Bon Voyage!

I'm leaving tomorrow for a two week mini tour of Europe. I'll be visiting London, Amsterdam, and Paris. I hope to take many pictures. sorry there hasn't been much activity here lately but between being ill and preparing for this trip, I just having been taking any pictures or doing much else...


But I thought that while I'm here saying goodbye, i could share my packing tips. I have a history of being an obscene over-packer. Historically, I have taken about three times what I needed on any trip from one night at a friend's to a week in some foreign destination. Somewhere a long the way, I totally changed and now I take as little as reasonably possible.

So for two weeks I have just one tiny vintage suitcase with a carry on messenger bag/purse. And that is it!

So how do I do it?

Step one: Choose a color palette to ensure that everything matches, or nearly matches, everything else. This way you can create several outfits with just a few pieces. Try to limit colors and patterns. Feel free to go wild on accessories to liven things up a bit. The hardest part--you only gettwo pairs of shoes, one heels, one flats. Wear the flats on the plane.



These are my wrinkly clothes on my messy bed. I've chosen a color palette of grey (in its various forms), pink, and cream/off-white. I threw in a little mint green and denim to spice things up. Yes, i consider denim a color. I have another outfit not pictured as I will be wearing it on the flight. It all pretty much matches.

Step 2: Get a tiny suitcase. The bigger your case the more tempted you will be to fill it up.



This case is TINY. It's about 16 inches across and five inches tall.

Step3: Roll your clothes up tight and begin layering until case is full.

first layer...



second layer...



I actually managed to get two more layers after this of undergarments, socks, and two towels(hostels, just in case).

Step 4: Press very hard and get it all closed up. This step may be the most strenuous and time consuming but it can be done.



Step 5: Pack up a giant purse for everything else. Make sure you have passport, ID, credit/bank cards, confirmation papers, etc. Take along something to read on long layovers and overnight flights. a small "going out" purse can fit in here along with accessories, toiletries, and that extra pair of shoes.




That's it! Bon voyage!