Keeping it light. Travel tips for an overpacker.

Anyone who has ever traveled with me will notice that my bag is a bit on the small side. I'm a notorious light-packer, carefully planning out my outfits ahead of time and making sure that each piece can potentially serve "double duty" if need be.  I hate hauling unneeded and ultimatley unworn outfits around with me. Friends often ask me to give them "travel tips," and I always do so gladly.  So when my friend in San Francisco was impressed with the lack of closet space I demanded while visiting, I decided this would be a perfect blog post.   I carefully selected  ideal pieces for a long-weekend-getaway displayed in the collage below.

1. C.O.H  Avedon Jean Leggings:  These are my favorite travel pants!  They have the structure of jeans but the feel of my favorite comfy lounging pants.  These pants will serve me well under my dress if it's chillier than I expect and will look great with the slouchy tops I've chosen to pack.  Remember, when wearing skinnys always balance your top with something slightly blouson to balance snug bottoms.

2. Veronica M. Rachel II Dress:  Made of matte jersey it never wrinkles, making it an ideal travel piece.  I ALWAYS bring at least one dress.  If a day is sunny there's nothing more comfy than a sundress.  And if we decide to go to a dressy dinner it's easy to make more formal with the right accessories.

3. Velvet Olney Top:  It's a tad over-sized but still nips in at all the right places and the color makes it a stand-out piece.  It's plain enough that I can wear it more than once if I need to, and it's super soft. I loooove this jersey!  Depending on the weather I can layer a cardigan over it for warmth and it will look great with my boots if it rains!

4. All Black Cutout Fish Mary Janes:  These will look great with my dress and my denim outfits.  They show a little toe if the sun is out and the tiny heel makes them walking-worthy.  I just love that they are made out of textured leather, giving them a little extra in the style department.

5.The Dillon Handbag by the Sak:  Perfect size; not too big, not too small and a cross-body is a travel must.  The color is neutral so it blends well with any palette.

6. The Bucket Bow Hat by David and Young:  The hat is one of the most under-utilized travel accessories! Bring it in lieu of an umbrella to keep your tresses dry.  When I travel and I'm away from my much-loved beauty tools (ahem ionic ceramic hair dryer) and I can find myself in a bad-hair-day situation.  A hat makes my messy hair look sexy and it's so much easier and faster than trying to style it!

7. Raglan Flutter Sleeve Top by David Kahn: Talk about the perfect top to dress up or down!  The banded bottom creates just the right amount of slouch to hide a little belly (if you've been eating and drinking your way through town like me), and the back of this top is the prettiest lace. I also love that I can pair it with my Ivy necklace (#8) and my black peep toes and go out to a trendy new restaurant or pair it with my boots for a casual day look.

8. Ivy Necklace by Grayling: This statement piece goes with everything I've brought!  It elevates my casual tops to art opening-worthy, and makes my sweet sundress daring!  If you don't own a piece of statement jewelry, you are seriously missing out on some major wardrobe versatility.  This lovely piece is worth every penny.  I think it's actually saved me money because it's made so many otherwise hum-drum outfits into lovely ensembles!

9. Over the Taupe cardigan by David Kahn.  This lovely cardigan layers over every outfit I've brought.  Need I say more?

10. Steve Madden Cadence Boots:  The cognac color of these boots looks great with black, coral, cream, white, and green.  If it rains, they are my saving grace. If the temperature drops at night a boot is a nice way to stay warm.  As we travel towards summer I sub boots out for a closed toe flat.

And that, ladies, is my ultimate "suitcase".  I have enough for 4 days and 3 nights.  I am prepared for rain or sun and best of all, I won't throw out my back when lifting my bag into the overhead bin.

If you ever need outfitting help or want style tips please feel free to email me!  We're here to make you look and feel more fabulous!  Carla@shopmink.com

XOXO,
Carla