That being said, my sister and I are going to Toronto on Friday for a long weekend (yay!), and it's time to bust out my carry-on. We're going for 4 days, which isn't a terribly long time anyway, but I can cut down my baggage even more by wearing mix-and-match items:
These are representations of what I plan to bring (for now). Polyvore never seems to have exactly what I own, but these are close enough. I'll be wearing the boots, the blazer, one pair of the jeans, and one of the shirts on the plane, so a lot of this won't be in the bag at all. My purse/tote won't be in there either, so that will make it pretty roomy for my pajamas, toothpaste, etc.
I purposely chose shirts that will look good with either pair of shoes, either wash of jeans, and either warmth layer, since bringing four completely different outfits would be a waste of precious space. Not to mention, my French lady experiment has taught me once and for all that having fewer choices makes life a lot easier. I don't need to bring seven shirts "just in case" when I know these three are versatile and can make many different outfits. We'll need a mix of casual and slightly dressy looks, and I think this collection fits the bill.
How do you like to travel? Do you do the mix-and-match thing, too? Or are you one who has to bring a full-sized suitcase full of options no matter what? Any recommendations for cool things to do in Toronto? Things to skip?
I hate packing, I always try to take as little as possible. But always end up with taking too much and coming back with items unused. I love that blue sheer blouse. Have fun on your trip.
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the carry-on (took one on my trip to Austin where I am now!), but if I'm gone more than a few days I can never swing it and have to check a bag. Have fun in Toronto!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! I also hate checked bags! Have fun on your long weekend in Toronto!
ReplyDeleteI have to try and do this next time I travel. I pack for my moods....so that means a lot of stuff anticipating what mood I will be in! I know it's bad but I can't stand being away from home and not having a choice what I am going to wear!
ReplyDeleteGood point about wanting choices! Since I plan to bring stuff that easily mixes-and-matches, I feel like I *do* have choices. Whew!
DeleteI travel light. I used to be that person that carried the huge suitcase but after 9/11 and they started making changes at the airport I reduced how much I carry. Plus..it didn't make sense to carry so much stuff anyway. Now, I have a small suitcase that I try to pack as much as possible. I could carry one but when I travel abroad it's easier to check it in.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a great plan! Jake and I always share a checked bag to cut down on the check bag price when we're taking longer trips. It does force both of us to pack less stuff.
ReplyDeleteI hate packing too and I do the mix-and-match thing. Have a wonderful weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI try my hardest to use just a carry on but sometimes when I mix work and play I find it a little difficult. Being in Contruction when I travel I need to plan on everything getting dirty and not being good for a second wear. I have purchased these super cool jeans from Athleta I can wash at night and they'll be dry in the morning - that became essential. I like traveling for fun so much better - because then I can plan on getting a few wears out of pants and such.
ReplyDeletethe only think i find hard when packing is when weather can be iffy, as in one day it's sweltering and the next is fallish. otherwise, i've gotten pretty good since when we travel to dublin it's often for 3 weeks. lots of mixing and matching. i'm still improving though. i remember the first time we went our bags were HEAVY. i just don't want to go there anymore.
ReplyDeleteI usually try to avoid checking bags too now that they charge, but I do a lot of times anyway. It's the liquid thing, I hate having to transfer all my products to travel size bottles or buy travel size things. I definitely mix and match outfits too, and I will wear the same pair of pants more than one day but I can't do that with shirts because it just makes me feel gross. And I'm sure my traveling companions also thank me for that! Haha.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of an admission tests for fashion school I had to complete. I had to design what a woman would pack to wear on a 3 day trip — 2 tops, 2 bottoms, and a jacket. I love optimization and combinability.
ReplyDeleteI keep very few clothes in my closet, but those clothes are my absolute favorites, so although I repeat my looks constantly, they are uniquely mine, and I think people can see that — they realize the repetition, but also that I'm consciously seeking it.
My rule is: find the outfit that makes you feel like a superhero, and embrace it.
I just read about your "french lady experiment"... I guess this comment is inspired by that post as well :)
I'm such a home body, so I don't travel much... but if I do I will totally refer to this post! Thanks for sharing the travel tips!
ReplyDeletei don't travel anywhere without my Longchamp tote!!! I only check a bag if the trip is for more than a week, and I ONLY fly Southwest (two free bags!).
ReplyDelete-Rachel w k
rwkrafts.blogspot.com
It's hard for us to travel without our dogs, since one of them (bless her heart) just has way too much separation anxiety when we're gone, tried it once, and decided it was just too much for her... so I'm dreaming of the day we can go on a cruise! But I agree, ever since 9/11 I've learned to pack less and try the mix and match thing. I love your outfits, that blue top is super cute!!
ReplyDeleteI really like the pieces you picked out! A long time ago on Cup of Jo I read the tip of sticking with a colour scheme so I always do that now. I normally do 2 neutrals and a colour pop - like navy, gray & green. It makes it so easy to get dressed. I love it! It made me a light packer :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely do it the way you do. Lots of layering items that go well together. I like to pack lightly so I'm not bogged down with unnecessary stuff. Also, I just had to mention that I own those floral flats! Haha!
ReplyDeleteWhat great mix-and-match options. Love those flats!!
ReplyDeleteGreat combination! I agree I hate to check luggage too. Looks like your choices will make for easy packing. My sister went to Europe for 3 weeks with just a carry on, she is an expert at packing. I hope you had a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired