory. Those famous coloured houses represent our INIS spirit fantastically, embracing splashes of colour against a palette of rock, sea and sand. We like to echo that spirit in our French Connection leggy pop jeans (8) in a gorgeous coral red shade.

We hope our Summer escape guide helps inspire your staycation wardrobe and some subtle encouragement to make your destination The Hebrides.




All of the products featured:






Join us on Facebook for more on all that is INIS





Thursday, 10 July 2014

Hebridean Escape Edit: What To Pack For a Summer Staycation




Hello 

It's getting to that time of year again where we are all ready for a wee break for the summer. Many of us are tempted away by the whispers of distant places drenched in sun and where cocktails on the beach are practically a legal requirement. 

But why face lengthy airport ques, long flights and mosquito monsters when you don't have to? With a growing number of us all opting for the convenience of a staycation this year we thought you'd appreciate a little help packing your bags. Obviously our staycation destination would be a Hebridean escape, the team at INIS are inspired by these islands year after year and if there's one thing we'd score top marks on, it's getting around the West Coast Islands (and what to wear whilst doing so!)



No matter where you're thinking of heading on your staycation we hope you'll enjoy our covetable everyday items available to purchase on www.inisonline.com or in one of our friendly local shops.

So what would the highlights of our staycation wardrobe be?

Erdele dress by White Stuff £45.00

To start our journey we decided that we'd be missing out if there wasn't a stop off for a nice meal in mainland Oban before the ferry over to the Isle of Mull (which will be our beautiful base for exploring). There are multiple restaurants including EE. USK, They have the freshest seafood we've ever tasted and it arrives from sea to plate without a long wait. The atmosphere is relaxed and special feeling, paired back so conversation can take center stage. This Erdele dress by White Stuff (1) adds a nod to nautical styling and can be worn alone for warmer days or layered up beautifully with this Avoca Anthology White cardigan (2). The creamy shade matches just about anything! UGG's aren't just for winter and these UGG Australia Dillion sandals (9) coordinate effortlessly with this summer ensemble.

So now after a lovely meal and boarding our ferry we're approaching the Isle of Mull. We recommend climbing the stairs to the viewing platform as the ferry arrives, the view is spectacular! (You will now be glad of the cardigan in your bag as it is usually blustery on the approach inland). 

Acoca Sundown Soap £5.50 is like opening a gift

There are several small B&B's/ hotels to stay in on Mull, many very quaint and pretty, however, we advise you always to BYOB (Bring your own botanicals) as no matter how reputable the hotel... toiletry provisions may vary. We cannot be without Avoca sun down soap (4) which is the perfect way to cleanse post journey.

Fingal's Cave, Staffa - Looking at these beautiful islands it's easy to see
where our inspiration comes from.

Our first recommended excursion is a boat trip which takes us to the Isle of Staffa and Iona. Staffa is a must for anyone who loves animals and who relishes an opportunity to get the camera out. This isle is home to lots of little puffins, who are beautiful and fascinating to watch. However, we must mention that Staffa often experiences the best of the sun, rain and wind in one day so dress with diversity in mind. You cannot go wrong with a waterproof Isle Jacobson rain poncho (3) in your bag, which folds up neatly into it's own pouch and for some practical and pretty wellies Seasalt's short yellow pair (7) are sure to delight your feet. Should you be in need of a fabulous new day bag for holding all your travelling necessities, the Maise bag by White Stuff (6) is a generous size in supple blue leather and comes Mary Poppins approved! The afternoon on Iona we strictly cannot advise on, as everyone who steps foot here experiences it in their own way. It is a beautiful and captivating place with the most peaceful sounds of sea and sincerity.

After another nights sea-air-induced-slumber, we suggest a day wandering around Tobermory (Known to many mums no doubt as Ballamorie). Those famous little coloured houses represent our INIS spirit fantastically, embracing splashes of colour against a palette of rock, sea and sand. We like to echo that spirit in our French Connection leggy pop jeans (8) in a gorgeous coral red shade. 

After shopping the local craft outlets and an amazing chocolate factory you will be more than ready to eat some freshly cooked fish and chips from Cafe Fish which overlooks the harbor. If you are wishing to treat yourself further with a souvenir there are gorgeous jewelry shops, however, the prices are a considered purchase. We have a fab range of great value Hebridean inspired jewelry available which starts from as little as £5. We all have our eye on this INIS Laila necklace (5) which could be waiting on your doorstep to welcome you home from your travels as all items can be ordered online and delivered straight to your home address.

We hope our Summer escape guide helps inspire your staycation wardrobe and provides some subtle encouragement to make your destination The Hebrides. Let us know about your favorite staycation destinations and what your favorite INIS essentials are. We're thinking about prizes for our next Facebook competition so your comments will help us choose what to offer as prizes.





Join us on Facebook for more on all that is INIS