TRAVEL LIGHT DURING THE WINTER

December 11, 2012



After "Travel Light - Two Weeks In A Carry-On," the number one question I received was "this looks great for summer, but how do I do this for winter?"

It can be done, I promise!

I'll briefly touch on some of the original tips here, but if you've been here a while, you can skip through below to see the outfits.

The bulk of the work in traveling light is planning. Preparation is everything. You must spend a couple of hours thinking through this, and not wait until the night before. I can't stress this enough. Take your time. Think it out. You'll also breathe easier not running around the night before haphazardly packing. This leads to forgotten items and overpacking.

Ready? Click through the jump to see the tips + outfits to take.

How to Pack Two Weeks In A Carry-On Suitcase









WHAT'S IN MY SUITCASE

Charter Club Grey Cashmere V-Neck Sweater  |  Charter Club Black Cashmere V-Neck Sweater  | VS Feather Grey Heather Tunic Sweater  |  Bar III Black & White Drape Cardigan (Similar)  |  Bar III Oatmeal Cardigan  |  Alfani Burgundy Blazer (Similar) |  Madewell Chambray Button-Down  |  VS Hunter Green T-Shirt  |  J.Crew Grey & White Striped Tee (Similar)  |  Black Leather Pencil Skirt  |  Merona Grey Stripe Dress (Similar)  |  Mossimo Burgundy Pencil Skirt  |  Style & Co Black Skinny Jeans  |  Kenneth Cole Reaction Black Ankle Boots (NO LONGER AVAILABLE - SIMILAR)  |  Kenneth Cole Reaction Taupe Ankle Boots  (NO LONGER AVAILABLE - SIMILAR|  RH Brown Leather Riding Boots (Similar) |  Mossimo Infinity Scarf  |  Fossil Watch  |  Merona Brown Skinny Belt  |  Dorothy Perkins Black Skinny Belt (Similar)  |  Banana Republic Necklace (Similar)  |  Gap Parka (Similar)

Bags: Samsonite Suitcase  |  Nest Shoulder Bag  |  J.Crew Crossbody Purse  |  Eagle Creek Black Packing Cube 


TIPS FOR TRAVELING LIGHT

Know Your Destination + Activities

What will you be doing on your trip? Exploring a city? Spending time with family? Heading to the office? Maybe you have a holiday party to go to. For this particular trip, I am going to the office for a week, and spending time with my family for a week, with some dressier holiday functions in between.

Choose Dual Purpose Items + Learn To Love Layers

Try to make sure each item you take can be worn with more than one outfit. This is the only way you can pack for 14 days. Each item should have at least two uses, if not three or four.

The easiest way to stay warm when traveling during colder seasons is to layer. Three thinner layers are always warmer than one bulky layer. I can promise you this, from experience walking around 30 degree weather in New York City in the snow. For trips this time of year, I love cashmere sweaters layered with chambray button-downs and for really cold trips, a long sleeve tee underneath that's whisper thin and traps in your body heat.



Try to wear the bulky items on the plane as long as you can remain comfortable doing so. In the fall and winter, this means wearing your jacket onto the plane. You can stuff it in the overhead or under your seat once you're on the plane. Or if you're like me, it can double as a blanket when you inevitably get cold mid-flight.

Spend Time Selecting Your Outfits + Snap Some Photos

Include your shoes & jewelry. Pick a few accessories that work with everything. For me, this includes my watch, two statement necklaces, and a pair of studs. Pick one or two belts that make an impact to jazz up a plain dress or to wear at your waist over a cardigan.

Take at least one nice dress. You can wear it out for a nice dinner or with flats for a casual look.

Choose your shoes judiciously. You don't need a pair for every day. I generally wear riding boots on the plane and pack a pair of ballet flats and ankle boots. And if it's really cold where you're going, I'll show you how to fit the wellies in, too.

Once you've selected your items, lay them all out. I like to take photos of each outfit with my phone. That way, when I'm traveling I can reference the photos. This also serves as a way for me to check that I have enough items and looks without making a list.




