Packing 101

5 Fast Packing Tips

Don't let this happen to you.

I figured I'd share some of my tips on packing well considering it's vacation season and we are all off to somewhere.......

Tip #1: Linen wrinkles BADLY when folded into a hot suitcase, don't bring any linen unless you're dedicated to wearing it during travel or steaming it (or ironing) when you want to wear it.

On the plus side, linen is the most breathable fabric to wear when it's scorching hot out. And it's supposed to wrinkle once it's on your body, make sense? Strange, I know, folded creases, no, wrinkles from wear, yes.

Tip #2: When you're wondering if something will pack or travel well or not, a quick test is to simply scrunch the fabric of the item in question in your hand and squeeze for 20 seconds.  If it doesn't bounce back wrinkle free, there's your answer.

Too Much!!!  I bet half of this could be edited out if done right.

Tip #3: Rolling your clothing takes up less space than folding does.  I am not a scientist, I do not know why.

Tip #4: If you're an overpacker, think about the clothes that you wear MOST.  Clothes that you feel great in and clothes that are comfortable.  All that other stuff that you feel you HAVE to bring because you might want to finally wear it?  Don't bring it, you won't wear it. 
**If you feel you left out something you must have, go buy something new!  It'll give you an excuse to shop and it'll be a worthy purchase if it's something you already own and love.

Tip #5: Learn to pack a "capsule wardrobe".  A capsule wardrobe is 6 to 8 pieces from which you can create at least 12 different outfits from mixing and matching.  For a capsule wardrobe you need a few pieces of each category of clothing, and you must pick a color palette so everything can be successfully put with everything else. (I create capsules from neutrals and use my jewelry, belts, clutches, bags, scarves and shoes as pops of color in my outfit.  I think all white outfits in summer look incredibly chic.)  Challenge yourself to not bring anything black.

For example:

2 pants

1 skirt

1 dress

3 tops

1 jacket (for casual trips) / 1 blazer (for more fancy trips)

Pack a belt or two, jewelry, a clutch and a shoulder tote to add variety and to stretch the capsule even further. Done right, 8 pieces is more than enough for a 1 week trip.  For a 2 week trip, I'd take 8 to 12 pieces that can be paired dozens of ways.

I'd make sure one of the tops is a tunic top so it can double as a beach dress, go out at night with chic flats and the clutch, or go with skinny jeans at night with heels, jewelry, and the clutch.  Starting to get the hang of it?   So simple!  And it feels so good to travel lightly.

A packing DO!  Chic at the airport is our goal!  No pack mule here! 

OK, maybe not the hat box. ;)

Happy Packing!!!!!