Summer is coming. Many will be vacationing, so here are tips on how to pack without lugging your whole wardrobe with you. This is a guideline good for a week long vacation in a warm to hot climate, with your clothes packed in a small suitcase. 
1. Coordinate the colors of your wardrobe. Pick one or two major colors that will work together. For example - basic color such as white and an easy, workable color such as blue. Choose your outfit based on those.
2. Clean your bed - you will be laying all items on your bed. If not, a large area on the floor.
3. Pick a jacket that you will be wearing for the week. I suggest one of the following: a casual blazer, or a nicely done jean jacket.
Jackets from bananarepublic.com
4. Pick 3 tops that goes with the jacket. The three tops may be: a t-shirt, a tank top, and a buttoned up casual shirt.
5. Pick 2 bottoms that will go with both the jacket and the tops. It may be white pants, or blue jeans, or a skirt.
6. Pick 2 pairs of shoes: one for all day casual, such as a nice walking shoe or sandal (make sure it's nice enough for a restaurant), and one for sporty occasions, such as running shoes.
7. Don't pack light on this one - underwears - unless you plan to wash them daily and that the climate you will be in will let these dry on time. Otherwise, pack one for each day. Pack them in a large Ziploc, so you can find them easily.
8. Pack 3 pairs of socks, if you plan to wash them or only wear them on 3 days. If you want to wear them daily without washing, pack more. Tuck them in your shoes, or any nooks and crannies of the suit case.
9. Don't forget your umbrella, simple jewellery for dinner outings, two handbags (one large for day, and one small for dinner) and swim wear. Jewellery may be packed in the small dinner handbag. Swim wear may be packed along with the underwears.
10. Pack your cosmetics, toiletries, medications, sunglasses, a bottle of water and passport in your carry on.
11. Pack a duffle bag that you can fold into a small size, in case you will bring home souvenirs.
Noelle, what a perfect list as I throw things toward a suitcase enroute to Ireland in a few days. Thanks -- Ihadn't had a minute yet to pack and I'm glad I didn't now... because I have the keys to do it better after this great post... I think I'll leave the umbrella back here and take my chances on that one though....
Posted by: Ellen Weber | June 3, 2006 6:37 PM | Permalink to Comment