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Capsule Wardrobe Slot Machines and Packing

July 21, 2014
Business travel is a conundrum for many of us, so I’m going to try to suggest a few ways, now and then, to approach the packing…Suppose, for example, that at the end of October, you are going to have/get to come to Chicago for a two day sales conference.  Literally only a day and a half of meetings, and then back on the plane.  You’re going to have to bring a briefcase with both your laptop and tablet, so you don’t really want a lot more to carry.  And being able to NOT check a suit case would be delightful…

Enter this:

Blazer – Ralph Lauren Black Label, cardigan –  Acne Studios, sweater – Maxmara, blouse – Momoni, key print blouse – Dolce and Gabbana, black tee shirt – Isabel Marant Etoile, black suede skirt – Damsel in a Dress, black trousers – The Row,  jeans – Mother

So you can choose to wear anything from this little machine for travel – probably a cardigan, tee shirt and jeans, right? And pack the other six garments, as well as these accessories (you’re probably wearing a pair of earrings, and the nifty cheetah-print loafers:

 stud earrings – Chen Fuchs, hoop earrings – Maya Magal, cheetah loafers – Naturalizer, cap-toe wedges – French Sole, smoking loafer – Easy Spirit, necklace – Alexis Bittar, scarf – Hermes Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus

Okay, it’s easy to see that you have lots of outfit choices, but what you REALLY gain from this is flexibility for unexpected circumstances:

  1. If the meeting turns out to be more formal than expected, and you can’t wear your jeans, nor your crewneck sweater, you still have enough clothes.
  2. Conversely, if the CEO is wearing jeans, you can wear YOUR jeans every day, with any of the shirts or blouses you’ve packed.
  3. If someone breaks a pen all over your sweater while you’re on the plane, you still have enough clothes.
  4. If it’s freezing cold in Chicago, you can still wear your pants, and even layer the sweater UNDER the cardigan.
  5. If you have to do something unexpectedly dressy, you have a black skirt and top, as well as some pretty jewelry and a scarf.  The scalloped wedges would be ideal with this, and you’d still be able to walk back to the hotel from the restaurant without being in pain.
  6. If you have to present, and you weren’t expecting to do so, you have a glorious blazer and beautiful skirt that will look both businesslike and elegantly lovely.
The best part of having a travel wardrobe that’s well-conceived is that you’re prepared for most eventualities, and that frees you up to concentrate on what you’re actually travelling for, be it work or fun!
love,
Janice
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Comments

  1. Cornelia says

    You are pure genius. But I think I have said that before. ;)
    No business trip in my future, but once again you answered the question as to what will I wear today.

    Reply

  3. Virginia says

    Earlier this summer (late spring), I curated my summer wardrobe to something very similar to the What Ever Is Clean Summer Wardrobe. At the last minute our vacation plans for a week at Myrtle Beach firmed up. It took me all of 10 minutes to decide what to pack, and I know I'll be dressed appropriately for anything from kayaking to dinner at a "nice" restaurant. Thanks. You're a gem.

    Reply

    • Janice Riggs says

      Alexis Bittar. I LOVE his jewelry… If you click on his name, below the picture of the accessories, it will take you to Saks Fifth Avenue, where the necklace is available.

      Reply

  8. LynneinNC says

    Brilliant! a clever concept — wardrobe slot machine. Although not my colorway, I can certainly substitute any of the colorways you've suggested over the last few weeks.
    Thank you for another perfect post.

    Reply

  19. Nonchi says

    oooh from the future here but this is really perfect for dashing to another city for work.
    I’ve had three trips this year which is a first for my career and I’ve been working all my V Files knowledge. I limited myself by colour so that everything was interchangeable but I wasn’t as clever at limiting the number of items as above.
    What does really help for a business trip if like mine involves meeting clients to working in service departments is staying in a 1 – bed apartment. They often have a washing machine and dryer so every night I washed everything. It was a god send for once I got home to the family carnage.

    Reply

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