Multiple Destination Getaway

This post is for a friend of mine who asked if it was possible to pack with carry-on only for a multiple destination trip that includes different climates. An example itinerary would be Toronto - Vancouver - Taipei - Bali in late fall or early winter. The purpose of the trip would be for leisure as well as business, and perhaps a destination wedding in Bali. The climates here range from the frosty Canadian temperatures to the tropical climate of Bali, and Taipei sits somewhere in between as it can cool down at night. I always love a packing challenge and after some deliberation, here is my advice:

• Wear the heaviest and bulkiest clothing onto the airplane 
• Pack items that can multitask in different climates such as leggings that would go easy with boots in cold weather, and just as easily fit in tropical climes with a pair of flip flops
• Similarly, pack versatile items that are easy to layer under sweaters for colder climates, and wear alone in warmer climates
• Each item of clothing you pack must be multi-purpose and be worked into various styles and different outfits
• Bring shoes that pack flat and don't take up much space. For example, flip flops, strappy sandals, converse (or pumas) and stiletto pumps take up much less space than platforms, wedges and full size running shoes
• For a shorter trip, I would suggest sticking to one colour palette, however, since this is a three-legged trip, I have two distinct colour palettes
• Roll knits, jersey materials and other clothing that does not wrinkle easily to maximize space
• Lay pants, jeans and other bulkier items flat
• For special occasion outfits or other clothing that tends to wrinkle, pack flat on the bottom of the suitcase in a plastic dry cleaning bag with tissue paper between each layer of clothing
• Maximize your packing potential with a large and lightweight bag such as a large size Longchamp Le Pliage, or a LeSportSac bag that will be your "personal item"
• For your main carry-on, use a suitcase with the maximum dimensions allowable by your airline
• Pack all heavy items such as shoes, clothing and any extra purses in the main carry-on
• Use the Le Pliage or LeSportSac bag to pack electronic gadgets, toiletries, accessories and other small items. This will also double as your purse and in-flight bag for the flight
• Once you finish packing, if you intend to shop, make sure you have about 1/4 or 1/3 of space remaining in your suitcase. If you have overfilled your suitcase, re-edit and take out items that you feel are repetitive, or does not have maximum multitasking potential

Since this multiple destination trip includes tropical climates, it is easier to pack in more items of clothing as summer clothing and swimwear are relatively small and lightweight. 

Here is a travel capsule that should easily fit into one carry-on:

{all images via Polyvore}

Here are some examples of how to work these articles of clothing into different looks for different purposes. The possibilities are endless, and many combinations are not shown. What other combinations do you see and what looks would you create from these items?

I hope you liked this entry and it helps you to travel light with carry-on only! I would love to hear your feedback so please don't be shy and drop me a line!

XO,

Amy

Travel Palette

The lazy summer weekends of July are meant for mini getaways and trips to the cottage. Often these trips are impromptu or last minute summer deals, and the last thing you want to worry about is heavy packing. Save your energy for enjoying your destination and make the packing light and stress-free with a single simple colour palette for your clothing as well as your makeup.

We often don't think twice about travel makeup and many people tend to tote around their regular arsenal of products. Why not lessen the load with a travel set such as the Laura Mercier 'Signature Color Essentials' Travel Set. This travel set does all the work for you by putting together all the necessary makeup essentials in a simple and neutral palette, perfect for a weekend at the cottage or beach. This particular set includes a cheek and eye palette that can take you from day to night, a travel size foundation primer, an eyeshadow brush for application, a Twilight Caviar Stick Eye Color that can be used to add a bit of smoky drama for night time or to line the eyes, a full volume mascara, and a soft pink shimmery lip gloss.

Here's a little inspiration...

Weekend Travel Palette by amy-chow via Polyvore

XO,

Amy

Weekend Getaway

As the weather warms up and the Victoria Day long weekend approaches, weekend getaways are on my mind. As I always pack light, a weekend away for me involves only a large tote bag with essential toiletries and an extra top and some accessories to mix and match. I try to work my whole weekend around one outfit and theme.

This would be my main outfit for the weekend

In addition to the above outfit, I would pack the following to get me through the weekend:

1. An extra sweater to cover up in air conditioned places or at night; 2. An extra top for the second day; 3. A dress for dinner/night out; 4. Accessories - earrings, necklace, scarf and sunglasses; 5. A large tote to carry it all in

As you can see, I'm only packing an extra top, dress and sweater which can all be mixed an matched with the original pants, purse and flats combo. The accessories help to change or enhance the look of the outfits and are small and easy to pack.

