Team Pack: What's in the bag

A couple of you have asked for my "travel packing post." So here it is, for what it might be worth. 

I will be away from April 24 through May 29. I am mostly in one location (a very snowy one at the moment!) with a few city side-trips. And I can do laundry. 

But the weather has already ranged from summery to....well...blizzards. And will no doubt veer back again. And my activities range from hiking in the mountains to dinners at city restaurants and public readings in the city and in the mountains. 

So far (just over a week in) I am doing okay, although I wish I had brought more wintery clothing. Last year I was in this place at the same time and needed more summery items. Such is life -- you never know. On the whole, I'm well prepared; it's just that I don't have a lot of choice at the moment. 

#1: Everything fit in a blue carry on and a small bag that I checked. It is just over carry-on size for a domestic flight, alas. (A rather old bag that suited older regulations). Last year I brought a larger suitcase but it was very heavy with the weight of my books. This year, I sent some books on ahead so I would be able to travel lighter. 

#2: The leather jacket has been getting lots of wear.

#3: Ditto the cashmere hoodie. Most worn item so far. 

#4: A warmer, brighter day.

#5: Indoor conference -- a day when I had to give a short reading. The hotel was cold so I wore the sweater most of the day. 

#6: The J. Crew kitty shirt and Reiss jacket come out to play for a city reading. 

#7: A sunny day last week -- climbed up the mountain in a linen tee. 

#8: The view. 

#9: A view today. 

#10: Leggings as pants. Yup, you saw it here. On my way to a voice/ relaxation workshop, though, so I had an excuse. 

Will follow this with a rundown of what's in the bag. 

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21 Comments

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    IN THE BAG(S): 

    Footwear

    White Cons
    Okalas
    Zara blue booties

    Accessories
     3 pair earrings, one cuff, one pendant with two chains, 3 scarves, 4 belts. one black and white small shoulder bag, one tote bag

    Coats/toppers/ jackets 

    Reiss ink blazer
    Cashmere hoodie
    White leather jacket
    Theory trench
    Hot pink rainproof jacket

    Tops 

    Blue silk kitty shirt
    Blue striped linen shirt
    Equipment kitty shirt
    White linen tee
    Taupe linen “sweater”
    Navy linen tee
    Short sleeved blue print tee
    Fuchsia knit shirt
    Black knit peplum


    DVF sweater
    Navy striped sweater
    White Mariner sweater
    Charcoal merino sweater
    Sparkle sweatshirt
    GAP cream mesh sleeve sweater



    Bottoms

    BF jeans
    Skinny jeans
    White jeans
    Black skinny pants
    Distressed slouchy skinnies

    Dresses

    Turtle neck paint splash dress
    Bottle tops dress
    (both Kamalikulture -- jersey)


    GEAR & SLEEP

    Merino t-neck and underwear (dark turquoise) (can double as sleep wear)
    Black thermal zip shirt
    Blue tee
    Aqua tee
    Exercise capris
    Running tights
    Gear shorts
    Socks & shoes  (I brought my goretex trail runners and bought indoor gym shoes here on my first day).

    PJ pants
    white long sleeved tee
    Undies
    Tights, both sheer and opaque navy and nude sheer hose.

    * I bought a bathing suit here on my second day. 
    * bought a backpack for hiking here since my other one had worn out. 

    I also brought some books, my computer, notebook, and Kindle in my Danier tote bag. 

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    You look amazing!  I see a little bit of Boden influence peeking through!

    What a great packer you are, and able to do so with only 2 small bags for a month.  I am truly impressed, even more so at the amazing outfits you created!

    A lovely view.  Well, the one without all the snow anyway. I have seen enough snow for a very, very long time!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thanks, Thistle, and I couldn't agree more about the snow. But that is what we've got here. At least it is prettier here than it is at home when it snows....

  • carter replied 10 years ago

    Oooh! I've been waiting for this! I'll have to go through it more thoroughly tonight. Looooove the pink rain jacket! Who makes it? Beautiful scenery...both you and the mountains! Just 3 pairs of street shoes?? I'm sure I'll have more questions later!

  • E replied 10 years ago

    I *love* that you were able to pack for such a variety of situations & weather without much fuss! It seems such a good indicator of the excellent state of your wardrobe and is such a testament to the work you've put in to get it that way. :) You look lovely in all of the pics and very comfortable in your skin as well. That snowy view is just gorgeous!

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    Thank you for posting this, Suz. I've been needing some packing inspiration for iffy spring weather in a carry-on. You look fabulous and the hike view is glorious.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Heheh...gorgeous to you, E. Like your shorts outfits are idyllic looking to me! 