Use A Hard Sided Suitcase + Push The Limit Of Your "Personal" Item

I realize it seems counter-intuitive to use a suitcase that limits the amount you can carry, but trust me on this one. A hard sided suitcase helps compress the items and keep them from wrinkling. I chose a lightweight, spinner wheel model to zip through the airport and make it easy to lift above my head into the bin. Even when it's packed solid, I can maneuver this suitcase with ease. To keep it organized on the inside I use this large packing cube for clothesThis turns a cavernous space into neatly organized compartments for all my essentials.

In addition to the carry-on, utilize space in your personal item. Think outside the box when you're selecting a bag to find options that are stylish but spacious. Mine is actually a designer diaper bag (stay with me) by Nest made from genuine leather with classic gold hardware. It has tons of pockets to keep things organized, it's built to withstand a lot of wear and tear, and since it's big enough for my MacBook Pro, I use it as a work bag after I arrive at my destination.




This bag is large enough to hold an extra pair of shoes, my scarf, a crossbody purse, my curling iron, hair brush, noise canceling headphones, MacBook Pro, glasses, snacks, iPad, and medicine. Make sure to toss your toiletries in containers 3 ounces or less (I love these for beauty products and these for shampoo & conditioner) and place them in a clear plastic bag to remove at security.




Learn To Fold Like A Pro and Maximize All Spaces

I cannot emphasize the importance of learning how to fold clothes properly. For me, this is a skill I honed while working at Gap during high school. For the rest of you, I suggest tutorials by Martha (who else?) How to fold a tee, a button down, and jeans or pants. Keeping your stacks of uniform size and shape prevents wrinkles and takes up less space in your suitcase.

Stuff every empty space in your suitcase to take advantage of nooks and crannies that might otherwise sit empty. I stuff everything - tights, belts, necklaces, even pajamas - in boots.

Do you think you can pack for two weeks in a carry-on? Where are you heading this winter?

I'm always happy to answer any questions in the comments!

106 Comments:

  1. This post is ammazing! Got an internship for 2 weeks in a cold area, and these tips are a life saver. Just wondering though, how many pairs of pajamas would you recommend taking?

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  2. For a travel size hairdryer with diffuser, I can recommend this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AFGLI4/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00. Not the most outstanding hairdryer in the world, but works perfectly well and comes with a smaller diffuser. I too struggle with packing a diffuser in a carryon, but the littler one definitely helps, as does the folding hairdryer.

    On a more general note re: makeup, I fly often and always pack my makeup in a small bag in my carryon suitcase, including 2 liquid concealers. It's never been a problem/had to be screened separately. I find being efficient at security and looking like a regular traveler definitely does help!

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  3. When you buy something new, especially if it is sentimental and/ or expensive, keep it in the carry on and ship home your dirty laundry (especially easier to replace things like undies and pajamas) in the priority mail box. Also, you can usually wear a cross body bag if it is a slim fitting one on to the plane without anyone noticing (especially if worn under your coat for winter trips or even under a light cardigan for summer plane travel) which will permit more room for travel purchases in the personal item bag. If you get caught, just smile and shove the cross body bag in the top and don't zip or fasten the bag shut as you walk on the plane.

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  4. If it were me, I'd turn dirty clothes inside-out, fold them and place them aside, and then when you're ready to pack up to go home, put them back in the packing cube. This keeps the space down, since you're re-folding and packing the same way, but keeping clothes inside out distinguishes between clean and dirty.

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  5. I take gallon ziplocks and put my dirty clothes in there!

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  6. I actually packed for a 2 week trip to Europe last year- all in my carry on! I laid out all of my shirts flat on top of each other (longest sleeves and bulkiest on the bottom) and rolled them to avoid wrinkling. Worked great! I did the same thing with my pants and jeans. And the giant "personal" bag is a must.

