So this is the method to my madness with how I pack each week. Most times I'm only out for a night or two but this time I had work meetings then went home-home.
Two bags - one carry on suit case and one larger bag for valuables.
For work trips - pack all black outfits or all brown outfits. In other words, don't pack outfits that you'll need to wear brown shoes with and another that you'll need black shoes with. Wear one or the other that week and take one pair of shoes. Keep jewelry basic as well, you don't need a million necklaces. Just bring classic pearls, they go with everything.
I don't know about you all but when I leave for a long time, I need to bring work out clothes. Stick your socks and sports bras in your shoes. Bring limited running clothes that you can layer if need be. Put your kicks in last, upside down in your suitcase, they squish easily (see them in the top pic on the left?).
As for other events, bring a few dresses - Lilly ones pack easily and never wrinkle. I always bring two pairs of jeans (you could always use your work heels to dress jeans up). And then I bring two short sleeve and two long sleeve shirts (especially during the spring weather). If cowboy boots are a necessity like they are mine, wear them instead of having them take up a lot of space. Put all your underwear in a little lingerie bag and stuff it in the top zipper since it doesn't need to stay neatly folded (I also put PJ's in here). Max out all space in your suit case. If you don't think it will fit one more thing, trust me, it will. ;)
In my second "purse size bag" which is actually quite large haha, I have another longchamp in there full of my work stuff and computer. Then I have a couple gifts in that bag, my straightening iron, makeup bag, brush, wet ones to wipe rental cars stearing wheels off with (I'm crazy!), any magazines to read, your baggie of liquids and technically you're supposed to be able to fit your regular purse in this bag too. Well according to US Air you should. I "amazingly" made that fit this past week by sitting it on top of the bag and draping a Shep Shirt over it. :)
Need any other travel packing trips? Please leave a comment and I'll respond! Happy Summer Travels! Love, the girl that likes to pack everything in the world!
PS - hi to my friends from EAS's blog Let The Tide Bring Your Dreams Ashore!
I do a lot of the same things you do when I travel. I try and bring 2pairs of shoes and my kicks.
ReplyDeleteI hate checking luggage! The only time I do it is on bigger vacays, like when we went skiing.
I am so impressed! I consider myself a pretty good packer, but my dilemma is always that I have a big laptop case. So that counts as my "personal item". My roll-on bag is my 2nd carry-on item. I'm always thrown with what to do with my purse - usually end up cramming it into my roll-on and take my wallet and Kindle out and put them in my laptop case. It just feels disorganized though!
ReplyDeleteA packing tip that I love is that I keep a spare phone charger in my carry-on bag at all times. That way I never forget one and can keep the one near my nightstand in its place.
Wow you pack well! I'm horrible with it, but I hardly ever check my bags.
ReplyDeleteI never check bags when flying domestic! When my mom and I fly out to LA in Oct I made do with a carrying on and a tote. She was so impressed. My main tip is look how bulky your clothes is and don't bring every bulky piece. Some cardigans are so bulky others are not. When traveling for fun I love to bring casual dresses because its totally an outfit, but takes up so little space. I'm so impressed with your packing skills! Your Easter pics were adorable!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome, i'm impressed! I always overpack! I am going to try some of these tips next time! :) Have a good trip!
ReplyDeleteYou are seriously an awesome packer! Any more than three nights and I can't get away with carrying on, but I have to tell you it is usually because of products. Obviously I use way too many products. I try to put everything in smaller bottles, but sometimes I just give up and check.
ReplyDeleteI'm a horrible packer so I love this post-especially since I'm leaving tomorrow for a wedding and definitely don't want to check a bag!
ReplyDeleteI never check a back unless I'm A.) flying internationally or B.) Going to be out of town for a week or more.
ReplyDeleteLove some of your packing tips - I also have world's largest "personal item" and try to limit shoes and jewelry (which can be difficult but I agree that it saves so much space!) So impressed with how you're able to balance work, casual, and work out clothes!
When I was on my vacations last year, I purchased 10 short sleeve shirts in very reasonable prices. These shirts are perfect for summer and spring seasons.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I always over pack and I really need to stop doing that! I am printing this post and putting it in my suitcase lol. xo
ReplyDeletegreat post! I am a horrendous over packer and am always looking tips on high to pack lighter.
ReplyDeleteI adore my kindle as that usually helps me cut down on lugging around multiple books and reading materials, although I almost never resist buying at least one gossip mag in the airport. ;)
ReplyDeleteI am jsut now catching up on blogs and this was one of the first posts I read!! I am thoroughly impressed, Annie! Want to come pack for me for my Vegas trip?! :) I will definitely have this post pulled up as I pack.... I am a notorious over-packer!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks!