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Home » Tote Bag Travel, with a Give-Away

Tote Bag Travel, with a Give-Away

January 11, 2016
Back to the real world….This happens a lot in large cities – when the hotels become less expensive over the weekend, people from the suburbs come into “the city.” They come in by train on Saturday morning to spend the day in town, have a nice dinner, maybe see a sporting event or a show, stay over, have a lovely brunch, and get back home before darkness falls on Sunday.

When I said I was going to create the smallest possible travel capsule wardrobe, THIS is what I was thinking of! (I’m so sorry, I have a hunch that I’ve really disappointed some of you.)

I see these people every weekend, and it seems that they are often hauling about a lot more “stuff” than they might need. This might not be a problem if you’re able to get into your hotel room immediately when you arrive downtown, but if you wanted to lunch, or go to a museum, or do something BEFORE you check in, having a big suitcase is a drag, literally.

How about this:

travel outfit in grey with soft teal accents

Coat – L.L Bean; earrings – Ted Baker London; watch – Skagen; scarf – Hermes Maitres de la Foret; boots – Eileen Fisher; tee shirt – L.L.Bean; pants – L.L.Bean; cashmere cardigan – Chinti and Parker; crossbody bag – Halogen; tote – Vince

Note that 2 really pivotal parts of this whole look are (1) a coat that will work day and night, and (2) a pair of trousers that are simple and classic enough to play an understated role in a variety of ensembles.

If you’ve managed to streamline your personal care products to a sensible minimum, this is all you’ll need to pack:

 

Two garments, and a few personal items - make up a very light tote bag travel capsule wardrobe.

Pearls – Majorica; pink top – Tom Ford; pumps – Calvin Klein; pajamas – Morgan Lane; cosmetics bag – Jouer; bra and thong – Kiki de Montparnasse; cashmere scarf – Faliero Sarti; pearl earrings – Majorica; print tee – Diesel Black Gold

 
You can go a great many places with a beautiful blouse, nice jewelry, and a change of shoes. Moderate heeled boots can be exactly the same height as a kitten-heel pump…
 
And the next morning, your cardigan and trousers look very different when accented with a soft blush in place of the minty green of yesterday.
 
(I assume you can manage the pajamas and lingerie without my assistance…)
 
two outfits with grey pants, a blush pink top, and beautiful accessories
 

 What got me started thinking about tote bags? The fact that I have more of them than I need! The beauty pictured below was a gift from the digital staff at Neiman Marcus; I’m not really sure how I deserved a gift from them for the holidays, but bless their hearts, they gave this to me. But I TRULY don’t need it, and so I’m giving it to one of you.  

Leave me a comment – if only to tell me how disappointed you are to see today’s post – and you will have a chance to win this lovely bag. I have no idea what it’s made of, but if it’s got a Neiman Marcus label on it, it’s got to be pretty nice, eh?

 

Neiman Marcus black embossed tote bag

love,
Janice

UNIQLO USA
 
 
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01.11.16 123 Comments

Tags: bags, grey, packing, pink, silk scarf, teal, travel wardrobe
<<How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe Starting With Art: A Porcelain FigurineHow to Build a Capsule Wardrobe Starting With Art: A Porcelain Figurine Version 2>>

Comments

  1. Minniejacks says

    January 11, 2016 at 8:32 am

    This might seem like a really silly comment but I love these posts and I have an overnight away this weekend so I know what to take and the type of bag….. But what's the most efficient way to pack? Could you do a couple of pictures "filling the bag" ? I struggle to pack efficiently. To roll or fold etc

    Reply
  2. Jazz says

    January 11, 2016 at 8:44 am

    I love the way a different colour can transform the overall look of an outfit. This combo certainly gives you bang for every centimetre used. And, if you put a few walks in the mix you don't even need to include any gym gear.

