What are the most essential pieces to take with you on your next trip? I'm referring to those "must have" items- the ones you really need. Of course it depends on the type of trip, the weather etc. I'll share with you my most recent trip packing challenge...
The challenge: We are going for a three day weekend to San Francisco (temperature 60-75 degrees) and then driving 3 hours to Lake Tahoe to ski for the week - think snow, cold and ski clothes. Nine days and my husband is not big on surcharges for extra luggage (an understatement) so I needed to figure out how to manage this and get all my ski clothes, regular stuff and everything else in my allotted single suitcase.
My goal: To have exactly what I needed and nothing more! (Truth- there wasn't room for more) Here's what I came up with...
Outerwear
The challenge: We are going for a three day weekend to San Francisco (temperature 60-75 degrees) and then driving 3 hours to Lake Tahoe to ski for the week - think snow, cold and ski clothes. Nine days and my husband is not big on surcharges for extra luggage (an understatement) so I needed to figure out how to manage this and get all my ski clothes, regular stuff and everything else in my allotted single suitcase.
My goal: To have exactly what I needed and nothing more! (Truth- there wasn't room for more) Here's what I came up with...
Outerwear
- Must haves: Ski Jacket, Shearling Coat, and my choice for balmy San Francisco - my North Face Down Vest. Wore the bulky shearling on the plane and the vest was a perfect choice instead of a light weight jacket for San Francisco. It is now working double duty on our ski trip.
Accessories that do it all
- Must haves: I found this great little western style leather pouch - (see photos above and below) at Jeremy's in San Fran. Jeremy's is famous for amazing bargains - I always try and stop in for a quick look when I'm in town. Brand: Linea Pelle- price: $58.00 on super George Washington birthday weekend sale- Sold! Great as a casual clutch or a bag to keep in your travel tote. I've been wearing it at night - perfect for super casual San Fran and Tahoe. The LV pouch on the left is my daughter Jaime's - a great classic, timeless option. It's at least ten years old and pretty much indestructable. Use when traveling or anytime you need a little bag/pouch. Goes with everything, just the right size for your phone, room key, credit card and lipstick. My other bag-pick for this tripwas a Marc Jacobs messenger bag in plum. (see above) I use it whenever I travel and it's an especially good choice when in a big city. I used it all day long in San Francisco - a great way to bring in some color too.
3. Footwear
Here is where I could really get into trouble. So bulky - My must haves: Furry snow boots, hiking boots (for snow shoeing), and sneakers. My one additional choice - a pair of motorcycle boots. I figured these could work in both cities and go with everything- and they do!
4. Pants
Ecru - a brand that I have never tried for myself (until now) but always liked on other women- I am now hooked - they fit/look amazing. And my Paige jeans which I've mentioned before..
Here is where I could really get into trouble. So bulky - My must haves: Furry snow boots, hiking boots (for snow shoeing), and sneakers. My one additional choice - a pair of motorcycle boots. I figured these could work in both cities and go with everything- and they do!
4. Pants
Ecru - a brand that I have never tried for myself (until now) but always liked on other women- I am now hooked - they fit/look amazing. And my Paige jeans which I've mentioned before..
Other accessories that make sense when you can't take a lot:
. A fun pair of earrings, a cuff and maybe scarf or two. Nice finishing touches - especially when clothing rotation consists of the same two pair of pants and four tops.
Below:
Left photo: cozy scarves picked up at sample sales. Right photo: Eyewear- Tom Ford, Leather Wrap Bracelet- Tory Burch (old), Earrings- Alexis Bitar on left, gold hoops, gift for my 16th birthday- really!
. A fun pair of earrings, a cuff and maybe scarf or two. Nice finishing touches - especially when clothing rotation consists of the same two pair of pants and four tops.
Below:
Left photo: cozy scarves picked up at sample sales. Right photo: Eyewear- Tom Ford, Leather Wrap Bracelet- Tory Burch (old), Earrings- Alexis Bitar on left, gold hoops, gift for my 16th birthday- really!
What are your travel essentials?
Hope you are having a great week wherever you are, Thanks for reading, Lori