Two little words that strike fear into my heart: "PACK LIGHT". And I mean REALLY light. I’m only bringing one carry on bag that converts to a back pack for three weeks of travel. As tempted as I am to throw in just one more pair of shoes (specifically, my super cute black riding boots that come just below the knee) there is one unavoidable fact that may just keep that from happening… I’m biking through the Cotswolds for a week and everything I bring I have to carry with me on that bike!! How’s that for incentive to edit one’s wardrobe? Every time I want to add something to the list I ask myself: “Do you really want to carry that?” Sometimes the answer is a very clear and resounding “NO” and other times… hmmmm… not so much! Take those boots, for instance!!
My vacation plans and activities are rather diverse, exponentially increasing the challenge. For the first portion of the trip I’ll be biking in England, quite possibly in a chilly rain, and I'll be staying in cozy inn’s and B&B’s, so that means sporty, waterproof and warm. Then I’m off to Paris where (no offense to the English countryside) I, clearly, need to up my game! What’s a girl to do? Pack only mix and match items that have at least two or three functions each, that’s what! Here’s what I mean:
and
Yoga Pants: No, really!!! A heavy weight, boot cut pair of black yoga pants can work quadruple duty. Mine have the ability to wick away moisture and are a matte finish without any sheen. They work for many outdoor activities, especially on a cool, dry day. They can easily serve as a black slack and look adorable and chic when paired with a tunic top scarf. They make for very comfy lounge wear and are perfect for an overnight flight, AND I can even wear them to do, of all things, YOGA! What a concept!!
Convertible Hiking Pants: I hike for a living and I’m in love with these pants. They are “convertible” meaning that they can zip off above the knee and become shorts and are, literally, made for outdoor sports. The fabric is extremely lightweight so they pack away beautifully and can be washed in the sink at night and be totally dry by morning. They’re water resistant and even have an SPF rating of 30+. Pair them with your walking shoes and a t-shirt and you have an adorable pair of cargo pants (or shorts) that are perfect for a day of sightseeing, rain or shine! Take them one step further by trowing on a wedge or dressy flat, a sleek tank top, and a sweater around your shoulders. Add a pretty belt and a couple bangles and you’re set for a casual night out!
Plain Black Walking Flats: I bought a pair of solid black, rubber soled, slip-on/lace free flats that are specifically made for walking. They are unbelievably comfy and very simple in appearance which is what makes them so versatile. Mine are Teva Niyama’s and can be worn with a strap that goes across the top of the foot, Mary Jane style, or the strap can be flipped away and tucked behind the heel for more of a ballet flat look… I love that! But here’s my trick: I went online and searched “shoe clips”. They are small, clip-on embellishments that snap onto the top front (aka “vamp”) of your shoe and take it from simple to sophisticated or from day to evening in one easy step! They come in lots of colors and styles, from understated little bows and flirty flowers to sparkling rhinestones! I got two different styles of rhinestones: a white rectangular and a small, round, multi toned blue. Now I’ve suddenly got 3 pairs of the most comfortable and adorable flats you can imagine that easily pair with everything from jeans and cargo pants to dresses! It's one more way of adding a little splash of interest and color to my predominantly black wardrobe, and it's an inexpensive, and possibly safer, alternative to wearing jewelry when that may not be so wise. LOVE them!!
So those are three of my wardrobe selection tips. I’m only bringing 3 pairs of pants, total, and only two of them get packed. I’ll be wearing my yoga pants on the plane with a pretty, cozy tunic and a pashmina scarf which doubles as a blanket on the plane. I’ll be comfy enough to sleep (fingers crossed) and won’t look as though I’m walking through Heathrow in my jammies (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I’m also bringing a long t-shirt dress and a second tunic. I really love the tunics as they totally change the look of my yoga pants and jeans, and can be worn alone as dresses w/ tights and flats (but wouldn't that outfit also be unbelievably cute with… oh, I don’t know… BOOTS??) I’m including a trio of silky black, breathable, wicking undershirts for layering with everything; one is a long sleeved mock turtleneck, another is a short sleeved scoop neck, and the third is a tank… all three easily pass as outerwear, weigh only a couple of ounces and pack away to almost nothing. My Doc Martin’s are coming along as well. My one “luxury item” is a dress that I’m absolutely in love with. It’s a recent thrift store find and makes me feel like Juliet Binoche in Chocolat!!! I have a dinner cruise down the Seine for which I hope to look especially nice & I’ll be wearing that dress… with my embellished black flats, of course!! All in all, with only 5 main items of clothing in my suitcase, I’ll have well over 20 different looks. Not bad, right?? Oh… and in the interest of full disclosure… the jury is still out on the boots…
What are your best packing tips and trip essentials? Please comment below!!
