MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 8 Week 16 April 18, 2013

Remember: only the last 4 weeks remain posted!

MSP’s Travel and Packing List

It’s the start of the travel season and whether you are planning a family vacation or short 3-day getaway—this week’s style help is for you!

It doesn’t matter how you get there—a good trip is all in the planning and packing. This year....learn to pack like a pro so all your trips from now on will be smooth sailing!

Sometimes the hardest part of traveling--is the packing.

If you don’t pack correctly you won’t have what you really need...and your suitcase will still be over-packed!

Whether you are going on a short business trip or for pleasure—if the packing isn’t right, your trip will be less than what you’ve hoped for.

Have you ever reached your destination only to find nothing you’ve packed that looks good together—or you are missing key piece(s)? How do you know you’ve packed the right things? Over-packing is not the answer. There’s nothing worse than over-packing and having to lug around a heavy suitcase. Taking too much will make your trip more cumbersome and most of it will never be worn anyways.

HOW to avoid over-packing. Pack a basic travel trousseau. Each time you pull out your suitcase and know what your basic travel trousseau is...packing a snap!

Your goal is: Take a minimal amount of clothes w/ maximum wear-ability.

Ask any well seasoned traveler and they will never say the next time they travel they will take more. Instead a good traveler knows—less is more.

What you pack depends upon:The type of trip you are taking (business, pleasure, the location/climate)The number of days you’ll be goneThe events you need to dress for

Start by making a list…

A list helps you pack only what’s needed.

1. Make a column for each day of travel

2. List the functions for each day (daytime business meeting, dinner engagement, free time on the town, museum trip, etc.

3. Decide and write down what you will wear for each function.

Now, use your bed to lay out complete outfits for each occasion (as pictured below).

Now, edit your list and outfits as needed. Remove duplicates and take out any unnecessary items. Look for ways to mix and match (i.e. same short-sleeved jacket can be worn the next day with different pants or summer capris/shorts etc).

The right clothes are like a great travel companion. They are flexible, offer comfort and make you feel terrific. Here’s how to decide your best clothes to pack…

1. Pack Basics. Build your travel trousseau from your Wardrobe Basics. All separates must mix and match with each other to make up a variety of outfits.

2. Pack Favorites. Pack clothes that you love to wear. Being confident and comfortable is the only way to go. This isn’t the time to try out new shoes!

3. Pack Knits. Pack comfortable knits that don’t require ironing. You don’t want to iron in a hotel room all night!

4. Pack Layers. Layers are stylish and allows for fluctuations in the weather. One of my favorite garments for traveling is a two-piece cardigan set. Dress each piece up or down, together or separately. You can wear the sweater with the cami, add some different jewelry and have a whole now look! Or, wear the shell under your blazer.

5. Pack 1 bottom for every 3 tops. Doing so will give you the most wear-ability with what you pack.

Travel trousseau for a 3-day business trip: (Notice how everything mixes and matches with each other)

__Pant suit (includes plain-front pants and matching blazer)

__Dressy jeans. (dark dressy boot-cuts)

__One skirt (in a print that will work with the jacket and sweater set)

__Dressy tee in one of my favorite colors

__Two-piece cardigan sweater set (again, in a complimentary color)

__Structured large bag. (carries my laptop during travel)

__Small “fun” purse for evening

__Black pumps (for suit and skirt)

__Slip-on mules/pumps (for jeans and to wear the suit pants)

__One nightgown and necessary undergarments

Also pack in your suitcase:

Jewelry. Fun, colorful pieces, a sassy belt and pretty scarves will set apart your “travel style” like nothing else! Have fun with what you pack. (Fashion jewelry is best—nothing valuable). Pack your jewelry in a rolled jewelry bag.

TIP: Use a drinking straw to keep your necklaces from tangling!

Toiletries. Trial sizes (available at grocery and drug stores). Three (3) once bottles are approved for packing in carry-on luggage. Store them in a zip-lock plastic bag (approved size is 1 quart) to prevent leaks.

Buyer beware: Travel-sized products can sometimes be full-size rip offs! For example, I found a 1.7-ounce travel-size bottle of Pert Plus 2 in 1 Shampoo Plus

Conditioner for $2. At the same store, the regular 13.5-ounce bottle of the Pert Plus 2 in 1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner cost just $3.69. So if I were to buy the travel-size bottle, I'd be paying over four times as much for the exact same product.

Do it now & you’ll be prepared for multiple trips! So instead of stocking up on a dozen overpriced travel-size shampoos and soaps, invest in a high-quality travel bottle set and only buy travel-size items that cannot be easily poured into smaller bottles, like sprays and aerosol cans.

Create your own set of personalized travel products with your own favorite shampoos and lotions from home. Label them however you like and reuse them on multiple trips.

Airline Carry-On Kit (Lillian Vernon) set of refillable bottles, spray bottles and zip-closure bag.

TSA’s carry-on rule for personal products is: 3-1-1. You may carry on ONE-one quart bag with 3 oz. or less liquids or gel products.

TIP: If you are traveling by plane—squeeze air out of your shampoo and lotion bottles BEFORE you travel to prevent leaks from change in air pressure.

ALWAYS pack your toiletries in a zip-lock plastic bag to prevent messes from leaking bottles.