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  7. Awesome idea, will definitely be using this when travel to Europe this year. What are the nude flats you have?? They are super cute. Would love to know. Again thank you for this post.

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  8. This is a great resource for travel, but I just came upon your site today and would LOVE to see more groupings like this! What I mean is, a small list of mostly basic pieces any girl is likely to have, then how to mix and match. I can put together and buy an outfit and I can figure out substitutes I already have that fit the items you posted, but otherwise I'm not terribly fashion savvy and have difficulty imagining other combinations. Do you have some others posted that I'm not finding? I have already looked at the first "two weeks" post but I'm especially fond of the format you used HERE- sort of story-board-ish, panel by panel. I work in a government (read: don't make a lot of money), dressy business-formal. It's just barely "below" 3-piece suits daily at my office. Could you do more and/or point me in the direction of other posts that show this style of mix-and match? Thank you! -LJ

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  9. I used to be an atrocious over-packer I wish I'd learnt how to pack light when we lived in PNG and were flying back and forth from Australia! We had a winter holiday to Melbourne not long after we moved home (we live in tropical Queensland), and I realised that we didn't even use half of what we lugged everywhere When my eldest was 2 1/2, he and I flew down to Brisbane for a long weekend and all we took for both of us was a carry-on and a mid-size backpack, and the backpack was only because we each needed a sweater at that time of year! That was such an awesome feeling We went to New Zealand for two weeks in the winter two years ago with half of what we took to Melbourne, and I still felt it was twice what we needed: I want to do a similar trip again just so I can prove I don't need as much! Knowing what I know now, I could go do the trip with only a carry-on
    We don't fly much now, because I have three children under six, and it has become too complicated We drove down to Brisbane to visit family for Christmas, have a beach holiday, and attend a wedding, and everything fit in the boot of our sedan with room to spare

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  10. Oh, and I meant to add that packing cubes are brilliant for travelling with little kids On our last trip, I packed the baby's clothes in one, the toddler's clothes in another, and our wedding outfits in another On our way home, we had to make an overnight stop I put our change of clothes for the next day in one, and our pyjamas in another, then the next morning we just put our dirty clothes in the one that the clean clothes came out of (The kids clothes just went into my suitcase for the trip home

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  11. I'm pretty confident I could do this. I took a backpack to Spain for 5 days and was fine (just the backpack, no personal item besides my tiny purse)... though I wish I would have packed an extra pair of pants. With a bigger personal item or a hard-sided case like this, it would have been a BREEZE for 5 days, and 2 weeks is totally within the realm of possibility. Love these tips!

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  12. Awesome! I second your emphasis on planning. I spend a long, meditative period while packing for a trip by spreading out my clothes and arranging them into different ensembles. (My husband thinks I'm a nut.) With each arrangement, I make sure the shoes work, and also that I have the right undies and bra. (1 black, 1 nude + lots of no-line-producing panties.)


    Also, it must be said that making this bento-box-like organization of clothes only works if you have a neutral pallet and add a few colorful things here and there. This winter, mine looks like yours: blues, greys, black. I add the odd splash of yellow or white. Makes getting dressed every day so easy.

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  13. Hi! I'm Italian and here in Europe we have some airlines that only let you get onboard with ONE piece of luggage. Even the smallest purse must be inside the carry-on luggage. Aside from stuffing your parka pockets with various items (done!) what do you suggest to do? No personal item allowed... I travel quite light and prefer to wash every 3-4 days. Also the size of the carry-on trolley on Ryan Air is very small (like, 20 cm deep!!!) so no way to fit all that you put in your luggage in it.

    My husband is a hobby photographer and his photo equipment is usually quite big (big camera, 3-4 lenses of which 2 are biggish, flash, tripod...) and he uses 80% of carry on space for it. Two years ago we went to London for 4 days and I used MY carry-on to pack my luggage AND most of his too. No personal item allowed. That was the most we could manage...

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  14. So glad you found that tip helpful, Tanya! No more wasted space in your suitcase!

