Packing Realistically
Friday April 13, 2012
Recently I referred back to the book “Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style“ for a refresher on packing a wardrobe. I thought I’d share some excerpts from the “packing” chapter.
Love this book.
“ Packing is serious business. As a way to add a bit of fun, may we suggest picking a narrative? Having a narrative is a way to streamline what you are going to bring. If you are going for “Urban Sophisticate Visits the South of France” you will not bring your “Hoedown Elegant” outfits as well. It is a theme around which to pack, a way to ensure that nothing makes it into the suitcase that shouldn’t. You may be tempted by the packing theme “Person Who Wears All the Things in My Closet That I Never Wear.” Resist this. If that kimono top doesn’t feel right in Berkeley, it won’t feel right in Berlin, either.
“The packing theme is also a way to avoid that malady that strikes so many travelers: Aspirational Packing Syndrome.“
“The good packer is able to look inside herself and be honest about what will be worn.“
“There should be no uni-taskers in your suitcase.“
“Now add some shoes comfortable enough for sightseeing, but chic enough for dinner – may we suggest, yet again, the ballet flat?“
“Your handbag should be roomy enough for your digital camera and for a few wonderful trinkets. It should not, under any circumstances, be a backpack.“
“Your efficient packing will leave plenty of room for items you pick up. That’s what travel is all about, isn’t it? You may regret not buying that incredible clock, but the chance that, months later, you’ll rue not bringing that extra dress is minuscule.“
Tags: travel, wardrobe
34 Responses to “Packing Realistically”
-
-
Tim Gunn always gives the best advice; I love reading his books. I haven’t read this one yet, so thank you for sharing!
-
I’ve been wanting this book for a while and I don’t think I can resist any longer. Tim Gunn is amazing and he always has the best advice! Thanks for sharing!
-
Thank you for this! I’m not looking forward to packing my luggage for my upcoming 3 months in Boston…
-
This helped! I’m going to travel soon and I’ve been thinking about the outfits that I’m going to wear. Now the problem is the luggage… I’ve got to buy one, but I don’t know which brand’s good ;p
-
But what if it’s a really cute backpack?!??
-
Haha this is so perfect! I’m going to send this to my friend actually. She was fretting if she would under-pack or over-pack xD
-
I always have a hard time packing. Packing realistically just doesn’t exist in my universe :'(
-
Thank you so much for this post! I’m going to the UK for a month this summer, and it keeps bothering me not knowing how to pack or what to pack since I’ve never traveled anywhere for this long before. :(
-
This post is absolutely wonderful! I’ll be going on a honeymoon in October & this would definitely help me decide what to pack. I should get Tim Gunn’s book, sounds absolutely helpful. Also, I’m a new follower :)
-
Thank you for sharing ^^ May I buy this book when I’m finished with my studies xD at the moment I am only ready school books -__-
-
Oh man I love posts about packing!
I always overpack, or under pack. You know, when you reach your destination and you see you brought 7 skirts for one week, but no panties/tops/shoes? That’s me. Every single time! Or I just go ahead and put in clothes for 4 days, when in reality I’m gonna be away for 3 weeks…
I need to be sent to some kind of camp where they teach you how to pack, haha ;.;
Seeing how often I travel, it’s really mind boggling how I manage to not have learnt how to do it.. -
interesting post! I should go find the book! and I’ll do it tomorrow since I’m heading out!
I like how you insert images between the lines too. Somehow it really fits the whole white background.
-
This is my first time hear about this. Great that you share with us. Quiet helpful. Sometimes I just overpack it but not worn all the cloths that I bring along.
-
I think I really want to get this book now… There’s nothing wrong with getting some guidance from someone who knows how to be effortless & classic! ;)
I love the little photos you included in this post too, so cute! -
really great advice Jenny! thank you!!*
-
Great post! :) There are some people I need to share this with!!
-
How interesting — seems he gives advice my mother gave to me as a young child when teaching me to pack!
-
yeah packing for a trip is always hard – I always tend to pack the wrong things, too little or too much :(. I should also start packing more systematically.
Are you going to travel somewhere soon?ps: Ive been going through your archives and love how your style has developed. Your recent personal style is my absolute favourite! inspiring every day!
-
Ahhh if only I had read this before I went away for the weekend XD
Seems like an interesting book! I doubt I would have given it a second look judging from its cover hehe
-
thank you for sharing this excellent guide! I commute a lot, so I’m obsessed with packing light, there’s nothing worse than lugging around extra baggage!
-
I make a Word document of everything I am wearing and taking with me when I pack. I plan each outfit for each day that I will be gone. That way I can mix and match multi-taskers on the document, and then just check it off once I pack it ^^ I use two empty box bullets so I can check things off as I pack them, and as I repack them when I leave.
-
Thanks again for more packing tips! I’m going to be gone for 10 days and hope to take one carry on luggage and an over sized “purse” (smaller bag inside for everyday). With charging for bags this is a good time to learn to minimize packing!! Plus i’m also the type that brings so many things i struggle to wear them all or only have two real “outfits”
-
[…] Also, I’ve been cutting down my LA&SD clothes by looking at sushi-cat’s posts. She’s really smart about packing and uses tips from Tim Gunn’s book “A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style.” Although she normally packs for shorter trips, it still helps.http://sushi-cat.net/2012/04/13/packing-realistically/http://sushi-cat.net/2012/04/15/im-already-packing/http://sushi-cat.net/2013/02/27/puerto-rico-packing/I love her blog! She uses and reviews several Asian products (mostly Japanese), and her fashion sense is so cool. I want to dress like her when I’m older!! (Although her clothes are very expensive >_<) Categories: […]
« I’m Already Packing | A Cup of Birthday Tea »
//HOME
I love this post, Jenny! I’ve thought and over-thought the packing process so many times. I’m a huge proponent of roomy bags and comfy yet cute walking shoes. :)