With the sunny, warm seasons in bloom, a ton of my clients are getting ready to pack up for the Summer and travel to some beautiful places around the world. More than half of these clients and friends have always said to me, "WOW! How on earth do you even pack!? You must bring 100 bags"! As a Fashion Stylist, that seems normal for people to assume that I would be the traveller who packs up her whole closet in 10 bags and can't decide on what to bring. Surprisingly enough, I just smile back and say, "Actually, I am the complete opposite"!
Now, I can understand why people would think that I'd be a over-packer, but I really have to admit that because of my job I am able to downsize and envision outfits that I want for myself before packing up...I am a total visionary. This is actually a joke between my girlfriends and I. They think its nuts that I can see a pair of pants in a store and within one second make a full outfit with the remaining items being from my closet, all in my mind. I just think its normal-haha-but I guess I'm in the right profession!
When packing for your Summer trips or any trip for that matter, it is important to keep these tips and tricks in mind:
1. MAKE A LIST:
Being an avid believer that if "you write everything down, its the only way things gets accomplished", I am a list-making maven! Jot down everything you need; all your cosmetics, new clothing, makeup, etc, 1-2 weeks before your trip...all the fun girly trip things! As you make the list, like any good list maker, cross off the items that you already got with a bright colored pen and leave the ones you have not gotten unmarked (it seems obvious but trust me, mistakes happen! So make sure to cross off the proper item). Once everything is crossed off on the list, set aside in an open space in your home.
2. PLAN AHEAD:
No one, and I mean NO ONE, likes the feeling of rushing while packing. Things go missing, things are forgotten, and things get OVERPACKED! Set yourself a deadline about 2-3 days before your trip to have everything laid out on the floor before going into your luggage. And I mean EVERYTHING-shoes, bags, makeup, cosmetics, clothes, jewelry..all the goodies! That way, you can clearly see everything you are going to pack while its spread out, not having to rummage through an already neatly packed suitcase.
3. DOWNSIZE:
Try to de-compartmentalize! Depending on how far or close you are traveling, luggage size will vary, but one thing that NEVER has to change during your traveling months is your cosmetic bag! Mine, pictured above, has been packed up with my favorite cosmetics since 4 months ago. I was doing a lot of traveling and felt like I was always packing and unpacking...and packing some more...oy vey! I decided to take everything I love and use everyday here in NYC and just downsize it all! My fav shampoo/conditioner, soap, a bunch of my contacts, lotion, razor, etc...everything I use daily is now always ready on-the-go. So bring it on last minute trips! Trust me, you'll always be ready to roll!
4. TAKE POLAROID PICTURES (if you have trouble picturing outfits in your head or if you take a long time to get ready):
I do this often with my clients to help them organize their closets and pack them for their big vacations. Making outfits then snapping them is a no-weight additive into your luggage that will simplify the amount of time you get ready on vacation (and we all know the significant others hate when we take forever!) and will guarantee you looking amazing every single day/night.
Lindsi's MUST HAVE's for your "downsized" cosmetic bag!
1. Ricky's NYC jet setter plastic bottles: They come in all different shapes, colors, and sizes so you can color code your sundries!
2. Disposable razors are a must!
3. EOS wet or dry shaving lotion: A TRUE SAVIOR, every girl should stock up for summer since you can shave on the go wet...or dry!! YES, DRY! and you can just pump some into your jet setter bottles (unlike foaming shave cream).
4. Vichy Thermal Spa Water: a refreshing mist in a travel size spray that keeps your face hydrated in the heat and sun
*An AMAZING website called 3floz.com, will literally become your computer's most used bookmark if you are always on the run! Known for selling travel appropriate size bottles in over 40 different high-end brands, theses adorable size products will be your year round saviors! What's may be the best part about the site is that they already have kits made for specific needs so you can just click away and be on your way!*
I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of Summer! And remember...load up on sunscreen!
xoLindsi