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  15. Half the result is planning, half is the packing cube. I can't believe how much they help compress clothes!

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  16. Exactly what I do, Kristy! You have to refold them the way you put them in, otherwise they take up too much space on the way back.

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  17. I don't sweat when I sleep and I also shower before bed, so I only take one. Maybe I'm gross, but it's always worked out for me :)

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  18. That's a great idea, with rolling! I do that when I'm not packing for quite as long of a trip.

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  19. Hey Johanna, the nude flats are by Me Too. They are the most comfy ballet flats I own! Here's the link: http://ow.ly/gI1Oy

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  20. Hi Patriette! I am working on more posts like this involving "remixing" what you've already got. Stick around, you'll see them soon! I'll definitely use the storyboard format as I've gotten good feedback about it.


    For now, here's a different post on mixing & matching that's sort of along the lines of what you're asking for, Part 1: http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.com/2012/09/conquer-your-closet-series-complete_26.html and Part 2: http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.com/2012/09/conquer-your-closet-complete-puzzle.html

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  21. The cubes are really my favorite thing, ever. They compress + organize, plus I think they limit what I bring in a "I can only bring what I fit in this one cube" sort of way.

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  22. Thanks Caitlin! The bigger personal item is really the key, for me.

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  23. Thanks Susie! Having a well defined style and wardrobe makes planning that much easier. I'm talking more about that here today! http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.com/2013/01/not-boring.html

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  24. Hi Sab - I understand international airlines have much different rules and regulations, so this should mostly be used as a guide for domestic travel here in the states. Adding in photography equipment does put a hitch in things...not really sure I have much advice there.

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  25. That's a brilliant idea! Never even thought about just paying for shipping, much cheaper! Thanks for the hints & tips :)

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  26. This is great! My favorite tip I picked up, that took some adustment, was learning to leave my curling iron and/or flat iron at home - I learned a bunch of cute braids, and I bring a good brush and hope for the hotel will have a decent blow-dryer! It works for me, and since I travel to Europe, it is one less electronic converter/adaptor to worry about :)

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  27. it was amazing Lauren! Again, I thank you and will continue to follow your journey, especially since you saved me 50 euro and a migraine

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  28. This post is ammazing! Thank you,thank you,thank you!

    What do you wear on the plane? I mean what did you wear in the airport and on the plane?

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  29. This post is amazing! Thank you!!!

    May I ask what did you wear in the airport and on the plane?

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  30. Hi Lauren! Thanks so much for the AWESOME post! We are doing a Mediterranean cruise in a few months and while I don't think I can do two weeks with formal eveningwear and heels in a carry-on, I am excited about trying for a carry-on personal item and a medium suitcase! Do you have any suggestions for big bags like your Nest bag that fell into the "almost everything I've ever wanted" category that aren't quite as pricey? It's beautiful and I think I would use it forever, but I'm having a hard time justifying it when we're already paying for such a huge trip! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

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  31. Here is how I did it - 11 days in Autumn))) http://cats-n-nails.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/tasmania-lite.html

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  32. Lauren- I wanted to say thank you so much for this blog. I got the ankle boots by Kenneth Cole in beige and loved them so much I searched high and low to find them in black. So comfy and not too much heel! Love! Now my favorite go to shoes for packing.

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  33. I'm a bit late to post on this, but I thought your post on winter travel was brilliant. I'd like to add one tip that has always helped me during winter travel: pack a fold-up totebag for your coat if you need to put it in the overhead compartment. I use one from EnviroSax, it rolls up into a fist-sized bundle and can easily be kept in your coat pocket before use. I can't tell you how many times it's saved my down coat from getting shredded by luggage wheels or doused with something wet while sitting in the overhead bin. Also, airports in the winter (at least in the US) can feel like furnaces and walking around in a winter coat while waiting for a layover to end is torture. I'll pack my coat up and hang it off of my carry on bag while getting a bite to eat.

