Of all travel the recommendations, this is by far my number one. Traveling light doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise on what you pack, it just means you have to pack “smarter”. I have been traveling to other countries since 2016 with just a carry-on for all of my belongings, and keep in mind – that was as a fashion blogger! If I can make it work, I swear anyone can. If you are looking to travel with less baggage, insure your belongings make it to your destination, spend less time waiting at the airport, and want to save on luggage fees keep reading.
save that space
First thing you are going to want to do is pop over to Amazon and order space saver bags. Get the ones that you can push the air out of and don’t require a vacuum. These bags are clear so you can easily see what is inside and come in various sizes. I like to separate based on what days I will be wearing what so that I don’t need to dig through, or open everything at once.
Summer is almost here which means cute warm-weather clothes! I was lucky enough to have an amazing getaway for spring break with my soon to be sister-in-law for her bachelorette party to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico so I picked out some of the cutest pieces from Red Dress, and wanted to show you how I styled them to get you inspired for looks to rock this Summer!
Wow in a Watercolor Kimono
This maxi length semi-sheer kimono is absolutely gorg! There is a tie so you can wear it closed as a swimmie cover-up or open with an outfit as I have done here. The colors are neutral so you can wear it with pretty much any solid color. Here I have paired it with a white crop top and my favorite $15 shorts from Target.
Have you ever wanted to go on a short camping trip in a remote space, but want a cozy bed and private shower? Well I have been wanted a camping experience just like this and was SO excited when Getaway reached out to me! First of all, I didn’t know we had one in Texas and so close, at just 3 hours from Houston! For us, this is the perfect amount of miles for a road trip, and did I mention they are pet friendly?! Yep that’s right! This is the ideal trip to take with your fur babies. So let’s dive in to the stay!
Check In & Communication
Getaway Dallas is located on 99 acres so you feel as if you have the forest to yourself to explore. There is no need to stop at a front desk to check in or out as everything is provided to you via email and text message including your key code to unlock the front door of your cabin! If you ever need anything, all you have to do is text and they will send a team member out to your cabin.
What’s the weather like? Will you be walking? Transition from day to night looks? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered for all things Malaga!
Continuing with my carry-on only packing, Jhonathan and I traveled to Malaga, Spain this past December and each only brought a carry-on. For the weather in December, we were looking at 40-60 degree weather with possibility of rain, clouds and temps fluctuating to the 70’s. This might sound odd but when you are from Houston, you are used to sporadic weather changes so I know how to pack for pretty much any weather and make it work!
So Here’s What I Brought
I needed to pack clothing that was comfortable, but also wearable no matter where we went dresscode wise. This can be tricky, but I have learned it’s all about the color palette and materials.
Packing dark wash denim is always a must. You can dress them up or down and as long as they are comfortable, can be worn all day! I paired mine with a chunky knit chevron sweater in blush and maroon. The over the knee boots completes this all day appropriate look for shopping in the city and hitting local restaurants and museums. Below I have added a few pairs of my favorite denim. They are a bit of a splurge but the quality totally makes them worth it! You will have them forever!
A Fun Print Workout Look & Something For Layering
So if you are going to Malaga, you must visit El Caminito Del Rey. And for this hike I highly recommend a comfortable activewear set and with the temps fluctuating; layer! We bought a jacket, and a backpack so that once the temps raised we were able to place our jackets in our backpacks and feel much more comfortable. I am wearing a printed set with a lightweight cotton zip up cardigan. This was perfect for the hike, accompanied by my running shoes.
A Dark Colored Sweater Dress
This was a must for any trip! A sweater dress was actually ideal for the Malaga December weather. This one from Lulus was perfect with a belt bag and my over the knee boots. The reason I recommend a dark color is because they give off a more dressier vibe and can be worn from morning brunch to a show in the evening.
And lastly, you will want to have a transitional coat with you…preferably with a hood! I actually had to purchase this one while in Malaga because the temps dropped on us the first day and started raining! This coat not only kept me warm, but also ended up being my most favorite purchase which I wear all of the time now! I purchased it in a color that went with the palette I packed so that everything could seamlessly be paired together and looked complete. That is really the key to packing light. Make sure everything compliments each other so that you can mix and match pieces and above all look great while being comfortable! – Because the last thing you should be doing is worrying about your uncomfortable outfit! Vacationing is all about enjoying the sights and culture around you!
If you have been following my travel blogs, then you know I always travel with only a carryon. From Rome to Fashion Week in NY always a carryon. So when it came to our most recent trip to Paris, I had to be very strategic with my packing. Everyday was filled with events so I had to stay comfortable, warm and stylish. Here’s how I did it!
So I packed clothing for 5 full days and 1 evening look along with a travel ensemble, so that brings my total to 7 outfits and 2 coats. I’ll show you each and how I did it now!
