https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:28:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228634 Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:03:54 +0000 jackiec 1228634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am new here so hope you don't mind me chiming in! I can't add much packing advice, but wanted to say it must be so exciting to be going back after so many years. Family can be so therapeutic. Good luck with all of the packing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228612 Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:53:29 +0000 Tanya 1228612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank yuo all for the well wishes and wisdom!</p> <p>Diana, I can not have the fabrics shipped from Europe as my country's post system is extremely unreliable.&nbsp; I am thinking of using one of the bottoms that need alteration as a bottom in the smart casual capsule&nbsp; It might be a bit risky since the seamstress can be a bit slow.</p> <p>Pil, yes, we did talk about that at the dinner in Boston :)</p> <p>Anna, I am afraid I can do a month with just one pair of jeans, since they are the basis of my wardrobe.&nbsp; I plan to wear a blue pair on the plane and bring a white and black pair at minimum.</p> <p>Kkards and Angie, those are excellent pieces of advice I will put to use.</p> <p>I will start a new thread late tonight dealing with color schemes and other similar issue.</p> <p>Many thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228574 Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:10:31 +0000 Angie 1228574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have little extra&nbsp;wisdom since you've already cut corners where I would too. Can you take presents and food out of their packaging to reduce weight and increase space? Wear your heaviest pair of shoes and layer for the plane.</p> <p>I AM SOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU, Tanya. I can't adequately express it. Lots and lots of love always. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228568 Mon, 21 Apr 2014 13:56:51 +0000 merwoman 1228568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hmm...conference in Milan in a few weeks...so many taking place in May!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228493 Mon, 21 Apr 2014 10:20:21 +0000 kkards 1228493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>sounds like a great trip!&nbsp;<br />as for packing, i'm sure you know the trick about putting stuff in your shoes (i usually fill with socks, although undies would fit as well). &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228451 Mon, 21 Apr 2014 06:20:43 +0000 anne 1228451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Tanya, I always find packing overwhelming so don't have any advice to add, but so pleased to hear the good health news and that you are getting to go home after such a long time </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228224 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 23:21:47 +0000 annagybe 1228224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would try and limit yourself to one pair of jeans. They're pretty heavy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228190 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 22:23:25 +0000 pil 1228190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No packing suggestions, but I wanted to chime in to add how excited I am to hear there is good news on the health front. I hope your trip home and to Milan is as wonderful as it sounds!</p> <p>Oh, and as a totally unrelated aside - I just read something in the paper (Wall Strret Journal maybe?) about not looking people in the eye during a toast. Didn't you tell us about that at dinner in Boston? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228186 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 22:18:11 +0000 Diana 1228186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay, I'm so glad to hear that news on the health front is good! &nbsp;You definitely deserve a lot of good news after the year you have had.</p> <p>I haven't had to pack for such a big trip in a long time so I'm not sure how helpful I will be. &nbsp;But I guess my main advice is not to skimp on the shoes. &nbsp;I've tried that and always regret it. &nbsp;What will the weather be like? &nbsp;If it's warm enough you'll have an easier time, as sandals and thin tops are a lot smaller and less bulky than things like boots and sweaters! &nbsp;</p> <p>I think the alterations and getting stuff made sounds like a good idea. &nbsp;Would it be possible to have some of the stuff done in time to wear it as part of the conference capsule? &nbsp;That might cut down on stuff a bit. &nbsp;I wonder if you could also look into companies that sell fabric in Europe and preorder it for delivery or pickup so you wouldn't have to schlep it all the way from the US. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228157 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:33:20 +0000 deb 1228157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yea! a trip home. I am no help with packing at all. Just want to say I am glad your are feeling better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228156 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:26:07 +0000 carter 1228156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. Something fun to think about! I'll come back later if brilliance strikes, but the first thought that went through my head was to pack a little of each category in each bag so that if one gets lost for a few days, you still have something to wear and some presents to give. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228151 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:14:53 +0000 LACeleste 1228151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy happy happy for you!</p> <p>Trust me Tanya! &nbsp;You don't want my packing tips. &nbsp;I am the classic over packer. &nbsp;Sending you wishes for a safe and happy trip.</p> <p>My only suggestion would be to prioritize your alterations or new&nbsp;high necked tops. Sounds like you are already doing this. :)&nbsp;. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228145 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:00:37 +0000 Jjsloane 1228145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How great you have good news. I used some compression bags for the Boston trip that&nbsp;I bought at TJ Maxx and they worked great especially for sweaters and jeans. The only advice is wear as much as you can and pack like Suz does. She always has a great plan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228137 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 20:49:40 +0000 Tanya 1228137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone!</p> <p>The good thing is that ~75% of stuff I bring home will stay there - coming back will be very easy.&nbsp; My own things are allowed to occupy the carry-on and up to half of one large suitcase, at best.&nbsp; So that gives you an idea of the amount of presents :)</p> <p>In very rough terms, I am planning the following:<br />1. a travel outfit of knit blazer, pretty tee that can stand alone, perhaps a lightweight sweater, trench, jeans, sneakers, large tote and a big scarf (4 different flights); perhaps a second tee&nbsp; and sweater packed for other flights<br />2. random items to bring:&nbsp; a leather jacket, a small cross-body bag, not sure if I should bring a&nbsp; satchel too, a lbd for dressy occasions<br />3. max 4 pairs of shoes: ankle boots, dressy pointy wedges, comfy dressier flats or mini wedges and comfy casual flats (oxfords or loafers)<br />4. conference capsule (6 day long) should consist of 3 pairs of pants, 2 blazers, 6 dressy tops ( I like a fresh one every day), and a sweater<br />5. home capsule : 3 casual bottoms (jeans and maybe a midi), 6-8 casual tops, 2 casual toppers (like jersey blazer of knitted moto), a spring sweater, and one evening outfit: fancy jeans and glitzy top or two</p> <p>Does this sound like too little, too much, or roughly enough?</p> <p>Of course, the trick will be to put everything together so that capsules are really good where everything goes with everything. </p> <p>I am hoping to keep the capsules fairly separate, as I do no want to accidentally spill something on the conference clothes while at home.&nbsp; The last week at home anything goes.&nbsp; Also, if the sewing plans go well, I should also towards the end have newly altered bottoms and freshly sewn tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228113 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:47:55 +0000 Alassë 1228113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, and I'm so happy you get to go home for a visit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228111 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:41:09 +0000 Makrame 1228111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a challenge... I usually start by figuring out the minimum footwear capsule - to be honest, I usually minimize the footwear by deciding to forgo most shoes with high heels - this way I can bring some comfortable walking shoes and flats and limit everything to 2-3 pairs. &nbsp;Then I adjust my clothing choices accordingly - skinny or straight pants only plus skirts or dresses, no flares or bootcuts since they need heels.</p> <p>I was at a basic science conference near Milan a few years ago, and brought mostly dark skinny jeans and long lightweight&nbsp;blouses; footwear consisted of Born Arletta oxfords and flats. &nbsp;I felt like I was dressed very similarly to the other attendees - the only event I was not quite prepared for was a "gala dinner" in the end. </p> <p>Glad to hear about the good news health wise!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228100 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:23:36 +0000 Suz 1228100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya - <b>SO HAPPY</b> you have good health news!!!!!</p> <p>I am freaked out just hearing about your trip! It sounds amazing, wonderful -- and a nightmare to pack for, as you say!&nbsp;</p> <p>It reminds me a bit of packing for my China trip. I was gone for a month to several different parts of China and then the Pacific Northwest with different climate in each place and activities ranging from hiking the great wall to giving presentations. And yeah...I had presents to bring, too. And books to carry. And my computer.&nbsp;</p> <p>So...I will think a bit more about this and come back to this thread later on.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do want to say that I did take 5 pairs of footwear!! Some of them were small and light. All proved necessary, not just "nice to have."