Foreign Friday: Packing Galore

For those who didn’t read last week’s introduction to Foreign Friday, I (Hilary, the Editor of Carbon Magazine) am traveling abroad for the next month and I’m taking you along with me.

Before anyone leaves for a trip we all must pack- an enjoyable task for some, a daunting one for others. I’d include myself in the latter. This is my third summer going to Europe and I’m starting to feel like I’ve gotten a hold on the basics of packing, what to do and what not to do and how to still dress fashionable while carrying a light load. I’m going to share my secrets with you.

1. Choose the appropriate bag: First ask yourself, “What kind of trip am I going on?” If you’re going on a short vacation and staying in a hotel. It’d be best to bring a small rolling suitcase or weekender bag. If you’re going on a long trip, I suggest bringing a camper’s backpack because this way, you can travel with your arms free and have better mobility overall. I’m going to be abroad for five weeks, so I’m bringing a youth-sized non-frame camping backpack. I’m fairly petite, so this bag is a great size for me in terms of capacity and weight.

2. Clothes: This is perhaps the most difficult part of packing, I know from first hand that Fashionistas don’t like to leave their Jefferey Campbell wedges and Nasty Gal dresses at home. The best solution for bringing a fashionable arrangement of ensembles is to first pack your basics! I like to bring 3 or 4 solid colored V-necks that match with everything. These shirts give you maximum flexibility when digging through your bag. Because I’m dressing for multiple climates, I’m also bringing a couple solid colored tank tops as well. Since you’re bringing solid colored shirts, you have the option of bringing bottoms that aren’t so plain. Your shirts will match anything you’ll pair them with. I opted to bring a pair of leggings, cactus green skirt, cotton zebra shorts and denim shorts. Lastly, you’ll want to bring your special items. I brought a romper to wear for a bit more dressed up occasions and a bronze bomber jacket instead of a hoodie. This jacket will be a fantastic alternative to a grungy sweater- sharp looking and utilitarian.

I’ve added a dinosaur for scale purposes.

3. Travel Beauty: Only bring your beauty essentials! Make up items tend to be small and easy to lose, so really only bring what you really need. I suggest bringing an eye shadow palate that has nude shades but also darker colors for going out. I’m bringing the NYX palate in Champagne. You’ll also want mascara, foundation, powder, blush and brushes for each. Lastly, eyeliner- I love this one from E.L.F. because it has a built in sharpener in the lid a 2 in 1 function.

4. Dressing for your travel day: Incorporate comfort and style by dressing appropriately for long flights. First off, let’s face it, airplanes are cold! I always bring my heaviest jacket on the plane with me. I can use it as a blanket and it takes up less room in my bag if I’m carrying it instead. As far as bottoms go, I strongly suggest wearing something like a jegging or leggings (a dress with tights could work as well). The main point here is comfort and again, warmth. And alas, my travel day outfit; I opted to go with a gray V-neck with a breezy white button down to add an extra warmth layer. I went with a jegging for this flight; they’re very soft and comfortable but still look like jeans- a double whammy! I also chose an infinity scarf and my woven pea coat (not pictured here though, sawy!)

Other tips:
Always remember to roll your clothing instead of folding to prevent wrinkling.
Use scarves, headbands and belts to tie bundles of clothes together.
Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off in the airport- I went with TOMS!
Never forget a watch!
Always double check you’ve got your official documents, you don’t want to risk missing a flight because of a silly mistake!

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