The Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday topic for this week (so a propos) is packing!
When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?
Mix fantasy with practicality: I tend to pack for the weather I WANT, but it’s important to be prepared for unpredictable weather. Case in point: I’m in Chicago right now, and the weather prediction was in the high 70s/low 80s the entire weekend; but yesterday was in the mid-60s. All I brought with me was sundresses, but thankfully I also brought a sweater!
What are your must packs?
Dresses, sunglasses, a couple of magazines, and my iPod.
What are you happy to leave behind?
I wish I could say i’m happy to leave my computer behind, but I never do. Even though I can get email on my phone I find it useful to have a computer around. Generally I’m happy to leave behind work! Right now I’m happy to leave behind the chilly SF “summer” for some Chicago heat and humidity. Yes, I am one of the five people in this world who appreciates humidity. I’ve got three words for you: Hot Summer Nights!
Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?
I have a very elaborate packing system that involves taking everything out of my closet that I *might* want to wear, then slowly I convince myself that I don’t need half of it. Next, I take what’s left, and convince myself that I don’t need a third of it. After that I finally put my stuff in a suitcase, and when it doesn’t fit I take out a few more things. The entire process can take several hours depending on the season and duration of the trip, and goes far more smoothly with a couple of drinks.
I found some photos documenting this system, from a trip I took a couple of Octobers ago:
I remember that being a difficult vacation to pack for. On what trip do you need both a boots and sandals?! I’ll tell you: when you spend two weeks traveling through Ireland, France, the Netherlands and Spain.
Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand?
I’m not at the beach right now, but here’s my reading material: Instyle, Harpers, the New Yorker. And I’ll probably pick up the latest issue of L’Officiel on this trip.
For different perspectives on packing for vacation, find links to the rest of the responses at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday HQ on Modly Chic.
What's your opinion?