The Abstract Life: Packing

Packing for Chicago - Fall

November 09, 2018

Trip Destination: Chicago, IL

Trip Duration: 10 Days

Packing Light During Cold Weather:

Pick a Color Scheme to Mix & Match: I like neutrals like black, white, and tan with 1-2 pops of color (such as burgundy here). That way I know I can mix and match pieces to create several outfits. Stay away from too many (or any at all) prints if you can. It makes it so much easier to interchange all your pieces.
Plan Ahead: I plan an outfit for each day I'm on my trip-including what I'm wearing on the days I travel there and back. I also try on my outfits ahead of time to make sure they all fit still (my weight fluctuates regularly) and that the different "looks" work together. That way I know I won't over pack and bring extras I won't wear.
Layers, Layers, Layers: One of the easiest ways to pack light for colder weather is to wear layers. My leggings are perfect for lounging around our AirBnB or wearing as PJs on cold nights as well as a comfy under layer that I don't mind having to wear for those long jet-lagged travel days.
Choose High Quality Material, Over Bulk: I like high quality materials like cashmere, leather, wool, tight knits, and silks as they are great for layering and keeping things cozy and warm, all the while packing well and not taking up a lot of precious space in your bag.
Pack Hard Working Clothes: Pack pieces that are versatile and you can wear several ways. When we traveled to Chicago I was going to a friend's wedding and needed to have two dress outfits for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. Rather than pack two dresses that were only getting 1 nights wear each I chose pieces that I could also use for daywear as I toured the city on our extended stay. I layered leggings or tights under and scarves and jackets over the dresses, finally pairing them off with my comfy suede boots. The jewelry was also hardworking as it could be worn both for formal and casual occasions.
Rent: If you have the option to rent clothes in the city you're touring it makes for very light travel and a fun alternative to your usual wardrobe. I rented my two toned Hunter Bell dress from Rent the Runway and was able to easily drop it off at a nearby UPS store before I flew home. I didn't have to worry about a dress getting wrinkled in my carry on and felt like I was borrowing from a friend's designer closet. You can also rent heavier items like coats or pieces that don't typically travel as well-like velvet.

Fall / Chicago Packing List:

Cashmere Travel Set
Cashmere Scarf
Silk Scarf
Wool Hat
Sunglasses
Gloves
Crossbody Bag
Leather Backpack / Purse
Minimal Jewelry
Silk Cami
Striped Top
Cashmere Turtleneck
Wool or Cashmere Blend Cardigan
Silk Dress
Long Sleeved Wool Dress
Thin T-Shirts (for layering or sleeping in)
Leather Jacket
Casual / Light Jeans
Leggings
Dark Jeans
Wool Socks / Black Tights
Suede Ankle Boots
Black Heels
Light Luggage
Moisturizing Face Mask
Face Oil
Chapstick
Hand Lotion
Make Up
Frizz Control Hair Product

Do you consider this packing light for a 10 day trip?

Do you have a harder time packing light during cold weather?

TRAVEL BEAUTY

Packing for winter destinations can be a challenge. There is all the layers and bulk of the wonderful pieces that keep you warm. I'll be both traveling and hosting this holiday season. I like to pack light so I can enjoy traveling rather than lugging around heavy suitcases. It's especially important this month as I'll be on the go before turning around & immediately hosting (there's no way I'd have time to unpack a huge suitcase!) See my Tahoe packing list and traveling light tips for winter below.

Winter / Tahoe Packing List:

Wool Coat
Down Jacket
Wool Socks
Knit Cap
Leather Gloves
Wool Fedora
Sunglasses
Leather Backpack / Purse
Ankle Boots
Leather Sheep Lined Snow Boots
Snow Bibs
Leggings
Jeans
T-Shirts
Chunky Cashmere Cardigan
Velvet Button Up Shirt
Cashmere Top
Swing Top
Mountain Print Sweater
Large Cashmere Pashmina Scarf

Packing Light During Winter:

Pick a Color Scheme to Mix & Match: I like neutrals like black and white with one pop of color. That way I know I can mix and match pieces to create several outfits.
Plan Ahead: I plan an outfit for each day I'm on my trip-including what I'm wearing on the days I travel there and back. I also try on my outfits ahead of time to make sure they all fit still (my weight fluctuates regularly) and that the different "looks" work together. That way I know I won't over pack and bring extras I won't wear.
Pack Hard Working Clothes: Pack pieces that are versatile and you can wear several ways. My leggings are perfect for lounging around, wearing as PJs on cold nights, or layering under my snow bibs if it's really cold in the snow.
Choose High Quality Material, Over Bulk: This down coat in my packing list is super warm and high quality, without being bulky. I also like high quality materials like cashmere, leather, wool, tight knits, and silks as they are great for layering and keeping things cozy and warm, all the while packing well and not taking up a lot of precious space in your bag.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items There: I'm in Tahoe for a good part of the holidays and really need to have snow boots while here. However, they are big and heavy-not great for packing light. My solution is to wear my bulkier items on the day of travel to save space in my suitcase while still getting those necessary pieces to my final destination. On the day of traveling to Tahoe I wore my jeans, snow boots, wool coat, and felt fedora hat as they are the bulkiest items on my packing list and don't pack well shoved in a suitcase. Viola! Problem solved.

10 Things I Never Travel Without

November 14, 2016

With all my travels a common question I get asked is what I pack (especially since I only do carry on) when I go to different locations for myriad occasions. Whether I'm going to Vegas for work or to Chicago for a friend's wedding here is a list of 10 things I almost never travel without.

1. Tech Kit: Portable USB Charger, Headphones, & iPhone Charger. I always run out of power faster than I ever planned when I travel. Portable chargers have saved the day more than once. Headphones are a must for travel! I use them to either listen to music or audiobooks or at the very least look like I can't talk if I'm traveling by myself and don't want to be hit on.

2. Book(s) or Kindle: I'm a huge reader so maybe this isn't on everyone's list. However, I consider this as "entertainment." So whether that's a book, magazine, or even a movie on your iPad bring it and enjoy yourself.

3. Camera: If I'm going somewhere I'll be really active and/or am afraid I may get wet I leave my Canon at home and just use my iPhone (as I did with this year's trip to Disney). Either way though, I'm never without a camera.

4. Clean Up Kit: Hand Sanitizer, Tide To Go Pen, & Lint Roller. If you're as accident prone as me a stain remover pen is a life saver. Additionally, when I travel I'm hyperconscious of germs and taking care of my health. When you aren't able to wash your hands sanitizer is so useful in protecting yourself from goodness knows what.

5. Beauty Kit: Nail File, Moisturizer, & Lip Balm. Nothing is worse than having a hang nail or one nail breaking at a precarious angle and everything keeps snagging on it. Bring a file. Moisturizer and lip balm are important for when you travel because planes and hotels' AC/Heating create a lot of dry air that zaps your skin and face.

6. Snacks: Because when am I ever not hungry? But seriously, with my allergies I often don't have any options on plane rides or hate having to wait between meals when I'm jet lagged and hangry. Snacks are life.

7. Sunglasses: Whether they are there to hide the bags under my eyes or to block the sun = Necessary.

8. Large Purse or Tote / Backpack: I pack a tote as my "under the seat" carry on with all the aforementioned things I always bring when I travel. It acts as a extra suitcase and then when you get to where you are going you can unpack it and use it as a purse while out and about. It doesn't hurt that you can use it to easily tote things when you're out shopping for souvenirs.

9. A Scarf: Is there a more versatile and hard working item you could pack??? I use a scarf as a blanket or pillow on plane rides, accessories as a scarf, bathing suit cover ups, wrap for cold hotel rooms...the list goes on and on!

10. Leggings: I always like to have something to lounge around in the hotel / AirBnB. Besides, if you feel like you need work out you can wear these or throw on a tunic shirt and wear them as pants to extend your wardrobe. Lastly, they are amazing to wear for long flights (hello stretch and comfort!).

Do you have your go to items when you pack? If so, what are they?

Packing for Chicago - Fall

Packing for Hawaii

Packing for Tahoe - Winter

10 Things I Never Travel Without

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