    Reply
  3. Kayos says

    January 11, 2016 at 9:20 am

    I have a grey and pink/shell/blush wardrobe and just love the way this duck egg colour gives a completely different look. Might need to diversify……..and I love the tote bag :) x

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 9:27 am

    This is a great post, it's just a little late for me. I had an overnight seminar last week! Granted, I spent the entire time in the conference hotel and the only activities besides work were meals…but I anaged to pack even less than what you suggest here. I made do with the same beautiful cashmere sweater on both days- I just wore a pretty brooch on first day and a scarf I wore in transit the next day. I could have packed another top, but then a bigger bag would have been necessary. I did notice that of all the attendants including men, my baggage was the smallest, even though I had everything I needed. I had a change of underwear, knitted socks for extra warmth, indoor shoes, pajama, cosmetic bag, a book, the items needed in the meetings, my emergency kit (that contains miscellanous useful items from painkillers to scissors and a sewing kit), and a shoulder bag. My tote was very full, but had I wanted to, I could have included an extra piece of jewelry.
    -Mia-

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:22 am

    The only days I am ever disappointed are those, when there is no new blog. Thanks for all the lovely inspirations.

    Tina

    Reply
    • Chris says

      January 11, 2016 at 10:45 am

      Amen to that, Tina. Always something to have a think about! Well said.
      Chris from Australia. X

      Reply
    • Anna says

      January 11, 2016 at 6:50 pm

      Agreed!

      Reply
    • Coco Colmani says

      January 11, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      Yes, a perfect demonstration of TVF principles!
      Robyn in Tasmania

      Reply
  6. Geraldine says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Oh Janice, never disappointed. Love the idea, my daughter is a train ride away and this is definitely what is needed for an overnighter.
    Always elegant.
    Geraldine

    Reply
  7. Nancy says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:03 am

    Disappointed! I don't think so. This idea so fits in with my lifestyle. I may take 2 longer vacays a year it's the two or three night ones that come up more often. I loved these pieces and colors and I am still searching for that pink top! Thanks.

    Reply
  8. Bookwyrm says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:08 am

    Beautiful as usual. Between work and living in rural NH, I do a trip like this at least once a month if just to see a movie in a real theater! I'm a light packer already (mostly thanks to a few years of following your blog) but I might forward this post to my travelling companions who can use the help :)

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:23 am

    From Margie in Toronto – Love this idea and its very helpful – even though I live in the city, a friend from out of town comes in once a year and we stay at a hotel for a night or two and do all those fun things – I'd probably add one more pair of pants and possibly one more top and I'd be set. And yes I could do it in a tote bag – would love to be in consideration for this one. I find that more and more I'm tending to do more of these short trips throughout the year so this post really helps me to focus on what I actually need to take.

    Reply
  10. Vildy says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:30 am

    I, too, believe in traveling extra, extra, extra light – figuring on having to carry whatever bag up and down stairs, for blocks, etc. Wouldn't be enough stuff to make one of your delightful posts out of. :D I shop at several off price groceries where you need your own bags – wouldn't this mock croc one be so very stylish there! :D

    Reply
  11. Terri says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:35 am

    I'm not disappointed at all. I go on over nighters occasionally.so this is a great post. My only problem is that I am afraid that if I didn't bring a second pair of pants I would mess up the trousers the first day.

    Reply
  12. Pam @ over50feeling40 says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:37 am

    It is a perfect idea for a post! I think post like this are welcomed when we address specific circumstances and I would absolutely love to win the bag! Thanks, Janice!

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    Good morning,
    I like this post. I like the addition of pajamas and lingerie. You are such an excellent resource for outer wear , I assume that would follow for inner wear too.

    Karen

    Reply
  14. Adele says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    I feel like you had me in mind when you wrote this — we live a couple of hours from NYC and when we saw a TravelZoo deal at a hotel we like, we jumped all over it for the upcoming long weekend. All three of our daughters are in the city (at least for 6 months, while #3 does her co-op job this semester) so it will be a nice family weekend!

    Reply
  15. CharVee says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    I love these soft pretty colors. We often pack for an "overnight" to visit family or a theme park (living three hours from Orlando) and lugging around a suitcase is not fun. Thanks for these ideas.

    Reply
  16. Mary mcm says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    Definitely a timely post since I'll be heading to NYC soon for the weekend. While I seem unable to pack lightly for a longer trip 3+ nights) I am fairly competent at overnights. DD went to college in NYC and it's only an hour train ride so I'd often go up for a short visit.

    Obviously shoes and and toiletries at the bottom of the bag but would you roll the clothing? Do you ever use the packing cubes? And this is where I envy your hair – mine is fairly long and I always pack small bottles of my own shampoo, conditioner and a curling iron.

