I was frustrated to find that I had lost my packing notes from New Year's. I really needed them for guidance again and I wanted to see my thought process behind the efficient coordinate choices! So, in order to not lose them again, I'll blog them.
First I made of list of my favorite clothes. Then I cut out the items that weren't "multi-taskers." Like dresses that couldn't be worn with sweaters or cardigans. Also crossed off any items that just wouldn't work for the climate. It's spring with averages between 50F~70F.
I took note of a few things mentioned in "Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style" that I previously posted.
This was actually a really fun (and surprisingly helpful!) way to decide on what to bring! I gave some thought to my wardrobe and then wrote down a few imagined themes. Eventually I settled on the theme Tokyo Gamine. OK, it's a bit arbitrary but it meant something to me; in my mind! lolol:deco13: And it really did help focus my choices and keep off-theme items from creeping into my suitcase.
personal thoughts, etc. – I knew I didn't want to pack jeans, because I rarely even wear jeans at home, and I don't feel my best in them. I also knew I didn't want to pack a coat. Even a light coat takes up room. So a spring blazer paired with a long sleeve top is warm enough for chilly nights. Packing an extra pair of the thick knit tights I wore all winter for chilly nights. Also bringing various sheer tights too or I can just go no-tights for warm days. Bringing but not shown is my new rain coat, some thin belts, and a nicely sized but comfortable handbag. I just wanted to be comfortable with uncomplicated clothing that still felt like "me" but that would also be ready for any spring temperature change.
Going to wear the sweater, dress, and knit tights on the plane. I'm always freezing on planes and the tights are as comfortable as roomwear! The sweater I can easily remove if I get hot, though I doubt that will happen.
So 7 pieces of clothing creating a total of 20+ looks not including a change of tights/no tights.
Simple! Add or remove the blazer or extra layer for a bit of a change in look. I'm also prepared for the spring temperature changes from day to night. :P This will be more than enough choices for a 10 day trip.
Since I mentioned Tim Gunn's book (once again) and the style concept of "gamine" I thought I'd include a bit from the "style mentor" chapter and specifically focus on the gamine section. A bit paraphrased. Basically multiple styles along with some examples are listed within his book.
"Ahh, those French. The key to this look is simplicity. For warm weather: a basic shift and ballet flats or leather sandals. And for winter: pretty much the same but with seasonally appropriate fabrics. Flat boots, wool tights, ballet slippers. The gamine is rarely seen in a heel.
Classic, feminine, and young. It is the writer and director Sofia Coppola we are discussing. Petite with extremely striking features. In a recent article in The New York Times, she led a walk around Paris in simple black ballet flats, a black pleated skirt, and a navy pullover. In another photo she appeared in jeans and a black crew neck sweater. One does not get the sense that she agonized that morning over what to wear.
Wow, over 20 looks from 7 pieces of clothing?! That's amazing and very nearly genius~!
I'll have to pick up the book sometime — it sounds so interesting so far. I wonder if they have it in the library. /has spent an inordinate amount of money on books this past month.
I hope you have loads of fun in Japan!
I love the idea of packing clothing based on a theme, I never thought of it that way. Makes it so easy to pack just a few items yet have a lot of looks that work well together.
Oh my ! You are so smart ! I would have never thought of packing only 7 pieces of clothing that can result in 20+ coordinates !
Those nail polishes are really pretty by the way !
Omg I didn't know you were going to Japan, have fun! How long are you staying there this time?
So many coordinates from just a few key pieces! Genius. I love the theme you have going on.
That Chanel polish is such a nice color toooo.
It was a really nice write-up. I cut out about half of it because the book goes into further detail. Either way they picked great and current influences as examples for each style mentioned!
Holy. I need to take after you with this packing. I can already see my 1 week trip to San Fran this summer being enough to fit into my hobo purse at this rate, haha!
Ah a summer trip! I think if I had been traveling in summer I could have packed even less LOL. More of a constant temperature then! Now that I've done this twice I couldn't imagine going back to the "old way" of packing. Really my old packing had no rhyme or reason and usually about half isn't used!
This is an interesting plan. As I haven't traveled overseas like that, with such few clothes, what do you do, laundry at the hotel or laundromat?
Also, you've changed your views in style recently. I'd love to read later which items picked your interest and what you will buy. Though of course Rinka-related items will be a must!
And the items you picked are lovely! Im amazed by your coordination skills!
I really want to try packing light for a trip one day! Hope you have an amazing and fun filled trip!!
I seriously need to buy his book! You've hooked me now!
Aw have a fab trip, m'dear!
How sweet! I'm saving this post for future packing reference.
I think you made some great choices (I like your style! :) ). The theme thing is a great idea.
Question about the shoes: are they flats or do they have a slight heel?
Thinking about traveling and wearing nice shoes that aren't tennies, for me: flats would be the most walkable, but they tend to rub my feet badly and make blisters (gross and I bet you totallly wanted to know that, right?)…I guess you would just have to work to find the perfect shoe!
They're 100% flat, no heel. I actually have a similar problem with flats, it's why I'm so picky when I buy them. I try them out in stores over & over. I also line mine with padding. Not sure you can tell but both in the above photo have heel grips in the back on the inside. This stops any back ankle rubbing.
I can't wait to see your Japan posts, too! They're so lovely. This book sounds really interesting to me. I may look into it!
This is such a helpful post! Thank you so much! :D I really have to get my hands on this book soon.
The book sounds really interesting, never saw it here in Europe.
Where are you going to stay in Tokyo? I would love to go as well. I was there once to visit a friend and loved it!
I hope you'll post some pictures and recommendations!
Wish you loads of fun!
Oh, Japan! I hope you have a great time! Haha, and I'm sure you'll look great as well, seeing what you have here!
oh and have a good trip!
I love the idea of packing with a theme, it makes a lot of sense when you think about it :). I may have to look in to this book and maybe it will help with my unorganised wardrobe haha.
I love all the items you chose too. It's amazing how many coordinates you can get out of a few pieces.
Are you only visiting Tokyo? I hope you get to see some sakura!
Comme des Garcons Navy Striped PLAY top!!!!!!
I'm sure you'll enjoy your time in Japan!!
These two packing entries really blew my mind!
I can never pack light! I'm sure you know I pratically live out of a suitcase. I always can't help feeling insecure if I bring too little clothes. I will always bring jeans because if whatever outfits that I tried to coordinate at home, didnt work out, I'll just throw on the jeans.
And somehow I always seem to underestimate the weather. It always feel colder. Which means I learn to always pack a thicker coat. Maybe because I'm living in singapore.
Amazing! I'm in the Philippines right now for vacation, and I tried to pack lightly as well, but that failed horribly. xD I must take notes on your mastery of coordinating!
Love every single piece you're bringing especially the flats and the blazer @_@ LOL. I like when you do these traveling/packing posts because it's such a great help! Every time I have to pack for anything I always end up packing way too much and feel like I'm packing enough to move to a different city haha!
I really like the idea of packing things with a theme.. never thought about that before. Will try that out in the future~.
Your last post with the 'packing' quotes! AWESOME!!
I like the idea of being more REALISTIC with what you are wearing AND going with a theme.. I found myself doing that when I was going to Seattle, and it helped!
I just ordered it off amazon & this is the one I received. I think it's the revised version.
what was the cost of the book? o.o??
I'm not sure because it was so long ago but it was normal price, easily under $20 usd.