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228095 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:17:44 +0000 rachylou 1228095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This will be my thing to think about for the day. Going home is the toughest, if you ask me. You sort of need the full normal wardrobe. One misses the days of porters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228085 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 18:50:09 +0000 Tanya 1228085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Laura!</p> <p>Unfortunately, no, I can not mail anything.&nbsp; Our post office is notoriously bad for loosing, or even stealing stuff, there are no delivery guarantees.&nbsp; Half of my Christmas Cards home never made it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228082 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 18:45:58 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1228082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the health news and the upcoming trip! </p> <p>Can you mail any of the gifts, stuff you need altered, etc? Depending on how the fees for the suitcases may be structured, the shipping cost might be cheaper than the bag fees. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complicated-packing---intro-part-1#post-1228079 Sun, 20 Apr 2014 18:38:04 +0000 Tanya 1228079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello everyone, and Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates it!</p> <p>My apologies for not being much here lately.&nbsp; Things have been beyond hectic.&nbsp; I have good health news which I will post later tonight in the Off Topic.<br />I am also finally going home to Europe next week after not seeing my family for 5 years and am super excited! It will be a four week trip, two weeks home, than one week to Milan for a conference and finally back home for one more week.&nbsp; For Milan I need business casual clothing, for home trendy smart casual/casual.&nbsp; Both places are expected to have typical nice spring weather with some rain. </p> <p>As you can imagine, the packing will be an absolute nightmare. I will need to check in two large suitcases and pay for the second one.&nbsp; While I own a typical three suitcase set ( a carry-on and a medium and large for checking in), I have ordered this super light large suitcase to use instead of the medium one:<br /><a href="http://www.ebags.com/product/international-traveller/worlds-lightest-it-0-1-second-generation-285-packing-case/257735?productid=10254135&amp;sourceid=ADWPRODUCT&amp;couponid=94790994&amp;gclid=CKu2pPnX770CFS1eOgodKGIAIA&amp;kwid=productads-plaid^57054448338-sku^10254135-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^33618140298" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebags.com/product/i.....ion-285-pa</a><br />I have a also ordered a couple of those compression bags.&nbsp; Nevertheless, I will still have lots of issues packing.&nbsp; I need to pack the following categories:<br />&nbsp;1.&nbsp; A ridiculous numbers of clothing (and other) items as presents for various family members and cousins.&nbsp; This includes super bulky items like a down and leather man's jacket size XL and three pairs of large men's sneakers.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is by far the largest category and non-negotiable.<br />2. A bunch of sweets and food items for presents.&nbsp; Depending on final available space and weight of the suitcases, I may end up not packing much in this category at all.<br />3. A business casual capsule for a 6-day conference in Milan.&nbsp; Also non negotiable, and I will make a separate post in a day or two to figure it out.<br />4. A trendy smart casual capsule for home.&nbsp; The size of this will vary depending on the available space.&nbsp; Separate post will follow for this as well. Since I am staying home this does not need to be whole three weeks worthy of clothing, more like 7-10 days, as I can do laundry etc.<br />5. I have an excellent and affordable seamstress at home, so am hoping to bring a bunch of items (5-10) that need alterations, which would be quite pricey here.&nbsp; Not sure how essential this is.&nbsp; A separate post will follow for this too. <br />6. Similarly, I would like to buy and bring some nice natural fabrics for her to sew me some high-neck summer tops.&nbsp; Again not sure on how essential this is either.</p> <p>Major problem area will be shoes for me.&nbsp; I do not have space for&nbsp; 5 pairs, yet I will need lots of diversity.&nbsp; Outerwear wise, I will need one trench and one leather jacket, one of which will be worn on the plane, so that is fine.</p> <p>Areas where I can save space are the following:<br />1. Will not be bringing any lounging/stay at home casual clothes.&nbsp; I will buy those cheaply at home.<br />2. Toiletries/cosmetics: while I will bring small/travel sizes of my favorites, I will buy large bottles of shampoo/conditioner/lotion etc. on the spot.</p> <p>Obviously I also need to bring some smaller things like meds, electronics (including my laptop)etc.</p> <p>Do you ladies have any general advice before I start pondering all the separate categories?&nbsp; This may very well be the most complicated packing I ever had to do, and I only have a week to figure it out...</p>