Travel The World
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is:
“While you’re young, you should travel.”
After my first independent trip abroad, I promised myself I would always find a way to continue to get to know the world and people who fill it. When MissMalini asked me to head to Tuscany on behalf of Team MissMalini, I am pretty sure I said yes before she could even complete her sentence.
So here I am, beyond excited to be heading to Italy this Friday – except for one little thing… the packing! You would think it would get easier with every trip, right? This is false. I still to this day struggle with balancing the act of packing only what I need while feeling like I have options once I arrive at my destination. Since a bag doesn’t pack itself, I turned up the music and made an Espresso Martini ready to conquer the task.
Here’s what made it in my bag:
Flight socks: As I’e said in my previous packing blog, these little babies are amazing and help keep your legs vein-free. Please do not follow my lead and wear them with sandals. This is a serious crime against fashion.
Clothing: Make the most out of what you pack. If you stick to one color palette, everything will automatically match with everything else. I usually stick to neutrals with pops of color here and there. Black, white, navy and grey made the cut this time. I always make at least one maxi dress that can be worn alone or paired with tops as a converted maxi skirt.
Shoes: Leave your fussy shoes at home. While I’d love to look like a supermodel out of Vogue Italia, it’s just not practical for walking around the city and visiting vineyards. My original list included a pair of 5 inch black platform stilettos, but I settled for a pair of amazing, borrowed brown boots, red Hunter wellingtons that I think are acceptable for rain or shine, and my Vibram FiveFingers that gathered quite a few funny looks the last time I was in Tuscany.
Bits and Baubles: If you cannot live without it, then stick to jewelry that can be worn layered or separately. Think bangles and watch combination.
Fragrances: Pack a new, sample size vial of perfume. The smell of Bottega Venata has Italy written all over it.
Swimmers: Pack your bikini in a sandwich bag as it keeps the pieces together and safe from damage.
Skin Prep: Throw all your little bottles into a cosmetics bag and pray you have what you need. I do not recommend this to anyone, but I couldn’t be fussed to sort through the mess. Sometimes laziness wins. I did ensure my mini bottles of bliss products were included in the smorgasbord.
Undergarments: My one piece of advice: A nude bra and slip should always make it in your bag no matter where you are going. And don’t forget to treat your delicates delicately by packing them in a separate soft bag!
See you in Italy!