Jennifer Connolly
It’s an easy mistake to make. I made it for years.
It took one too many a few lost and delayed bags to convince me that flying with carry on, was the quickest, least painful way to travel.Taking a wardrobe of predominantly black clothes has been helpful, but using a Travel Wardrobe Chart also takes the guesswork out of it.
Sometimes, like this time, it didn’t matter how many clothes I brought, I ended up undressed.
On my trip to Vancouver last month I packed:
Black skirt
Black tights & black fishnets
Black riding boots
Black pointe knit dress
Black cardigan
2 black V-neck sweaters
Black fedora
Pale gray & pale taupe cashmere V-neck sweaters
2 pair black flats & low heeled black dress shoes
Black jeans-2 black, J Crew knit tops
Gray workout wear…always hopeful I will be motivated to work out
Black workout shoes
Teal velvet scarf and gloves & Teal Pashmina
Black patterned Hermes scarf
3 pair black socks
I started to fill out this packing worksheet but decided it wasn’t necessary… bad decision.
This was one of the tools I used with my clients, to organize their wardrobe for travel, simplify packing and remind them what to wear with what. There’s a link at the bottom of this post to print a blank copy.
My little mishap happened the morning I was introduced to my husband’s new boss.
We were staying at the Pan Pacific for his business conference. I’d tagged along to visit my daughter and generally relax.
My husband rang the room, told me he was waiting in the lobby with his boss and I should hurry down to meet him. Dressed for a day of shopping with my daughter, I raced out of our room and hopped in the elevator.
I knew I’d have to go back for my umbrella, coat and handbag after this quick diversion, so I just brought my key.
I looked down.Hmm…when had I bought a black skirt with a lace edge? That would be…n e v e r.
I doubt his boss even noticed my lack of skirt, but I was distinctly uncomfortable.
My handbag is always packed upright, inside the top of the handheld satchel. That gives me easy access to the contents, and can be considered my “handbag”, if stopped by a snarky flight attendant.
I always wear my hat and largest footwear to travel in. Other hats, get packet upside down in my suitcase, surrounded and filled with soft clothing and scarves.
I’ll show you how I physically organize and pack my bag next week, as I prepare for my holiday to Mexico.
MY NOW VINTAGE, HARTMANN LUGGAGE
Using these wardrobe sheets will allow you to pack less, with more efficiency. Seeing your outfits grouped on paper also gives you a visual aid for easily pairing your separates in creative new ways.
Ever have your bags not arrive with your flight and immediately need to board a two-week cruise It’s torture so fun to spy your bags, jammed into the back of a speeding car, trying to catch up with you in every European port…just as your cruise ship is departing for the next port of call.
