Two weeks in Italy in one bag? no problem
For as long as I can remember I’ve only “carried on” when I travel. I tell myself it’s because it’s more efficient and easier, but it also is very calming. I never worry if I left something somewhere and I can alleviate the impending “will my bag make it off the baggage carousel” stress. For a weekend, it’s easy enough, right? But then came the “let’s go to europe for 2 1/2 weeks” out of my husband’s mouth. a great adventure to be sure - but imagining the editing required for this trip was a different kind of adventure all its own. Challenge accepted.
Where to begin? I take into account the season and what we have planned. Typically we know we are going to be walking a lot, a lot meaning pretty much everywhere irregardless of weather. Much like the actual packing itself, I start my own Italian capsule collection with shoes. I start with the foundation (thank you to the design world who made stylish tennis shoes chic) - a pair of classic tennis shoes that go with everything and are comfortable. In October my Golden Goose were the perfect option. Next I always feel prepared with at least some sort of heel, while they may not make it out of my bag - as our days sometimes blur into our nights, I just feel better with a pair. This can be an espridralle in the summer, a classic barely there strappy nude sandal that goes with everything or even a heeled boot in the winter (this boot packs like a dream). And on this trip I threw in my birkenstocks - just to have an alternate option during the day.
Next up, the clothes. This is really all about editing and layering and it came down to some simple math.
3 x 3 = 9. 3 bottoms, 3 sweaters = you easily have 9 variations. Not too mention, add in an oversize blazer that doubles as your coat, a black slip dress (in the evening with the blazer and heels or during the day with a t-shirt layered underneath with tennis shoes) and an oversize button down shirt and the options became endless. For the bottoms I had; a pair of jeans, a pair of black pants and a pair of leather pants - all can be worn night or day. A turtleneck sweater, cashmere hoodie, and a crew neck sweater completed my layers. Other essentials were a couple white t-shirts, long-sleeve black cashmere/cotton blend t-shirt and a oversized cashmere scarf. All of my clothes, shoes and HBA’s (health and beauty aids - think toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up etc) went in my favorite lightweight essential roller bag. Last up was my larger carry-on tote that housed a small purse for both day/night, skincare essentials, chargers, ipad, and odds and ends with room in case a shopping find was made while abroad.
I know it may seem daunting, but after endless trips where a handful of things never made it out of the bag, I realized the less is more proverb really holds true - I used to pack more options (thinking I was going to change every night for dinner), and while I am a fan of throwing in an extra something.. just in case, having a handful of separates that can be reimagined everyday was simpler and super satisfying.