Pack it Up

Summer Wind's 4th birthday is coming up in May, so needless to say, sometimes I feel like I've covered every topic under the sun. However, I think it's fun to re-blog past ideas. I've already done several packing posts in the past....See: weekend road trip, summer road trip, spring break trip, 10 day vacation, and traveling light. Well, here is my "I'm flying to a city I've never been to before (Chicago) for a week and it is for work" edition. Phew, that was a mouth-full. 

Per usual, I laid everything out in piles on my bed. Each pile is an outfit. For this trip, it is Monday-Friday so I packed 8 outfits. Since this is for work, I packed a lot of black so the outfits could be interchangeable if necessary. Also, I didn't know what to expect so I brought everything from casual to more dressy. Again, a lot of it can be mixed and matched to tone up or tone down the "dressy factor".  Another packing-factor is that I have never been to Chicago and I know it can be frigid, so I brought outfits that can be layered in case I end up an ice cube on my first night there!

This is a close-up of an "outfit pile". It consists of a black cable-knit cardigan, cotton Lauren Ralph Lauren shirt, brown belt, and orange headband. I packed several pair of black skinny pants (denim, velvet, cord, etc.) and one pair of denim to go with many different outfits. I thought the tee/cardigan combo was great because they are fabrics that don't wrinkle easily.

Next, I separated all of the "outfit add-ons" and extras that could be thrown on top. 

I laid out my shoes (boots were being worn so they were laid out with my outfit). All shoes were neutral and the Ferragamo varinas were my "pop of color". I hate heels (love the look, hate the pain) but there are a few dinners/events at night that might require heels... better to be safe than sorry, right?! 

I laid out all of my jewelry that I was going to put pack. I always carry my jewelry on the plane. Always. Even if it is a road trip to a hotel, I still keep my jewelry with me... you never know! I would absolutely cry if I lost my pretty jewels! I've even been to hotels that don't have safes and have had to carry my jewelry everywhere. Needless to say, that is a pain! 

I lay out the jewelry that I am going to wear on the plane/car ride. 

Packing a carryon is always a logistical nightmare because you don't want to over-pack because of weight on your shoulder, but, you have to pack anything that you would be upset about losing. I also pack things like extra handbags. For example, for this trip, I took a Kate Spade handbag as my dressier/night handbag but packed it in my carryon. I would not be pleased if my luggage was lost and Kate was inside. I always make sure to have an eye mask. I can't sleep without one and they are perfect for napping on the flight... although this flight is barely 2 hours, so there will be no napping. Another carryon must? A pashmina of some sort. It can be a scarf or blanket or even small pillow. This is also where my computer/ipad/chargers/etc. are stored.

Lastly, but most definitely not least, check your list. I make an extensive, detailed list based on days and outfits. For something less formal and less important (like a beach vacation), I am a little more relaxed and usually just write things like "5 sundresses", "4 bathing suits", etc. But, for this trip, I was specific and wrote things like "J. Crew skirt, Ralph Lauren oxford, turtleneck, black Ferragamo flats, black tights" for Monday, Tuesday, etc. I did that for each day. It ensures you have enough outfits and an entire outfit. I not only took pictures and made a list for blog post purposes, but it also helps if the airlines were to lose your bags. You have all of the evidence of what you packed... can you tell I get super nervous about airlines losing my bags?! Has it ever happened to you? Was it a nightmare?!

How do you pack? Do you have any work related packing tips? Any "for fun" related packing tips? Have a fabulous day!

Yours, 

sCe