For the next few days, I’ll be running around the eastern US, and so I got to pull together a quick suitcase out of my new 333. (for those of you unfamiliar with Project 333, start here). My priorities for this trip are small, light and uncomplicated. I’m going to be travelling with others, so I wanted the world’s smallest piece of luggage, and I wanted to be able to be appropriately, but simply dressed. My bag is an 18 inch nylon duffle, and it is NOT full… In fact, my briefcase and my luggage are about the same size!
After you’ve read the REAL Project 333, you’ll see that I’m really cheating by not including my accessories in the “count”. Maybe the NEXT 3 months, I’ll whittle down to a “true” 333, but for now I’m quite happy with my plan!
I have been packing–not as well as you. Are you really reading Ulysses en route??
Yep. And I've got a series of lectures about the book on my MP3 player… I'm a geek!
Go you for reading Ulysses, Janice! Were the lectures helpful?
Absolutely! I can't recommend The Great Courses highly enough – we've watched or listened to literally dozens of them, and they never disappoint.
Recently went on vacation, and used some of your previous packing ideas. It worked. Thank you for all of your wonderful and creative ideas.
I've done project 333 and the clothing part seemed easy. What didn't make sense to me was limiting small accessories like scarves and jewelry, as that is what makes the same clothes into different outfits entirely. I applaud your decision to not include accessories during the project.
Janice- I am going to Ireland for 10 days in the fall. I am going to follow your packing plan for the trip. In addition to a dress, a pashmina, a coat and walking shoes, how many additional pieces would you suggest? Do you have a previous post that shows packing for a trip of this length? I am actually building the wardrobe piece by piece now from my closet and as I occasionally shop.
I would probably pack about 10 pieces of clothing for that trip – a skirt and two pair of pants, and seven tops. Maybe four tee shirts with long sleeves, a couple of cardigans, and a turtleneck. I need to do a specifically Ireland packing plan… (I used to live in Ireland, so I can speak with authority about the cold and the wet!)
Thank you! You are so well traveled. My packing skills have been atrocious. But the last weekend trip I took, playing by your rules, i was able to get my stuff in a duffel. My husband was astonished.
Wow, what are those adorable pyjamas?!
I want to know that too.
Wonderful, wonderful. Brilliantly efficient pairings, as always. But two questions: 1. Why would you choose to wear sandals and thus have to walk barefoot on the nastiness of an airport security carpet or floor?!!! 2. How did you ever manage to get an extra purse, two extra pairs of shoes, a sweater, and what looks like a knit jacket–as well as those changes of clothes- into an 18" duffle????
Ah, the days that I'm wearing sandals I will be on the train, and NOT on an airplane. You're right that I would NEVER fly in sandals, between security, and the fact that airplanes are COLD!!!!
The purse is packed in my briefcase. Everything else is just folded into my little duffle. Much of this stuff is silk, so it doesn't take up much space Maybe next week I'll take a couple of snaps and do a post about how I pulled this off?
How do you deal with the wrinkling of silk when it is packed?
Steam, and gravity.
I often pack mine in a dry-cleaner bag, and then hang it on the back of the bathroom door when I get to my destination. I also love to iron, so I’m not above asking the hotel front desk for an iron and ironing board, if there’s not 1 in the room.
I’m not normal that way!
hugs,
Janice
Ah, the train. Explains all! Thanks so much, Janice, for replying (and most of all for this amazingly useful blog!)
I was truly puzzled by the sandals, since I always start my own airline in-transit wardrobe around my easiest-pull-on-and-off shoes and the socks I'm most willing to pad around security in. And silk sweaters also explain a lot. Though, yes, I'd love to see a practical packing post with snaps!
My best strategy for traveling light (besides all I've learned from you, I mean) is to pack, in all but the coldest of weather, a few versatile mix-and-match textured-silk Citron Santa Monica garments for dressy occasions since they take up a miraculously small amount of space and weight–and wrinkle in my suitcase virtually not at all, especially if I fold them into one of those huge 5-gallon-size plastic zip-lock bags from the grocery store.)
Please, do take those photographs!
The Ulysses is just the cherry of the cake! And this Saturday is Bloomsday, so more fitting.