    Mary mcm

    Reply
  17. Lisa M. says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    Just what I was hoping for! I needed this badly, as I'm taking a short weekend trip soon, and want to take just a tote. I also need a classy tote for the trip, coincidentally! Thanks so much for your always-appropriate advice.

    Reply
  18. A says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    No disappointment at all! The colors in the transit image are wonderful. Thank you, Janice.

    Reply
  19. Aerevyn says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    I adore this shell pink color – wish I could wear it with my coloring! It gives me a sense of tranquility and order just looking at it.

    Reply
  20. webb says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    Excellent selections – perfect for a weekend of museum hopping in D.C.!

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    I will be in Chicago later this month and am grateful for all your posts. – CRP

    Reply
  22. Cinda says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    Yes, I would love to win the lovely tote bag. Your blog is perfect for those of us who love clothes and love to travel!

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    I appreciate today's post as I always seem to bring along too many pieces for short trips. My son lives outside DC and we will be taking longer visits there, with short trips into the city so this will be very helpful. Thank you, I look forward to your posts each day. Always something of interest. – DBQMary

    Reply
  24. Elbe says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    I have a lot of grey so I feel like this is something I can duplicate. Always love the packing posts!

    Reply
  25. oekmama says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    Disappointed? Whatever for? This is a great post, that I find awfully practical, as Ii do go away for quite a few weekends. Yet I still haven't whittled it down to this level of efficiency!

    Reply
  26. Janice says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    I also love this post and will whittle down my long weekend travel wardrobe even more! Just one pair of pants is all that is needed! Wow! Thank you again, Janice and the travel tote would be lovely.
    Janice Collins, Washington, DC.

    Reply
  27. Virginia says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:04 pm

    This is PERFECT!! I live a train ride from NYC, and our schedule typically requires us to 'tote' our belongings around the city. This is going up on my closet wall. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Reply
  28. Colleen says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    I love all of your posts. This one is very helpful as I often go to NYC for the weekend. Thanks for all of your hard work!

    Reply
  29. Charlotte says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    i love your posts. I travel for work and need all the inspiration and guidance I can get-still after all these years. Thanks they help.

    Reply
  30. Gail says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Absolutely lovely. If I didn't already live in a city, I'd want to go to one this weekend. (That gorgeous Hermes scarf and aqua sweater are the stuff of dreams as well as an inspiring packing pick.)

    Reply
  31. Terry A. says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    No disappointment here! Love this.

    Reply
  32. Shrebee says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    Janice,
    Along with some of your other readers, I am also wondering which way of packing you favor ? I have packing cubes and folders, but am always torn between rolling and folding for longer trips with more items. I don't have a lot of synthetic blends, although I am slowly working in that direction with future purchases and I find that rolling still creates wrinkles, although it allows you to see what you have at a glance. I know that you and an iron are good friends,so what is your packing style preference ? Love the colors and simplicity of this post !

    Reply
  33. DocP says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    Great suggestions! One more top and another change of underwear and a Friday to Sunday weekend is covered. Just a reminder that most hotels have a "left luggage" room and are happy to store luggage until your room is available.

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    Love this combination. I'd feel so fresh and beautiful wearing these clothes in these colours. And yes please to the NM bag.
    Vancouver Barbara

    Reply
  35. Suzie says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    I love how you use a scarf as a focal point and bring out an accent color with neutrals. That has always been my goal but you have helped me to think it through and have a plan. Thank you for all your hard work on this blog. I enjoy it and I've learned so much!

    Reply
  36. Alicia says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    Never, ever disappointed with your posts (unless, of course, there is no post – LOL!) This is a beautiful overnight wardrobe in colors that I love! I have learned so much from your posts and am constantly working at streamlining my wardrobe and packing. Your posts are one of the highlights of my day!
    @Bookwyrm – What part of NH are you from? We moved to the Lakes Region from MA 4 years ago and adjustment to this somewhat rural area has been interesting, to say the least!

    Reply
  37. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    Very useful post! There are many of us weekend in NYC readers who appreciate your creativity. Great ideas. Thanks
    KPD

    Reply
  38. kris says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    A wonderful post, as usual.

