I’ve been fortunate enough to do my fair share of travel over the years, and I like to pride myself on the fact that I’m a pretty good packer. I most likely have inherited this from my Dad who used to review the things my sister and I were thinking of packing, show us what was completely frivolous in taking, and then methodically place it all into our suitcases. I am now that person. Thanks Dad. As I head out to Lucky FABB today I thought I’d share below a few words of wisdom on how to fit everything you need for a long weekend city getaway into one carry on and still have room to spare.
1. Choose a common color palette. I went with neutrals, pops of mustard yellow and a few easy blues so that nearly everything I brought can be mixed and matched.
2. Stick to Separates. While I always toss in at least one dress in case I head someplace fancier, for the most part I pack separates for short trips. That way one skirt can easily look like 2 different outfits just by changing out a blouse for a sweater or switching up accessories.
3. Practical shoes. Of course I wanted to bring along my vintage silver pumps – but they would have matched with one outfit at the most. Instead, I stuck to neutral shoes in walkable heights.
4. Pack it In. Jewelry and accessories get stored inside of extra purses. A clutch securely holds my jewelry while an extra purse is the perfect place to store socks and tights.
5. Roll it Up. T-shirts and blouses take up less space and get fewer wrinkles if they are rolled into soft bundles. I promise this is one of my best tricks.
For the most part, if I know what I have planned for the weekend (which in this case I do!) I try and pick out outfits in advance which again reduces the chances of my packing lots that won’t even end up getting worn. And from there, edit, edit, edit. It takes some self control but for years now I’ve rarely checked a bag and always still felt I had plenty of options when I’ve arrived. I’d love to hear your packing style! Plus, check back tomorrow when I share exactly what I’m wearing on the plane.
I had originally planned on wearing this outfit without the jacket (seen in yesterday’s Day One look), but New York weather had other plans. So I rolled with the punches and kind of like how the jacket added a bit of a more girly, quirky feel to an otherwise pretty menswear inspired look. This striped silk shirt from Madewell was a splurge for me at the time, but it’s been in my closet for years now and I always come back to it. These boots on the other hand were picked up recently for less than $40, but already feel like they’re quickly going to become classics in their own right. While price is certainly always a factor for me, I think part of my signature is mixing more long lasting quality pieces with of the moment deals. As Eva Chen (editor of Lucky Magazine) said at the conference ‘When it’s good, it’s good’. $5 thrift store or $500 designer. Although you’re much more likely to find me in the former. Madewell Silk Shirt – love this one too // F21 Romper // Bag via TJ Maxx // F21 Ankle Boots // H&M Jacket – recent in store
