Although it is technically Whitney's day to post, I needed some serious roommate advice before I leave town. I apologize, in advance, for having to see two posts of me in a row.
I have lived on this earth more than a quarter of a century and yet I still don't know how to adequately pack a bag. I get really stressed out. Which is lame, because going on trips is so exciting. Why take any of the fun out of that?
But, how in the world do you fit everything you'll need for 22 days and for the following activities in one tiny carry-on bag? (Get real folks, I ain't paying 25 bucks to check a bag).
- Several Beach trips
- Family get-togethers
- An anniversary trip to Catalina island
- Disneyland
- A Wedding ceremony and wedding reception
When I travel, I usually end up throwing 35 t-shirts, underwear, deodorant, and mascara into a suitcase and then realize I am an idiot after I have arrived at my destination without any pants to wear.
So I have been trying to brainstorm what to bring to California with me. This is the only thing I have come up with so far...
I figured I could double up my outfits. I was thinking this could be a Disneyland-all-day-outfit.
Nothing crazy. Just some nice spandex jeans, a baggy shirt, and some tennies.
And then, I could roll the pants back down, put on some heels, a belt, and some red lips- and use this outfit again for a night out on the town.
And by night out on the town... I mean, a night out at the Cheesecake Factory when Rhett and I go stuff our faces with 6 baskets of bread and 2 slices of Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple.
Every single clothing item in both outfits: TJ Maxx
But this is all I got, people. I need help.
I am determined to make this suitcase packing as efficient as possible.
What items do you bring with you when you travel? What do you do to look presentable but still pack light?
PLEASE HELP! I fly out of Nashville tomorrow and will be packing my bags tonight.
28 comments:
Hi Monica,
I'm currently travelling & recently did a post re: getting 7 outfits out of 10 pieces of clothing (includ. shoes, exclud. accessories). Check it out: http://elegantlyacademic.blogspot.com/2011/05/packing-inspiration.html
Maybe you could pack 22 items for 22 days or something similar??? I hope it helps ...
Love the outfit! the shoes and belt are perfect! So cute!
http://jennaleelac.blogspot.com/
I don't travel much but I think you've got the right idea there, doubling up on outfits like that! I'd bring some dresses that you can wear to hang around in, plus they can be worn at Disney, on nights out, or as beach cover-ups. Pack heels along with walking shoes, changes of belts, etc. Those are the things that can change up any outfit so you can re-wear the same few pieces with different results.
And have fun!!!
Come take a look inside A Working Mom's Closet
Haha! I am the same way!! Try rolling instead of folding your clothes it's supposed to make more room. :) also, I'm having a huge giveaway over at my
Blog right now and would love if you girls entered!!! Gentrilee.blogspot.com
Hey!! I think your outfit looks great, especially for pulling double duty as a day to night look. Can't go wrong with basic black and red lips! :) Have a great time!!!! Xoxo
i think you did a great job getting 2 looks out of 1 outfit and everyone's comments are great! most accessories are small, so you've got the right idea change up an outfit by accessorizing! shoes always take lots of room, so i try to stick to 2-3 pairs. i hope you have a great time and don't forget your swimsuit!
pack your favorite jeans that go with every top that you can wear again and again, and just pack like..3-5 favorite tops, then throw in some accessories and you're good to go!
House of Shoes
and now i have home alone on the brain. i agree with sara... wear the same pants every day. that's what i do.
I love the two things you came up with. I would say pick a dress that is versatile you could wear to the wedding and to Catalina... could you use this as an excuse to go shopping while on vacation?! Good luck your trip sounds wonderful!
Ugh that's so rough. I traveled for work, and was only out of town for a week and my suitcase was 56lbs. so sorry I can't be of help.
Let me know how it goes!!
Just started following :)
Miranda
www.indcfashion.com
I am the worst over packer, good luck and have a fun trip!
Forever Chic,
Amber
love the all black! so so chic!
xo
http://www.leatherlaceblog.com/
Well first of all, favorite movie quote ever.