Packing light does not mean you have to sacrifice style! I hope this inspires you to pare down your luggage and look forward to a weekend away and enjoy your vacation without the baggage to weigh you down!

XO, Amy

Pashmina...The Pocket Closet Staple

The one staple item I believe every wardrobe (capsule or not) should have is a pashmina. This is an extremely versatile piece that can be worn and used in many different ways. I recommend buying a quality pashmina that will last you forever in an ample size, usually 28" x 80", which will allow you to wear as a scarf or a shawl. The Pashmina Store online offers a huge selection of authentic pashminas in a myriad of colours and sizes.

In the winter, a pashmina can be used as a scarf - twist the pashmina lengthwise to get a nice draping effect and wrap it around your neck several times for maximum warmth!

{Image via Pinterest}

Pashminas can be used as a light cover up in the summer time, thrown lightly around the shoulders or as a shawl. 

{Image via The Pashmina Store}

The pashmina is also a staple in my suitcase for travel - regardless of whether it is cold weather travel or warm weather travel. It always comes in handy when I need an extra sweater or to change up the look of an outfit (it's the key accessory to packing light!!!). I even use it as a blanket when it gets too chilly on the airplane - wouldn't you rather use your own pashmina as a blanket rather than the ones handed out on the airplane? Who knows how clean those are! I have even used my pashmina as a sarong to cover up pool side!

Here is some inspiration on how to wear your pashmina:

{Image via Pinterest}

How do you wear your pashmina? Please share your creative ideas with me!

XO, Amy

Solid Toiletries

People often ask how I manage to travel so light - regardless the length of my trip - with carry-on only. Ever since coming close to losing my luggage before boarding a cruise (which would mean no luggage until the next port!), I have adopted a carry-on only philosophy of travel. Not only do I not have to worry about standing in long lines waiting at the luggage carousel, I can avoid costly checked baggage fees.

Obviously the most important trick to travelling light but in style is to have a capsule wardrobe! But often what people struggle the most with is toiletries, especially with the 3-1-1 rule. So how do I manage to carry-on all my toiletry essentials? SOLIDS. That's right, I have managed to find some favorites in solid form.

For example, if you can't survive without hand lotion but don't want to sacrifice a portion of your liquid allocation to this, try a balm. Burt's Bees makes a thick and nourishing Hand Salve which comes in a flat tin and can be considered a solid. Another option is Badger, well known for their various balms, they offer organic choices for all your body care needs. Examples include the original Badger Balm, an Anti-Bug Balm, Baby Balm, Foot Balm, Sore Muscle Balm and a whole slew of others. Check out their selection here.

Image via Burt's Bees

Perhaps my favorite in solid toiletries are Lush's solid shampoo and conditioner bars! All Lush's products are handmade and uses all natural ingredients. Their solid shampoos are all exquisitely scented and work as well as your regular liquid shampoo. My all time favorite is the Karma Komba Solid Shampoo, delicately scented with patchouli and citrus, it is one of Lush's most popular scents. Don't forget the conditioner! Lush also offers a solid conditioner Jungle which smells fruity and contains cocoa butter to soften your locks. 

Lush even makes a solid body lotion, so you can forget about having to lug around yet another bottle of liquid. King of Skin is made with a base of oat milk and lavender for wonderfully soft and smooth skin. Lush also offers a myriad of other creative products in solid form such as Bubble Bars - a single dose of bubble bath that will fill your tub to the brim with luxurious bubbles; Bath Melts - natural butters and essential oils are combined in solid form, just drop into your bath and watch it melt as it moisturizes your skin; solid Massage Bars - made with natural oils that melt onto warm skin; and also solid soaps, perfumes and lip balms. Check out Lush's selection of products here.

[following images via Lush]

Karma Komba Solid Shampoo

Jungle Solid Conditioner

King of Skin Solid Body Lotion

Rose Jam Bubble Bar

Friends with Benefits Massage Bar

In The Nude Bath Melt

I hope this inspires you and helps you to travel light as well. Get creative and find other solid solutions for your toiletry needs, and don't forget to drop me a line and let me know what you find!

XO, Amy

Weekend Getaway

If you need some inspiration on how to pack for a weekend getaway, here it is! This travel capsule will get you from day to night - sightseeing to museums, dinner to a night out on the town. I'm still loving the floral influences and coral pastels of the 2012 spring trends...the bright colors just brighten my mood after a long winter!

{image via Polyvore}