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  34. That is a GENIUS tip, Christine! I love that, thanks for sharing such a great idea!

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  35. Yay! I'm so glad you love those. I wear mine all the time. Thinking of buying a "backup" pair to have on hand when they inevitably fall apart!

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  36. Hey Elissa - I don't have another bag that I've used that didn't either (1) fall apart after a couple of trips or (2) get the disapproval from the airline and was forced to be checked. You might look for something with similar dimensions in a heavy duty nylon? I understand it's hard to justify something of that expense, but I bought three that fell apart that totaled the value of this one I've had for over a year now (with heavy travel use!)

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  37. Oh! It just occurred to me. Don't know what your budget is but I know Lipault is very reliable. This seems to be a similar size, and it's about half the price: http://rstyle.me/~cYnS

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  38. Hey Grace - did you catch the image where I showed that? I wore my skinny jeans, my oxford shirt, the drapey cardigan, riding boots, and then I wore my coat on the plane but took it off and stuffed it in the overhead bin.

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  39. I'm not traveling anywhere anytime soon but I honestly want to try to do this to see how I would pair my clothes in different outfits and prepare for such an occasion :P


    #Challengeaccepted ;)

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  40. You're amazing! This will be so helpful just in general as I am planning an almost eight month trip and just need to know I can bring everything I need in tight luggage regulations. The carry-on and personal items are allowed so there is more room for other things in my checked bag! Now I just wish you could go in my closet and put cute outfits together when the time comes for the trip! haha!

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  41. That's the hardest part, planning the outfits! But you can do it, and just remember to take pictures (I do on my cell phone) so that you have outfit photos to reference. Have an amazing trip!

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  42. Thank you Lauren! I'm planning a 17 day trip to Europe in April and your blog is so helpful! I also love your outfits! I'm definitely buying a pair of those beige wedges for myself =)

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  43. How did the wedges work out? I seriously wear them every other day here! They're so comfy.

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  44. What about toiletries? Face wash/shampoo/body creams/lotions etc.

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  45. I pack my clothes in gallon zip locks so as I get soiled items I repack them in ziplocks...my Mom (a great packer) carries her own pillow case and when repacking puts the soiled items into the pillow case.

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  46. I am a total 'products' girl, and did some searching on this last year, and found this site: http://ladylighttravel.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/travel-makeup-for-carry-on/ There is another post somewhere on the site about decanting everything into smaller containers. I LOVED the suggestion about contact lens cases, and used those for foundation, primer, and other things that you only use a tiny bit of, but comes in a big bottle, and I got a week's worth of lotion, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, etc. into ONE one-quart bag. I still haven't figured out hairspray, since my fave Paul Mitchell doesn't seem to be readily available in travel sizes.

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  47. This article is GENIUS! I love it! And I'm forwarding it to my boyfriend, as we travel frequently.

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  48. I just stumbled upon this from Pinterest and wanted to say I really love your tips! It's never bothered me to pay the baggage fee, however I despise going to baggage claim. Not to mention the risk of the airlines losing your bag. Gate change? There is a 90% chance your bag did not change gates along with you. I'm planning to do a 4 week trip next Spring for my honeymoon (2 weeks in Europe, 2 weeks in Thailand. I'll have laundry access in Thailand because I'm staying with family.) Since we'll be hopping on trains and ferries often, we've elected to use a large backpacking bag for our main "luggage" in lieu of a rolling suitcase (and a daypack for our carry-on). I keep hearing rolling suitcases are fine if you're not frequently changing hotels, but if you're on the go a lot, the backpack would be better for transportation and climbing stairs in your elevator-less hotel. I might chicken out and end up bringing my suitcase, lol. We'll see! I plan on getting the packing cubes that you mention, and I'm going to scout out Target for those pencil skirts :) Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together!