#1 Plan out your outfits based on the activities you have scheduled in advance
The very most important thing when traveling – if you want to be efficient and see as much as possible – is to have a schedule. Once you know what you will be doing, it is easier to decide what attire is appropriate. For example, if you know you are going to Disney and will be walking around outside all day you are going to want to be prepared for the elements, along with comfortable shoes. – I’m sure you get my drift.
For our first day we were going to ride the subway to the Eiffel Tower and spend some time sightseeing for the first few hours. Since I knew we would be outside and would not be going anywhere fancy I chose a layered-look with a bright mustard sweater and jeans.
#2 Bring one heavy duty coat that will go with multiple looks
Its best to have a neutral coat that will look great with everything, but will also keep you warm! I did not pack this item in my carryon, but carried it over my arm.
#3 Pack an evening, or lightweight coat
This is important because you want to have a separate option for outerwear in case it rains or the temps warm up. I packed this fluffy piece because in a space saver bag it compresses down to nothing! But also because it is warm and such a statement piece!
#3 Layer, Layer, Layer
This is SO important! I packed a turtleneck and a button down that easily layered under my sweater and jumpsuit. This makes lightweight clothing items season appropriate and yet, still fashionable.
Only pack 2 pair of shoes…wear the third, but that’s IT!
This is so hard but you HAVE to stick to this. Shoes take up so much space and 9 times out of 10, you won’t even end up wearing all that you pack! It’s best to plan out your ensembles with shoes you know you will be comfortable in the entire time, but bring that one really fun pair too because… YOLO – lol.
Limit your accessories
Accessories are a space stealer so the more you can limit, the better. Try to bring pieces that will go with multiple looks. I brought: 2 berets, 1 necklace, 3 pair of earrings, 2 scarves, 1 pair of sunglasses, 1 clutch, 1 crossbody and 2 belts – again nothing extra here, everything was planned out to go with the outfits I created.
And most of all: Get space saver bags!
This is my saving grace for all trips! I am able to pack everything I need to with space still left over for souvenirs! Seriously, I can’t travel without them!
So those are my tips for packing stylishly but also compactly. It can be tricky only taking a carryon, but that never means you have to compromise on your style!
So you guys know I only travel with a carry on, so for fashion week this can really test my limits and skills as a light packer. If you are interested in a breakdown of how I travel with only a carry on check out the post I did for Rome! My techniques are the same, the only difference is that I now take my Andiamo Classico, which is seriously the BEST investment for any traveler.
So on to the looks!
I like to pride myself on my packing abilities when it comes to traveling. Jhonathan and I have made many trips with only a carry-on, but to do so I have to use space saver bags and limit the amount of shoes and accessories I take, etc. Well with the Andiamo Classico, I wanted to see exactly what all I could fit inside without space savers! Below is everything I packed for my recent 4 day trip to Albuquerque. And in case you were wondering, yes the Classico is a carry-on!
So for this trip I wanted to bring a variety of colorful dresses and athletic wear. We would be experiencing all different types of terrain on this trip so I wanted to be prepared, but still pack efficiently. I was able to pack all of the following, easily in the Classico.
3 – Dresses
- Short long-sleeve black dress
- Double layered navy long-sleeve maxi dress
- Double layered turquoise long-sleeve maxi dress
4 – Shoes
- Tan sling backs
- Cognac slip-ons
- Rhinestone flip-flops
- White leather block heel ankle booties
4 – Athleticwear pieces
- Sports bra
- Leggings
- T-shirt
- Hoodie
1 – Jewelry organizer filled with jewelry
1 – Straightener
1 – Curling iron
1 – Hat
1 – T-shirt
1 – Pair of shorts
(socks and undergarments and pjs)
And just for fun I have included 4 of the looks so you can see the pieces I packed, how I styled them, and the condition the clothes were in after being in the suitcase (no, I didn’t iron anything)
Now whenever I travel I always wear a comfortable look and my athletic shoes, that way I do not have to take up the space in my suitcase with two large pairs of shoes…so if you were wondering where my sneakers were, I was wearing them instead of packing them.
And that’s it! Everything I needed to look my best on this trip fit perfectly in this case without space savers! I of course put my electronics, makeup, chargers etc. in my “personal item” for easy access, but when it comes to carry-on’s this case is truly chart topping! From the sleek appearance, to the storage capability this suitcase is well worth the investment and will definitely be headed with me to Paris in the Fall. Find the perfect Classico color for your next trip at the Andiamo site linked here, and happy traveling! <3
To many of you I’m sure this is going to sound pretty crazy. How could a fashion blogger possibly take only a carry on to NYFW? Well here’s how it did it!
#1 Comfort and versatility is key!
Bring shoes and accessories that you can wear with multiple looks. Skip on the pair of heels that you will only wear with one look and pack the boots that go with everything and are comfortable. I say this because there is an overwhelming amount of walking to be done. On average, we walked 7 miles a day! – Keep that in mind before you pack those stilettos… chances are they will just be taking up space in your luggage.