Second... what to pack for 22 days and one carry on. Wow, that is a tough one.
Bring the red skirt. Red can easily work as a neutral, plus it looks comfy and light.
Bring the striped top. Stripes make everything chicer. Your stretchy jeans, your red skirt, your bikini bottom.
Shoes. I don't know how to pack fewer than four pairs of shoes ever, but since you've got space issues, i'd say the bare minimum is heels for the wedding, flip flops for the beach, something comfy for disney.
If you had more outfit posts, i'd be more helpful, but that is the most i can offer right now.
dont forget your sunnies and sunscreen!
Chic on the Cheap
Looking classy in all black!
http://ninety2wo.blogspot.com
Girl I love both of these! I really need help packing too I swear I bring my whole entire closet whenever I go somewhere! I need options ;)!
Meet Virginia Design
Love the simple look of the first, and the cute tennis shoes. And I heart the second look and the amazing shoes. ADORABLE!!!
I always stuff as much as I can in a 2 gallon zip lock bag - then kneel down on it while I close it to get all of the air out (basically cheap vacuum bag - very effective though) We will just miss you:( We are going to Disneyland the 1st week in June then up to your parents house for a day or two
Not to toot my own horn but I'm pretty good at packing light. Each time I pack a carry-on I'm always amazed at how little I actually end up wearing from it, which makes me think even more carefully the next time I'm packing. When you're on vacation you're going to be lazy and wear the same thing a bunch of times, so I say just acknowledge that fact up front. Some tips:
Bring a nice dress in a light, forgiving (read: squishable) fabric and that can totally work for both the wedding and your anniversary outing.
The beach is the easy part -- bring a couple suits and you're good to go. You really only need two, because one can be drying the day you're wearing the other one. Pack cover-ups than can double up as casual wear (example: loose tunic shirts, casual jersey dress or skirt, shorts).
You can totally do this. Bring a good variety of accessories and just plan to do a little laundry in your hotel sink...good luck!
-Renée
http://namasterenee.blogspot.com
I'm really no help at all, I'm an over-packer to the max. I went to San Diego for 3 days and almost had to pay extra because my bag was so heavy. Plus I hate when my clothes wrinkle so I always end up taking them in garmet bags on the plane with me. Make sure you bring a sweater or sweatshirt for Disneyland-it's been chilly and windy here this week!
xo
Rach
p.s. love the Home Alone reference :)
Oh man do I know how you feel. I would just make sure you bring your fav leggings, skirt and jeans. Then make sure every shirt can match all of those. Then you're covered. Good luck because lately here it's been back and forth with the weather. One week it's in the 60's, next it's in the 90's. Lame.
Depending on what your plans are, I would ALWAYS bring a good pair of hiking shoes. There are billions of good trails in CA! A pair of jeans and a cute tee are staples for me. Plus a zip hoodie / jean jacket combo for the plane.
http://casualandclueless.blogspot.com/
I'm terrible at packing light, but I would suggest to wear layers on the flight. Like two shirts and a cardigan. Ta-da! You just increased your outfit options by 100! (actual number. I did the math.)
North Meets South
I totally agree. I hate packing. I'm getting ready to go out of town for a week, and I have no idea what to pack, and I have to start early.
Shasie
Live Life in Style
The belt ties the outfit in together perfectly <3 You look wonderful! My tip for quick packing is getting a tiny suitcase - it works for me!
x
www.lostinthehaze.com
Great post! And I have the same problem I pack to much of the same thing and to little of other things.. I definitly am making check lists this year and not going with to much because you know you always come back with even more..
Thanks for your sweet comment!Love your blog, new follower :)!!!
http://chiccastyle.blogspot.com/
Pack light...I don't know what that means. If I pack light I tend to forget something "important", but usually I just overpack. It's terrible.
Fly out of Nashville? Does that mean you guys live close? I am about 40 minutes away from Music City. How far are you?
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