A How To Guide on Packing Light

Vacation season has arrived! Now you can breathe a sigh of relief, for sunlight and ocean breezes await you at the end of that dark tunnel crammed with desks, memos, emails, and phone calls. Unfortunately, actually getting there is the problem; the vacation process isn't as relaxing as it should be! Having to get to the airport two hours early, paying a fee for luggage, having to all but disrobe when going through security--it's a jungle out there!

Worry not! Before you fret about how to fit all of those outfits into one itty bitty suitcase, READ ON! This, my friends, is the official "how to" guide on packing light.

What you may not know is that a 7-day wardrobe is possible with 12 essential pieces. That's right, versatility is the name of the game! It's all about mixing and matching. The following 12 items are all you need for a fabulous week away from reality:
-Heels
-Sandals
-Long Sleeve Tee
-Short Sleeve Tee
-Shirt Dress
-Bathing Suit
-Shorts
-Skirt
-Belt
-Necklace
-Earrings
-Hat

The best part is that these items fit nicely into a small suitcase, but you still have options for any and every possible vaca scenario. Take a look at some of the combinations you can make:

1.) shorts + short sleeve tee + sandals = a walk on the beach

2.) shirt dress (worn as dress) + belt + heels + earrings = dress up dinner

3.) skirt + short sleeve tee + necklace + sandals + hat = touring town pretty

4.) bathing suit + shorts + hat = hanging poolside

5.) shirt dress (worn as shirt) + shorts + heels + earrings = dancing darling

6.) skirt + short sleeve tee layered over long sleeve tee + sandals = bbq dinner & ice cream

7.) shorts + long sleeve tee + heels + necklace = a night on the town

The possibilities are practically endless, but by packing light, you've helped yourself in two regards. First, you have made the traveling process much easier for yourself. You only have to tote one carry-on sized suitcase, thus avoiding fees for checked luggage, and not having to lug a bunch of heavy bags to your destination... Priceless, right? Then, when you get to your vacation hot spot, very little thought goes into the "What to wear?" game. Your outfits are already put together for you! Two for two, ladies.

Are you sufficiently amazed? Yearning for more? Well then, allow me to continue to dazzle you. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post: the how-to guide on packing light, BEAUTY EDITION. After all, a girl has to maintain her face! Until next time, my vacation lovelies...

In order of appearance: (1) Perfect Fit Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee $24.50, from J. Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/); (2) Juicy Couture Tassel Fedora $65, from Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/); (3) Regal Paisley Twist-Front Bandeau Tank $80, from J. Crew; (4) Perfect Fit Short Sleeve Crewneck Tee $22.50, from J. Crew; (5) Kate Spade Bourbon Street Beaded Hoops $85, from Nordstrom; (6) AG Ex-Boyfriend Shorts $185, from Anthropologie (http://www.anthropologie.com/); (7)Painters Day Mini $128 from Anthropologie; (8) Camellia Flower Flip-Flops $24.50, from J. Crew; (9) Bubble Necklace $150, from J. Crew; (10) Welcome Throwback Platforms $220, from Anthropologie; (11) Convertible Swing Dress (triples as a top and a skirt!) $78, from J. Crew; (12) Double Vision Belt $34, from Anthropologie.