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The
Clothing Chronicles ================================================
In This Issue: Several of my Australian readers wrote last week to remind me that it's winter south of the equator, and while they'll certainly tuck all my summer dressing tips away for THEIR summer season, what they really need is some ideas and suggestions for cold weather wear. So what do I suggest? First, take a look at the Clothing Chronicles archives at: http://www.theclothingchronicles.com/archives for the last two years' worth of issues. You'll find plenty of cold weather tips for issues from October-March. Secondly, click around Style.com, You'll see what's going to be popular this fall from the major design houses, and even if you can't afford the brands they have listed, you'll still get plenty of trend and styling ideas to use on your own wardrobe. P.S. It's a fun place to look WHEREVER you happen to live... So what's on tap for today's issue? The answer to a question that's been hitting my inbox a lot of late: "How can you pack light for vacation?" It's easier than you think. Enjoy!
Diana ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tips for Packing Light Have you ever packed more than you needed for a trip? You know, where you opened a suitcase on your bed, emptied the contents of your closet into it, sat on it to get it closed, struggled with it through an airport and on to a shuttle bus, wore only a fraction of what you brought, and then repeated the process on the return trip? Me too. And, because I like to consider myself bright, I only needed to do it seven or eight times before I figured out there had to be a better way to go about it. Fortunately, there is. If you have a trip on your horizon, don't add to your stress or back pain by dragging along a bunch of stuff you don't need. Instead, try these simple tips to pack pieces that are appropriate, versatile, easy to clean, and will pack in one - count 'em - ONE suitcase. 1. Check the Weather Check the weather forecast at your destination so you know what to expect weather-wise. There's nothing worse than showing up in shorts when you should have packed sweaters instead. If you don't have someone there to give you the outlook, log on to Weather.com
to see what
the temps will be like. 2. Make a List of Activities Make a list of your planned activities like visiting, eating out, going to church, playing golf, networking, meeting with clients, etc. That way, you'll know what kinds of clothing you'll need so you won't be caught unprepared. If you don't know what's expected, ask somebody, particularly if you'll be conducting business. Remember that large cities tend to be more formal than small towns, and that here in the States, east coast tends to be more formal than west coast (except for San Francisco). If you'll be traveling internationally, keep local customs in mind so that you can cover appropriately (heads, shoulders, legs) as needed. 3. Choose a Color Scheme If you stick with a basic color scheme, like black-white-blue-red or brown-cream-teal-peach, for example, everything will go with everything else. You'll only need a few accessories, a couple of pairs of shoes, and probably only one handbag. Darks tend to show less dirt; neutrals can span a variety of climates. 4. Opt for Separates Instead of Ensembles Opt for separates over one-piece ensembles. Separates allow you to mix-and-match, giving you plenty of different combinations. Several tops teamed with a couple of bottoms will see you through several days' wear. If you have a knee-length skirt and a long pair of pants some where in the mix, they will take you just about anywhere, from meetings to restaurants to strolls along the beach.
See how easy this is? 5 pieces, at least 8 combinations
5. Choose Travel-Friendly Fabrics Knit, gabardine, and denim travel more easily than linen, silk, and cotton. If you won't have access to an ironing board or will be laundering items by hand during your trip, opt for easy-care fabrics that retain their shape and look good with a minimum of fuss. 6. Make a List If you have a tendency to forget items either coming or going, make a list of everything you need to take so you can check it off as you pack your bag. Check it off again as you pack to come home to make sure you return with everything you left with. So what's a bonus to this system? You can readily file a claim with the airport should your bag go missing, because you know exactly what's in it. 7. Don't Forget About Shipping You know, you DON'T have to carry everything with you. If you have something that's too big or awkward to travel with or if you end up buying something that weighs you down, just ship it to your destination instead! Traveling is stressful enough without having to keep track of a bunch of extra stuff. 8. Carry Makeup and Meds Separately Whether you travel by car, train, or plane, always carry medications, pertinent toiletries (makeup, contact lens solution), and treasures (expensive jewelry, electronics) in a carry on. These are the items that are hard to replace if lost, so keep them handy and safe. So how many suitcases DO you need to travel? Probably a lot less than you think. Start with a plan, opt for a color scheme, pack travel-friendly fabrics, and choose pieces wisely for function and versatility. Not only will you look chic and well put together, you'll be amazed by how far you can go with so little. Or, to use an old Aboriginal saying, "The more you know, the less you need." Happy traveling!
************** Until next time,
Diana Pemberton-Sikes
http://www.FashionForRealWomen.com ------------------------ Published by:
Top Drawer
Publications, LLC Copyright © 2005 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes All rights reserved. |
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