Kate Bollard

How to Pack for a Trip Away

THIS BAD BOY

I love a good How To post…but do you ever read them and think…But really How? I do, I question everything even when given an answer. But I’m hoping I can help you with this How To!

Today, I had to pack my suitcase yet again for another interstate trip. 20day stay in Sydney/Wollongong … that’s not a small stay which means no small over night bag. It’s suitcase time.

I have “work stuff” that I also need to pack and fit in my suitcase… Frau jewellery packaging, books, business folders, paperwork… yes Frau is like a baby…all the added bits I now carry with me.

SO let’s get this How To started:

1. Make a list. Now this seems like a waste of time and annoying but trust me when you write everything down that you think you need… you realise what you actually do and don’t need. For me I have to make note of what in my calendar is important (needs an outfit) and what am I doing over the time Im away.

So here is my list, please note I list everything from bras and undies to chargers.. the essentials!!image2

2. Work out what your FLYING outfit will be. It’s very important to be comfortable if flying for a long time. For me it’s only going to be 1hr flight so this outfit will be a good outfit that can actually be added to my looks for the trip.
Im wearing: 1 x flare denim jeans
1 x nude strapless bra
1 x White summer knit singlet

3.  Gather the key items e.g. for me I need an Event outfit (key reason for my trip) plus 2x going out to dinner outfits. For me, I make these “going out outfits” tops and bottoms. That way I can really have 4x dinner outfits incase something comes up out of the blue. Mix & Match! I make them basic. One is Black and White, one is Tan and White. My event outfit is also 2 piece. So after the event has been and gone, I can bring those 2 pieces into the mix.  So 4 pieces actually becomes 6pieces to play with. And they are my Printed bright colour pieces to mix back into the black, white and tan combo.  I make alittle pile and we can cross that off the list!

4. Socks, Undies, Bras, PJs… if only we didn’t need these as they take up space! Ok so my pet hate is actually packing these. I usually open my draw and just throw a bundle in and hope it works out. Worst case, Kmart run and get some cheapies! But seriously think about it logically. If your like me, I have black, nude and the odd colour. Romantic getaway… sure, grab the sexy wears but go with colours you can also wear under clothing. For me on this trip I only need black and nude for all the outfits. And I can wash… so no need to pack 20 pairs of underwear and sock. Let’s be realistic. Less is more space for new purchases.
I just packed: 2 x strapless bras (nude wearing on flight & black packed) and 1 x nude bra… strapless bras for going out outfits and nude bra for day to day. I’m not going to be in a bra every day… gym crops, bikini top will be worn also so I don’t need to pack more then one day to day bra. And one set of pjs and one bikini! DONE, next.

5. Athletic wear / Gym gear / Active wear / Sports Luxe … what ever you call it! Im a fan, let’s not lie it’s more comfy and I don’t “workout” a great deal. It’s practically my uniform!
I’ve packed : 2x actually gym tops… yes I’m actually going to be working out so need the not so pretty tops.
2x pants
1x Upside crop jumper … incase it’s cool
3x bra crops
All these can easily be washed…dry over night and I can always add a basic top from my next section of day wear clothing if I want to be all Sports luxe in life.

6. Day wear … what to wear every day?
So when your not wearing “going out outfits” what do you wear on your holiday and for the next 2wks? Im all about the Basics and mixing and matching to create outfits.

1x Maxi dress that can be worn to the beach or during the day. Dress it up or dress it down. For me that’s a Leopard print maxi with blue detail. It’s cool for hot days, chuck on over bikini and your ready to hit the beach. But also perfect for lunch with friends or family … add a clutch and a belt and some jewellery and you are chic and ready for wine and food!

2 x white singlets … white goes with anything, it’s fresh and summer ready! It can be worn day or night depending on the weather.

2x white tees … again its just a little dresser then a singlet, fresh and can be added to some of the “going out outfits” to make them more casual and relaxed.

1x denim shorts… it’s Sydney’s uniform piece. Beach or day outfit, it’s an item to dress up or down.

2x “good” tops. I’ve picked a linen white shirt which can be teamed up with denim shorts or one of my “going out outfits”.  The other is a Free People Boho top that I can wear day or night. It’s just bit dresser then a tee but still fresh and fun. Both can be worn with the flares I arrived in.

1x printed jumpsuit… fun and bit of colour, can be worn day or night, dress it up or down. (would could do a dress if your a dress kinda girl.)

1 x jacket … I’m going with a denim jacket as I want a casual feel for the next couple of weeks but you could add a blazer for a chic look.

AND THAT’S IT! Yes that is all the clothing Im taking for 20days. Mixing and matching it up and Im sure I will purchase a couple of items on the way… But I have room for it in my suitcase and I haven’t over packed.

7. SHOES. I hear you saying… umm kate what about my feet? Im allowing 3 pairs of shoes all up.
For me they are : 1 x nike gym sneaker, 1 x cute leather lace ups & 1 x ankle boots. For those Ladies that love shoes…this is your nightmare. But shoes are heavy and take up space! sneakers are a need, 2x pairs of shoes that can be dressed up or down. Oh and if you are really keen to get an extra pair of shoes in…remember you have to wear something on the flight. For me, I’m only taking 3 but you could have 4.

8. ACCESSORIES. This is what actually hurts me. Im a bag lady, I love bags and clutches and belts and jewellery. BUT I find when I go away I pack so many accessories that I don’t actually use. So how do you break it down?! Use accessories that can be re-used, dress up or dress down an outfit. Keep it simple. Less is more.
I’ve packed: 1 x casual belt
1 x dressy belt
1 x sunglasses
1 x cap
1 x clutch that goes with everything…yes, that’s a nightmare to choose just one.
1 x statement necklace … I like to go with something big and bold.
1 x statement ring (Frau – star in her eyes ring, just saying)
1 x every day necklace ( Frau – star in her eyes necklace is great for this, just saying)

9. Bathroom bag. I have not done mine but don’t over pack with crap you won’t use. Old faithful makeup products you always use for day and night, don’t pack products you never use but think you might. It’s a waste of space. Be compact. And don’t forget the sunblock!

10. Oh technology. I travel with laptop, camera and phone. 3 x chargers are needed.

11. Hand bag … I’m adding this in just cause it’s kinda important. I have only packed 1 x clutch so the bag I take has to go with everything and work size wise. I like big bags and I have to fit all my junk for work in it and not be to big for when I’m actually relaxing on break. My pick is my gucci that’s big for when you need the space but when you don’t have a lot in it…the sides flop down and its a great handbag.

And this is my life for 20days… I hope next time your packing for a trip, this might help you. KB x

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