P.U.S.H...Pray Until Something Happens. It works!
I am not super organized in my general life, but when it comes to packing for a trip, I have it down to a science. You see when I was a new young attorney living in New York, I traveled a lot and I always checked my bags. After a certain airline lost my luggage about 3 times, I decided if I could not put all of my things in a carry-on, it had to stay home.
Well for my Essence trip, I packed two outfits per day (my standard rule) and packed enough shoes and accessories that were interchangeable and complimented every outfit. EVERYTHING fit into my shoulder weekend bag and I was elated. Take a look at what I packed:
Traveling Outfit Day 1:
This is what I wore on the airplane. The shirt is from Forever 21. The white linen pants are from Target. I have these pants in tan and black. They are lined and awesome! The wedges are Guess and I purchased them for only $24.99 from Ross. The authentic vintage python bag is a gift from my adopted Aunt. Her style is timeless. I love that python bag.
Night Out Outfit Day 1:
This is the DVF dress I purchased from The Lucky Exchange for only $35. I paired it with my Chinese Laundry platforms and silver accessories. After walking in the wedges all night and dancing in the Superdome, I wore a pair of silver Chinese Laundry flats that were a life saver. The Chinese Laundry platforms and silver flats are from Ross and were $20 and $12 respectively.
Day Outfit Day 2:
I knew Day 2 would be packed with Ford activities such as test driving vehicles and hanging out at the Ford booth, so I wanted to be casual but really cute. The striped dress is from my favorite boutique, K-La. It was only $35. The earrings were gratis via K-La boutique. I purchased the dress on my birthday during Mother's Day weekend. They were giving away free earrings with purchase. Score! I paired this outfit with the python bag and wedges.
Night Outfit Day 2:
I knew I was in for a treat with Kanye performing, so I went for a comfortable but sexy look. This 100% silk Kimchi Blue dress was only $30 at The Lucky Exchange and it is in mint condition. It was perfect for a night of concerts. It is lightweight, comfy and gorgeous! I decided to ditch the platforms that night and simply wear my silver flats. Good idea considering how much I was jumping around when Kanye performed.
Day Outfit Day 3:
This day I wanted to be a little bit more casual but stylish of course because we were going to a BBQ restaurant. I purchased the skirt from Target for $20 and it is the cutest skirt ever! It is has pleats in the fronts and pockets. The striped shirt is light and loose and I purchased it from Ross for only $8. I wore my silver flats and chilled that day. This is now my favorite outfit!
Night Outfit Day 3:
Well on the last night I decided to glam it up a bit and rocked my black romper, black platforms and gold accessories. I also styled my hair in a Farrah Fawcett feather style and if I must say, I was looking pretty hot! LOL! However, after watching Kem, Trey Songz, New Edition, and MJB, the platforms had did me in. But I ALWAYS carry my flats, so I changed into my gold flats and was back in business!
Day 4: Traveling Home!
I always try my best to look comfortable and well put together when traveling by air. So I wore my gorgeous $7 on clearance, Target print dress and my wedges. I also carried my white eyelet jacket by Willi Smith. Planes get cold and it is always nice to have something to throw over your shoulders. I purchased this jacket from The Lucky Exchange for only $18! Classic. I paired the outfit with dark brown wood earrings. They are on the shoes in the pic.
So how did I get all of this in my weekend bag with my makeup case? Well I balled up the dresses, skirt, and shirt and lined them on either side of the bag. I put all of the shoes in the middle. I placed my make-up case on top of the shoes and I stuffed my undies and things in the inside pockets of the bag. Done.
As you can see, you can always travel light and still live the luxe life!
Toodles!
