How to Pack Like a Jetsetter

Guest Relations - VanessaPublished August 5, 2010 at 2:34 pm 3 Comments

What better way to celebrate being newly single than go on vacation?! I am counting down the days till my trip to Mexico. I cannot wait to relax, soak up the sun, brush up my Spanish speaking skills, and enjoy a few very colorful drinks with loved ones (fun little umbrellas included).

Though I am quite the jetsetter it took me a while to get packing for a vacation down to an artform. I used to be the one you’d see waddling through the busy airport with the over packed suitcase and loaded carryon in tow. Back then I worried that I’d forget to bring something, so I would bring everything just to be safe. I was in denial and blamed a lot of it on all the “extra fabric” I was packing since I was plus sized. 9 times out of 10 I didn’t use half of what I packed and came home empty handed.

I am a changed woman (as far as packing goes..). I make sure to have a balanced wardrobe that lets me enjoy my vacation while remaining stylish and of course leaving room for souvenirs from my travels. I have made a list about a year ago on suitcase essentials for any trip, be it three days or seven. I will share my Jetsetter Knowledge with you Curvy Fashionista’s and of course please share any packing tips of your own:

• Though our Mother’s have always taught us to pack an extra pair of clean underwear per day – I believe we are big girls and that is a little excessive though you still do need extra (just in case). I bring one per day and however many more to cover half of the trip. So if I’ll be gone for seven days I’ll bring 11 (7+3.5). Also, think balance: bring a mixture of your most comfortable pairs, your sexier pairs, and the SPANX.
• Bra’s are a different story. Being plus sized and very curvaceous, most of us will have rather large bras and we really only need to bring a bra per two days (I’ll be packing four since I’m gone for a week).

-Strapless
-Comfort/T-shirt Bra (I’d bring two)
-Plunge/Lower Cut style
-Halter Style (Bonus if any of the other bra’s have this feature)

• Tops and Blouses are fun to mix and match. I feel that I cannot go wrong with a top per day of your trip. I’d choose a mix of:

-Tanks, Tanks and more Tanks! I’m all about baring my arms when the weather permits. Tank Tops are great because they can be worn alone or layered for those cooler nights. I will be packing our Essential Camisole in White and the Sultry Ruched Tank in Coral. I decided this trip, I am going to be all about the lighter colors.

-Travel Worthy Go-To-Tops. They are as comfortable as your favorite t-shirt but of course super stylish and can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories. I’ll be bringing my favorites; the Georgia Sweetheart Top in Magenta and Ellis Ruffle Sleeve Top in Kelly Green. These both pair well over my Travel Worthy Bottoms (listed below).

• No trip is complete without at least one Bellini. Since it’ll be warmer and I’ll rarely need that extra layer I will be packing our Breezy Bellini in Black that works with my casual and dressy outfits.
• Travel Worthy Bottoms are bottoms that can easily be mixed and matched with different tops for different looks. You cannot go wrong with:

-Bermuda Shorts (As I write this I hear, “You’re going to wear them Forever” –The Old Navy jingle from a few seasons ago..). I love the way these cover my legs yet hug and flaunt my curves. I will be packing a white pair as well as a dark denim cuffed pair.

-One pair of great fitting jeans (dark wash!!). For those nights out on the town it’s easy to pair your favorite jeans with a sexy top and heels. I already envision wearing my dark denim skinny jeans with my Ellis top, tan wedges and some fun beaded bangles.

• I heart Sun Dresses! I love all sorts of dresses, but especially while on vacation. They are so easy to toss over your swimsuit or wear while walking through town. I have a few shorter cover-up types I’ll be bringing along with my new favorite Sunset Patio Maxi Dress (so vacation appropriate).

• Swimsuits: I know for this trip I will be living in my swimsuit most days so I am going to throw in a few of my favorite pairs.
• Shoes: Now this is where I used to be a little excessive. I limit myself to two pairs of flip flops. A black and a tan/natural color will do. I also include one pair of dressy shoes (wedges or your comfy heels) in a neutral color that will work with everything and a pair of cute yet comfortable tennis shoes for those fun excursion adventures.
• Accessories- Only bring what works for you. I limit myself to one bag and only a handful of my favorite (inexpensive) wooden and colorful bangles and gold hoop earrings. I also have a gold ring that is my token traveling charm. You ladies know what works best for you – I am pretty low key. Also, I only bring two bags:)

-One easy-going slightly large bag that doesn’t slip off my shoulder (if it wraps around my large body that is a bonus). I plan on getting it a little wet, and tossing in some beach side essentials or my goodies from souvenir shopping.

-One wristlet or clutch for going out at night when you don’t have to carry as much. I heart wristlets because I just have it hang and I don’t worry about leaving it anywhere.

I realize after my long list of tips it seems like a lot, but once you start packing it all up- it really isn’t, I promise! What is key to remember is that you are on vacation and it is totally okay to mix and match and use items that serve several different purposes. To maximize the space in your suitcase I highly recommend rolling everything (this also helps keep your clothes wrinkle free). Toiletries is a whole other story, but just keep it light and only bring what you know you will use on a daily basis. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a great pair of shades!

I’ll be sure to share pics from my trip next week!

p.s. All of the Kiyonna styles I mentioned in my blog can be found at: www.kiyonna.com

Xoxo,

V