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Posted by Dain, Thursday, June 21, 2007 7:11 AM (Eastern)
I suppose this better belongs in our Fashion Blog, but it combines beauty and fashion concerns, and I'd rather not split it.
There are maybe four different types of trips. One, is the business trip, with which I have no experience whatever. Two, resort vacation, for which the goal is relaxation. Three, city vacation, for which the goal is entertainment. Fourth, camping, which I never would do. Of course, these are very fluid categories: Rio, for example, would be a resort city. By now, I've whittled my goods down to a science, and for a week or two or traveling, I find this is an ideal list (it's also a great wishlist, doesn't really need a theme!).
TO START OFF...
HOW TO PACK?
Some of the clothes are on your back, and some are packed away. In addition, I carry two bags: my carry-on luggage, such as the Avietta, and a roomy handbag for more immediate essentials. The trick is organization, but there are a couple different ways to organize, both aesthetically and practically. I'm not sure how to show "both sides at once", as it were, so I will switch back and forth from the practical and the aesthetic. I think it's easier to follow that way.
PRACTICAL: ON ME
This is what I wear to the airport; I focus on comfort rather than style, and find light layers best suited for the purpose:
1. black bra, the most neutral and effortlessly sexy shade for a bra
2. a comfortable shirt, I sometimes like to wear a combination of a lace camisole (which is very, very useful as a general underlayer) and a soft, comfortable buttondown, but I generally like to wear my psychohenley, because somehow it makes me happy
3. layers are key, if I feel I need the extra warmth, I wear a lightweight silk-cashmere sweater, in a mellow but cheerful blue, and it's soft enough to sleep in, if necessary
4. trousers or jeans, nothing too fancy, you don't want to worry about wrinkles or stains
5. a pair of comfortable flat shoes, the kind will vary depending on your style, your needs, and the climates you will be traversing
6. a scarf/shawl is indispensible, not only does it provide extra warmth, you can ball it up and use it as a pillow in a pinch
7. a coat, 'nuff* said, with the exception of the most tropical places
8. other details: simple jewelry that doesn't require any watching, an umbrella, and of course my handbag
AESTHETIC: THE WARDROBE
Wardrobe function, i.e. how things match with other things while avoiding redundancy, is most essential to clever packing. I find it useful, for example, to bring two "bottoms" when I travel, usually a pants and a skirt for more versatility; I need no more if the trip is less than a week. You can't get away with just one, because if you soil one and have to wash it, you're stuck.
I don't usually wear jeans; I think that navy trousers are equally versatile but infinitely more chic. But I do like Joplin Plazzo by J Brand ($230), they're cut more like trousers: solid in color (the mark of a less casual jean) and wide-legged. I loathe skinny jeans, period, on me, or anyone else for that matter. The fabric baffles me, light and soft and linen-like, but I think that makes them especially pretty, and they're a nice choice for traveling because wrinkles won't matter much. Very different in style, but equally laidback for the summer, is Edme and Esyllte's eggshell cotton skirt ($118). I looked at a lot of white skirts before I chose this one, but this ultimately won out because the fabric drapes so well; very soigné. It's also the most flattering shape, a full a-line, with insets of crocheted lace for a little interest without being too distracting.
I then match tops to bottoms. I find that there are three categories that tops can fall under: "basics" for comfort, such as tees and hoodies, "chic" pieces for daytime dressing up, such as tailored shirts and sleek knits, and "fun" tops, which may be pretty or edgy or sexy as it suits your taste, the clothing that transmits your personality.
The first is my "basic" example, a shirt I already own: my psychohenley from Urban Outfitters (I think it was $28). It's fun, comfortable, and layers well. The one next to it is "chic", Thomas Pink's Tailored Camellia Stripe ($89), for a dose of dressiness, perfect for lunch and a trip to a museum. For "fun" tops, a prime selection will do, such as Sara Berman's Film Noir Blouse ($288), in gray silk, diamond-and-red-leggy-ladies pattern, flutter sleeves, and sharp, velvety black buttons (gee, it's got a lot going on), is quirky and adorable. Next, something airy, like this fresh but sexy James Coviello Sky Stripe Tank ($148). I also like Yumi Kim's Sukie Top ($138), a botanical theme in satiny pearl and cerulean blue. With one of each kind, I have pretty much any eventuality covered. Something comfortable that you don't need to think about, something classic for a little bit of formality, something fun with more personality (I favor sweet and pretty)—though obviously these are not hard and fast categories.
I also like to pack dresses; they are simple to wear and also have a lot of personality. I always add at least one, and I just love this persimmon floral silk dress from Banana Republic ($109), I may just have to get this one. Anything with a high waist, a skirt, flowers, and a bow, o and silk!, is just my thing.
*I wonder why one places an apostrophe in front of "nuff". It's not exactly a real contraction.
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