By the way: I’m leaving in only a few days and will have some extra posts coming up! We’re about to do this!! ~Amie~
My vacation plans and activities are rather diverse, exponentially increasing the challenge. For the first portion of the trip I’ll be biking in England, quite possibly in a chilly rain, and I'll be staying in cozy inn’s and B&B’s, so that means sporty, waterproof and warm. Then I’m off to Paris where (no offense to the English countryside) I, clearly, need to up my game! What’s a girl to do? Pack only mix and match items that have at least two or three functions each, that’s what! Here’s what I mean:
and
Yoga Pants: No, really!!! A heavy weight, boot cut pair of black yoga pants can work quadruple duty. Mine have the ability to wick away moisture and are a matte finish without any sheen. They work for many outdoor activities, especially on a cool, dry day. They can easily serve as a black slack and look adorable and chic when paired with a tunic top scarf. They make for very comfy lounge wear and are perfect for an overnight flight, AND I can even wear them to do, of all things, YOGA! What a concept!!
Convertible Hiking Pants: I hike for a living and I’m in love with these pants. They are “convertible” meaning that they can zip off above the knee and become shorts and are, literally, made for outdoor sports. The fabric is extremely lightweight so they pack away beautifully and can be washed in the sink at night and be totally dry by morning. They’re water resistant and even have an SPF rating of 30+. Pair them with your walking shoes and a t-shirt and you have an adorable pair of cargo pants (or shorts) that are perfect for a day of sightseeing, rain or shine! Take them one step further by trowing on a wedge or dressy flat, a sleek tank top, and a sweater around your shoulders. Add a pretty belt and a couple bangles and you’re set for a casual night out!
Plain Black Walking Flats: I bought a pair of solid black, rubber soled, slip-on/lace free flats that are specifically made for walking. They are unbelievably comfy and very simple in appearance which is what makes them so versatile. Mine are Teva Niyama’s and can be worn with a strap that goes across the top of the foot, Mary Jane style, or the strap can be flipped away and tucked behind the heel for more of a ballet flat look… I love that! But here’s my trick: I went online and searched “shoe clips”. They are small, clip-on embellishments that snap onto the top front (aka “vamp”) of your shoe and take it from simple to sophisticated or from day to evening in one easy step! They come in lots of colors and styles, from understated little bows and flirty flowers to sparkling rhinestones! I got two different styles of rhinestones: a white rectangular and a small, round, multi toned blue. Now I’ve suddenly got 3 pairs of the most comfortable and adorable flats you can imagine that easily pair with everything from jeans and cargo pants to dresses! It's one more way of adding a little splash of interest and color to my predominantly black wardrobe, and it's an inexpensive, and possibly safer, alternative to wearing jewelry when that may not be so wise. LOVE them!!
So those are three of my wardrobe selection tips. I’m only bringing 3 pairs of pants, total, and only two of them get packed. I’ll be wearing my yoga pants on the plane with a pretty, cozy tunic and a pashmina scarf which doubles as a blanket on the plane. I’ll be comfy enough to sleep (fingers crossed) and won’t look as though I’m walking through Heathrow in my jammies (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I’m also bringing a long t-shirt dress and a second tunic. I really love the tunics as they totally change the look of my yoga pants and jeans, and can be worn alone as dresses w/ tights and flats (but wouldn't that outfit also be unbelievably cute with… oh, I don’t know… BOOTS??) I’m including a trio of silky black, breathable, wicking undershirts for layering with everything; one is a long sleeved mock turtleneck, another is a short sleeved scoop neck, and the third is a tank… all three easily pass as outerwear, weigh only a couple of ounces and pack away to almost nothing. My Doc Martin’s are coming along as well. My one “luxury item” is a dress that I’m absolutely in love with. It’s a recent thrift store find and makes me feel like Juliet Binoche in Chocolat!!! I have a dinner cruise down the Seine for which I hope to look especially nice & I’ll be wearing that dress… with my embellished black flats, of course!! All in all, with only 5 main items of clothing in my suitcase, I’ll have well over 20 different looks. Not bad, right?? Oh… and in the interest of full disclosure… the jury is still out on the boots…
What are your best packing tips and trip essentials? Please comment below!!
By the way: I’m leaving in only a few days and will have some extra posts coming up! We’re about to do this!! ~Amie~
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"HE WHO WOULD TRAVEL HAPPILY
MUST TRAVEL LIGHT."
~ANTOINE de SAINT-EXUPERY~
"HE WHO WOULD TRAVEL HAPPILY
MUST TRAVEL LIGHT."
~ANTOINE de SAINT-EXUPERY~
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