Packing Lists

Traveling Light

| 21 Comments

I have a bunch of quick trips lined up over the next few weeks. I love seeing new places and meeting new people; I do not love packing. Really, it’s not my thing. I wish Floo powder existed not to cut down on travel time (although that would be nice), but only so I could have access to my closet during a trip– I’d pop in every morning to pick out my outfit and then head back to wherever!
Short trips are even harder as I try to keep my packing to a minimum. Small bag, pieces I can mix and match, and sacrifices on hair/makeup. I have a whole lot of little bags that help out with staying organized while traveling light.

Tote with Long Handles // I love my Longchamp and also Lo & Sons bag for carrying all of my personal belongings as well as work related things. My motto is “ABC” when traveling which stands for Always Bring Computer. Typically, in this bag, I will break down the contents of my handbag so that I have my wallet, headphones, chapstick, keys, etc. with me. I’ll throw in whatever notebook is most important, extra pens, a book (I always bring a book, too), and my laptop. PLUS, any essential cords and chargers.
Weekender // There are so many great weekender bags out there right now. This faux leather bag and a monogrammed canvas bag top my list of favorites. These bags really aren’t too big, but they fit just enough for about two days of travel, three if you pack extra efficiently. Sometimes I wish I could just put together a big suitcase with ten options of shoes and a second outfit change for every day… but the small bag really helps me stay focused on the essentials! (If you do need more room, you can’t go wrong with a classic Vera Bradley Duffel.)
Cosmetic Bags // I allow myself two cosmetic bags for a short trip. One for makeup and lotion and one for jewelry/accessories. This bow one is too cute! I plan out my jewelry like I plan my outfits so I don’t have extra weight and I don’t bring all the makeup I use, just the bare necessities. (For example, I won’t bring a whole eye shadow palette, but I’ll swap out my normal bronzer for a shimmer brick so I can use that for eyeshadow if I want.) 
Do you have any great tips for traveling light?!


xoxo

PS In case you’re wondering… Mark your calendars for a meet in greet in Boston on October 25 and another in Atlanta on November 7th! More details to follow! (I’m going to be in Charleston the 17-19th and not planning anything official, but…. if enough people email me about it, I’ll make something happen!)

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21 Comments

Gabriela

Funny- I literally JUST zipped up my carry-on suitcase for a weeklong trip to Paris, and am super proud that there is ROOM in my bag! My tips: always wear the biggest clothes on the plane (boots and coats!), stick to one color palette, stuff shoes with socks and other small items, remove one piece of clothing before you zip up your bag, and ROLL EVERYTHING!

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Sara Elizabeth

I love the Kate Spade bow bag!! That is the cutest! I definitely have the monogrammed totes in all sizes for light travel/weekending… they are my absolute favs!

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Maddie Hammond

My Longchamp is easily one of my best purchases, I've used it almost daily for school/work/rehearsals for the past two years and the corners are just starting to wear. I'm glad you recommended it for all your readers!

Maddie Hammond
aglitteringassemblage.blogspot.com

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sarahspreppycloset

Omg I think I'll be able to see you in Boston because I'm going there that weekend for a college visit!! Also, does Tuckernuck ship fast, because I would really love to take that as my weekender bag!

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Olivia Stieren

AHHH, Atlanta!!! Such a beautiful time of the year to come here. I'm devastated though because I might be leaving that day to go visit my mom for her birthday…depending on what time the meet and greet is, I truly hope I can meet you!

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Brianna Kolota

Can you come to Gainesville, Florida, please? 🙂 I've been a fan for years and would love the opportunity to meet you! I know a lot of other people in Gainesville who are longtime readers as well.

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Handbags

Weekender Bags

| 48 Comments

I’m off to DC today. I’ve been trying to push aside my ever-growing wanderlust, but it’s not going away anytime soon I think! While my trip to DC will be very much welcomed, it’s going to be quick. As in working on the train down in the afternoon and then working on the train again first thing in the morning. (I spent all of my senior year spending every second possible in the city, and now here I am missing the District!)
Quick trips are the hardest to pack for. You can’t really justify bringing a large bag. And, no matter how many days you’re gone for, there’s always a “fixed” amount of things you need. (As in, even if you’re spending a week away or just one night, you’ll need all your toiletries and pajamas and at least two outfits (right?), plus like… two pairs of shoes. Minimum. Okay, so maybe that’s just me….
Finding the right bag is key. I’m the kind of person who needs restrictive space, because otherwise I overpack ridiculously. It’s bad. Plus, I like to keep my bag with me (as opposed to checking it if I’m on a flight) and so I have to be able to carry it easily. Throwing a strap over my shoulder is the best.
Oh, and nine times out of ten, I have my laptop with me. ABC = Always Bring Computer.
I rounded up ten of the cutest and most versatile bags out there. Feel free to add your favorites in a comment!
Longchamp Expandable Travel Bag | J. Crew Coal Bag
J. Crew crewcuts Overnight Bag | LeSportsac Large Weekender
What are your quick trip packing tips? What’s your go-to weekender bag?

xoxo
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48 Comments

Francesca

I have that exact Vera Bradley weekender! Unfortunately, I'm a compulsive over-packer so I only use it if I'm sleeping over a friend's house because it doesn't hold enough for me to use that for a whole weekend away. Normally I use a giant Coach weekender tote I got a few years ago 🙂

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Kaity

have you seen the Lo & Sons OG (or OMG) bag? I'm dying to own one! they look super useful and versatile and still really chic. alas, they are also way out of my budget…

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Amanda

Lands End has some really nice bags as well. For weekend trips (and longer) I borrow my mother's bag from there that's over 15 years old but stil holds up and works like a charm. And it's monogramed so that doesn't hurt!

