You may remember my absolute shit show of an attempt to pack for my super short trip to San Francisco two weeks ago. I desperately wanted to just carry on, keep my things simple and not stress. Plus I was only gone for not even 4 days, so who needs a giant suitcase. Apparently this gal does. I planned outfits, kept my color palette simple, but just couldn’t do it. Between the weird SF weather and my desperate need for all the options, I ended up ditching the carry on and grabbing my giant suitcase instead. Sadly I also found myself mid trip looking at my packed items and saying “I have nothing to wear”. I really didn’t do a good job.
But for my trip that I’m about to embark on this afternoon, I planned my ASS off. In addition to planning, and thankfully warmer weather so lighter pieces, I also picked up a set of packing cubes. There was an overwhelming amount of people who swore by these so I decided to pick up a set and give them a go. They were on sale at The Container Store for a little over $30 for a set of 3. After packing everything in my suitcase, and then taking it all out and using the packing cubes, I can 100% tell you they make a difference! PS A full on how to pack in a carry on post coming soon. Just need to make sure I ACTUALLY did a good job once this week is over!
What I’m Packing For The South Of France
Easy Dresses
I’m making it a point to just bring as many great dresses as possible. They’re so easy to go from day to night, pool to dinner, you name it. For cooler evenings, I also have my denim jacket to layer and keep me warm.
Power Separates
I’m usually a tank and shorts kind of person when I travel to keep things simple and easy. But I wanted to be cute this trip too! I’m bringing some statement tanks that can easily go with shorts, and one statement midi creating several outfits by mixing and matching. Now I just have to hope I don’t spill anything on any of these pieces! This method will help me feel like I’m creating fun outfits on the go which is how I prefer to get dressed. The thought of having to wear one look on one day and that’s it isn’t ideal for me.
Versatile & Comfy Shoes
I never try to risk it when I travel and bring a new pair of shoes that I’m unsure of how they’re going to feel. For me, I always want to bring the shoes I know will feel good all day long no matter what. This trip that means my Steven Greece sandals, my chucks (which will be my travel shoe) and my lace up Steve Madden’s that have been to just about every country I have too.
Accessories
I was shocked to see that I was able to bring not one, not two but THREE bags for this trip. I really wanted my straw bag that I’ve been wearing non stop. To make it fit, I packed my toiletries in this bag and placed it inside my weekender bag. Since we’ll be doing the beach, I also brought this straw circle bag. Lastly, I just can’t fathom wearing either of those while in a big city because they’re easy to pick-pocket, so I also packed my little crossbody that allows me to be hand and stress free. This is also the bag I’ll wear on the plane as it’ll hold my phone, passport, headphones and such.
Beauty Products
I’d say this is the hardest part for me to not stress over. My hair NEEDS to be styled. I can’t let it airdry and it just be fine. So I’m relying on my friend’s curling iron (terrifying) and hoping for the best. I still travel with a few hair essentials like my Kristin Ess texture spray, hair spray, a brush and comb. When I travel, I am never without my skincare though!
Swimwear
We’ll actually only be spending one day at the beach and then there’s a possibility to stop by the water on our way into wine country. I’m only bringing a black one piece, and one black bikini. The one piece is great though because I can actually use it as a bodysuit if I need an extra outfit! I’m nixing the cover ups, and going with either shorts and a button down, or my striped Mud Pie romper.
