No Fluff, All Focus

So, you’re going on a quick weekend getaway.

The first thing you need to understand is that you will not be checking any luggage.  That’s right, it’s carry-on all the way.  Just accept it, embrace it, and move on.  Anyways, who wants to wait for luggage when you can be shuttling off to your destination?

Follow these 5 Rules and you will easily pack everything you need for your fall weekend getaway.

Rule #1: Be Strategic

Think Big Picture:  You need to fit everything inside your sexy carry-on luggage, and yet you want enough variety to not get bored of your clothes after one day.  Choose pieces that are versatile, light and can be mixed & matched.  This will mean that things like chunky sweaters and studded jean jackets will need to stay at home.  Same goes for any stand-alone items like a maxi sequin skirt or your favorite pink dress.

Essentially, I use the three times (3x) rule: can each item be worn three different ways by combining them with other items?  Answer yes and you’re gold.

Rule #2: Edit Your Color Palette

The best way to make the 3x rule work is by keeping the color palette of your pieces very narrow.  My favorite colors are always black, white and nude so this step is a no-brainer for me.  But if you are someone who doesn’t like to wear black (what’s wrong with you? — just kidding), then you can still apply this trick as long as the range of colors all work together.

For example, on my trip to Brazil Fashion Week my color palette had no black.  Instead, I chose a loud printed Brose blazer and worked back all of the items to its colors.

Rule #3: Comfort Reigns Supreme

It’s no secret that comfort is always important, especially when you will be flitting around to soak up as much as possible during those precious few days.  Choices between running shoes vs. pumps, jumpsuits vs dresses, and pants vs skirts are fairly obvious ones to make, although there are of course exceptions (yes, I know that jumpsuits are awesome and comfy, but how annoying is it if you are trying on clothes or have to stop for an emergency bathroom break?).

Some less obvious considerations are about fabrication.  What are your pants made of?  Do they have stretch?  Will they get wet easily and take forever to dry?  Is your tote a spongy suede or a coated leather?  Do your shoes have rubber soles?

Rule #4: Skin Care

Running around can cause an oily build-up on your skin, especially if you are traveling to a bigger city with all of that yucky pollution.  I never leave my home without a skin cleanser product, moisturizer, and lip gloss.

Rule #5: Technify

No one needs to experience the tragedy of a dead battery.  It’s bad enough during every day life, but it certainly magnifies exponentially when you are on a weekend getaway, trying to capture every little moment and hunting for that perfect pic.

That’s why I simply can not travel without a portable battery charger.  Not only do they keep me plugged in all day, you also don’t have to worry about different international plug extensions.  If you don’t already have one, then please purchase one asap.  Don’t even think about it.  Just do it.

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