Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Travel Basics

I will be doing some back-to-back traveling in the next few weeks. It's so stressful to pack and figure out what to bring. Some days call for comfort and casual (travel time) and others require a more polished, dressier style.



I have put together a packing list for myself and what I envision hauling along on my upcoming adventures. It is so important to look your best, but also feel comfortable at the same time. I honestly think packing for trips is one of the hardest and most tedious tasks a woman has to experience. Will it be warm or cold? What is everyone else going to be wearing? What if we do this? What if we do that? Will I be overdressed? Will I be under dressed? 

I know most of you comprehend where I am coming from. Yes? 

There are a few key items to consider when getting ready to load a suitcase. I figured I would share my list with you today:

1. Comfort - Go for a pair a boyfriend jeans/shorts that aren't too tight around the waist when sitting on a plane for a few hours. A great pair of sneakers are a must....Converse or slip-ons. You decide. Any and all graphic tees apply. Possibly pack a cardigan in your carry on in case you get cold.

2. Jazz It Up - There will most likely be one night when it calls for a little dress up. Pack something that doesn't need any ironing. Keep it simple where all you have to add is a pair of sassy heels, bold clutch and a statement necklace. At the end of the day, your hair and make up can glam up just about any style. 

3. Accessories & Touch Ups - Adding a necklace here and a bracelet there can ultimately complete a look or style and they are MUCH easier to pack. Load up on these babies and pick and choose as you go. Don't forget to throw in a few nail polishes for touch ups. We all know how quickly our polish chips. Another must have? Lip stain. Don't worry about hitting the ladies room every 20 minutes to reapply. Find a stain that will last you a few hours. It's one less thing that you will need to throw in your bag for an evening out.

4. Bags and More Bags - Make sure to take a few with you when you go. One for travel...the bigger the better for magazines, snacks, electronics and all the extras. A neutral one that will go hand-in-hand with most of your outfits. One for a night on the town...sequin or glitter clutches? Yes, please!

5. Mix & Match - Whatever you do, make sure you stow away enough pieces to mix and match. It will make packing much easier and your wardrobe selection full proof. Great items to remix are basic shorts, denim, maxi skirts, stripes, solid shirts, printed scarves and layering pieces like chambray oxfords or utility jackets/vests.  

Oh, don't forget your sunnies....lots of them! 
Anything I missed? What are some of your traveling essentials when it comes to dressing?
Shanna

40 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for your tips! I am going to be traveling this weekend a matter of fact, so this came out just in time.

Unknown said...

Thank you for your tips! I am going to be traveling this weekend a matter of fact, so this came out just in time.

Chelsea Oliver said...

This list is perfect! I always feel like you can never have too many options, but always feel soooo limited if I'm packing for a trip that involves flying because of bag weight limits. American Airlines crampin' my style!

-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Packing for trips can be such a challenge, especially if you're going somewhere with unpredictable weather. Yes, a pair of sneakers is a must... I learned that lesson the hard way years ago! :P I'll be looking forward to hearing about your travels!

Meraki said...

nice and practical tips Shanna..happy travelling. you will look good any day we know :)
xoxo

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

Great list and tips, I hate packing.

Becky M said...

I love that mint tee and that dress! Who am I kidding I love everything you picked out :)

agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

TaraMixandMatch said...

Love everything you picked here! Especially the Daydream tee, sequin skirt, and boyfriend jeans :)

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

Such a fun little packing collage! Loving that pink striped dress!

Caroline said...

Ah yes, I'm feeling you right now. I just got back from Ireland yesterday and am going to Barcelona and Paris in two days. And then back to London and straight back to the US. And traveling with budget airlines is a wholeeeeee 'nother ballgame with it comes to packing hahaha!

Unknown said...

Great tips Shanna! I am such an over packer its ridiculous. I just don't want to be far away and forget something lol! A comfy pair of boyfriend jeans and a cardigan are usually my flying uniform. I also will usually try to get a gel manicure right before I leave so that i'm not bothered with having to repaint my nails.

xo, Erica
Casually Styled

Liz said...

