Long Live Impractical Packing
Telling yourself stories about vacation, color schemes, and headbands
I’m on vacation. It’s my first proper vacation since going freelance, which comes with its own set of learning curves. I’m the type to visioncast military-level routines for my vacation self. I tell half the people I’m working with that I’m simply working from a warmer climate and will be totally reachable. After arriving, unpacking, ready getting into some excellent guacamole, I realized I needed a break. Of course, if I’m on deadline for you and you’re reading this, don’t worry. I just mean a break from the false notions of productivity while OOO. I don’t need to finish a draft of my novella. I don’t need to respond to every email.
Existential crisis about my relationship to work aside, my favorite part of prepping for a trip is planning outfits. I’m not a good packer. That’s something I’ve completely come to terms with. On a trip to NY for my 21st birthday, I packed only a wool cape as outerwear, something my best friend loves to revisit every time we leave for a trip together. On other trips, I’ve traded style for comfort in ways that always come back to haunt me. “I don’t need sneakers,” I tell myself. Or, “I’ll wear this vest every day. It’s worth the space.” Personally, vests are never worth the space.
I don’t subscribe to packing cubes or any sort of rolling versus folding system. I use dustbags to sort some of my clothing by category. I wear the heaviest items. And I roll my eyes every time I sit on my suitcase to fit three bags of toiletries. I don’t feel qualified to offer tips on packing, so instead, here’s my personal manifesto on the subject.
Less is more, unless you’ve just found the perfect white blouse on eBay that’s dying to be worn. Pack the blouse. Save room for the inevitable charity shop/flea market/vintage gems you pick up along the way. Choose two colors other than black and white and stick with them. You’ll be cold. You’ll want an extra pair of socks. You won’t wear the skirt. Pack at least two magazines, two novels, one boring book, and three pens. You’ll need a journal, a water bottle, and Tums, no matter how short the trip is. Keep all the cords in one little pouch, same with the important documents. You won’t use anything exercise related. Really, the ankle weights deserve a week off. Don’t forget sunscreen. Don’t forget two pairs of sunglasses. Pack the hair accesories you’ve been meaning to try. Vacation is for experimentation, but let’s not get carried away.
Archived Outfit
This outfit just gets better the longer you look at it. Let’s start with the pointed brown leather boots which are a genius packing move. Always wear your biggest shoes! The jeans are great, but what’s really my favorite part of the look is the laidback ease with which Cindy Crawford wears black with brown. I’m not in love with the duffle, but we all have our own luggage baggage. Mine is a black Everlane backpack I’ve had for years. Despite my total distaste toward it, I carry it on every flight zipped to the brim with books and toiletries.
Cool look for $40.
Nearly identical cool look for $30 and in a smaller size.
Honorable Mentions
There was a request to break down the art of the eBay search from a lovely newsletter reader. I want to, boy, do I want to create a slide deck with my techniques, but it’s taking some real brain power. Stay tuned!
One reader wanted to know if I had any podcast recommendations. I’ve been into So Money, The Be Well By Kelly Podcast, and How Long Gone. Is it range or truly random taste? Keep the questions coming.
Thank you so much for reading. This week, I wrote about Ritual’s Chief People Officer and my favorite non alcoholic bev. See you next Thursday! x