Want to save money, time and hassles? Do not check-in any luggage! You’ll save time by not waiting for your luggage at the airport carousel, you won’t waste money on checking in baggage...plus no worries your luggage will get lost. These are three very good reasons for packing less (aka: smarter) and carrying only one carry-on suitcase!

Traveling by air? Check size restrictions prior to traveling.

In most instances, your carry on suitcase should be:No more than 40 lbs. Must fit in an overhead compartmentMost common rule is length + width + height = no more than 45 inches

Check out these links to find out what is acceptable: Airline restrictions or http://www.tsa.gov/

Handy packing tips that have made my trips more enjoyable…

What type of suitcase is the best? I like the soft sided suitcases because they are not rigid and packing is easier. A suitcase with sturdy wheels is easy to maneuver on buses, planes and walking down the street is best. A quality suitcase is an investment--buy the best you can afford.

Put together complete outfits on one hanger. Based on your packing list, put together complete outfits on hangers including belts and jewelry. This way you will make sure you have everything you need for each occasion prior to packing it all in your suitcase.

Pack knits and easy-wear (no iron) clothes. A matte jersey wrap dress is a great travel piece that makes you look nicely dressed—regardless of the occasion.

Pack silks, cotton knits, gabardine twills and jersey knits. Linen and rayon work well when they have synthetic fibers added.

I LOVE this skirt!!!Not sure what you could wear almost everyday while traveling?This maxi skirt below will go with anything you choose to pack!

Coldwater Creek Travel Maxi Skirt (black or gray in misses & womens)

Base your wardrobe on dark neutrals. Dark clothes are not only naturally slimming and classic looking—they don’t show small smudges. Trust me they travel better than white pants! (Dark bottoms work well w/ light and bright tops and don’t so small smudges)

Roll ‘em! Don’t fold ‘n stack. By rolling most of your knits and other clothes you will have more room and the clothes will not get as wrinkled. Dry cleaner bags in between clothes helps keep them wrinkle free too.

Use your shoes. Stuff your socks, underwear and/or jewelry bag into your shoes. This not only saves space, but helps keep the shape of your shoes. Place shoes in plastic bags (or shower caps you get at hotels) so they don’t dirty or snag clothes.

TIP: Use shower caps you get at hotels to keep your shoes from getting dirt on or snagging your clothes...

Stuff your bras! Thought I’d never tell you that, huh? You can retain the shape of your bra cups if you pack your undies or socks in them.

Choose your colors wisely. Pick your clothes so that they color coordinate with each other—and stick to it.

For example: Your color scheme for the trip might be black, khaki and red (with a touch of pink). Use these 4 colors for your basics, knitwear, scarves and accessories.

Carry your valuables on your body. Do not pack money, jewelry, travel documents, medications, keys and other valuables in your suitcase. Carry these items on you.

Prior to your trip…

Fill the voids. Get items on your list you need to complete your outfits. If you need a stylish white tee, get it days prior so that you can have a worry-free trip.

Check the weather. Find out what the weather will be like before you pack for your trip. This way you can edit your outfits (if needed) and add an umbrella or lightweight all weather jacket.

Check your list twice. Make sure you have what you need—and nothing more. If you really need something, you can purchase it…but chances are if you made a list and put together complete outfits for each day—you’re all set! Below is a packing suggestion from gap.com It’s a great visual that gives you ideas what to mix and match to create lots of casual looks for your 3 day mini-getaway!

Below are 7 outfit suggestions for the above packing list....Can you think of more ways to wear these garments?

PRINT & SAVE PACKING LIST (BELOW)

Resort Vacation Packing list (one week):Clothing (all clothing must mix and match)

1 pair of walking/comfortable shoes1 pair of cute sandals (tan, nude is most neutral)1 rainproof lightweight jacket2-3 pairs of shorts/capris2 pairs of pants (one dressy, one casual)1 swimsuit (packed in a plastic bag)3 pairs of socks (cotton blend)5 pairs of underwear (micro-fiber dries quickest)1 extra bra4 shirts (long/short-sleeved, camisoles --colors that mix and match with bottoms)1 light cardigan for layering1 skirt (wrinkle-resistant)1 dress (optional)1 sun hat (optional—crushable)1 pair of pajamas and lightweight robe (in case you share a bathroom)

Toiletries (use trial sizes)

Body soap/a washcloth (Many European hotels do not supply washcloths)Toothbrush/toothpaste/flossShampoo/conditionerBrush/comb/hairdryerLotionVaseline (Makeup remover, moisturizer)Razor (non-electric)/shaving cream or soapSunscreen, insect repellentPrescription drugs (in original container with your name and your doctor's name,

write down generic name)First aid kit (trial sizes)Feminine productsDeodorantNail clippers/file/tweezersSpare glasses and/or prescription, or contact lenses and suppliesHand sanitizerVitaminsOTC remedies: Pepto, decongestants, aspirin etc.Clothesline, sink stopper, 2 clothes pins, wash soap (to wash underwear, etc.)

Money and Security

Money belt: Passport, plane ticket, debit card, credit cards, traveler's checks, rail pass, driver's license

Packing Essentials

• Pack light, wash frequently, and buy something if you need it when there. • Pack only what you really need.• Don’t forget your chargers for your electronics/cell phones!• Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13" (and one personal item)

(The above listed items will all fit into this ONE carry-on rolling suitcase below...)

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