Packing for Travel

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I wish

I’ve mentioned all the time I put into packing for trips, so I thought I would take some time to relay to you what I have learned from my travelling experiences.  I am focusing on my current trip to Rome, so please excuse my focus on making this an exclusively summer-related post.  I don’t want to depress myself with the thoughts of gloves and snowboots.  Yick.

1. Find a stylish way to carry all your neccessities with you on a daily basis.  And no, I don’t mean by using a fanny pack, even if it is Gucci.

There’s nothing worse for a fabulous outfit than accessorizing with some cheap tote bag you got for free at your last business conference.  Obviously, you’ll need to stash your water bottle, a map, a Kashi bar or two (or three), a travel book, and your camera.  Certainly the teeny little Furla you use day-to-day will not cut it.  Have no fear!  Find a sleek alternative to house all of your belongings without detracting from your well-thought-out ensemble.  Just use one of your larger purses (duh), or in invest in a less-expensive quality tote.  Here are some suggestions:

Longchamp:  they are amongst the cheapest designer bags you can buy that are incredibly durable and will complement everything from sexy black trousers and heels to a maxi dress.

I know some are vehemently opposed to this line, but I highly supportVera Bradley.  For less than 100 dollars, you can find a quality bag in a print that flatters you in a variety of shapes and sizes, with various pockets and zippers to support your storage needs.  And be festive.  Plus, it’s hand washable, and I don’t think anything screams “vacation” more than flourescent paisley.

As per usual, my favorite tip is to scour your local Marshall’s, Loehmann’s, Filene’s, or TJ Maxx.  I’ve noticed TJ Maxx has had a plethora of Betseyville products for a legit steal. 

Also, please stay away from any of the following:

Mini backpacks- unless if you are in elementary school.

L.L. Bean totes in urban situations- save it for the beach.

Any bag with a message- vacation is not the time to be a walking billboard, political statement, or joke.

Any bag without structure- sacks are for potatoes and money, not for your wallet.

2.  Consider the dress the omnipresent answer to any style predicament you may have.  When looking forward to my trip to Rome, I wanted to make sure I looked chic, but still felt comfortable, cool (I knew it was going to be hot), and had enough skin covered to not get kicked out Italian churches.  Enter the versatile day dress.  Here are some of my picks:

A wrap dress- worthy of work with pumps, worthy of a date with strappy sandals, worthy of sight-seeing in hot weather with its cooling matte jersey material, universally flattering wrap-top and a-line skirt, and adustable tie depending on how much dessert you’ve eaten.

Excuse the hair and lack of makeup. Laundry by Shelli Segal at Loehmann's. Original price: $225, I got it for $50.

The coverup dress-  Most likely intended for covering up while having mimosas poolside, this versatile little number can be made appropriate with the proper accessories.  Leave the flip-flops at home and add some grown-up gold sandals and a fabulous necklace.  You’ll be incredibly cool and comfs, but look ready for a proper lunch at any fancy cafe.

Cotton JCrew dress, on sale for $29.99

A white ultimate summery dress- these eyeletty, lacy, girly little numbers leave no mistake about your feminity.  This is a look you that screams fun, flirty, romance, summer.  You’ll keep your cool in their airy shapes, and they can be dressed down for sight-seeing, or dressed up for dinner on the town.  Loves.

Ann Taylor loft on sale for $39.99

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

 

 

 

My goddess

 

 

The shift dress- look like an absolute lady in one of these structured numbers that hides your cleavage but leaves your shoulders bare for sun and comfort.  The simple lines of these dresses is flattering on most shapes, and they often come in incredibly fun and unique patterns.  Dress up (even for work) with pumps and a cardy, or use on vacation for sightseeing or dinner in this omni-appropriate frock.  Loves.

$39.99 on sale at Ann Taylor

A Lily original

3.  Stay modest- I don’t need to tell you that there will be places you will be going that may frown upon bare shoulders, exposed cleavage, or sexy little straps.  Don’t allow the haters to rain on your sexy parade!  Fold up a simple pashmina in your bag to throw over your shoulder whenever you enter a church.  You’ll still stay cool and get some color on your upper body (ensuing jealousy amongst your coworkers upon your return) but won’t frighten the priests in Santa Maria Maggiore.

Kim Kardashian, gorgeous as always.

4. Leave the trends at home!  Quoting Cher Horowitze, “I don’t mean to be a traitor to my generation,” but seriously, folks.  Save the motorcycle boots, flannel shirts, acid-washed jeans, ridiculous sunglasses, or whatever else is “hip” at the moment for the next time your listening to blues on the Lower East Side.  Europe is in a completely different time zone fashion-wise, and chances are, your silly booties or ripped jeans looks have already come and gone.  Not to mention, you are going to be looking at pictures of yourself years from now, remembering your amazing travels.  And you certainly don’t want that same sinking feeling in your stomach you get whenever you look at your big, crimpy hair from your 1994 school picture, do you?  Stick with the classics. 

Don't

even

think

about

it.

5.  Remember, it’s vacation from work, not vacation from looking good- I hate it when articles tell you to only pack materials that down require folding or ironing, encourage you to only bring a few articles of clothing (2 pairs of short and 3 shirts- all you need for a week, right?  Wrong!), and say it’s perfectly ok to lax on everything else.  In my opinion, without the stress of work, this is the ultimate time to take pleasure in pampering yourself!  Vacay is the perfect time to wear linen, poplin, and washed silk, and since you aren’t rushing to get out the door ar 6:00 am, take the time to enjoy ironing those perfect trousers or your favorite blouse.  And who cares if you have to bring a bigger suitcase in order to enjoy having a selection of clothes to wear for every occasion?  I would rather feel prepared for dinner at any restaurant than have a tiny suitcase but be stuck wearing something inappropriate.  Finally, remember, this is the time you will be taking pictures you will remember for a lifetime, so if you have to touch up your nails by the pool, spend an extra five minutes deep-conditioning your hair, or pack touch-up makeup in your purse, who cares?  It’s not like you’re late for a conference call!

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