Packing tips whether you're headed north or south of the Equator
Winter holidays are right around the corner, and although I'm not cramming for finals this year, I am still looking forward to a Christmas vacation. So far, I have already been lucky enough to have travelled to some of the world's biggest fashion capitals (including Paris and Milan) and I'm currently scoping the scene at my next destination of discussion (read on in the new year!)
After a terrible experience in Paris due to a certain airline that had crazy baggage restrictions, I was forced to part with many of the contents in my suitcase. While I admittedly pack a bit on the heavy side - when visiting the most fashionable cities on this planet a girl wants options! After that fiasco however, I have learned that maybe, after all these years of warning, (and struggling with a large heavy suitcase) my mom was right: I do pack too much.
As I'm getting ready to depart on yet another month-long trip in two weeks, I promise I've learned my lesson. Hopefully you, dear readers, will have the opportunity to take a winter holiday as well, and so I'm leaving you with some advice when it comes to packing your bags.
To tackle snow and the great outdoors:
Although cold weather calls for bulky clothing excess is not necessary. Depending upon the purpose of your trip (i.e. a ski holiday versus a cold weather city destination), a few key pieces are really all you need to keep warm while still managing to look cool (such a cliché I had to say it!)
Despite being a tried and true denim girl, sometimes jeans are not the best option in a cold weather situation as their fibres tend to literally freeze up causing stiffness. If you absolutely must pack a pair of jeans opt for ones with some stretch as they are more forgiving, and won't get as rigid as a pair that's lacking this quality. Another great option is taking along some tights.
Thicker varieties made of wool or even those that are double-lined will be warm enough to keep your gams from freezing. The biggest benefit about tights (when it comes to packing) is their versatility (i.e. they go with everything and are small enough to even fit in a case that's already stuffed to the max). While grey cable-knit tights paired with a layered look is my personal choice for this winter, long t-shirts, tunics, or even little casual dresses are perfect for draping over leggings as are lengthy cardigans.
All those planning on encountering snow this holiday season also need some comfy lounge clothes in their wardrobe: a big hoodie, a pair of (preferably Roots) sweatpants, and work wool socks always make the cut into my suitcase. A sizable knit scarf and a few different hats can also work wonders in terms of creating new looks while still packing light this holiday season.
For fun in the sun:
The thought of packing for a sunny holiday is considerably less daunting as summer clothes are smaller than winter clothes, and you can generally bring less. However, this is not usually the case for me because during the day I'm typically at the beach, I then require a proper outfit for dinner, and then later in the evening, clubwear becomes a necessity in order to participate in the nightlife. And so I'm back to being faced with a heavy suitcase once again! For my trip this time however, I decidedly am going to pack a more versatile wardrobe which will include a few pieces that can easily take me from day to night.
If your sunny holiday includes a beach, then swimsuits and a pair of flip-flops are an obvious must. As far as shoes go, one additional pair of dressy sandals is all you need as they can take you from a day-trip in the city to a fancy restaurant, or to a nightclub.
Light, breezy dresses are also versatile pieces that can be worn as beach cover-ups or around town. A pair of black shorts has proven to be a key piece in my summer wardrobe as they can easily be dressed up or down.
A few tank tops (choose sheer cotton or silk because they breathe the best and won't irritate burnt skin) and one lightweight cardigan will help you to continue to look your best, along with some of your jewellery favourites to add depth to any ensemble (and honestly, jewellery looks so much better on tanned skin anyway!).
If the humidity is through the roof, wearing one's hair in a loose braid becomes your (at least in my case) sole option; frizz is such a pain.
But wherever you go don't forget to send a postcard! Bon voyage!
After a terrible experience in Paris due to a certain airline that had crazy baggage restrictions, I was forced to part with many of the contents in my suitcase. While I admittedly pack a bit on the heavy side - when visiting the most fashionable cities on this planet a girl wants options! After that fiasco however, I have learned that maybe, after all these years of warning, (and struggling with a large heavy suitcase) my mom was right: I do pack too much.
As I'm getting ready to depart on yet another month-long trip in two weeks, I promise I've learned my lesson. Hopefully you, dear readers, will have the opportunity to take a winter holiday as well, and so I'm leaving you with some advice when it comes to packing your bags.
To tackle snow and the great outdoors:
Although cold weather calls for bulky clothing excess is not necessary. Depending upon the purpose of your trip (i.e. a ski holiday versus a cold weather city destination), a few key pieces are really all you need to keep warm while still managing to look cool (such a cliché I had to say it!)
Despite being a tried and true denim girl, sometimes jeans are not the best option in a cold weather situation as their fibres tend to literally freeze up causing stiffness. If you absolutely must pack a pair of jeans opt for ones with some stretch as they are more forgiving, and won't get as rigid as a pair that's lacking this quality. Another great option is taking along some tights.
Thicker varieties made of wool or even those that are double-lined will be warm enough to keep your gams from freezing. The biggest benefit about tights (when it comes to packing) is their versatility (i.e. they go with everything and are small enough to even fit in a case that's already stuffed to the max). While grey cable-knit tights paired with a layered look is my personal choice for this winter, long t-shirts, tunics, or even little casual dresses are perfect for draping over leggings as are lengthy cardigans.
All those planning on encountering snow this holiday season also need some comfy lounge clothes in their wardrobe: a big hoodie, a pair of (preferably Roots) sweatpants, and work wool socks always make the cut into my suitcase. A sizable knit scarf and a few different hats can also work wonders in terms of creating new looks while still packing light this holiday season.
For fun in the sun:
The thought of packing for a sunny holiday is considerably less daunting as summer clothes are smaller than winter clothes, and you can generally bring less. However, this is not usually the case for me because during the day I'm typically at the beach, I then require a proper outfit for dinner, and then later in the evening, clubwear becomes a necessity in order to participate in the nightlife. And so I'm back to being faced with a heavy suitcase once again! For my trip this time however, I decidedly am going to pack a more versatile wardrobe which will include a few pieces that can easily take me from day to night.
If your sunny holiday includes a beach, then swimsuits and a pair of flip-flops are an obvious must. As far as shoes go, one additional pair of dressy sandals is all you need as they can take you from a day-trip in the city to a fancy restaurant, or to a nightclub.
Light, breezy dresses are also versatile pieces that can be worn as beach cover-ups or around town. A pair of black shorts has proven to be a key piece in my summer wardrobe as they can easily be dressed up or down.
A few tank tops (choose sheer cotton or silk because they breathe the best and won't irritate burnt skin) and one lightweight cardigan will help you to continue to look your best, along with some of your jewellery favourites to add depth to any ensemble (and honestly, jewellery looks so much better on tanned skin anyway!).
If the humidity is through the roof, wearing one's hair in a loose braid becomes your (at least in my case) sole option; frizz is such a pain.
But wherever you go don't forget to send a postcard! Bon voyage!
