Packing for 50lb (or 22.6 kilo)

It’s admiral when everything can fit in a carry-on. Especially convenient when you’re flying intra-Europe. But it’s also not a reality when there’s a ton on the agenda. Now here’s something ironic: I know for many that the removal of the constraints of a carry on can create an utter shit show - but in a different direction. The freedom to just throw things in can create chaos in your head. And when that chaos sits with you in a hotel room, heavy bag in hand and nothing to wear, that’s a big suck.

So I show here - how to not suck at packing. I’ll explain how I pack, why I take pictures, my thoughts - all with IRL examples. I’m writing this now from London where I’m enroute to Vienna on Monday and Paris on Thursday. I’ve lots of seminars, styling appointments, important meetings, dinners, and then a breather here and there (I’m hopeful) to get a chance to walk around.

Here’s the process.

Low Hanging Fruit: I get the super easy stuff out of the way, it makes me feel like I’m making progress. Dilusional, sure. But I bet it’s akin to those who swear that making your bed in the morning sets you in the right direction. I never make my bed tho… Ok: Two sets of pajama tops/bottoms ( I intermittently switch tops to tees) and then all the lingerie - but the socks some later - those need to have more intent behind the selects.

Favorite First: For many when we travel, we get a special piece for the trip - or at least have an item in mind in our closet that we know will be perfect for our destination. I start there. The goal here is building around a key item will start the process moving along- I don’t see the luggage as a series of outfits but rather puzzle pieces that will all fit together. You’ll see this by the end here, promise.

For me, it was the navy pinstripe skirt. I wax on about how versatile it is, so I knew it would do a big job here, so doing the try-on’s gave me an idea of just how far it could go.

The panel of the skirt can be fully buttoned up, it can switch to a different panel (that’s included) or it can be removed entirely. And the panel can be unbuttoned in various ways. I love options that are all purely functional in that they completely change the VIBE rather than just a decorative shift.

Sticking with the navys, now bringing in denim, I start adding here. How will the skirt play with a navy top? The flannel with the denim? Will I feel all farmer-joe, can I keep the check flannel modern with a lighter denim? Yes, depending on the cut. I started first with a pair of my favorite faded Levis, but it felt too literal, craving a piece of hay for my mouth. I went with the more modern pushed faded jean instead, but also added in the Earl raw denim. Raw denim always gives more formality, more interest. I love it that way, casual enough to shop in, but formal enough for a meeting. I test the premise it with the soft navy blouse and it proves correct. See?

Nylon anything is perfect for travel, for me. So the nylon brown trouser skirt - it gives all the structure of a proper trouser waistbanded skirt, but it’s nylon so it gets over itself. Nothing stuffy here. With the soft sweatshirt, I craved to add a shoulderpad - it felt more modern with the skirt. The nylon jacket here has shoulder pads - and it’s fully lined - so it has more structure than our easy nylon Liams. It feels really new - to me. You see how all these are connected in some way? One big story…..

See how the blazer cinches in the back? That gives options. Options are good, too many suck. This is the right balance.

When I’m in Paris, black is my comfort zone. The black blazer, and the pant here I love pushing all the way to man suit vibes with a tie. I picked this tie up in the Marais last year, I bet if you google you can find any tie you like, if that’s your thing. I don’t wear scarves, but I’ve figured out that a tie gives me what a scarf gives others - same but different. Packing a pant that has all the modernity and can hold up to a tee is life for me when traveling, and in general. The brown rain slicker will save my ass in London. And the Seth sneaker here - all the ease of a jazz shoe, but the modernity of something more, and never trying too hard. Ever.

I love a ring 3 color - it chills down brights, it adds nuance to neutrals, it calms me. But still chic and modern, so good. When I’m in Vienna, I’ll just live in this suit paired with sweaters and sweatshirts - sandals and sneakers.

And then there’s this pant with the corset waist - stupid good. Lightly tuck a sweater into the top and it just gives sexy - but no vulgar. Wear it with the sequin bra and blazer and night out in Paris, but then pair with the layered teeshirt and a brown belt and you’re totally appropriate for an office or being around kids.

And then there’s this dress. Making sure I can wear in different moments - day with loafer not so serious, evening with sandal but sock too - take it up and down at the same time.