    And so nice to see you include the L.L. Bean "Perfect Fit Pants." You feature the slim fit, which is lovely. But I buy the original fit, mostly because that version has pockets. These pants are so comfortable that I wear them almost every day. Not even sure how many pairs I have: several in gray, a couple in black, one in khaki. (The khaki seems to be available only in spring and summer.) As you say, they're "simple and classic enough to play an understated role in a variety of ensembles." They're also extremely comfortable, and they're great for airline travel. (No belt needed, which makes it easier to go through security.)

    Reply
  39. Kayos says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    as a fifty something 'soft' would the duck egg colour suit me? No grey hair yet!!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      January 11, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      I think it's a color that would suit most women – sort of the way turquoise seems to be widely flattering. Worth a try, don't you think?
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Kayos says

      January 11, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      Thank you……yes I think it is definitely worth a try. I saw a jumper only yesterday, duck egg and grey and thought it looked fab. I think this colour should also work well with navy, one of my other neutrals, but not sure about stone/beige. What do you think?

      Reply
  40. tracey meade says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    Thank you Janice, two weeks in Paris with a carry-on thanks to you!

    Reply
  41. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    As a new mother, I've had to revise my approach to dressing. Your blog has been a tremendous help for me in building my new wardrobe. I especially love these packing capsules! Thank you!

    Reply
  42. Claire M. Johnson says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    As always a great post on how to minimalize but not at the sacrifice of style. I would love to see more posts on how to tie all sorts of sizes of scarfs. I have several oblong scarfs that I usually just knot but other ideas would be helpful. Thanks!

    Reply
  43. Debbie says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:30 pm

    Dear Janice, I love, love, love your posts! I have two big weekends coming up this month; one is to Washington, D.C., to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday, and the next is to Chicago for a nephew's wedding. I started reading your blog last year, beginning with Starting From Scratch. I was looking for a way to pare down and refine my kaleidoscopic wardrobe. You helped me focus my buying strategies so that when I purchase something new it coordinates with my existing outfits and/or accessories, and you enable me to realize that when I donate a no longer worn item because it does not fit my current look, it frees me up and actually makes dressing a whole lot easier. I would like to see a post for a 4-day weekend in Las Vegas, which, by the way, is where I am going with my three daughters in mid-March. Maybe you could incorporate Rose Quartz and Serenity, two of the Pantone 2016 colors? Please, nothing too expensive! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you do!

    Reply
  44. Kirsti says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    Beautiful color combinations! I use gray as one of my neutrals and find it versatile. I love the blue top in the first ensemble and the beautiful Hermes scarf! Your posts are always thoughtful and inspiring.

    Reply
  45. Laurie J. says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Drooling over that first set!

    Reply
  46. Thalie F says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    Today's post is no disappointment to me. I'm a recovering over-packer so I can totally relate! I still have a way to go and your capsule is an excellent start. Thanks!

    Reply
  47. Carol says

    January 11, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Perfect timing, as I'm starting to think about what to pack for our weekend in New York City. I don't want much in my bag – need to leave room for the "souvenirs" I intend to purchase in the Garment District. Thank you!

    Reply
  48. Tom and Cheryl says

    January 11, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    No disappointment AND our odds of winning the tote are so much better than the billion dollar powerball….

    Reply
  49. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    This is brilliant . . . . . and I can use this to get a better grip on all of the concepts you develop . . . . . Thank you!

    Reply
  50. nrepin says

    January 11, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    what a wonderful idea.

    Reply
  51. Nancy B. says

    January 11, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    I love this – colors, strategy, simplicity – all of it. I am always stumped as to how to pack properly for overnights. One question, though – will the kitten heels really work with the LL Bean pants? I love your site, Janice. It always makes my day. And by the way, Robertson Davies Deptford Trilogy is one of my all-time favorite books.

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      January 11, 2016 at 4:46 pm

      So long as the legs of the pant fall nicely at the top of the shoe, there's no reason that L.L.Bean pants won't work with kitten heels. You don't have to tell anybody where you got them ;)

      Reply
  52. hostess of the humble bungalow says

    January 11, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I really needed to see this post as we are heading off on a weekend jaunt stateside soon…
    Oh and I would Love to win the bag!

    Reply
  53. Sherry says

    January 11, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Great suggestions, but I don't think I am brave enough to go with only one pair of pants and one change of underwear. If I did that, I would spill dinner on my only pants! I always want another pair of shoes too.

