MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style Article Volume 13 Week 20 May 17, 2018

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MSP's Travel & Packing Guide 2018 "Suitcase Chic"

Imagine effortlessly packing for a trip and only taking what you need and nothing more. Picture yourself also looking stylish every day while you travel. Yes, this can be your reality when you pack “Suitcase Chic”!

One of my favorite travel sayings is this… "Remember, in your travels you'll meet two kinds of tourists —

those who pack light and those who wish they had."

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Vacations are about creating special memories while exploring new places. What could be worse than lugging around too much luggage on a trip? Nothing. So, how do you pack light, yet still have what you need?

The ONLY way to pack light is to make up a "Travel Capsule Wardrobe". Use MSP's "5,4,3,2,1" packing rule. Notice below, everything mixes and matches because it is either neutral or in the same color palette:

! Below is another example in a more subdued color palette, using the

5,4,3,2,1 packing rule...5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 accessories, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 suit:

! Your goal: take a minimal amount of clothes with the most wear ability

How & What to Pack.

What you pack depends upon...

__The type of trip you are taking (business or pleasure) __The number of days you will be gone __The events you need to dress for

Start by making a list. A list keeps you organized and helps keep you from overpacking!

Make a column for each day of travel, and then list the functions--lunch meeting, business meeting, dinner engagement, free time on the town, etc. Decide what you need to wear for each function each day. (use itinerary grid below)

Use your bed to lay out complete outfits for each occasion—then edit as needed. Remove any unnecessary items (repeats) and look for ways to mix and match (i.e. same jacket can be worn the next day with different pants, etc). The right clothes are like a great travel companion. They are flexible, offer comfort and make you feel and look terrific. Try packing mostly these… 1. Basics. Build your travel trousseau from your Wardrobe Basics. All separates must mix and match with each other. 2. Favorites. Pack clothes that you love to wear. Being confident and comfortable is the only way to go. This isn’t the time to try out new shoes! Trust me, I’ve done this and all I can say is “ouch”! 3. Knits. Pack comfortable knits that don’t require ironing. No one wants to spend their evenings in a hotel room ironing. 4. Layers. One of my favorite garments for traveling is a two-piece cardigan set. Dress each piece up or down, together or separately. You can wear the sweater with a cami, add some different jewelry and have a whole now look! Or, wear the shell under your blazer. Layers are stylish and allow for fluctuations in the weather.

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5. Toiletries (trial sizes are best). Put in a zip-lock plastic bag (to prevent any leaks). If you are traveling by air—squeeze out air of your shampoo and lotion bottles before you travel to prevent leaks from change in air pressure.

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Buyer Beware: Travel-sized toiletries can sometimes be full-size rip offs! For example, I found a 1.7-ounce travel-size bottle of Pert Plus 2-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner for $2. At the same store, the regular 13.5-ounce bottle of the Pert Plus 2-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner cost $3.69. If I bought the travel-sized bottle, I'd be paying over 4 x’s more.

6. Jewelry (fashion jewelry—take nothing of value). Use accessories to change the look of outfits and add pizzazz to even the most basic pieces.

Never have a tangled necklace while traveling! Use Glad “Press & Seal” ...

! Air Travel Tips.

Carry-on-luggage. Carry on your own luggage. It saves you time and money (plus you won’t over-pack)...you also don’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost or misrouted. Check size restrictions prior to travel. In most instances, your suitcase should be no more than 40 lbs. and it must fit in an overhead compartment.

Here is a list of airlines to find out what is acceptable. Airline restrictions or http://www.tsa.gov/

Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This allows your screening process to be fast-forwarded (no need to remove shoes, etc.)

Book two one-way flights for better deals.

Clear your computer cookies and search history for cheaper fares.

Be aware you only have a 24 hour window to get a refund.

Download your airline’s app for flight info and paperless boarding.

Pack a “squishy” carry-on that can squeeze into any overhead bin.

Pack dark clothing to quickly match outfits and hide stains, smudges.

Pack socks, underwear, belts, etc. inside your shoes.

Put heaviest items at the bottom of your roller suitcase to keep it balanced.

Combat jet lag by adjusting your sleep and meals in advance to your trip.

Get in-flight food faster by requesting kosher or a vegetarian meal.

Skip the arrival lines, instead grab a cab in the departure zone.

Handy packing and travel tips to make every trip stress-free…

What type of suitcase is the best? I like the soft sided suitcases because they are not rigid and it makes packing easier (more things fit). A suitcase that has sturdy wheels and is easy to maneuver on buses, planes and walking down the street is best. A quality suitcase is an investment--buy the best you can afford.

Put together complete outfits on one hanger. Using your packing list as your guide, put together complete outfits on hangers including belts and jewelry. This way you will make sure you have everything you need for each occasion prior to packing. Pack knits and easy-wear (no iron) clothes. A matte jersey wrap dress is a great travel piece that keeps you nicely dressed—regardless of the occasion. Pack silks, cotton knits, gabardine twills and jersey knits. Linen and rayon work well when they have synthetic fibers added. Base your wardrobe basics on dark neutrals. Dark clothes are not only naturally slimming and classic looking—they don’t show small smudges either. ROLL-don’t stack. By rolling most of your clothes (like knits) you will have more room and the clothes will not get as wrinkled. Dry cleaner bags in between clothes helps keep them wrinkle free too.

