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How to Master the Art of Packing Light
Last Friday as I stood in the airport security queue, patent boots in hand and MacBook tucked tightly under my arm en route to Paris, I carefully observed a young woman who was travelling with nothing more than a miniature sports backpack carried carelessly on her back. Where were the outfit changes? Would toiletries and other accoutrements be purchased on arrival? This was a woman, it seemed, who had mastered the art of packing light.
In many ways, my (hand)bag preference is one of extremes: either a micro shoulder bag, such as this favourite of mine from Sophie Hulme, or a massive “my-whole-life-is-in-this-thing” holdall or hard exterior suitcase will do. And when it comes to travelling, my preference usually falls with the latter:
(1) as much luggage as the airline – and my body weight – will allow;
(2) a purse large enough to store my in-flight entertainment system (music, books, magazines, sweets); and
(3) a small handbag for my phone/keys/passport.
A weekend in Paris, then, was the perfect opportunity to master the art of packing light by restricting my usual. And armed with this buttery-soft tan leather Brewer bag from Nadia Minkoff, my challenge was made more simple (and aesthetically pleasing, I might add).Here are three things I learned about packing light:
1.
You don’t need multiple pairs of shoes
Shoes always takes up the most space when packing for travel. I limited my footwear options to two pairs: a pair of patent Chelsea boots, and a pair of classic stilettos for nights out. And that was it! Of course, this suited a city break – if you’re taking a more active break or beach holiday, you’re probably going to want to swap boots and stilettos for light trainers or sandals.
2.
Outerwear can radically change an outfit
I brought this beige and brown faux fur jacket from ASOS along with me as I knew it would elevate a simple jeans and t-shirt combination for moments when I wanted to look put together immediately. I’m never too far from a leather jacket, so I took an additional Topshop version which was pretty ideal for day-to-day casual.
3.
Don’t underestimate the power of makeup and accessories
As I observed the Parisian girls walking down the Champs Elysées and Avenue Montaigne, I noticed a penchant for a pillar box red lip and natural base. On the evening before my birthday I tried out a matte deep red lip using Diva by Mac, which immediately switched up the outfit I’d been wearing all day. You guys also know I’m a fan of a good #armparty, and so I alternated between one and six accessories at a time.
The Brewer bag has a really handy detachable pouch which is pretty ideal for storing away extra lipstick and lip liner shades, as well as extra cuff bracelets to put on and take off as necessary. AND it comes with a friendship bracelet to add to your growing stack of wrist jewellery. Goals.
Maybe in time I’ll have mastered the art of packing light to such an extent that I’ll be able to waltz through security with nothing more than a backpack and no change of clothing.*
* *cough* as if.
With thanks to Jasmine of Afia and Jay. You can read the original post here.
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