How to fight the packing blues

May 22nd, 2010 → 9:00 am @


credit: retro traveler flikr photostream

I was going to move on from fashion advice this week, but when I got an email from Leah H. about packing for vacations, I fell in love with the subject. She and her fiancé are heading to Japan for their honeymoon for two weeks, and she requested some advice on how to pack efficiently. Now, if there is one thing I pride myself in, it’s my ability to pack minimally but effectively. My friends are often astonished at my small amount of luggage but really, it’s a gift we all can master (lol!).

First things first, there are a few facts you need to gather before embarking on your journey:

[  ] Visit Weather.com and  figure out whether you will need more warm or cool-weather clothes

[  ] Find out if you have the ability to wash your clothes – are you staying in a hotel or condo, etc.

[  ] Get an idea of the activities you will be participating in – will you need active clothes, formal clothes, etc.

Now that you have an idea of the types of outfits you will need, you can start packing! Because we have entered warmer weather, I’ll give you an example of how I would pack for a summer vacay:

Before you get overwhelmed, let me break this down. I have a list that I generally follow:

[  ] A few basic tanks

[  ] A few basic short-sleeved tops

[  ] A long sleeved top

[  ] Two sweaters in different colors

[  ] A few pairs of basic shorts

[  ] Two pairs of jeans, one casual, one dressier

[  ] A nice dress

[  ] A sexy skirt

[  ] A basic jacket, like this denim blazer

[  ] A swimsuit

[  ] Pajamas/Chemise

[  ] Socks, underwear, and bra (also pack at least two extra pairs of socks and underwear)

[  ] A few pieces of jewelry that match everything

[  ] One pair of heels

[  ] One pair of sneakers

[  ] One pair of cute flip flops or comfortable flats

All of these items should allow you to be appropriately dressed for most occasions. With this list you can mix-match pieces to last you at least a week, so Leah can either double up or see if she has the option to clean her clothes. I suggest choosing mostly pieces you are comfortable in, but that are colorful and fun. Bring just a few “trendier,” formal pieces for going out at night. Also, I tend to wear shorts and tees more than skirts and blouses on vacation because I generally go on “adventure” outings, but you can definitely swap them according to your needs.

Next up is my beauty and makeup kit. How I determine what are my beauty essentials versus taking the entire makeup drawer is by placing everything aside that I use on a regular morning. For me it’s the following (for you it may be way different):

[  ] Clean and Clear Continuous Control face wash

[  ] Olay face moisturizer

[  ] Clearasil spot cream

[  ] Mineral foundation

[  ] Blush

[  ] Eyeshadow palette

[  ] Eyeliner

[  ] Mascara

[  ] A basic lipstick and chapstick

[  ] Bobby pins

[  ] Round and flat hairbrush

[  ] Curling iron/Flat iron

[  ] Aveda smoothing cream

[  ] Deodorant

[  ] Toothbrush and toothpaste

Finally, I thought I would throw in my carry-on essentials. I am not a fan of long car rides or plane flights, so I try to be as comfortable as possible. I make sure to bring plenty of snacks, music, and books. I carry a mini pharmacy, with antacids, painkillers, Kleenex and band-aids. Sunglasses and a pillow help me sleep, and I keep the sunscreen bottle on me (in the car) in case the rays coming in through the windows start to bother my skin.

Making lists is how I get through my packing. It helps me determine what are essentials, and what will just take up unnecessary room. Taking basic pieces will get you a lot farther than trying to pack every trendy outfit you have – remember it’s your vacation, so look good but with ease!

Do you have any packing suggestions? What are your essentials? Do you have a topic you’d like me to tackle in the Saturday Advice posts? Let me know!


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