! Use your shoes. Stuff your shoes with your socks, underwear and/or jewelry bag. This not only saves space, but helps keep the shape of your shoes during travel. Choose your colors. Pick your clothes that color coordinate with each other—and stick to it. Perhaps your color scheme for the trip will be black, white and red (with a touch of pink). Carry on your valuables. Do not pack money, jewelry, travel documents, medication, keys and other valuables in your suitcase. Carry these items on your person at all times (or put them in the hotel’s main safe).

Pack your own healthy snacks saves money...

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Store earrings and other small jewelry in pill boxes...

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A plastic shower cap (from hotel room) keeps packed clothes clean...

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An inexpensive pot holder from the dollar store helps you travel with a curling or flat iron...

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A sunglass case helps store your various charging cables....

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And here’s my favorite tip

No need to pack a portable speaker...use the hotel’s drinking glass to amplify your music!

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Wear light layers when you travel so you can adjust easily to weather fluctuations...

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Prior to your trip…

Fill in the voids. Get items you need to complete your planned outfits. If you need a stylish white tee, get it days prior so that you can have a worry-free trip. Check the weather. Find out what the weather will be like before you pack for your trip. This way you can edit your outfits (if needed) or add an umbrella or lightweight all-weather jacket as needed. Check your list twice. Make sure you have what you need—and nothing more. If you really need something, you can purchase it…but chances are if you made a list and put together complete outfits—you’re all set!

Use the 5,4,3,2,1 packing rule:

5 tops 4 bottoms

3 accessories 2 pairs of shoes

1 swimsuit (1 sundress, optional)

EXAMPLE PACKING GUIDE FOR A SUMMER TRIP...

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HERE’S HOW I PUT TOGETHER OUTFITS USING EACH BOTTOM...

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By using the 5,4,3,2,2 rule I made a total of 9 outfits! The above is just an example of what to pack for a summer trip. You

could change out the shorts for crops or capris if you’d prefer. Also, the

skirt could be changed out for a sundress or a pair of linen pants, if preferred.

MSP’s PACKING LIST

(For a 1 week trip, 2 weeks or more if you launder)

Clothing (all must mix and match)

! 1 pair of walking/comfortable shoes

! 1 pair of cute sandals

! 1 rainproof lightweight jacket

! 2-3 pairs of shorts/capris/crops

! 1 pairs of pants

! 1 swimsuit (packed in a plastic bag)

! 3 pairs of socks, if needed (cotton blend)

! 5 pairs of underwear (micro-fiber dries quickest)

! 1 extra bra

! 5 shirts (long/short-sleeved, camisoles --colors that mix and match with bottoms)

! 1 light cardigan for layering

! 1 skirt (wrinkle-resistant)

! 1 dress (optional)

! 1 sun hat (optional—crushable)

! 1 pair of pajamas and lightweight robe (in case you share a bathroom)

Toiletries (use trial sizes)

! Body soap/a washcloth (Many European hotels do not supply washcloths)

! Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss

! Shampoo/conditioner

! Brush/comb/hairdryer (converter, if needed)

! Lotion

! Makeup remover, moisturizer

! Razor (non-electric)/shaving cream or soap

! Sunscreen, insect repellent

! Prescription drugs (in original container with your name and your doctor's name, write down generic name)

! First aid kit (trial sizes)

! Feminine products

! Deodorant

! Nail clippers/file/tweezers

! Spare glasses and/or prescription, or contact lenses and supplies

! Hand sanitizer (trial size disinfecting wipes for hotel remote controls)

! Vitamins

! OTC remedies: Pepto, decongestants, aspirin etc.

! Clothesline, sink stopper, 2 clothes pins, wash soap (to wash underwear, etc.)

! Ear Plugs. Cancel out noises (crying children, talking during flight) Or use when sleeping in B&B’s or hotels.

Money and Security

! Money belt: Passport, plane ticket, debit card, credit cards, traveler's checks, rail pass, driver's license

Packing Essentials

• Pack light, wash frequently, only buy something if you find you really need it.

• Carry only what you need—remember it’s easier to carry around less.

• Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13"

***Scarves. Pack 1 or 2 large versatile lightweight scarves. Use them to keep warm on chilly nights, at restaurants, or on airplanes. They can cover your exposed shoulders, cover your head (if needed), be rolled up as a pillow, and protect your skin from the harsh sun. Oh, and yes, they’re a stylish addition to any basic outfit!

Wardrobe travel planner grid. Use this grid to fill out your daily outfits. Personally, I use the last row (Accessories) if I have a change of outfits on that day. For example, if I need to dress for a special dinner in the evening one day, and on another day I need to change clothes for a business presentation or family get together, etc.

TIP: make a copy and keep it at home in case your luggage is lost in transit. This is a complete list of all your clothing.

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