    Reply
  54. SRSly NOLA says

    January 11, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    I liked this post. I am all for not carrying HUGE bags on overnight trips. I would love to win this tote!!!!

    Reply
  55. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    As usual, this post was perfect. A weekend trip can happen anytime so thank you for the advice! Love the combo of turquoise and grey. Again- thank you, Suz

    Reply
  56. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    Ohhhh, your timing is perfect, Janice. I'm heading to Vancouver from Vancouver Island this weekend. I'll be walking on the ferry, so of course I want to keep my luggage manageable. Although I'm going for two nights, I think I can still do it all in a tote bag. I'd love a classy Neiman Marcus bag, though! AND, you've chosen all my colours for this weekend ensemble. Thank you. Joanna

    Reply
  57. Melissa says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    Just discovered this blog and it makes me soooo happy to see someone has taken the guesswork out of packing for me. I'll be relying on you for my next trip. Thanks!

    Reply
  58. Melissa says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    Just discovered this blog and it makes me soooo happy to see someone has taken the guesswork out of packing for me. I'll be relying on you for my next trip. Thanks!

    Reply
  59. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    Wonderful post! We often get away for one or two nights and I love to challenge myself to pack smart!

    Kathleen

    Reply
  60. Kathom says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    Oooooh! Love the bag!

    Reply
  61. Donna Herrmann says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    Your posts are always so inspiring! Here in Texas most of the year it's just too hot for layering anything. Even so your basics are a great starting place for me. Your approach made something click for me and I'm so thankful you do this :)

    Reply
  62. Susan Bybee says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    I love today's post!

    Reply
  63. Unknown says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    Love this post and would love to win! Thanks

    Reply
  64. Ellen says

    January 11, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    I love this capsule and the colors you've used! I can see myself in these clothes.Lovely!

    Reply
  65. Jennifer says

    January 11, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    Nice!

    Reply
  66. librarian2020 says

    January 11, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    My only disappointment is when there's no new post, but then I wander through your archives and marvel anew at your talent. I would have to add a bottom – I am paranoid about accidents, etc. – maybe a soft skirt I could roll/smush into the tote.

    Reply
  67. chian97 says

    January 11, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    What a great post! You always come up with new, useful posts that address questions I haven't even thought of asking.

    Reply
  68. Mary Ann says

    January 11, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    Love the very different looks you have created with minimal clothes. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  69. G says

    January 11, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Love this!
    I often take 24 hr trips and this is very helpful!
    Would love tote.

    Reply
  70. Kay Carter says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Funny how airlines have cajoled me into packing lightly! I took only a large tote on our Chicago weekend trip two months ago and managed to have all I needed fit under the seat in front of me :)

    Reply
  71. Anne says

    January 11, 2016 at 9:21 pm

    I've just had a weekend in London, Friday to Sunday, and visited an exhibition on Friday and on Sunday. Fortunately, although I had my case – carry on but not so small due to things other than clothes in it(!) – I was able to use the cloakroom to deposit case and jacket. A nice tote.

    Reply
  72. bmcghee says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    I love your planned weekend wardrobe. I love quick getaways and this has inspired me to plan one.
    The tote would be a nice addition.

    Reply
  73. Elle says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    I have the opposite problem.. I don't have enough tote bags and the ones I have I have had forever and most certainly aren't fashionable nor do they compliment my outfits. I also love that LL Bean coat in the In transit outfit set.

    Reply
  74. amyb says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    As another recovering over-packer and buyer, your methods make so much sense to me. More to wear with less clothes, who knew it could be done? Thank you for all your hard work and for giving away such a lovely bag.

    Reply
  75. Heather says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:03 pm

    You're right, these super short trips can be the hardest to not overpack for. Great ideas here.

    Reply
  76. Cornelia says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:12 am

    There is always something interesting in each of your posts, and this tote is a lot more attractive than the one I schlepp with me on an overnight trip. ;))

    Reply
  77. Nancy/n.o.e says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:25 am

    You are too funny! I love the minimalist capsule – lots of variety and punch in one compact tote.

    Reply
  78. Miss Mary says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:40 am

    funny post, but I really need a new tote!!