I'm struggling (mentally) for a wardrobe for two months (July-August), with multiple weathers (Scotland, Paris, and south of Italy), and beach + sightseeing + work conferences. A complete nightmare. I'm reading carefully all your posts and taking notes. If you could give me some more help, it will be great…
God, I loved your blog, it's the best thing since sliced bread, but now that you love Ulysses… I like it even more! Have you listened to the free audiobook? Brilliant.
Arte /Cristina
http://www.openculture.com/2008/02/download_james_joyces_ulysses_for_free.html
I love your blog! I'm headed to Vienna, Venice and Switzerland next month, and have been having a hard time whittling down the packing. Your posts are such an inspiration. While I loved your colorful palette a few posts back (even bought a white cardigan because of it!), this black, white, grey one is more me:)
Mary
Thanks for the link to Project 333! I too am glad you included accessories. That just seems more realistic. I've purged a lot out of my closet, but don't think I could narrow it down to 33. I'm pretty sure I could do 33 per season, so that will be my goal.
As I mentioned yesterday, I really need to stop buying prints. My greatest challenge is the summer because I'm always so hot. Just wearing a solid top and solid shorts seems so boring. Anyone have any ideas??
Scarfs for belts, striped shirts, multicolored necklaces
Interesting shoes and/or bags, sunglasses
I think I adore In Transit, Day 1. I want to wear that!
But what are the black wide leg..or flare…pants? They look like they might be really flattering. I'm looking for something similar.
Your blog helped me stay focused on a recent shopping trip to Target. I picked up 5 cardigans and 5 t-shirts for a weeks worth of clothing for work. Three of the cardigans are solids with matching t-shirts. Two of the cardigans are prints that match with the solid t-shirts from the other cardigans. Now I have variety and lots of mixing and matching similar to how you are remixing the argyle cardigan above. I never would have shopped this way in the past. I would have ended up with a weeks worth of tops, but little to no remixing. Thanks for your posts!
To Mary H above, I mix up my solid basic items with scarves, large earrings or bracelets, or large necklaces to add interest to my outfits.
I think you're going to look very, very nice while you travel! I did go into the Project 333 site; wow, it's challenging.
I too am going to use your blog as inspiration for an upcoming month-long trip to France. My challenge is workout clothes/shoes. I do some kind of workout every day and the shoes take up so much space (I'll have access to a washer/drier for the clothes.) Suggestions on a cute pair that I can mix with street clothes would be very much appreciated.
Have a great trip! Snap some pics of your packed luggage.
When you get time, I would love to see your not so crazy eights magic with Kelly green and brown. Or (pick your hue) blue. Or tan. Or pretty much anything but black.
peaceout!
I still think the best wardrobe approach is a carefully edited, small population of wardrobe basics and mounds of accessories to get the most mileage out of the few basics. I always like challenges that get your wardrobe down to the magic 30-ish number. While I don't have a specific number in mind, I do try to keep the clothing to a minimum (guided by my written "ideal wardrobe" list I keep on my computer) and add accessories pieces that I can wear in multiple ways.
Doesn't it feel grand to be the one travelling lightly, unbogged down by baggage, and have room left over for a little souvenir or a big juicy book to read?
What, no scarves?
You have really got me thinking about this Project 333. I considered doing it last year, but the limit on accessories were a deal breaker. Maybe I will join you as I don't have very many warm weather pieces anyway….I'll have to do some poking around in my closet.
Have a great trip – sounds like you will be on the go a lot.
This is similar to a holiday wardrobe I've planned. Really like how you put the pieces together.
I always enjoy your well-planned wardrobes. Thank you so much!
I adore this blog. This isn't a comment so much on this entry as the whole, lovely site. In the last three days I've read every post! The past 10 years I gained too much weight and gave up on myself (oh, the pointless purchases that were made). Then I gained hope and, while losing much of the weight, took some breaks to have two children. Now I've found myself 50 pounds thinner- with a pointless, worn out, ill-fitting wardrobe- and a need for clothes that look good, but can withstand my children. Not to mention, I'm a lot closer to 40 than 30 now! I was overwhelmed about where to begin rebuilding. Then, on a daydreaming whim, I looked up "how to pack Paris" …and found you. I now have a plan in mind, colors to build around, and a real sense that I can enter a new decade with style and longevity. Plus, I know exactly how to pack once I do make it to Paris. THANK YOU!
And while it's late, I want to say congratulations on finding a new job!