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Packing? Done and done!

I am proud to announce that I have officially finished packing!

I found my mojo yesterday courtesy of Jack Johnson & some google images of Italy.

I have to share with you though, I think I have mastered the art of packing...no really, it's true!

So here's my breakdown;

I'll be gone for 10 days—that calls for 10 outfits and then some extra, right?

wrong.

That calls for editing. 

The #1 easiest way to overpack is with excess clothes—sweaters, shorts, beach cover ups, shoes, and that dress you never wore but hey! I'll pack it cause it's vacation, a chance to try new things and I'll actually finally get to wear it!

I'm telling you...you're still not going to wear it.

Suggerimento numero uno (how cultural of me)—Edit, edit, edit!! 

If you pack 10 outfits for 10 days, reach back into that suitcase and take out a pair of shorts, a dress, and a pair of shoes—cause lets be honest—you're going to reach that point where you just want to not even think thoughts just unwind.

 We get lax, we're going to reach for our favorite pair of shorts, and our most comfortable shoes.

Speaking of shoes, that brings suggerimento numero due—think coherently & mindfully of color.

 I'll pick on my mom for this one because she is the perfect example of someone who packs a wool scarf when we go to the caribbean. (although I'll her a high five under the table for that one the scarf actually did came in handy one odd, chilly night).

When packing think where you are going and logically ask yourself, "will I really wear/use this hat? This heavy sweater? This gauzy dress? These stiff, never broken in Jack Rogers?!"

 Mom strikes again with the brand new Jacks—however they are a perfect pack for our little getaway—we just need to break them in before we go since I don't think the streets of Venice is the best place to start. 

That being said, be mindful of colors and accessories when packing.

If you're aspiring to be that minimalist packer who can mix and match tops, bottoms and shoes—pick a color scheme!

It makes this task 10x easier and more expandable with outfit options.

For this trip I picked a chiffon-y/Mediterranean vibe with a color scheme of blues, white/gray and a pop of orange with gold.

With this, I was able to pick pieces that will all coordinate, only pack 3 pairs of shoes, and minimal jewelry.

SO there we have it. My two top tips/advice for when you are packing for a trip.

& what it all boils down to is what you feel most comfortable in—you're traveling for yourself, to see other cultures, embrace new things, and just unwind—don't let the stress of what to wear and pack stir you up—get out there and have some fun.

-Alex