I am often asked for packing tips and honestly, I have FEW! One would think, as many times as I make international trips and in every season, that I would have developed a sharp expertise. The problem, I have decided, is that I do not wear a lot of black. People who wear black have a much easier time packing with efficiency. A few pairs of black pants, black sweaters, white blouses, add some great scarves and BAM! You're done! Alas, not as easy as it seems...
First of all, I have always dressed according to my mood. This is impossible to anticipate so I like to have choices; is it a skirt day? jeans day? dress day? So I pack an assortment of these things. I do try to have a color scheme even if it is not black so different things can be reworn in different combinations. I begin my packing in a spare space about a week before departure. I pull everything I am currently loving and in the course of the week I whittle down to what I will actually take. I almost always have laundry done when traveling. My hotel bathrooms look like public laundromats with socks and panties hanging to dry. I LOVE Italian bathroom radiators in the winter - underpinnings dry immediately!
I have loved and almost loved to death my Rimowa luggage. It has saved my elbows from tendonitis and moves with such ease. I have searched and searched for the best carry on piece and don't feel I have yet found it, though I just ordered a bag from Think Royln. Their bags have trolley sleeves and seem spacious and lightweight. My current Rimowa carry on breaks in the middle of the bag which is awkward if you need something mid flight. The more I travel, the more important I think having the right carry on is!
I guess I just can't emphasize enough the importance of accessories. Scarves, jackets and the right necklace can change an outfit so those traveling with you don't overdose on your jeans and white shirt.
I am about to have to crack open the old Rimowas and start packing for my upcoming trip and I already have mounting anxiety!
