So I've just returned from my month-long jaunt overseas, which was fabulous, thank you for asking. And I've learnt a thing or two, especially about travelling with a small baby, or more to the point, packing with a small baby.

For what's a fashion gal like myself to do when I'm toting little Anaïs around the globe, but am only allowed an extra 10kg for the baby - half of which is taken up by the travel cot? I had to seriously condense my normal, chuck-it-all-in-just-in-case packing style into a very well thought out, select few pieces that had to take me from cold to hot and casual to dressy. I ended up with less than half of what I normally would pack, to make room for Anaïs' sheets, towels, blankets, extra clothes, toys etc (oh the things you need when you have a child!).

So here they are, my edit of the absolute essentials you need whilst travelling. I built from this base adding tees, singlets and a few skirts. From the left:

1) A white shirt, mine is by Equipment.

This is great for either plane travel from destination to destination, or to cover up when necessary - like if you're in a muslim country (like I was in Morocco for example). It works for day with a pair of shorts or at night with jeans or a skirt. 

2) A maxi dress, mine is a black Natasha.

Do not, I repeat, do not forget to take a maxi dress. It can work in both hot and cold weather, depending on your coverup, and is a comfortable way to look fabulous in an instant. Either a print or a plain, whichever takes your fancy. I must admit, this isn't the only one I took, just the only one that fit in this photo! I also had a black and white silky one with me.

3) A going-out bag, mine is Estilo. 

Years ago, before I was a seasoned packer, I used to forget to pack a clutch or a small bag that will suffice for restaurants, clubs, dancing or any other night time activity, but never again. There's nothing worse than carrying your ginormous day bag out at night - so NOT chic.

4) A cashmere cardigan, mine is Bowie

What would I have done without this cardi? Simply put, I don't know, because I wore it almost every day. Cashmere is the perfect fabric to take away - lightweight, thin, but extremely warm and always looks polished - it's the nature of the fabric. Pricey, but oh, so worth it. This one worked over every outfit plus was also great for travelling and wrapping Anaïs in when the weather surprised me.

5) A pretty top, mine is Natasha.

Besides the bunch of day singlets and tees, I always pack something a little prettier that can double for day and night, for restaurants or shopping, for that extra glam factor. A cream lace number like this can be worn with skirts or jeans and always gets a comment or two.

6) The low wedges, mine are Sam Edelman

This heel height is my new best friend. Perfect to wear out to lunch or the pub with a jean or a dress, they make the most casual outfit seem that little bit more pulled together and are good when you need to walk distances. When you don't want to wear a huge shoe but still need some height, this is the heel to watch.

7) A pair of dark denim jeans, mine are Joe's Jeans

I say dark denim because they are dressier than light, and therefore work in most situations. Needless to say I took two other pairs of jeans with me, but these were the most versatile because they look glamorous with a pretty top (see above) but also work with a striped singlet for day.

8) A dressy dress, mine is Friend of Mine

You always want something a little glam to wear out dancing or to dinner. There's nothing like traipsing a city in your thongs, to then shower and change into a slinky number and remind yourself that you do scrub up well. A must for every suitcase.

9) A flattering day dress, mine is Seventh Wonderland

It's a bright colour, it's fun, it can work for night, or a swimsuit coverup or a shopping trip, and it's always going to make you feel cute.

10) The ripped denim shorts, mine are Nobody denim

Need I even explain the importance of the denim short? Perfect for every day, they work for sightseeing, traipsing through shops or markets, and the beach. Wear with low wedges for a more polished look and take opaques if you think the weather might turn.

11) High wedges, mine are Chloe

Wedges practically spell holiday, as far as I'm concerned. What better way to show off tanned legs than in a pair of huge wedges? None. They work casually or for a big night out and are always included in my suitcase.

Got any great additions that I could have done with whilst away? Share!

What's thin, tanned and stylish all over? That would be one Olivia Palermo, here showing off her fabulous style at the Friends with Benefits premiere in New York. Love her maxi skirt/ white shirt combo, especially as it's surprisingly set off with gold peeptoe ankle boots which give it that Olivia special touch.

Copying her look is easy enough this week - we've got a Natasha maxi skirt on sale right here on COCOLEE, check it:

Down to $120 from $349. LOVE.

Team with a white shirt you already have in your wardrobe and a pair of colourful shoes (because it's a black and white skirt, any colour will go with it) and there you have it! Olivia's outfit in one.

Answer: Follow Rachel Bilson's lead as she juggles magazines with her iced coffee, and looks very smart in this grey tweed blazer, blush coloured shirt, and grey Chanel bag. Yes, the Chanel helps, but anyone can copy this blazer/shirt/short combo. Whether you team it with low ankle boots like Rachel, or add a pair of kitten heels or a low-wedged ballet shoe is up to you.

Question: How can I look chic when all I feel like doing is lying on the couch in my pyjamas but I'm forced to go out?

Answer: Invest in a dress that ticks these boxes:

a) It's loose.

b) It has shape. so while it's loose, it still hangs neatly down from the shoulders.

c) It shows a little leg. Your stomach is usually the bit that makes you feel not so wonderful about yourself and if you have a dress that hangs over it (without even touching it is even better) but shows your knees and calves, then you'll instantly feel more attractive.

Julianne Moore cuts a fine figure in this boxy, long sleeved mini with opaques and this is one of those instantly chic dresses we all long for in our wardrobes to whip out when we're lying on the couch, watching The New Housewives of Atlanta, eating Sara Lee Cheesecake straight from the packet which is just barely thawed and you get a call from Someone Fabulous asking you to dinner.

Instant chic? Yes please.

Dear Amanda,

I perhaps wouldn't choose a blazer so much ... it's not in line with the lovely, floaty nature of your frock and may not be the best shape. The black in particular looks extremely heavy and drags your entire look down. Rather, I would have worn a fake fur, cropped coat in a light brown or cream, and definitely have taken it off for the stroll down the red carpet (note: to real folks that means for your entrance into the party). A mauve dress like this is extremely hard to make work with such a structured jacket.

Yours in style always,

Nedahl xx

Hi Maddie,

What a great dress! I love it. With it I would pair black platform heels - though nothing as chunky as these wedges. A pair like the ones Dannii Minogue is wearing here (ignore the belly, you'll look totally different!)

They cover most of your feet so are like ankle boots, but with a maxi you need to show some skin otherwise things can look clumpy and heavy down the bottom. Your toes might freeze but it's all in the name of style I'm afraid. If you really don't care about freezing, then go for a pair that are slightly more bare like this:

But these might be a bit much for a movie night, even if it is SATC2.

Basically, a covered pair of heels in black and that flash some foot will be great with this dress. In summer of course, you can wear it with flats or heels.

First buy? An oversized army shirt or jacket. You can wear it with all your summer frocks or jumpsuits like Alexa here, and over a pair of jeans when it gets cold.

Khaki is going to be huge - the colour of the season -  and you get extra points if it's bonafide military (plus it'll be way cheaper). It's a great way to extend the life of your fave summer outfits and it's not exxy.

Hi Nedahl, I am going to New York in May for six nights before I head off to the Cayman Islands to visit a girlfriend (can't wait!) I am taking my man with me so need to be conscious about aimless shopping trips. I am hoping that you or some of the Coco Lee readers will have some suggestions for me on the best places for shopping that will allow me to get the best out of my time there.

Renee.

Let's put it to you, dear Coco Lee readers: where are your must-shop places in New York? Help a sister out, won't you?