Over on my Instagram, this week, we are escaping winter with some travel pieces, inspiration and ideas. This post seemed timely as many are escaping winter to warmer destinations this time of year.🌞💃
I used to think that packing my favourite pieces and then sorting things out on arrival was the best plan. Now, I equate this terrible method to shopping for clothing to add to your wardrobe without knowing what you need. Not good at all. Far from smart or effective.
Of course, all that changed when I realized that in the past, I would always overpack. Worse yet, I have even purchased clothing on vacation and ended up wearing that instead. *shame face*
This is when I changed my strategy and introduced planning my outfits. Believe me – it’s not that technical. Also it doesn’t mean that you have to know your full itinerary. In the least, you should have a sense of what the trip would involve.
I see travelling as exciting but packing can be stressful if you don’t plan your looks. I think preparing for any trip allows us to really have that inside look at our wardrobe to see what we have and what we need.
My recent travels to Los Angeles, California for 4 days (3 nights) were a good way for me to get organized at another level. My challenge was ensuring that I wore my own pieces and made sure they all fit into a carry on bag. The unpredictability of the weather in L.A. in January was definitely a challenge for me. I even packed for a few transitions in my pieces as seen in my airport to the beach look and later at another time, a day to evening look.
A gap in what I make was identified immediately as I reviewed my clothing. I didn’t have enough blouses :(.
I need more blouses and tops. I was able to modify my tank top pattern to create this tunic version using a knit fabric just in time for the trip.
Final round up after the trip and my thoughts on packing smart:
1. The carry on was a success (pack what you need and leave the undecided pieces home) 😊
2. I made three new tops for the trip (plan potential looks ahead to inform your packing).
3. There was only one occasion where I wore no Amshina pieces. Yahoo!!!
4. I didn’t wear all the looks I packed (perhaps I packed a few just in case pieces…oops).
5. Test your looks ahead of packing – it rules out packing pieces you are not sure of and probably won’t wear.
6. For sure check the weather 🙌🏿
I think it was an overall success, won’t you say? It definitely gave me tips for my next trip and ideas to create a mindful list of pieces that my wardrobe is lacking and I would like to make this year too.
Thanks for stopping by. What are your thoughts on smart packing? How do you pack for trips?😊
Have an awesome week!
Blessings
Uta
Uta Sews 