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Taylor

I actually have the Vera Bradley large duffle bag…. It looks a lot bigger than it actually is, but it's perfect for long weekends!

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Jessie Springer

I always use my longchamp but that crew cuts duffel is calling my name! I'll have to check out how big it is! Thanks for sharing!

Jessie Holmes Springer

jessieholmesspringer.com

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Melissa

I just purchased the Longchamp travel bag for an upcoming spring break trip and can't wait to use it!

-Melissa
classygirlingreen.blogspot.com

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Vina Smith

Longchamp all the way, although I must say the monogrammed J. McLaughlin is adorable too! Might have to look into that 🙂

Xoxo,
Vina
theprettyinprep.blogspot.com

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Ashley Mason

I absolutely LOVE the J. McLaughlin Sailcloth Duffle! The monogram definitely adds the perfect touch to it. However, I'm not a fan of two of the things – the fact that the majority of it is white (knowing me, I'll somehow get stains on it!) and the price (a little expensive for my age!). I'll look into it though, because I could definitely put it to great use!

Enjoy your time in DC!

xo,
Ashley

privateschoolprepster.blogspot.com

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cairee

Well you have my bag on the list! For a quick get away by car or train I say LeSportsac. Definitely. As far as planes are concerned, however, I have an awful habit of always checking a suitcase even for a weekend trip. I guess this is mainly bc checking bags on Delta is free for me. Even if it is small enough for the overhead, I check it. I could definitely pack better. I am an "ABC" girl too as you say, but lately my iPad has become a great substitute for a heavier laptop. Takes up far less space too. My carryon bag is a Neverfull and the computer gets pretty heavy on one shoulder when trekking through the airport. I would love to see what your carry-on bag looks like when you fly! Should do a post on packing that 🙂

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kathryn

Love my LeSportsac and my Longchamp. I recommend either for a weekend or to always pack one on a long trip for a bigger bag with souveniers on the way home. They fold up quite nicely and can be slid in the front pocket of your suitcase.

Both hold up well. I have the patent black LeSportSac (actually also about to purchase their new cheetah print) and black longchamp. Goes with everything, never looks lazy, HOLDS EVERYTHING.

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Sarah

I would also suggest adding the large LL Bean totes to the list! They are super-practical, hold up to a lot, and can also be monogrammed.

I can't wait to meet you tonight at GWU!

Sarah
taste-and-tact.blogspot.com

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Hanny

My mother owns this classy and chic blue weekender bag, that I believe she either bought it from TJ Maxx or Macy's.
My quick trip tips are always check the weather before you go somewhere, which will help on minizing what you need to bring. Just bring the necessity when it comes to skin and body care, and have them in a functional beauty bag like this one from Target: http://www.target.com/p/contents-tutti-fruity-hanging-clutch-cosmetic-bag/-/A-13937675#prodSlot=medium_1_32&term=beauty+bag

Hanny

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Kate

That expandable Longchamp is seriously my dream weekender and has been ever since a friend brought it with her on our trip to Italy. Just seeing everything she could fit in there sealed the deal for me.

It's going to be one of my first purchases once I get a big girl job!

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Jennifer (the Elizabeth Letter)

I've never seen that expendable Longchamp before, but it looks all sorts of awesome. My best packing tip is to keep a hard copy of "always pack every time" things like jeans, toothbrush, jammies, etc" and then write down a supplementary list of outfits.

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michelle

i love the little crewcuts one! it would be perfect for my trip this weekend but i don't think it will be here in time. i am always the person that overpacks. gone for one night, i need 2-3 pairs of shoes and 2-3 outfits because i never know what i might want to wear the next day! but then again, i've packed enough times that i can fit 5 days worth of clothes and everything into a backpack. and a week and a half into a tiny rolling carry on.

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Olivia

I just spent one evening away from home (I wasn't even gone 24 hours!). I packed two outfits, pajamas, and workout clothes, plus brought two pairs of shoes and toiletries. I use a backpack to pack for quick trips because of the restrictiveness, but I would like something more fun to carry (thanks for the bag recommendations!). I keep a checklist on my computer of what to pack so I always have something to reference. It cuts down on the risk of forgetting to pack something.

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Lydia Grace

I LOVE my Vera Weekender! It's large enough to fit the essentials, and is super cute and versatile.

XOXO-Lydia
preppychictheblog.blogspot.com

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Amy H.

I LOVE (!!!) the J. Mc Laughlin weekender! It's so classic and I love anything monogrammed! I have a Vera Bradley duffle and most of the time it's either too big (weekend with friends) or too small (weekend home from college). I feel like the J. Mc Laughlin duffle would force me to pack much more conservatively so I could stick with it's clean classic lines 🙂

leopardspot-theblog.blogspot.com

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Lauren Sherritt

Uh, these are all so cute! I refuse to pay extra for checked baggage if I'm not going for more than four or five days, and I have a little (polka dotted!) suitcase that I usually use which is super handy. I've just booked a flight (foolishly!) with an airline that has different size restrictions, so now I'm on the hunt for a little bag to help me out…thanks for all the pointers!

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jack johnson

You can buy EVRSC bags from the online store. They are just the right bags to depict Sailing Duffels your “nauti” personality, and are perfect for your boating lifestyle because they are water resistant and highly durable

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Jenni

I am an L.L. Bean LOVER! I have the extra large tote and added the zipper to the top so I can close it! I LOVE it! 🙂

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