Pink and white dress top left = amazing. In love.

Helene in Between said...

so fun! I love traveling, even if it is tough to pack a suitcase!! these are great pieces you can mix and match!

shelley said...

That dress! Swoon!!

Ally said...

Great list!!! I just recently went to florida and lived in my graphic tees, jean shorts and sneakers. Granted it was a much more casual vacation that didn't require makeup/getting dressed up!

http://www.confessionsoftheglitterati.com/

Sandy a la Mode said...

i really need to plan a trip soon! i love those hot heels and i always bring too many shoes on my trips haha!!

xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode

Amy Breckenridge said...

love that pink and white striped dress!!!

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

I can completely understand where you're coming from! Plus, I feel like I always change my mind about what I want to wear at the last minute! I love your picks!! Everything is so beautiful and you'll look amazing no matter what anyway!

Sarah said...

That dress is so adorable! I always make sure I pack a few scarves to cover up with and use as pillows!

Ashlyn | Let It Be Beautiful said...

Great list Shan! I agree packing can be the biggest pain.. actually I despise packing :)

Good luck with all your travels! xo

TheTinyHeart said...

These are great tips! I hate not having access to my entire wardrobe so I tend to bring extra clothes on a trip just in case!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
$520 Giveaway!

Unknown said...

I love those brown heels! SO cute!

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

Unknown said...

Love the post! I will be traveling a lot in April and this will be a big help!

Melissa said...

Hey girl! Great tips. Man, travelling CAN be crazy (fun) and stressful. I find that packing some Emergen-C and shaking it up in a water bottle always helps me. There's nothing worse than being sick while you're away. Emergen-C gives you an extra boost! Also, start packing in those vitamins now. ;)

Melissa
thebeesknees-mel.com

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

I try to stick to dresses so I know I have a complete outfit from the start.

Great list!

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

Great tips and that dress! Swoon!

I usually travel in dresses so that I'm comfortable on the plane, jeans are the devil when traveling yipes!

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

These are great tips. I am a chronic over-packer because I always think too much about the "what-if" scenarios and pack for all of them!

Anonymous said...

These are fantistic tips. Love the nail polish, lip stain, and converse. I have some blue converse (have to for going to Mav or Cowboy games lol) but I am liking these for a different look. I got this Michael Kors wristlet and it is GREAT for traveling has the perfect spot for your phone in the middle. My mom got one too. Could not recommend it enough. Great for when you don't want to keep up with a purse http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Kors-Large-Multifunction-Vanilla/dp/B00CTECAN0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395158257&sr=8-3&keywords=michael+kors+wristlet

Amy Shaughnessy said...

Sunglasses are the things I forget the most! I hate that.

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Unknown said...

I always keep blister band aids in my purse. It never fails - even if I wear sneakers while walking around site seeing, I will get blisters and you want to protect them if you are to be walking the next day.

Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre said...

What a fabulous list!! Especially that first bag ummm what a great price point!!

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Loving that bag!! It's definitely a possibility for when I'm spending my birthday money :) Enjoy your trips to CA. Wish I could see you! XO

OccasionallyAJ said...

Packing for work travel is easy for me since I do it every week. But packing for work+fun or even vacation is SO stressful! LOL, I'm pathetic. But this is a great list, I think you covered everything!

-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com

susan jakovina said...

I always, always take a large pashmina along on the plane. It doubles as a blanket when need be!

Kayla MKOY said...

Okaaaay I'll take one of everything ;)

You should seriously have your own afternoon talk show! ;) you're adorable.

Shira said...

I love the sequin skirt!!!

www.asequinloveaffair.com

Just Another Shopaholic said...

I LOVE and WANT it all!!!

Kelly said...

Those mirrored aviators are my favorite!

xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Ashleigh said...

GORGEOUS! I love the sparkly skirt and the bag!
-Ash
www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com

Janna Renee said...

We seriously pack EXACTLY the same. I'd just add food, haha.

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