|
Traveling Light . . .
By : Debra Mayfield
How many of you are like me and find it hard to pack. I’ve tried for years to pack light and I have that mindset when I’m packing, but when I lift the suitcase, Geese! I think I found Jimmy Hoffa. I always admired those who could leave with a duffle bag for one week and look great the entire trip. I wanted to be that person but I was desperate for help.
Cora Mayfield was a Flight Attendant with TransWorld Airlines (TWA), now American Airlines, for 21 years. For eight of those years, she flew internationally. As a Flight Attendant and a passenger, she was only allowed 2 carry on bags. What she left home with would have to last her for about a week at a time. If she didn’t have it, she would have to buy it. It was imperative that she packed to a science so I turned to her for her expertise and advice.
Like most things in life, there is an effective way to make things happen.
Here is what Cora told me:
 “When packing, keep in mind the trip and what sorts of activities you will be participating in. For instance, will you be on business, the theatre, shopping, going to dinner with friends, church, jogging, hiking etc. Another thing to determine is how long will you be on your trip.
The next thing you do is you pick your color scheme, which is usually black. You can also use navy blue, gray or brown. Whatever the color, keep the same theme throughout the wardrobe. If you are going to pop in a color, let it be a crisp white blouse or a white blouse with pin stripes”.
Cora suggested the following format:
Shoes - Begin to assemble your wardrobe, first with the shoes – a maximum of three pairs. All shoes should be one color – basically, that’s black.
1. It is suggested sandals if that’s your thing for casual wear
2. Flats/loafer for comfort with jeans, slacks or whatever you please
3. Pump 2” or 1.5” sling-back for comfort in the office or to spruce up casual attire.
A higher heeled dress pump could be a nice substitute should you be going to church or if they can find you 'in the club'. And off course, if you are the athletic type and will be exercising, you will require the appropriate shoes for these activities as well.
For one week away from home, Cora suggests picking seven pieces to take along.
That would be two bottoms and five tops:
The two bottoms would be:
1. A pair of slacks
2. A pair of jeans. If attending church or for a nice change not seen often, you may want to make one of these bottoms a skirt.
Another suggestion if you want to really spruce things up is that little black dress. It can go to the office with a blouse or blazer and be dressed up or down for evening wear by adding a tee or wearing the dress alone with an attitude.
Regarding the five tops – The main top would be a white or white pin striped collared blouse. You will be able to utilize this garment in a number of ways.
1. You can wear it with a tank top underneath
2. Wear it buttoned with a belt
3. Add a vest over the top
4. Throw on a jean jacket
5. Or for a more polished look, make it a nice blazer.
A camisole works well into the equation. Add a blazer to it for a contemporary look.
A nice tee is classic and very nice in black.
Maybe a knit cardigan set. You can wear the tank alone or with the cardigan.
The cardigan can translate into a light sweater for those slightly cooler evenings.
Laundry - The only thing that you will have that is not washable will be your blazer. If you are staying with family or friends, remember that you can always us their laundry facility. This will help eliminate the need for as many articles as well. For that matter, most hotels offer a laundry service. Or to freshen up a bit, you can always wash out a tank top, tee or cotton blouse for that matter, in the sink and hang it to dry in the hotel bathroom.
Packing it in – The best way to pack is to roll your clothing. Start from largest point or thickness and roll down. Thinker items will go at the bottom of the suitcase for more room at the top. Always use travel size shampoos, perfume, lotions, etc. These items tend to get extremely heavy while traveling.
Accessories - Now, the key to bring your entire wardrobe together will be your accessories. Scarves will bring a nice punch of color. You can wear a broach or pin on your jacket or lapel.
Jewelry – A string of white pears go with EVERYTHING! A black cardigan, jean jacket, black dress, office – whatever, whenever, whatever. For earrings, make sure they match the necklace. Silver is an excellent choice and is always fashionable. And if hoops are your thing, a nice pair always works to accent any outfit as well.
 If flying, all of this will fit into a carry on bag. You are allowed 2 carry-ons in this case. Make the other a tote where you purse can fit into. This tote should fit nicely under the seat in front of you. This is where you would keep a good book, magazine or your MP3 player handy for easy access.
And there you go! You are ready to see new things with much less to carry along. This is not only a lighter load to carry but a load off of your mind as well.
I’ve made all my outfit choices and now I can concentrate on having fun.
Thanks Cora!
|
|