    Reply
  79. Anonymous says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:45 am

    A fabulous post. I need more of these as I never seem to get the 'pack so everything works together' concept quite right!
    Anna

    Reply
  80. Anonymous says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:51 am

    Would love this tote; the wardrobe is very do-able!!! Thank you. Susan in WA

    Reply
  81. Sarah says

    January 11, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    Love everything but the colors, mint an pink, blech.

    Reply
  82. cheryl :) says

    January 12, 2016 at 1:15 am

    I'm an over packer so this is a beautiful lesson for me :)

    Reply
  83. Throckmorzog says

    January 12, 2016 at 1:24 am

    I really don't need another tote – but I did want to let you know how much I like this colour combination and the usefulness of this kind of packing set. Great post!
    Sue G

    Reply
  84. Mary OK says

    January 12, 2016 at 1:37 am

    I love this post. I just went to Boston for 2 days of the ALA midwinter conference, using the smallest of my carry-on bags. I still had room to pack free books from the exhibits! I have learned to pack light and still look pulled together from reading your blog. Many thanks!

    Reply
  85. Chris says

    January 11, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    Beautiful wardrobe!

    Reply
  86. Chabe says

    January 12, 2016 at 2:02 am

    After a couple of years of following you, I have pared down my wardrobe so much, packing is a lot easier! Would love yo see this capsule in black-white-jewel tones ?

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      January 12, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      It's a much larger packing capsule wardrobe, but have you seen one of my favorites from July 21, 2015? It's here: https://www.theviviennefiles.com/2015/07/start-with-art-coast-road-by-fanny.html

      Reply
  87. Jules says

    January 12, 2016 at 2:55 am

    I so enjoy all your ideas and blog! Thank you for all the time and expertise!

    Reply
  88. Lorrie says

    January 12, 2016 at 2:58 am

    The grey and pink is such a pretty look. I'm headed to a 2-night conference in a few weeks and will be using this post as a packing guide. Your posts always hit the spot.

    Reply
  89. Suenu says

    January 12, 2016 at 3:46 am

    I love pink and grey! Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  90. Arts Doc says

    January 12, 2016 at 3:52 am

    I always learn SO much! Your influence has made my travels easier, and my next big trip will be easier still. I am getting the hang of really thinking it through – not just the colors, but the textures and the mix of up or down dress code. I LOVE this idea for my short getaways, which I do quite often. As always, thank you.

    Reply
  91. GeckoHiker says

    January 12, 2016 at 3:56 am

    I just loved this weekend capsule and was not disappointed at all. Like you, I have a lot of tote bags, and as I thought about it I realized it's because none of them are really up to the job. I need a tote that will handle a full change of clothes and an overnight/weekend trip. I was "rained in", or should I say "flooded in" in the city of St. Louis a couple of weeks ago. We were supposed to be there for one day, visiting for the holiday. Being a seasoned traveler and a veteran at being stranded as a military wife, I had the foresight to carry a backpack with a change of clothes and toiletries–which had to last for FOUR days! But a proper tote would have been more lady-like and less like a gap year backpacker. I shall be on the hunt for one.

    Reply
  92. BlondieGirl says

    January 12, 2016 at 4:00 am

    Janice. Love, love, love your posts. You could not disappoint. This is excellent. Slowly, I'm making headway in my wardrobe planning. I know one day, it's all going to come together. Just keep posting. Thanks for all you do.

    Reply
  93. Seattle Sews says

    January 12, 2016 at 5:21 am

    Janice, I liked this post! I tend to pack minimally and it was lovely to see how you brought 2 accent colors into such a small wardrobe. Complete with matching pajamas. I like the sweet pink silk pjs. Susan

    Reply
  94. Stacy says

    January 12, 2016 at 5:48 am

    Absolutely love this! And really, I think it could work for more than a weekend, seriously :-). Love the subtle color ways. Spot on Janice! Oh, and love the NM bag…if I don't get chosen, I'll make breakfast for the hubster every morning for a month so he agrees to letting me buy it…wish me luck on getting up at 5 am for 30 days to do that ;-)

    Reply
  95. Anonymous says

    January 12, 2016 at 6:05 am

    Au contraire, mon amici. A beautiful, soft combination of colours and design. Thank you, once again. Deb.

    Reply
  96. TheGirlCan'tHelpIt! says

    January 12, 2016 at 3:24 am

    Not at all disappointed!

