But Liz, you are criticizing me. Are you going to provide a solution? I'm glad you asked. Of course.
Here's what I think you should take pretty much anywhere you go.
1. 1 pair of jeans. You should have a pair that's day to night appropriate.
2. Another pair of pants if necessary. Example, when heading to a tropical clime, you can bring shorts or a light khaki. Sometimes dress pants are necessary. You just don't need 4 pairs of pants.
3. A top/shirt/blouse for each day of your journey...and one to grow on. I also suggest 1 layering tank top and 1 cardigan type thing.
4. Bras, panties, socks etc...obviously.
5. No more than 2 pairs of shoes. Stop. Don't bring shoes for every outfit. I love shoes more than you do. I promise. I'm here to tell you you don't need them. But Liz, I am so sporty and I must workout while I'm away. Do sneakers count? Yes and no. Would your life be over if you worked out for a week in your Chucks? I guarantee you that it is possible to workout without Sketchers Shape Ups. Giant shoes do not make for a better workout. If you don't believe me, come workout with us at Mark Fisher Fitness. I used to do that entire workout in Chucks. Now I'm a fan of the New Balance Minimus. The 5 finger shoes are still a bit hardcore for me but I applaud those who make that work. And imagine how little space those take up. So 2 pairs of shoes even if you're working out: Chucks and sandals. Chucks and Toms. Chucks and wedges. Chucks and Frye boot. Or heel and sandal. Heel and heel. Whatever two pairs you need. And of course, wear the chunkier shoe on the flight to save space. Oh and flip flops don't count. They can practically fit in your purse.
6. A dress. These days I am a fan of the maxi dress clearly. Use your judgement here but please don't bring a dress that you feel must be on a hanger. Jersey is a great packing material just please for the love of god wear proper undergarments with a jersey dress. You might like awesome from the front but you don't look awesome from the back and you look even less awesome when you are walking. Just be vigilant.
That's the skeleton of any packing job. Of course things are made difficult by winter weather or an excessively long stay somewhere or the need to bring ones dog and/or instrument or 2. But just try this method and see if it works.
Liz, why are you thinking about this today? Glad you asked. 2 things. I am indeed at the airport right now. Sadly, the new fancy Delta terminal isn't laid out well for picture taking and I havent been able to capture any offenders. 2. I finally left my job of almost 8 yeas yesterday and one of the Doctors I've worked for presented me with this nearly perfect traveling bag below.
Let's talk about this new obsession of mine. It is so NYC ready. I love the material they use to make LeSportsacs. You can just wipe subway grime off with a damp cloth. It's waterproof for the occasional monsoon. I always have a soaking wet bag in the rain. My bags are so big that they can't fit under my umbrella and I'm not going to be that asshole who carries around a golf umbrella in the city and hits people like me in the face with the spiky edges just so my bag doesn't get wet. I am well aware that my body would be much happier if I carried a backpack or a wheely suitcase on a day to day basis. I don't think I'm going to be able to do that. Something just feels wrong about it. But this adorable bag might encourage me to be a little kinder to my shoulders and back. There are backpack straps and a wheely handle thing. It has umbrella and water bottle pockets and a deep pocket in the front. I have room leftover when packing for this 4 day weekend. But then again, I'm going to Florida and bikinis don't take up much room.
So this bag could possibly be the solution to all bag dilemmas, plus, you can't overpack if you use it. The good choices start with the bag. Don't tempt yourself with a gigantic impractical bag.
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