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  49. Hi Lori - I've covered that above, but I decant my favorite beauty potions into these Bobbi Brown Containers - http://rstyle.me/~7FRb and my shampoo & conditioner into these Nalgene bottles - http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000243&N=&Ns=p_sort_default%7C0&Ntt=nalgene That way you don't have to worry about buying travel sizes. Just pour out of your favorite bottle!

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  50. Thanks Mary Beth! Love that you are travelers together...maybe you can sneak a few things into his suitcase, too!

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  51. Thanks Amy! For me it was the baggage claim thing, too. And the lost bag. It only takes one lost bag to totally avoid checking in the future...such a nightmare! I think you're right about the backpack - I haven't backpacked myself, but I do hear that if you're doing that, the backpack is a necessity. Sounds like an amazing trip!

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  52. Love to see a 7-10 days for a cruise and for a 10 day trip to Paris and one 10 day trip to the Caribbean .......thanks

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  53. Hi Babette - this should have you covered for a cruise: http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.com/2012/07/tip-series-traveling.html

    Never been to Paris, so not sure I can be of help, there!

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  54. Hello, I just loved the idea.
    I found this post because I'm going to a course during 6weeks abroad and I don't know how to pick my clothes.
    Besides, its formal code during the week which makes the task even more bored.
    Can you help me please?
    I would love to see a post like these with tips and combinations for 6 weeks in formal and informal clothing...
    Kiss*

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  55. Hi, Lauren. In a sort of continuation of this thread: what about an alternative to the nest bag when it's sold out?! I've been watching eBags for weeks and searching for similar items to no avail. Any suggestions? We leave for two weeks in Paris in 12 days.

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  56. Hi Bonnie! I checked out the Lipault that I recommended above and it is a great option, though it's a bit smaller. Here's the link! http://rstyle.me/~cYnS

    I also haven't personally tried the bag, but I think that the Lo & Sons bag would also work - and I love how sleek the black with gold hardware option is: http://www.loandsons.com/the-omg

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  57. Thanks! I just now saw your reply unfortunately, because i do like the look of the Lo & Sons bag. However, I just purchased this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GX3GD0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and I'm hoping it will work. It's pretty big...

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  58. OMG...Lauren you have no idea how happy I was to get this link from a friend! I am traveling to England in two days for a week and I am freaking out about packing. I wanted to make it a very carefree trip and my packing was getting the best of me. Like anxiety and panic attacks getting to me. But after reading this I am going home tonight and repacking. You are genius for this and I really thank you! I could be over reacting but oh well! lol Thanks so much again and you now have a new reader!

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  59. Dominique - I'm so glad you stumbled across this post, then! Happy to hear this will help you - have an excellent trip! Would love to hear back about what you took and what worked for you!

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  60. So we are doing a week in Quebec City/Montreal in April and all four of us are driving in the car so I love this idea of packing light. But because of all of the walking, do you have an alternate shoe recommendation instead of the wedges? I am okay with one casual and one dressy that I can work for day and night. Thanks for making this!

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  61. Hi Jilliane! I live in San Francisco and I wear those wedges to walk everywhere. They have a sneaker like insole and a rubber bottom. They're comfy, seriously!

    But if you're looking for something flat, maybe try these in black for your dressier pair: http://bit.ly/WfuOwZ (boots) or http://bit.ly/WpOtZQ (pointed leather flat)

    For the casual pair, I would just stick to either a taupe pair of what's above, the riding boots that you've worn, or the ballet flats you've packed.
    http://

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  62. Love them!! I wore them all day in SF and my feet weren't tired

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  63. I save all of our worn out socks, underwear, t-shirts during the year. They can always be worn one more time. Then I throw them away in far away destinations. I always have room in my suitcase for purchases without going over my weight allowance. We laugh and say that we have left underwear all over the world. LOL.

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  64. It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks for sharing on Cruise Tips this with others.

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  65. Love the idea of taking old undies and abandoning them.
    So many times I've been on holiday and brought many things home unworn. Love the suitcase and as I've been hunting for one I think I might buy it. As to laundry, a bar of ordinary soap works wonders.

