Free Range Human

Ladies, you may not like this. The short version of what I'm trying to tell you is: take less shit! Fortunately, that doesn't have to be a bad thing. What you pack and how you pack make all the difference. It's hard enough to stuff everything in if you have your own luggage, but if you are sharing with a significant other it gets even worse. The fight for your fair share of luggage real estate can get bloody, so let's try not to go to jail until you're on vacation.

Travel seems to boil down to two types: Luxury and budget. Since luxury travel lends itself to easily checking countless suitcases that will just sit nicely in your suite all vacation, I'll focus on budget travel. After several trips over the years and a recent 17 day Italy trip taken without checking a single bag, I've found the key to happy packing lies in these essentials:

OH! Before we get in to the packing tips DON'T FORGET TO DO THIS!: Check weather. Check itinerary & check dress codes. Have you heard the phrase "Don't work hard, work smart?" Same idea applies to packing. Only pack for what you have planned, not for what you may do....you probably won't end up doing it.

1. The generic Tank Top (in at least 3 colors)

If you don't already own 1 million like I do, head to your local "cheapy shop" and grab a handful.
They are inexpensive and can be used to easily change up a look or color scheme. They fold up into almost nothing, can be worn alone, underneath a sheer top, layered with each other, and are comfortable enough to serve as your pajama top.

2. Pants Pants Pants ...

Try not to over think this part of your wardrobe. Think about what you typically wear at home, more than likely its pretty much a constant rotation of black skinnies and jeans. Stick to that! When traveling, your bottom half is not the place to show your impeccable style- it takes up way too much room and let's be honest most photos end up being taken from the waist up anyway. If you find yourself in a very hot climate trade out one of the pants for 1 or 2 pairs of solid colored shorts & try to wear your pants on the plane. It saves room... and planes get cold.

3. Dresses

This should be a no-brainer but just in case I will remind you of the importance of a quality LBD. The one item that must make it's way into your bag for a nice dinner or a
night of drinks and dancing should be a classic, comfortable & stylish little black dress. Any colorful accessory, belt or jewelry will instantly change the look. Depending on the weather and the length of your trip I would also recommend a cotton maxi dress in a bright color. Just make sure it is also in a solid color so you can easily accessorize this dress differently as well.

4. Ugh, Shoes.

Yea, I know shoes are the bane of your packing existence. If I could get away with only taking the flip flops on my feet I would, but if you've ever stepped foot on European soil and took one look at a stylish Euro man or woman, you will fight the urge to burn your ghetto flip flops in shame by day one....but don't worry. Pack the flip flops you'll need them, it's just not all you'll need.

The basic ABC's of shoes are: Athletic shoe, Boots & Classic wedges (or your most trustworthy, classic black heels.) Feel free to get creative with this combo and definitely feel free subtract, but just

don't add! In my experience this is more than enough. If you do pack boots you will have to wear them on the plane and on all travel days, boots and suitcases just don't mix... but it's usually worth the effort, flat boots are not only comfortable but really stylish.

Pack shoes first and line them along the bottom perimeter of your suitcase. Don't forget to stuff your shoes with socks, scarfs, phone chargers and even jewelry to save space!

5. Toiletries & Accessories

With toiletries, (assuming you checked if your hotel provides basic toiletries,) this is the time to gather up all those hotel shampoos, conditioners & lotions you acquired or samples you scored from the department stores. I have found that it is better to pack multiple small travel sized toiletries and toss the empties out along the way than to pack 1 larger bottle of everything and have to lug all the empty & half empty bottles home. Anything that makes your bag lighter is a great thing.

As far as accessories go, this is your time to shine. Go crazy....(within reason!) Rings! Statement necklaces! Earrings! Oh my! But who is the queen of all accessories you ask? The scarf! Pack a few!
They are not only functional but quickly change the look of an outfit and can double as your beach coverup.

Now that you have packed the essentials feel free to fill in the holes with trendier tops and a few extras you have room for. Make sure you take a large neutral tote as your "personal item" its will easily carry your make up bag, iPad and can be used as your everyday bag as well as a beach bag if needed.

I know these tips seem obvious but we all know packing will bring out the hoarder in all of us! Stick to the basics and you shall emerge victorious in the battle of fashionable travel.