Happy 2025 Everyone!
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post, however, I’m excited to return to sharing all the things I love and am inspired by, plus, a few helpful tips to make dressing, traveling, whatever it is, easier!
I spent part of the holidays with my family skiing in Colorado and I received several questions around packing — from outift selection to organizing toiletries.
I suppose you can say I have a lot to “pack in” in this blog post – ha!
The key to avoiding overpacking is to plan outfits ahead of time, based on weather and naturally, destination. I try on each outfit to make sure it’s the look I’m going for and one that I feel good in. I also check each garment for any potential stains, pulls or rips.
Occasionally, I peruse online for inspiration, but I mostly choose what I feel best in and what works for my body type. I always want to look good but if it’s giving “not me” vibes, it’s a no-go. Confidence shines when you stay true to your personal style.
As I build outfits, I hang them on a clothing rack and I often pack 1-2 extra outfits bc a girl likes to have options:)
When it comes to footwear, I do my best to keep it to a minimum; each shoe I bring has to work with multiple outfits. Once I’ve put together all my looks, I type them up according to day/night and will reference this list throughout my travels. I have a similar approach to handbags, too. Less is more. To preserve the shape, I’ll stuff each bag with socks if need be.
For the actual packing, I carefully fold each piece and place them into packing cubes. I’m a big fan of Paravel packing cubes. If you have time to personalize them – it’s a great way to keep the family organized. Otherwise, the cubes come in different colors and each member of the family can choose their favorite color. I use the smallest cubes for bras, underwear, socks etc… medium sized ones are for work out clothes and pajamas. The largest ones are reserved for my day and evening outfits.
Better yet, unpacking is a breeze. The cubes go directly out of my bag and into a drawer or shelf once I arrive at the hotel. They’re also machine washable and durable.
All my shoes get packed in shoe bags that I’ve saved over the years. PJ’s are worn twice and for trips that require swimwear, I typically hand wash on vacay ( I tend to wear a lot of Eres white bikinis).
Before I place everything in my Bric’s Large Suitcase and Delsey Paris Duffel Bags, I use my Pack This List Notepad to make sure I have everything I need. This detailed packing list is SO helpful in making sure I don’t leave anything behind.
Side note – although we have been thrilled with Delsey’s black duffel for years, they must have recently changed materials because we noticed that the new one we purchased in grey hasn’t been wearing as well. I’m not sure if this is a one off but I wanted to share nonetheless.
Something else I’ve also found helpful is to label garbage bags (machine wash, hand wash, cleaners and machine wash/air dry) for laundry while I’m away. Each night I sort the laundry which makes unpacking a breeze (sorta) when I’m home.
For toiletries, I like to purchase travel size options when available, even if I’m checking in baggage. Here are the toiletries I most recently packed.
Bioderma Make Up Remover
Kai Travel Set (includes travel size body lotion)
Oribe Travel Conditioner For Beautiful Color
Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color (currently sold out in travel size. Other Oribe options here)
Listerine Mouthwash
Q-tip Swabs Travel Pack
Dr. Bronner’s Eucalyptus Soap
Swisspers Premium Cotton Rounds
Sensodyne Toothpaste
Frederic Malle perfume L’eau D’Hiver
La Mer The Essential Tonic (Not Travel Size)
Susanne Kauffman Rejuvenating Eye Cream
La Prairie White Caviar Pearl Infusion Serum
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Moisturizer
111Skin Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask and/or 111Skin Cryo De-Puffing Eye Mask Set
Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (5.75) for night
La Mer’s The Radiant SkinTint for day
Herbaviva Hand Sanitizer (in my carry-on)
Chanel Hand Lotion (in my carry-on)
Advil Pain Reliever, Band-Aids (in my carry-on)
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes (in my carry -on)
Cosmetics I brought along this past trip:
Westman Atelier Contour Stick (truffle)
Trish McEvoy Light & Lift Face Color Duo
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick (petal)
Surratt Liquid Blush (Barbe A Papa)
Westman Atelier Beauty Butter Powder Bronzer (coup de soleil)
Westman Atelier Bonne Brow Defining Pencil (bark)
Surratt Eyelash Curler
Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara (jet black)
Monika Blunder Lipstick Crayon (coral red)
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner (pillow talk medium)
Dr. Barbara Sturm Lip Balm (in my carry-on)
La Mer Volumizer Lip Gloss
In order to prevent products from opening mid-flight, I use scotch tape to secure them and pack them in ziploc bags before placing them in my toiletry bag. My go-to toiletry bags as of late is this adorable trio by Roller Rabbit.
I rarely bring a blow dryer as most hotels provide but I do bring along my Salon Tech Titanium 450 MF straightening iron, GHD Paddle Brush and Lado Pro Ionic Tech Thermal Brush.
For those who take vitamins daily, I use these clear plastic reclosable zip bags and label them AM and PM.
Lastly, here are some newish essentials I brought along with me plus the book I’m currently reading.
Currently Reading: Funny Story by Emily Henry
Newest PJ Additions: Polkadot London and Eberjey
Hosiery: Navy & Black Wolford Tights
Cashmere: C By Bloomingdale’s Joggers and Lisa Yang Straight Leg Pants
Sneakers: Autry Sneakers
Cashmere Gloves: Johnstons of Elgin
Scarf: Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Neck Tie
Sweatshirts: Re/Done Off-White Cotton Jersey Sweatshirt
Hope you found this travel post helpful and just a quick disclaimer, my husband might say I’m not the lightest packer but I can say with confidence that I’m an efficient one:)
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