4.29.2012

Sage's Suitcase: Tips for Vacation Packing

A few weeks ago my friend Sage challenged me to put together a post about efficient, multi-purpose vacation packing.  Since vacation season is fast approaching and I'm the world's worst overpacker, I accepted her challenge.  Sage is only taking a carry-on bag for a 7-day work/pleasure/road trip and doesn't want to look like she's wearing the same thing day in, day out.

When packing I always lean on neutral, packable fabrics.  I use neutral pieces in cotton and denim that can be mixed and matched and played up with fun scarves, pins and jewelry. Another tip for easy packing is to stay in one color family. By packing things in the same shades, you can almost guarantee everything can be remixed.  For Sage's suitcase I relied heavily on a base of black, white and navy and supplemented with pops of green, pink and yellow.


Work - Travel Part 1
I built Sage two business casual looks using a pair of smart flats and two well cut blazers.  I added slim black pants, a printed skirt and two bright blouses with details along the neckline to tie the looks together.  I accessorized with office appropriate jewelry.
                               Hanging Out - Travel Part 2
For sight-seeing, I wanted to give Sage three looks that could transition from a day at the museum to dinner and drinks. I remixed the navy blazer three ways; pairing it with a casual green top and the patterned skirt, an easy striped dress and colored jeans with a casual peplum top.  I added another flat shoe in a fun color for comfort and some playful jewelry.
                                      On the Road Again - Travel Part 3
Long car rides require comfortable clothes however you will not find sweats in this post, because that's not how I roll drive.  I picked pants with some spandex in them to ensure comfort for a long day of sitting.  Both tops are cotton and loose-fitting, perfect for disguising that road trip-induced food baby.  The scarves and blazer are easy accessories that can be put on/taken off depending on the temperature in the car.  I also love balling a scarf up as a makeshift pillow when you need a little passenger seat nap.

If you've never visited Sage's blog, I HIGHLY recommend visiting her sweet space.  Her blog is full of fun pictures, sage advice and great links for simple ways to living a better life.

How do you pack? Do you have any packing tips that you live by?  I would love to hear them!  I also love making these collages, so if you have a fashionable challenge email me!


9 comments:

hope in high heels said...

I love this post! I travel more than I stay at home and live by these rules that you've laid out (however never manage to look this fashionably cute!). I must invest in some beautifully coloured pastel pieces. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! These outfit collages are perfect. I have 90% of these items in my closet already. I'm printing this out so I can start pulling together my travel outfits.

I was getting worried about how I would pack for this long trip, but I'm relieved by how many different outfits you created from a few pieces. Thanks for choosing items that are still "me" (yea, blazers!).

You're a genius, Cara. Thanks!

The Sweet Cupcaker said...

these are fabulous!!! I am in love with all of the hanging out clothes but especially the blue top! where is that from!?

welldressedmaker said...

Cara, I do the same thing-- I pack lots of neutrals (black, mostly) but that's it. hahaha. I should really insert more color into those outfits, but it takes me a while to come up with things to wear in general, so vacation packing always backfires on me!

♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
the shop of worldly delights

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings said...

Great tips!! I totally agree on the same color palette - makes it so much easier to mix and match while on vacation.

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

Shybiker said...

Smart advice. Which we always get from Sage. Her blog is the best resource on the net!

Amy Shaughnessy said...

I used to be the worst over packer... Until my last trip. I packed all of my clothes in a single carry on and then put my hair stuff and some extra shoes in a tiny checked bag. I told my husband that I was going to start carrying my clothes on from now on. If I got to my destination, and they lost my checked bag of toiletries, I could always buy more. I don't want to get to my destination without my clothes! I also build my outfits around 3 pairs of shoes so that way I don't have to bring a ton with me. I also wear my biggest, or clunkiest pair on the plane to save suitcase room.

Amy

fashionandbeautyfinds.blogspot.com

AllThingsYummy said...

I always over or under pack. I just can't seem to get it right. I always make a list for essentials though. Nothing like realizing I left my toothbrush or lipgloss at home.

LyddieGal said...

great tips! i always over pack. especially with the shoes...
Chic on the Cheap

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