Thursday, March 10, 2011

Traveling lightly, while staying fashionable

I have another confession.

I have a problem.

I'm a truly, absolutely, RIDICULOUS PACKER.

Even when I go on overnight trips I stuff my mini suitcase with multiple pairs of jeans, shoes, sweaters, shirts, etc.  But you see, it's not because I love carrying these things with me.  It's because I always want to be prepared!  Disco night at your local bar?  Let me just pull out my afro wig! ;)

With an upcoming 2-week trip to Los Angeles to visit my family, I was forced to think of ways to pack lightly.  The main reason for this is because I'm taking the relatively cheap Spirit airlines, and I'm only allowed 1 personal item on the plane (or I have to pay for extra), and each suitcase is about $30.  Holy cow, those are a lot of extra charges!!  I'm used to having my back pack, purse, and carry-on suitcase *with* me, and I always put an extra piece of luggage in my large suitcase, so I can bring a bunch of stuff back home with me.  Well, friends, that ain't happening this year.

I figured it would be a fun project to put together multiple Spring outfits, using the least amount of pieces (and space!).  And I must say that I definitely succeeded! =)  The key was to pack interesting, and most importantly, *neutral* pieces that would go together effortlessly.

I used 12 pieces (not including accessories), and made 12 different outfits (many more to be created, I'm sure).  Most of the outfit pictures include the boots, but I could have worn the flats instead.



Here are the numbers:

-2 jackets
-1 light cardigan
-2 light sweaters (white and tan)
-4 tank tops (white, grey, black, beige and white striped)
-2 skirts (grey, black and white polka dot)
-1 wool shorts

Accessories:
-1 scarf
-1 belt
-1 pair of riding boots
-1 pair of flats
-1 satchel
-3 pairs of tights (grey, brown, black)

All in all, a VERY small pile. 
Success, I say!  Greeeeat success! =)


Here are the outfits:


white tank
blue jacket
polka dot skirt
riding boots


white tank
blue jacket
belt
polka dot skirt
riding boots



white tank
denim jacket
belt
polka dot skirt
flats



white tank
beige sweater
denim jacket
polka dot skirt
grey tights
riding boots



white tank
white sweater
blue jacket
scarf
grey skirt
black tights
riding boots



white tank
white sweater
scarf
grey skirt
black tights
riding boots



black tank
grey cardigan
belt
black tights
riding boots


grey tank
denim jacket
black tights
riding boots


striped tank
wool shorts
brown tights
riding boots


striped tank
white sweater
wool shorts
brown tights
riding boots



striped tank
white sweater
denim jacket
wool shorts
brown tights
riding boots



striped tank
white sweater
grey cardigan
wool shorts
brown tights
riding boots




So, tell me... Do you pack lightly, or do you stuff your bag with whatever you can carry (like me!)?


12 comments:

  1. I pack lightly. I take no more than three full sets of clothes wherever I go for however long. I make sure to do laundry at every stop. I am always lost in the clouds, so I never know when I will have to run to catch a bus/flight/cab/etc...

    Please consider submitting to my blog at www.bodyofwords.net.

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  2. You are not alone.

    Even for an overnight trip I used to pack two different kinds of jeans, two or three different shoe options, at least two tops and then tank tops for layering, plus proper clothes to sleep in. Throw in underclothes, socks/tights, and accessories (not to mention makeup, hair, and beauty products!) and it looks like I'm gearing up for a week's vacation. I've really tried to cut back. I'm not high maintenance. It's just that, like you, I want to be prepared in all situations-- Like-- What if I spill something on this shirt? Or, more realistically, what if it makes me feel fat? I'll need to switch to something else. I always have a very detailed plan and then multiple foolproof back-up plans. But, it's only stuff, right? I'm trying to do with less. And I'm trying to be a little more spontaneous.

    Hope you have a fun and safe trip! :)

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  3. You're so stinkin' cute!

    And yes, I pack heavily. Most of my family jokes that it looks like I am moving in, when I'm just coming for a few days.

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  4. Oh me oh my...You have amazing fashion sense. I applaud you big time for packing light.
    Remember when there must have been a time when you threw clothes into a suitcase because with ED we are so sensitive...we never know what we'l feel "up to" wearing? Come on...I know I can't be alone! How awesome that this doesn't even seem to be a factor anymore for you.

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  5. Yasi, this post is nothing short of epic. Your organization blows my mind.

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  6. i love wearing those same colors, the tones of browns and beige with creams and some black is so pretty! and those are some HOT boots! u look awesome <3 <3

    ooo and i WANT THAT STRIPED TANK TOP!! <3

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  7. ps. sorry i took so long to comment but i just read through ur body acceptance post and left a comment for ya over there but i just wanted to tell you here also that i am blown away- Yasi you inspire me so much!! <3

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  8. It's fate that you posted this because I had a terrible overpacking experience -- I have a luggage scale but it's a bit off... Which I discovered at the airport. Luckily, I had a tote packed in my bag and was able to bring it as my second carry-on, so I transferred some shoes. I'm so impressed with your skills, my dear -- I think I'm going to have to start doing this to quell my overpacking tendencies!
    xo Josie
    http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

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  9. I'm SSOOO jealous... You have an amazing fashion sense!!

    I am a heavy packer and like to have all of my basis covered.

    Have a fun trip!

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  10. You girls are all sweethearts!!

    Thanks for all the lovely comments. <3

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  11. I totally LOVE your style!! It's stylish yet not totally off the wall. Something I think even I could pull off if I get the right pieces. Oh and as for packing. I'm a major over packer. It sucks!!

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