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  66. This is so great! Just wondering if you ever have any trouble with weight limits for your carry on? Have you ever had to weigh it before flying? Do you think it would be over the weight limit that the airline gives you?

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  67. This is a great post.
    I travel with 2 different color cubes or packing envelopes. To start pack all clean clothes in one and other is empty. As I travel i put all dirty clothes in the once empty one. Never a space problem..Empty/dirty fills as full clean empties. Also, if you do laundry along the way, you have an easy pick up laundry bag!
    Will you be posting an article very soon on packing light for Spring..or summer?
    Please do soon!!!

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  68. is this carry on bag still your pick?? it's kind of expensive. is it still in good shape? how long have you had it? how many trips? LOL very intrigued by how you make this work! have a little trip coming up.... a weekend.... wonder if i can pack in a carry on!!! serious!

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  69. Formal/business skirts/trousers, shirts/blouses, dresses etc.,chocolate brown or barely black tights, warm coat/jacket and formal Black shoes only.

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  70. You have some useful tips, but I hope you brought tights or leggings to wear with all those skirts and boots, otherwise that's not very wintery in my mind.

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  71. I did - they're shown in the photos with the skirts, and they're stuffed in the black shoes in the last photo.

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  72. Hi Linda! Yes, the bag is still my pick! I've had mine for at least two years now, almost two and a half. It is still in excellent shape, save for a bit of normal scratches from wear and tear. I travel with it at least 15-20 times per year.

    You can DEFINITELY pack in a carry-on for a weekend!

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  73. Hey Gail! That's a great idea regarding the different color cubes. Pretty genius!

    I did a post regarding spring/summer last July. The winter was a follow up to that original post. Here it is: http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.com/2012/07/tip-series-traveling.html

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  74. Hey Sarah - someone asked me about that in the summer post. Domestically, I've never had my carry on weighed, ever. Especially since it's an international carry-on size (19") it is well under the 22" that the airline allows. Looks smaller = doesn't look suspicious in weight. But I've heard this can be a problem traveling internationally.

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  75. I often use the hotel bar soap for laundering things like pajamas, workout gear, or swimsuits. It works perfect!

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  76. Having read this I bought one of the packing cubes, it was a test as we were going away in the car. I laid out 2 pairs trousers, 7 tops, 1 linen cardi, 7 pairs of socks, 7 pairs knickers, 4 bras, 1 'cardi' fleece and 2 scarves. It all went in like a dream - and didn't come out creased up!
    My big problem is my pillow because I have arthritis in my neck - but I'm working on this! You are brilliant missy, I shall buy the rest of your advised items as I am off on the Eurostar to Lille in June and want to travel light.

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  77. I forgot my sleepwear! That went in as well.

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  78. Hands down, this is still one of the most useful blog posts I've ever read. I'm taking a trip home to San Diego in a few weeks. Even though I'll be packing for warm whether, this post is still amazing to work off of.

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  79. I stumbled upon your blog post through pinterest and find it very useful! I'm actually studying abroad in London from the end of August until mid December then travelling in Italy for about 10 days in Italy in December, and had NO idea how to pack for my semester abroad. This really gives me an idea of how to pack for my semester abroad. Thank you so much!

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  80. I am leaving in 2 weeks cor an Alaska Cruisetour. This article is super helpful, but how woipd you adjust for more jeans for daytime touring and evening dining?

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  81. This company specialise in easy care clothing for travel. http://www.rohan.co.uk/ I have jeans that dry more quickly than ordinary jeans. The fabric is thinner and needs no ironing. My husband has a shirt from them which is amazing - and they sell insect proof clothes!
    I used the cube, it took a lot of clothes and took up very little space - two should still only need a small case.

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  82. Hi Terri - maybe I'm gross, but for two weeks I usually only take 2 pairs. If they get dirty I just wash them in the sink with plain bar soap and hang them in the shower to dry.