#2 Plan your ensembles out ahead of time
This is a really big one. I always pack extra, but this was a really incremental part of me managing only a carry on. Take only what you will actually wear! As a blogger, I needed to average 3 ensembles a day. So that meant I had to coordinate 9ish outfits. The reason for so many is morning and evening looks, along with additional ensembles to shoot in. By curating and stylizing my ensembles ahead of time, I knew exactly what I would be wearing which day and with what accessories. This limits un-needed access.
#3 Create a Final Cut
So when I packed, I made sure every piece would be worn and made sense for the occasions and looks I was aiming to create. If it didn’t make sense, I didn’t bring it. Here is what made my cut!
My carry on packing list:
Accessories
- Elaine Turner Ally Crossbody
- Jewelry roll storage: held 3 pairs of earrings, 2 necklaces, 2 bracelets, contacts and toothbrush
- Felt hat
- Curling Iron
- Straightener
Shoes
Dresses
Jackets
- XOXO embellished blazer
- Danny Nguyen Couture Jacket
- Chunky sweater cardigan
Tops
Bottoms
- Dear John Distressed Jeans
- Danny Nguyen Couture Embellished Mesh Skirt
- Express Shorts
- Black High-Waist Mini Skirt
Now to make this work, I chose to wear one of the shoes I selected so that I only needed to pack one pair, and I decided to wear a top and jeans so again, this cuts down on a few of the larger pieces that would otherwise be in the bag.
The next tip to make this work is space saver bags! I cannot rave enough about these bags! They have assisted me on multiple trips! All of the ensembles I packed for this trip fit into 2 bags and with the air out, took up minimal space.
The contents above is what all I had to place in my carry on. Everything easily fit with space to spare! If you are looking for a great sized, affordable carry on check out Target!
So that’s it! I hope you found this helpful if you are looking to travel with less baggage! As for my chargers, medications, and makeup, those were all stored in my tote as I like to keep those items handy! Happy travels!
Hi Lovelies!
So I am currently embarking on my first New York Fashion Week, and wanted to go ahead and share with you what I am taking with me to look fabulous over the next 4 days! I have packed all of these pieces and more in my Merona Weekender for Target so yes, packing skills required! 😉
I will of course be creating stylized posts and will share all of my exciting NYC adventures with you when I get back, but wanted to give you a sneak peek of all of my looks ahead of time so you can shop them!
Enjoy!
Click on the photo or (here) to shop!
As for the outfit I am wearing for travel (featured image) you can purchase those pieces from Posh Tulsa! They are a boutique that offers a variety of beautiful clothing items as well as shoes and accessories! I’ll give a full write up on my experience with them and their products when I get back. 🙂
You may have also noticed the couture items in my instastories, those are from Danny Nguyen Couture! I am super excited to wear his designs, and look forward to sharing pics and a blog post with you all in regards to his label!
Stay tuned for posts of my NYFW experience, and follow me along of instagram to see what I’m up to in real time!
Traveling to a new destination is always fun, and exciting, but can also be very nerve racking. To ease my nerves as much as possible, I reduce the amount of products I travel with. By only taking a carry on, I avoid long baggage check lines, additional fees, and extra time at the airport.
I always thought being prepared for any and every possible situation by packing “everything but the kitchen sink’ was smart, but ultimately I just got weighed down carrying heavy bags, and would arrive with way more than I could ever wear. On top of that, more items means more to keep up with and remember. Honestly, it is much easier to buy an umbrella if it rains, than attempt to pack one and never need it.
As a blogger, I would say I pack more than the bare minimum, but at the same time, do not over do it. For this particular trip, I am packing for a 6 day vacation to Rome. It is January so the weather there is in the low to mid 40’s. I decided chunky sweaters and layering pieces would be my best bet for style and warmth.
The only negative about packing sweaters is they take up A LOT of space. Luckily, I have space saver bags to assist me! The particular bags I purchased come in assorted sizes and do not require the use of a vacuum. (I will link similar bags here if you are interested.)
The first image is of everything I need to bring, clothing wise.
I then removed my travel outfit, boots, and coat, as those pieces won’t actually be packed.
And then I began to place my items into the space saver bags.
Upon finishing, this is what my stack looked like.
Everything fit perfectly into my bag with space to spare! Not only do the space saver bags provide you with more precious luggage space, they also protect your clothing from spills! I personally enjoy that they are clear so you can see exactly what is in each bag before opening.
If you are curious as to where my purse, chargers, makeup etc. are? Those are in my “personal item.” Instead of taking a backpack, I have decided on a large tote to carry all of these items, as shown below.
Traveling “light” has really worked well for me over the years. I am a nervous traveler by nature so anything I can implement to ease my nerves, and make travel more enjoyable, I am on board for!
I hope this is helpful for anyone out there who has difficulty when it comes to packing, and if you have any tips that work well for you, feel free to comment with them below! 🙂
Happy traveling everyone!
- Luggage Bag: Jessica Simpson (similar)
- Luggage Tag: Henri Bendel