Packing for a Weekend (or week)

Now this is easy! The collage that Julene had on her closet had about 11 pieces of clothing on it, a purse, sunglasses, sandals and flip flops. The only things missing were underwear and pj’s.

The basic wardrobe:
a long sleeved (thermal or waffle) shirt
2 pairs of pants – jeans & tan, cotton
1 skirt
1 dress
2 shirts – one patterned, one plain
1 pretty sleeveless top
1 cute sweater
1 jacket
bathing suit
underwear and pj’s

The idea is that you should be able to mix and match all these items of clothing, ( every top goes with every bottom) that is what makes less = more. A cami for layering, jewelry, scarves and belts will add variety as well.
Now all of this should fit into a carry on size bag. My daughter told me that she used this as a guide when they had to leave their house because of smoke. (their whole town was engulfed in smoke because of burning rice fields and lack of rain) They ended up being away for 6 weeks and she did fine with this wardrobe.
I was somewhat hesitant about this, but I decided to make this “visual” and choose a winter and a summer “collage” for my weekend get-a-away bag.

The above collage gives you a pretty good visual of 9 items of clothing that would work to create at least as many combinations. Instead of a long sleeved waffle shirt, I chose an extra Tshirt.
The swim suit is missing and the jacket, which I would be wearing - the jacket, that is!

In this winter collage, I omitted the dress and added another sweater. Again, 9 items and probably even more options. I added a scarf that ties together the browns and blue/grey colors.

I'm a "little sweater" person, but if you're a blazer/jacket person, take that.

And just to reassure you, your own personal style will totally come through here . . . whether it’s a cluster of bright colors that mix well or neutral colors, doesn’t matter. . . as long as it’s you. This also goes for any style . . . it doesn’t matter if it’s designer or not, a shirt is a shirt.
For traveling, if you don’t mind being casual, wear your bulkier items, such as runners/sneakers (if you must take them) comfortable pants and hoody or light weight jacket.
Keep your toiletries to travel size containers, in a zip lock bag. If you’re staying in a hotel, you don’t need to take shampoo or hair dryer. Choose your make-up carefully and try to stay pretty basic and realistic of what you will need.

With more airlines charging for checked luggage, it's helpful to know that you can carry your belongings with you. No fear of lost luggage and a speedy get-a-way once you arrive. Don't worry about what you may have forgotten, if you are travelling anywhere where there are people, chances are that you can buy what you need. Enjoy your trip!

P.S. As to my trip to Indonesia, I'd only have to double the (summer) amount and I'd have lots! I won't be needing any sweaters and I'll need to keep in mind that women should not wear sleeveless tops in public. We'd be fine with one suitcase for the two of us, but of course we will take advantage of every pound we can take. The less clothes, the more Honey Nut Cheerios, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, whole wheat flour, nuts, bacon bits . . . (Yeah!!!)