How To: Pack For A Holiday


How to Pack (I adapted her tips to what I'd pack):

Step 1.  Check the weather and the cultural expectations – Lucky for me, it will be summer in Paris. Lucky, because clothes are less bulky, and I don't need as many layers (tights, scarves, coat, etc).

Step 2. Gather Your Basics - breton style nautical top, black and white tank/tees, khaki cotton jacket,  shorts, denim jeans, one LBD  (am thinking 3.1 Phillip Lim's rosette t-shirt dress, so it can be dressed up or down) and a white (or black?) silk collared shirt. As in every day life, good basics are the foundation of a versatile travel wardrobe.

Step 3. Add key colour items – choose a colour palette for a few additional pieces. This reduces the likelihood of having mismatched outfits.  You can of course choose a couple of colours for your palette, just try to make sure they are all compatible.  I haven't added many 'key colour' items as yet...

Step 4. Rationalise your shoes - Shoes are the bulkiest part of your luggage and the lesser the number of shoes the better. But you don’t want to feel like you lack shoes either.  Usually I used to bring a pair of ballet flats, a pair of dressy shoes and a pair of sandals.  This time, for the first time in my adult life, I will be bringing my sneakers!  Yes, my Nike's are coming along. I'm also thinking a pair of boots that I can walk in, but that will also allow me to go out for a nice dinner, and then heels, which will depend on the outfit(s) I pick for the fashion shows...

Step 5. Complete with Accessories - A few nice statement pieces of jewellery to dress up any outfit if needed.  I also almost always take a bag with a long shoulder strap so it can be worn cross body, especially with 2 'babies' (well, Lil Brigs #1 is now 3, but I still call her my baby).  I am bringing my Dries Van Noten large gold ball necklace (even though the one pictured below is silver, mine's gold).  Normally I'd bring a scarf, but seeing it's summer, I may forego that one.

Other tips from the author?

Make sure to roll your clothes up tightly so all of the above can fit in your carry on (I do this already).

Do a layout – when packing make sure to lay everything out on your bed so that you can visualize the outfits and how they will go together. This has been the one single factor that has helped me to create better holiday wardrobes. 

Well, I thought I'd use Polyvore, haha! My sister laughed at me, attempting to 'pack' online, and also pointed out the obvious: the numerous striped tops I am 'packing'.  But in real life, I use stripes almost every day!  I know it's cliche to use stripes in Paris (and later we'll be heading for a week in Provence), but I can't not wear them (oh, and the 'Bonjour' top is coming for sure)!

Ok, so I started with this: