Pick your luggage. The first solution to revolutionizing convenient travel was the rolling bag, reducing backaches and trips to the chiropractor. Then came the innovative carry-on bag, specifically designed to fit into overhead compartments. These "gifts from God" have made carry-on travel an absolute breeze, informing us of exactly how much room we have to work with, while still allowing us to carry on.
Minimize and prioritize. Now comes the tricky part. How do you pack for a trip, allow for everything you will need and fit it into that rolling rectangle bag? Well, I have this process down to a science. I fly over 100,000 miles a year, I attend several different types of events, visit different climates, and I've really devised a system of streamlined packing and minimalism that will work for everyone.
Pick a color scheme. When traveling, I always choose either black or brown. In summer, I sometimes choose white. Whatever your choice, that is the basis of what you will be wearing on that trip.
Pick an accent color. Decide whether the color of the hardware on your handbags, jewelry and watches will be silver or gold. For men, articles such as belts and cuff links will be the items with hardware.
Decide what you will wear on the plane. You will definitely need a pair of jeans, so pick your loosest, most comfortable pair. Jeans are durable, so you can get up to four uses from one pair on a trip. Also, they're bulkier than thin, comfortable sweatpants or leggings, leaving more room in your suitcase.
Choose your shoes. If it's winter, I wear boots on the plane (they take up the most room) and layered clothing such as a T-shirt, sweater (planes are always cold) and a heavy winter coat in my signature color. If you must work out and don't have boots, wear your sneakers; otherwise, sneak them into the corner of your bag. I do yoga, which is terrific because you don't need shoes. Regardless of the season, wear your heaviest shoes and outerwear on the plane. In addition, take on a medium-sized bag (big enough for magazines, a small laptop and water bottle), but one that isn't too big to use at night.
Move on to the basics. Bring two black tops: a turtleneck and a long-sleeved shirt. And bring two white tops: a tank top and a long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt. If you plan to exercise, bring an extra tank top with a built-in bra (for men, just a tank or T), and you now can wear a worn tank top to exercise, without having to bring workout clothes. The same goes for workout pants. Bring one or two pairs of thin sweatpants with a drawstring. These can work for the gym or for simply running around. You will also need one zip-up sweatshirt for the gym or for leisure wear.
Plan out your daily outfits. Don't pick a different outfit for each day. Choose items that are interchangeable, interesting and still feel like they have variety. If going away for a week, pick a hip top to go with your jeans and boots at night. Then wear with the purse you've brought. If dressy, bring a simple dress (for men a dress shirt and simple black pants), a shawl (or even better, a shawl-type sweater) and sexy pumps that will work day or night. Now choose one versatile small bag that will work with any of your night outfits. Make sure it's your signature color.
Bring a blazer. This can be worn a few times with a T-shirt underneath and with your shawl.
Take a black skirt and a pair of heels. Also bring a simple white shirt or a knit top in your signature color. This shirt can also be worn with jeans and the skirt can be worn with your T's or tank tops for an additional outfit. A pair of leggings is a great item to pack because you can wear a long shirt (bring an interesting belt and pair with those heels or boots). Also, make sure that the coat you've chosen is simple, so it's casual enough for day and dressy enough for night.
Throw in one long-sleeved men's T-shirt to sleep in. Bring sunglasses and some type of soft, floppy, easy-to-pack hat and bikini if going to a warm weather climate. Flipflops and a long-sleeved white shirt (to wear at night and then the next day) make for adequate poolside attire.
Take a small to medium-sized round or oval soft makeup case with a top for toiletries. Buy tiny sample containers for creams, sprays and lotions. Spend 15 minutes transferring your face wash, makeup remover and lotion into the sample containers and labeling them. Add a sample toothbrush, mini razor, deodorant, cotton pads and anything you always use. Place that bag under your sink and only use it when traveling -- there it is, ready to go. The labels tell you the difference between sunscreen, moisturizer and undereye cream. This compact bag goes right in the bottom of your suitcase and saves you one packing task each time.
Have one makeup bag that has a small travel brush pack with a small blush brush, shadow brush and brush that will serve as an eyeliner device. Then include those small palettes of eye shadow and lipstick that you get as samples in free gift bags. The black color included will double as your eyeliner. Lipstick can double as blush when rubbed on the apples of the cheeks. You will need mascara, as well, and a lip liner and gloss to be able to take with you at night. Your foundation can be in your toiletries bag, or you can bring a small foundation stick that doubles as undereye cream. Use with your fingers or a small foundation brush. Your hairbrush should be small and carried in your purse on the plane.
This should do you for up to 10 days.
Bon voyage.