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  83. I'm going for three months to UK... March, April, May. I will start in UK and it will be cold, and then gradually transition to warm and perhaps more adventures (Italy, hello?!)... do you have any suggestions on how to bridge the two together? Do you think I could still just take a carry-on?

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  84. Hey Sarah - depends on what you take. The sundress can be worn alone, the chambray shirt is light, so is the tshirt. If you take thinner items that layer well, you can mix and match them for the warmer weather!

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  85. I don't really sweat or get my clothes dirty each day, so I can get away with it. It doesn't gross me out....perhaps because I live somewhere where it costs me and I have to drag my laundry to a laundromat. If I only wore each thing once, I would spend hundreds per year doing that.

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  86. I always take too much, no matter how much planning I do. You ideas are great! And...I'm finally convinced I need riding boots.

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  87. Could you show us how tos for the other three seasons please?

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  88. Lauren - I love your ideas as I try to travel without checking bags. Do you have a suggestion for carrying hair mousse? My favorite brand doesn't come in a travel size. I did have a travel size mousse from Aveda that could be refilled but the pump gave out pretty fast. I would like a travel container I can put my favorite mousse into....any ideas?

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  89. Yikes, Jill. Unfortunately I don't know of any container that you can put your favorite in to. It has to be used the second it comes out of the container to be any good. Sorry I can't be of more help!

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  90. Hi Celia - Summer is here: http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.com/2012/07/tip-series-traveling.html


    I would pack pretty similar for fall as I do for winter, just minus a few layers like the parka and rain boots.

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  91. Riding boots are a splurge when you buy them, but they are SO versatile. I wear mine all the time!

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  92. Does this person plan on doing laundry while away? Great, in theory but I notice that the same pants are in 6 different pics. I don't know about you but wearing the same pants 6 times in 2 weeks without washing would be really disgusting and pretty stretched out after 2-3 wears. Not to mention- where are you going for 2 weeks? The suitcase looks pretty full, so I have a feeling purchasing anything in the 2 weeks and bringing it home would be out of the question.

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  93. Have you tried a mini foaming container? I have a small bottle of antibacterial gel from Bath and Body Works. When you press the pump, the liquid inside comes put foamy. Try putting your mousse into something that. It may turn to liquid after you fill it but I'm guessing the mechanism inside the pump will turn it foamy again? I've never tried it so I don't know if it will work, but just a thought.

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  94. Hello - "this person" would be me. This is my actual suitcase, my actual clothes, and my actual outfits that I took on my two week trip. I am not a sweaty and dirty person - nor "disgusting." Therefore, my pants are perfectly wearable for six times between washings. Something I regularly do, as a resident of a city where washing every single item of clothing after one wear is not a luxury I have - unless I want to spend every night at the laundromat. As for the stretch, I buy items that either have a ton of stretch so that stretching out a little is not an issue, or I buy items that don't have much stretch at all, so that it doesn't happen in the first place. In fact - most denim companies will tell you to not wash your denim at all, to extend the life of it, but to bathe it in cold water and hang to dry.

    And you're right. My suitcase is full. I don't tend to purchase clothing on my trips unless I see something I can't live without. I've found that most clothing I purchase while on vacation ends up being impulse buys, and I thoughtfully plan out my purchases each season to avoid the need for those. Should I find something larger that I want to bring home, I ship it. Which is always cheaper than checking a bag two ways.

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  95. Hello, I'm traveling to Italy for the first time. I will be there 10 days with lot's of walking, shopping and eating. I'll be there in November so it's the Fall season and I've heard somewhat rainy. I'd like to do what you did and use only one pair or perhaps two pairs of pants with interchangeable tops. I'm hoping for a suitcase and a carry on bag/purse. Any suggestions?

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  96. Do you roll your pants and jeans for less wrinkles and smaller space? How do you carry 2 weeks of shampoo?

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  97. Thanks you SO much for this! I had pieces just like yours and am copying most of your outfits! This was so helpful!

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