September 21, 2012
I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of having a target number of garments to pack. The clarity and focus that this lends to the packing process is interesting, and can be useful if you’re the kind of person who wants to toss their entire closet into the suitcase… Today, I’m over at Tish’s, exploring the possibilities.
Cardigan – Vanessa Bruno, earrings – Temple St. Clair, square scarf – Hermès, chambray shirt – J. Crew, tweed coat – Missoni, cross-body bag – Aquascutum, jeans – Levi’s, carry-on bag – Tumi, loafers – French Sole
love,
Janice
As someone with a master's degree in packing for every contingency (including many that will never happen), this has been quite an education. I am one of those people who would bring more than half of what I packed home unworn. The only positive is that usually we were driving to our destination so I wasn't paying excess baggage fees – just filling the trunk with luggage that weighed a ton! (Anyone remember the American Tourister hard side luggage from the 60's?)
On a side note, this color combination, seems to be the one my wardrobe is headed to as I revamp and simplify it.
Laughing at the Tourister comment! Yes, my bag was always the one the airline put the *heavy* tag on but then the bag empty weighed a ton. I used the Vivienne Files as a guideline when I traveled in April with a carryon that came in at 13.5#. Much better AND I had a better wardrobe!
So what is the principle behind the six pack? I'm not seeing any sixes. Three bottoms, four tops, two toppers, one coat…
That said, this is very close to the way I travel. Although with my tendency to spill on myself, I have to include more tops.
I do enjoy your blog very much. Thank you.
Six in the suitcase; sorry if I didn't make that clear.
Okay, got it. Six basic items in the suitcase, excluding accessories and underwear (and PJs, presumably). Thanks.
Love the concept of being able to travel for days with just a carry-on.
Sorry, I thought it was packing for six days?
Love, love seeing what you pull together for chic casual looks!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Oh, I get it now – thanks for the clarification. I'm glad accessories don't count! I really like this wardrobe, it looks comfortable yet classy, and I'm so impressed you got 9 outfits out of it! With an extra shirt this could go two weeks. Im taking lots of notes on packing from your insights, as I have a lot of extended travel coming up.
My question: how do you feel about denim and denim/denim and chambray? I always see it in magazines, and while I think it's adorable in print, I always feel awkward in trying to wear them together….
I think you have to be VERY careful – too much denim is just hard to wear; denim & chambray together are a bit easier, but you have to avoid going too cowboy…
That's exactly my fear: going from charming and country weekend to 'Yee-haw, I might just rustle cattle…'.
May I ask for a post concerning a trip I"ll be making mid October with my husband? It's a trip to Santa Fe, NM (one of my favorite places) beginning early on a Thursday morning, arriving in Santa Fe by noon for lunch–and then flying home on Sunday. I would like to pack grays and blacks with a bit of color here and there. There will be black jeans,gray pants, black pants, long sleeve tops in both colors a gray Eileen Fisher coat from last year, some scarves, some boots, etc. There will be only one evening which will require being somewhat dressed up (The Compound for dinner-I'll wear a dress), and the rest of the time will be spent gallery hopping, eating great food, listening to my favorite Country folk band, and exploring the town. I would love to see your ideas about what I should pack!
I really like this combination but can you make 7 days out of the 6 in the bag and what you wear in transit?
This is brilliant. I love the muted colours and how you make endless outfits appear magically from a minimum number of packed items!