In your carry-on: Cashmere wrap | White ATM t-shirt | YSL sandals | Monos luggage | Beis Weekender bag | Gucci bag | Black pants
How to stuff everything into a carry-on
(I mean … pack efficiently for your next trip)
I’m not a packing expert, nor have I EVER gone away for a week with just a carry-on, but this time I think I’ve got it figured out! I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years, including many overseas flights, but I’ve never felt the need to *not* check a bag … until now. With all the news headlines about chaotic travel this summer, I’m concerned about losing my luggage. With every trip I’ve ever been on with my family, I say secretly to myself — thank goodness MY luggage arrived! 😂
Today’s post is about how to actually travel with just a carry-on: what worked on my most recent trip, what didn’t, and of course, what I packed. Based on the numerous comments I’ve received, I’m late to this “carry-on only” party, so take this with a grain of salt. But what’s clear is that we’re all traveling and looking for ideas on how to make things easier. I’m navigating all of this just like you are, and at the end of the day, any vacation — no matter where you’re going — is a joy in life!
Disclaimer: A few tsk-tsks have rolled in … like I should know better than to over pack. Ha! Here’s the deal: If this was a walk-everywhere Europe trip — yes, I could pare it way down. But since I’m on a work trip — which means photographs!! — I needed some options 🙂 Can anyone relate?
Travel outfits
Left: L’Agence denim jacket | Anine Bing t-shirt | Scarf | Stripe tote | Sandals | Rag & Bone baseball hat | Black jeans | Right: Trench | Anine Bing hoodie | Vuori jogger | Sneakers | Gucci crossbody | Earrings
The carry-on suitcase choices
Monos, Paravel, CalPak
I had a tape measure out — not my typical self, but it was interesting and I learned that Paravel and Monos are basically the same in terms of size … with one major difference. The Paravel zipper is way more forgiving than the Monos closures. So, when my son and I go to Italy next month, he can use the Monos, and of course I’ll get overflow rights! I used these packing cubes, this charger and the Beis weekender bag. It was a little tricky to shove it under the airplane seat with both feet. Tip: it only works if it’s half full! Crazy that the flights attendants didn’t say a word that it was sticking half out from under the seat 😂
What I packed in the carry-on: pool things
Since three nights in Punta Cana was on the list, having several cute swimsuits/coverups is key. I packed the J.Crew shirt coverup that I’ve worn non-stop for several years. If you don’t own this coverup, I highly recommend you get one. It works with every swimsuit! I purchased this LemLem swimsuit from Nordstrom, this best-selling Robin Piccone one, as well as this J.Crew one, along with a matching coverup. I always wear a little jewelry, and these cute bracelets were in a gift bag from Wacoal. Finally, a packable straw hat, beach sandals and a great tote are all the finishing touches!
J.Crew floral coverup | Pink swimsuit | Packable hat | Sunglasses | Tote | Sandals | White shirt coverup | LemLem swimsuit
What I packed: Daytime casual
To the best of my knowledge, the daytime outings include a trip to the Wacoal factory, and I’ll be wearing the green print shirt dress on the board, and either Golden Goose sneakers, or old pointy toed flats. The factory requires closed-toe shoes, otherwise I’d be wearing sandals. This is the bag I brought on the trip — the pink goes with everything, and it works nicely as an evening bag once the longer strap is removed. A few other summer casual pieces I added were this poplin top, this pink floral top, white jeans, and this gauze dress.
Ulla Johnson dress | Rachel Parcell green print dress | Pink bag | Tom Ford travel perfume | Slingbacks | Schutz cork sandals | Gorjana circle pendant necklace | Gigi Clouzeau resin bead necklace
Things I packed for dinners out
Here’s where I needed some options. I packed the Vince slipdress (of course) with this denim jacket, this Norma Kamali strapless dress and this pretty pink Farm Rio dress, which always gets loads of compliments! Cool and elegant.
Vince slipdress | Norma Kamali strapless dress, avail here and here | Farm Rio dress | Gold clutch | Gold sandals | Vince wedge sandal
Other items I packed: Intimates & Pj’s
A summer bra capsule by Wacoal (of course!!) — love this Softly Styled one, this Red Carpet Strapless, and this t-shirt bra. The body base short I keep talking about is perfect for smoothing, and I wear it under dresses. All amazing, so comfy, and versatile too.
J.Crew pj’s | The Laundress soap | Soft Sense Convertible Bra | Sport bra | Red Carpet Strapless Bra | Embrace lace bra | Bralette | Lingerie bag
Things in my Makeup bag
Before this recent trip, I attempted to purchase many of my everyday makeup favorites, some of which are a available in travel mini sizes, like the Giorgio Armani foundation. The idea is to make packing for future trips easier, and so far, I’m pleased with the small investment! Finally, the lipstick everyone asks me about is back in stock, and it’s the prettiest shade of pink — it works for almost everyone. This cushion compact has an SPF 50, and the Elemis Pro-Collagen, SPF 30 is another can’t-live-without moisturizer. You can’t go wrong with any of these best-selling beauty products!
Makeup bag | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
What I packed: Workout
While I have no intentions going crazy here (lol), I did find out water yoga is on the agenda. I guess I’ll be wearing a swimsuit for that, but just in case, I bought this tennis inspired skirt, and this tank. We’ll see!
Outdoor Voices dress | Vuori tank | Tennis skirt | Bracelets | GG sneakers | Baseball hat | Sport bra | Sunglasses
Thank you for reading! xx
