I have a problem...
Hi.. My names Louise… and I am an over packer.
Below.. How I think I travel...
Travel… I love it, and I hate it.. Let me break it down for you. I am the bane of my husband’s travel woes. Why? I pack too much..
Below.. How I actually travel....
Below is a snap shot and how I pack when I go anywhere on an extended trip..
Day 1.. I’ll think to myself i'll wear that, that, that and that. (I like to imagine I’m this international woman of mystery traveling to far off countries where I get to look the part at the airport, on the plane and landing. Why?? I HAVE NO IDEA!!)
Day 2.. I’ll likely think again that i'll wear that, that, that and that… and then at night time I’ll wear that, that and that! I am cracking myself up writing this, as I know he’ll be shaking his head, and my girlfriends will be thinking “She’s the reason we need bigger hire cars"… and then they'll say "do you have something I can borrow?”
On my recent trip to Hawkes Bay, I had 3 days, and enough outfits to actually last about a month. I get sweaty and giddy and the thought of running out of clothes and given the job I work in, I feel my best form of expression and my creativity is my wardrobe. I walk the talk, but I have these great pieces that I just love wearing and I can’t leave them behind (so I bring them all).
I packed a medium sized bag, it was so full it nearly split. A large carry on was also packed PLUS I made my suffering husband pack some things for me in his luggage too… hahahaha.. LOL… was that out loud?
It's mandatory to try on pretty things while on travel time, and there’s something about holiday shopping that makes you feel like “OMG I’d wear this EVERYDAY”. You wear it out while you’re on holiday, then never wear it again when you arrive home to our mundane lives.
So of course I made sure I tried on some beautiful pieces that I was drawn to and didn’t fall into the trap that could’ve easily have pulled me down a hole of regret (even though I can’t stop thinking about them.. no seriously!!).
This year we’re off on our first alone overseas trip together just the two of us, so I have basically 5 months to learn how to pack properly. I am not joking.. I am getting packing anxiety just thinking about it… breathe Lou… breaaathe..
So here are some things I do think about when I go away….and some tips I’m totally going to look into.
I DO….
Have a Pinterest board for looks including items like I own, and start putting outfits together to use as a guide.
Pack 2-3 days out I pack and then remove things I definitely won’t wear. (Generally it’s another tee just like the other one I’ve still packed.
Take multiple choices because god darn it, I just love fashion! Not be sensible as you’re never overdressed on holiday.
Wear 10 items on board so I’ve got extra outfits.
Layer outfits to get the most of temp changes from inside to out! Ignore other peoples packing skills and tips.
Below is my Pinterest tripping away page for my own inspiration click here to take a look how i'll be inspired.
YOU’RE “SUPPOSED” TO…
Write a list and USE it.
Stick to the basics.
Choose one over-layer piece to tie everything in ie.. a good coat or jacket.
Roll up your items for maximum room.
Good options are..
Coat/Jacket
Casual blazer or Leather jacket
Lightweight knit
Evening Top
Shirt
Tee
2 pairs of jeans, (one skinny, one not)
Skirt
Some kind of jewellery to funk any outfit up
1 dress, Day to evening style
Active wear in-case you decide to get active
A good scarf to wear on flight and extra layer
1 ankle boots
1 pair heels
1 pair comfy casual shoes
You can find great guides online with many good options for how to pack.
Ultimately you want to mix and match as much as possible, while still keeping to your style aesthetic that makes you you!
Here are my fave holiday style looks that I can see myself perusing around in like some street style mofo.
Hopefully this of of some help, and I’m going to do my best to give it a shot, and not succumb to the thrill of taking everything I own!
If you or know anyone who would take some advice from an overpacker but can help with your wardrobe style needs, then I'd love to hear from you.
Till next time..
Lou xx