Continuing my series on travel (check out the previous posts here and here), today we come to packing....ugh (at least that is the thought that goes through my head when I hear that word).
Packing for a trip is my Achilles heel, okay not that dramatic, but I hate packing. I wait until last minute, I have no plan and then I over pack or under pack. This time I have made a list of clothes that I want to bring, it is enough to create at least 8 outfits, plus the possibility of a few more. Now to be fair this isn't the exact pieces I am planning on bringing, but it is a general outline of similar things I want to bring with me.
Sticking to a palette is key when travelling, if you do, then you have endless possibilities with outfit combinations. Basics are also great, you can wear a plain white t-shirt with jeans and flats or wear it with a skirt and a statement necklace for a night out.
Versatile pieces are important when packing for a vacation, a dress that works both dressed up and dressed down or a patterned blouse that looks great with a skirt or with jeans.
Layers is another important part of packing, you may have a vague idea on the weather at your destination, but as we all know weather reports lie. Bringing items that can be layered to stay warmer or stand alone when it is hot is a great plan.
When it comes to shoes, I try to stick with flats when I travel. With all the walking and sightseeing bringing anything else is pretty much impractical. I always like to bring a cute comfy pair of ballet flats which are great for going out for a nice dinner or just wandering around your vacation spot. It is also great to bring a cute pair of flat riding boots, you can wear them with dresses, jeans, skirts and leggings. Plus if there ends up being a rainy day, they work well when you don't have rain boots.
Lastly bringing some statement jewelry and a scarf helps take and outfit from drab to fab. A statement necklace, a sparkly bracelet and a scarf can work well at dressing up a simple t-shirt and jeans or compliment a dress on a nice night out.
All these pieces work well with each other, the blouse and t-shirt work well with any of the bottoms. The sweaters and jacket also work well with all the pieces. Sticking with a color palette and layering pieces helps maximize what you bring with you. I leaned towards neutrals with some pops of jewel tones, but you can change it up with whatever suits you.
The bonus is, all these pieces should fit into a small suitcase, which could easily be used as a carry on. Now going on a week long trip does not mean you have to break your back carrying your luggage. Considering that I am a fan of public transportation, this helps immensely when dragging luggage up and down stairs and all over a city, nobody likes that.
Next week I will show you 8 outfits you can make with these 14 pieces. That is just the tip of the iceberg, with the endless combinations you can come up with.
- Sweater - $24.95
- Dress - $165
- Scarf - $19.95
- Blouse - $34.95
- Quilted "Leather" Jacket -$59.95
- Chunky Cardigan - $29.99
- Statement Necklace -$42
- Leggings _$35.90
- Riding Boots - $139.95
- Tunic T-shirt - $50
- Jeans - $39.95
- Skirt - $110
- Ballet Flats - $39.95
- Sparkly Bracelet - $42