    In all seriousness, it is amazingly beautiful here, in all weathers. And I am incredibly fortunate to spend time working here with great mentors. 

    Carter, I'm a bit surprised about the small shoe capsule myself. Especially since the Okalas might not even see wear. (Certainly not until the next city portion of the trip and only if the weather improves a lot!) 

    But here's the thing. The BULK of my time I spend indoors working -- wearing my socks. Or I am in the gym -- wearing indoor gym shoes. 

    When I am outdoors I am often hiking. For that, my Goretex trail runners do the job. 

    The only time I really need outdoor footwear is for the city portions of the trip (blue booties, Cons, and Okalas work for different situations there) and for walking into town and hanging out there. Last year, my most worn "day" shoes in all weather here in the mountains were my Cons. So this year, I just went with that. They're lightweight, I can put on thick socks if it is really cold, and they have enough tread to get me down the slippery path if it rains or snows. 

    The pink rain jacket was actually a super discount gear item. I've had it for several years. It also has a hood that you can remove. It's made by a company called McKinley. It's not top drawer rainproof but it's pretty good and layers well due to raglan sleeves. Not my best pink, but passable and super cheerful on a miserable day. 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Carter -- it looks as is McKinley may be a European company -- maybe you can find the jacket on your travels, LOL! Mine is called the Daphne shell (which they don't seem to have any more.) It's actually amazing quality for the price I paid ($40!!) but it was a big close-out sale. Here is the current list. 

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    You got a lot in those two small bags. I am impressed! Love your outfit creations and the scenery is beautiful.

  • jackiec replied 10 years ago

    What a wonderfully helpful packing list! I need to re-read and take notes. You look so stylish in all your shots. Wow! And the scenery is just gorgeous. Enjoy!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Princess Carry-On, you did a stellar job. Good thing you can wash your stuff, and didn't need to pack 35 pairs of knickers. I hope you're warm enough - I can't believe it's still snowy. 

    You are casually chic and radiant. xo

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    WOW - that scenery is gorgeous! Even though you've got snow and cooler temps, it's just too pretty not to be in awe of it. Being away for over a month must be extremely difficult to pack for, but you've done a fantastic job - looks like you'll have lots to mix and match. 

    I always find it difficult to pack for trips during the spring and fall seasons, as I can never seem to get dressing for the temperatures right. It looks like you did extremely well at this!  

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    Great packing- I'm so impressed! You look as stylishly casual as can be.
    But oh my gosh, who would have thought you'd have such wintry weather! Well, I imagine the stores around there carry nice warm sweaters, if you're desperate.
    Have a great time!

  • Peri replied 10 years ago

    Have fun!! What a great thing to get to do!

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous scenery regardless of what time of year! Though I did chuckle (and then feel bad hehe) to see the beautiful sunny hiking photo ... followed by lowland snow. Your packing is stellar, especially considering the wide range of activities it needs to accommodate. Thanks for sharing the list, plus how they're all working in action! There is far more viable overlap than I would expect, which is something I've been trying to sort out for myself in terms of very casual dress, so thank you for giving me some good concrete examples to think on. The item dispersion looks great too, though I think for myself I'd pack way more jewelry (I also wear more than you do, I think). I just adore the combo in 5; I know the dress is jersey, but something about a dressy dress with a cashmere hoodie just seems so very perfect.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    Great packing & YLF in the photos Suz!! I, for one, haven't seen snow for years :)

  • merwoman replied 10 years ago

    Fantastic travel capsule. Just an incredible variety of clothing that can be combined in so many ways - and for such diverse events.  Have to admit I am curious about the swimsuit purchase - was this purely functional so you could take advantage of the pool? I'm picturing a lovely indoor pool with a gorgeous view of the mountains...and maybe a hot tub. Oh yes, definitely a hot tub!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Wonderful packing job! I'd been wondering about how so few shoes would work too, but it sounds like it makes sense for you.

    The scenery looks beautiful, but I can't believe you still have to deal with snow in May.

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    The snow is stunning in every sense and so are you Suz. Great planning and you look fantastic in every outfit.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thank you all! I'll continue to take outfit pictures as I go along on days when I can. Although I expect there will be a lot of repeats! 

    Merwoman -- I decided to buy the suit here because I knew there'd be more variety in the stores here than at home. I ended up with a Speedo fitness suit. I don't do laps as my main exercise, but I do want a suit I can trust in the water and that will allow me to move. I'll try to snap a picture. Because -- oh yes -- there IS a hot tub!!!  :) 

    The pool is gorgeous. Mountain views, I kid you not. 

  • abc replied 10 years ago

    Suz, thanks for sharing.  As always, an inspirational post in many ways.  Short on time tonight but wanted to pop in and say that, at least.

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