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How-To: PACK

April 9, 2015

FullSizeRender (2)On a recent girls’ trip, friends were surprised that I was able to bring so many things yet avoid checking my bag.

First, a confession.  I would rather spend the $50 it costs to check a bag on a pair of shoes (no surprise there!).  However, even though I usually fly Southwest (with no bag fees), I still feel the need to fit all of my belongings into the overhead bin.  I’ve never had a lost bag experience to confirm this sentiment – it’s more the challenge of it that I love.  It’s weird.

IMG_3441 (Wow! My only defense is that this was an early flight)

Below are my simple packing rules to live-by:

  1. Prepare in advance.  I know…this is ironic coming from me (a serial procrastinator).  But it has been my experience that it’s best if you have tried everything on before pulling it out of your suitcase upon arrival at your destination.  Trying not only ensures that you like your outfits but that they’re put together.  When trying on, you then can consider accessories and shoes.  Advance preparation also gives you time to have anything cleaned or repaired before you go. FullSizeRender (1)
  2. Roll & stuff.  I recently read a packing guide that suggested you keep your clothes on a hanger and neatly layer them in your suitcase.  For those of us not traveling with our Louis Vuitton steamer, I would instead recommend that you first neatly fold and then roll your clothes into bundles that can easily stack in your suitcase.  You would be amazed at just how much space this can save.  Likewise, stuff any shoes or handbags with smaller items like undergarments, socks, and/or sports bras.
  3. Start with your footwear.  Shoes are usually the crux of your packing strategy.  Although I often plan an outfit around my favorite accessory, this may not be intuitive.  Consider what you will be doing (for example, sight-seeing will require comfortable shoes; conversely, a nice dinner out or an event may require heels).  Depending on your activities (and thus your foot wear), you can build an outfit from there. FullSizeRender
  4. Simplify your beauty routine.  Again, planning ahead can help you pare down your beauty staples.  First, sample and travel sizes are a life saver.  Particularly if you are carrying your bag on, you want to make sure that your liquids comply with the FAA requirements.  Also, when you are traveling, it is not the time to pack every beauty product in your arsenal.  For example, if you have a special event, try-out your look in advance.  Preparation will allow you to only bring what you will use rather than lugging every potential product.  Likewise, if you are planning a casual get-away or a beach vacation, you may not require all of your products (just more sunscreen!)
  5. Carry-on jewelry and other valuables.  This may seem obvious but it’s worth a reminder.  I suggest separating any necklaces that can be snagged on other jewelry (earrings in particular can be infamous for snags).  Put them in their own pouch or seal them in a ziplock bag.  I save the cloth pouches jewelry is sold with for this very purpose.  You can then put these pouches in a clutch, cosmetic bag, or another safe spot in your carry-on.

What’s your packing game like? Please leave me a comment with any additional tips or tricks. I’m always looking to improve upon my sport!

Do you follow me on Instagram? I document my daily adventures there, including all of the photos included in this post.

Lastly, don’t forget about the Shopbop Friends & Family sale! (See Tuesday’s post for my selections). You have until 11:59pm PST tonight to save 25% on most everything.  Enter SPRING25 at checkout.

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn

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Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist
This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come ch This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come check out @sskein.co knitwear for yourself and visit with designer @e_for_elisa tomorrow during a private trunk show at Emry Boutique in Madison Valley. Simply dm @shop.emry to schedule your visit (attendees are being staggered for safety). Not in Seattle? Check out Elisa’s amazingly cozy, baby alpaca designs online. These knits are the perfect gifts for your mom, sister, boyfriend...self. Because 2020. They deserve to be snuggled in luxury! (And so do you). #sskein #smallbatch #ethicalfashion #shopsmallseattle

welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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