    Reply
  97. Anonymous says

    January 12, 2016 at 10:23 am

    Your blog has helped me so much to hone in on how I can dress as an expression of who I feel like I am. I can do it with less and somehow have more flexibility from fewer,well thought out items. Thank you!

    Reply
  98. Lynne in NC says

    January 12, 2016 at 10:41 am

    This is so timely. I am headed out of town for a family funeral and need just the same amount of clothing for the overnight trip. Although these colors are two soft for my coloring, the principle is the same. As always, thank you for an excellent post. Cheers!

    Reply
  99. Jes Streng says

    January 12, 2016 at 5:58 am

    This post is great, as I'm flying from the west coast to the east coast this fall and am looking to go as minimal as possible. This gives a great foundation for that.

    Reply
  100. Anonymous says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    I am not disappointed. I truly think it is a perfect weekend wardrobe. Fran.

    Reply
  101. Grammy Goodwill says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    Oooh. I love the colors you chose for this. Now I want to go on a weekend trip so I can try to pack similarly. I would love to win the bag. Thank you for your blog. I love looking at all the outfits.

    Reply
  102. Donna says

    January 12, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    Yes, I too love the colors you chose for this. I am thinking ahead to a trip in February to Texas to visit family. Never disappointed in anything you post…all your posts are in a separate folder on my computer (for reference).

    Reply
  103. Lemon Jelliott says

    January 12, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    I love this post. I also like the idea of the reverse situation: city dwellers traveling out to the mountains for a day of hiking, spending the night in a hotel and returning the next day. The evening would include some chic lounging clothes and dinner in a restaurant. What can you come up with?

    Reply
  104. Ivy says

    January 12, 2016 at 9:02 pm

    I'm not disappointed at all. I take plenty of short trips where I need to cull and be sane about how much I'm bringing. This is a super flexible and beautiful wardrobe.

    Reply
  105. Deborah Derden says

    January 12, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    I always feel like I need to take a trip when I see your capsules!

    Reply
  106. Suzi says

    January 12, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    Such a beautiful combination – I especially love the soft colors with the gray! I LOVE gray! This wardrobe would be especially stunning on someone with pale blond or gray/silver hair. That's not me (Yet!) but I'm getting there! The bag, thankfully would be amazing for anyone! I'd put it to use for a conference coming up in a few weeks!

    Reply
  107. Linda Belliotti says

    January 12, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    I love the color scheme you chose-very soft and pretty :)

    Reply
  108. lrlincks says

    January 13, 2016 at 3:29 am

    Great post! Even though I can't wear these colors I can use the ideas!! Thanks Janice!!

    Reply
  109. Candice Turner says

    January 13, 2016 at 1:26 am

    LOVED this combination! Several good selections to fit into my gray/navy/pink/blue wardrobe too!
    Just enough of a wardrobe for a quick "visit-the-kids" (in another city) trip. Your blog continues to be an inspiration…thank you!

    Reply
  110. Sandra James says

    January 13, 2016 at 11:48 am

    Not disappointed by your post at all! It's small but perfectly formed – an ideal mini capsule. I'd leave out the PJs to save on weight ? Your posts are great because the principles are so adaptable. Thank you!

    Reply
  111. LD Siess says

    January 14, 2016 at 2:50 am

    I love the colors, the selections, and the scenario – and I so appreciate the time and devotion you share with us, so stylishly!

    Reply
  112. Anonymous says

    January 14, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    I have become a tote traveler on certain occasions and love seeing your edit and possibilities. I always appreciate seeing what can be done with less and you do it to such perfection. Also, your generous giving talent and what you share is a dream come true. Thank you, Susan

    Reply
  113. TinaLou says

    January 14, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Love all of this .. am ordering the CK pewter pumps right now (fingers crossed that they fit!) Thanks for all you do Janice!

    Reply
  114. Anonymous says

    January 17, 2016 at 4:58 am

    I love the wardrobe but I will always pack extra – a full cup of coffee on a light grey wool skirt & a holiday weekend meant my options were reduced. I'd rather have one item too many than too little. Helen F

    Reply
  115. Amy says

    January 20, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    This is a perfect weekend wardrobe.

    Reply
  116. MamaSquirrel says

    October 17, 2022 at 1:51 pm

    About seven years too late for the contest…but this is still a very useful post! And not too small at all.

    Reply

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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