I often see women depicted in movies and on TV as carrying a
million bags while traveling. I wondered if this was an exaggeration for
comedic effect or just a reflection of real women in society. Through my
travels, I’ve observed that women truly do carry quite a bit. Men, on the other
hand, try their best to pack light and efficiently. Then there’s me. I remember
when I was a little girl and I had this little red suitcase with stickers one
of which said “I love Grama.”
That wonderful suitcase was endearing to me because that is what I
affectionately called my grandmother. Whenever I traveled with my family, I fit
everything in that suitcase. Of course, my mom tucked some of my belongings in
her various pieces of luggage, but for me, one suitcase was the way to go. When
I graduated from high school, my parents gave me a three piece blue Jordache
luggage set. I loved it! It came with two rolling suitcases and a folding
garment bag. Whenever I traveled I stuffed that garment bag to the hilt, but
the suit cases really didn’t get much use. I was still a one bag girl. Now that I’ve ramped up my traveling this year,
I realize that once again, I endeavor to keep my baggage to a minimum.
How do I do it? So glad you asked!
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| I wish I could take credit for this beautiful work. It is by Mitchell Nick You can find it here. I'll be placing my order soon! |
I’m going on a 3-night getaway tomorrow. I packed a week ago! I always pack early because I like to pull
the outfits out of rotation that I’m going to wear during my trip. I knew the look I was going for during the
trip so I pulled several dresses, a couple pairs of skinny jeans, and numerous
tops. I took inventory of my lingerie
and sleepwear. Once I coordinated about five
outfits, I put everything else back in my closet (not without pulling 5 dresses
for the workweek) and began packing.
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| Graphic by Amanda Gia 2014 |
The base layer should always be shoes. Because I’m going to be on my getaway for
four days, I wanted to make sure I had enough shoes for any occasion. I’m
wearing a flat strappy sandal during travel which will be great for stylish
walking. Then I needed my night out red peep-toe platforms. I needed some cute wedge sandals—animal print
of course. Classic pump was the next pair to get tucked into my bag. I slid my
comfy flip flops along the side. That’s
five pairs of interchangeable shoes for the trip. I threw my sneakers in for
workout purposes. I tried to sneak my black cage high-heeled
sandals in, but they didn’t fit. Guess
they won’t be going with me!
After a shopping spree at Victoria’s Secret I was prepared
to pack my unmentionables. Two bras, plus the one I’ll be wearing should be
enough. I packed 6 pairs of undies which
should be more than enough. I had a
little fun shopping for nightwear because I’m usually a pajama pants and tank
type of girl. I stepped it up with 2
gowns and a nice pajama set. Something different for each night of the trip!
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| Graphic by Amanda Gia 2014 |
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Time for the middle layer. This is the fun part! Pack complete outfits with accessories from
the bottom up. Whatever you plan to wear on the first day, leave that out and
pack that last. If you’re not one to
unpack your entire bag when you reach your destination, like me, you can pack
your separates on top of the shoes you know you’ll wear first. This way, you
can pull out your neatly folded stack of separates i.e. tops, pants, skirts,
dresses that are not a part of an outfit, grab the shoes you need and then
stick the separates back in place. I’ve packed 6 outfits (1-body con dress for
the evening, 2-dresses short and maxi w/grey jacket that matches both for
church/brunch, 1-white oxford, army green skirt and denim jacket combo for any
occasion, 1 pink & ecru chevron maxi dress for day/night transition,
1-skinny jean blouse combo). My
separates include a black maxi dress, a dressy black top, swimsuit/sarong, and
workout clothes all of which can be mixed and matched with other pieces from my
set outfits.
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| Graphic by Amanda Gia 2014 |
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While the middle layer is the most fun, the top layer can be
the most challenging. There shouldn’t be
much room left on the top layer, but there should still be a little space for
last minute” throw-ins.” I leave my
rolling duffel bag open in my closet all week for last minute additions. I put a towel and washcloth on this layer
just in case. I also put some red ballet
flats there. I put my shaper that I
almost forgot on this layer as well. I
must confess that the maxi dress for church/brunch was actually a new purchase
that I tossed on the top layer, but it has moved its way down to the middle layer
because of the towel and washcloth. I’m
done! I zipped it up this morning with no room to spare. The front zipper pocket will carry random
accessories. My toiletries and makeup
will be transported in a little carrying case that will stay with me.
I am a one bag wonder. There have been times when I fit my
toiletries and makeup in my main bag, but this trip calls for a variety of
outfits that take up more space than my usual pack. I hope this helps you pack one bag and be the
envy of all your friends as they lug too much stuff around the terminal or even
trying to get it all in the car! Happy
and safe travels!
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