I recently got back from my vacation in Europe...by recent, I mean a day ago! I have told you about my love of fashion and travel and now it is time to share a few of my tips on packing.  

Having been travelling extensively in the past few years for work, or for pleasure, I have picked up a bunch of tricks on the way.  Through trial and error (toothpaste explosions, sock forgetfulness, shoe malfunctions), I have managed to hone my packing skills and perfect the art of travel preparation.

So, time to share these little nuggets of info and hopefully this tips will keep you styling all summer vacation-long!  

1. Get luggage that stands out (and tag it properly, trust me)....

Standing at the carousel and trying to figure out which black bag is yours is not travel-savvy behaviour! I love Burton luggage for this reason (head to Empire for a great selection of brightly coloured luggage).  I have coordinated pieces that are all bright colours and there is no mistaking its mine....oh, and tag it properly: travel can often include a side trip for your luggage and the ease of getting it back will definitely depend on your info being present on the bag (and don't forget to always keep the luggage tag!). 

2. Make your accessories universal

When I say universal, I mean easy interchangeable colours like: metallics, black, white, nude (a personal favourite).  That way your shoes, scarves, belts can all be mixed and matched in every outfit. 

3. Pick a few colours to highlight 

This summer I picked mint and orange/peach. That way I had some punches of colour in my vacation get-ups without having to get too confusing with the accents. 

4. Bring a bag that goes from day to night

A small cross-body bag that is pretty simple and universal in colour is your best bet.  That way you don't have to start packing tons of different totes and clutches for every outfit.  

5. Keep a cosmetic case pre-packed

I cannot stress this one enough! Your cosmetic case should be always ready to go.  Take the time to go through it and then literally pre-pack it with every item you need.  That way you don't have to scramble around your bathroom and hope that you didn't miss anything (especially if you are headed somewhere remote...they may not have your absolutely essential face cream in Nepal!).  

6. Bring destination-appropriate products 

If you are headed for the sun, bring sunscreen.  If you are heading for the ski slopes, bring...well...sunscreen.  If you are going to the beach bring flip-flops. The idea is make sure you have pieces and accessories so that you are prepared for your destination.  If you don't know what kind of a schedule you will be on, try my personal safe bet essentials: Sneakers, flip-flops, suncreen, a pashmina, and a black mini-skirt...preparation for any occasion. 

7. Have a back-up plan in your carry-on 

Carry-ons can be heavy.  With computers, ipads, ipods, and fashion mags (obviously), they are already pretty cumbersome.  But speaking from experience, I implore you to pack a pair of summer shoes (if like me, you have a habit of wearing cozy slippers or boots on a plane), a change of clothes, underwear, a bathing suit and makeup along with any needed meds in your carry-on bag.  In the event that luggage is lost, you will be very pleased to have these items as back-up. 

8. Overpack certain items

I am not an overpacker...except....when it comes to underwear, bathing suits, pajamas and shoes.  Laundry at hotels is super-expensive and who wants to spend precious vacay time at a laundromat?!  And wearing a soggy bathing suit (ugh)?!  Lastly, without knowing how much walking you might do, having extra shoes means you can alternate, giving your tootsies a well-deserved... vacation.  

9. Coordinate jewellery 

Okay, so you know what you are packing in terms of clothes (basics with shots of a couple of good colours and prints), now you have to make sure you have jewellery that goes with.  Do NOT bring every piece of jewellery you own.  Rather grab a few statement necklaces, a set of bangles in mixed metallics (that way you can wear silver or gold on your wrist...or both!), a couple pairs of earrings in both gold and silver and a few statement cocktail rings and you are good to go. 

10. And, Jewellery should be where? Not packed!

This is an easy but VERY important one.  
Anything you would be upset to lose forever should not get checked.  That is what carry-on bags are for. 

So, do you have any packing style tips?  I would love to hear them!

Bon Voyage, 

xxx

LKIS