If you've been on my twitter feed lately, you'll see how much I've been stressing about packing for SBS Con this weekend. What do I pack? The weather looks rainy so obviously some wellies need to be thrown in there. What about outfits for the different events? Do I pack too much or do I pack too little? The questions swirled around my head. I'm sure some of y'all have gone through similar situations and as you know it's one of the biggest stressors about traveling.
I finally broke everything that I needed to pack down into lists. List 1: What I NEED. List 2: What is "basically" necessary & List 3: What is absolutely frivolous? (aka the items you know you won't actually touch while you're on vaca or wherever you're going but the hoarder in you is cringing at putting them aside.)Now throw list #3 away. Yep it's painful but you'll thank me when your shoulder isn't killing you from your carry on, purse, and suitcase.
Next take list #2 and look it over. What on that list should have been on list #3? You'll probably end up taking off three of four items such as those four pairs of heels that are the same style just different colors. Instead go for the nude heels. They're life savers and go with everything. If you're going to be doing more casual things, throw in a pair of brown or tan wedges for good measure.
Consider which pieces are key and which you were putting on the list because you're technically in denial. Try neutrals such as a black or gray top, a navy striped piece, or the simple white oxford. Jewelry takes up a lot less room than the clothing does and will make more of a statement than those extra pieces you were planning on packing.
As for the bottoms on your list, I'll save you the trouble. Pack the skirt that most fits the reason for the trip whether a gauzy maxi skirt, pencil skirt, or high waisted linen number; a pair of boyfriend jeans, and an easy pair of skinny pants. There, you now have three more styles to work with. Include a pair of sandals and flats for other footwear.
These minimal items should fit into your carry on with no problem. Remember, you can check with a hotel to see if they have a hair dryer. If they do, that's one thing you can leave off of list #1. As for traveling with liquids, buy travel sized containers and use those for your shampoo, conditioner, soap, and whatever other hair products you use. You don't want to get to security and have to throw away those expensive products we all spend a small fortune on. Because undergarments usually fall under the "must bring" category, bring the three neutrals for your bottoms, nude, black, and white. For the bra/ under top/ or whatever you like to wear, bring a nude bra with removable straps. This is the most versatile and you can wear it on the plane so that you don't have to pack it.
Lastly, keep the "reading material" light. Unless you're traveling abroad and there won't be any books/ magazines/ etc... in your language, a magazine or book should suffice (unless you've upgraded to modern day technology in which case a Kindle will be your best friend.) You can always purchase reading materials and other items when your plane touches down at your destination.
Pro Tip: DO NOT bring your entire makeup collection. Tone your makeup down for the trip. Bring only the makeup for the two looks you know you'll use most. One or two shades of lipstick will suffice.
Keep it simple and follow these rules/ steps and you'll be able to get by with that carry on!
xo
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