I'm on the road a lot these days. Between weddings, brand partnerships, and going back and forth between Austin and New York City, to say that I'm living in my suitcase would be an understatement. In case you have not caught up yet, my husband and I moved to Austin a few months ago, but my office/Fanm Djanm studio is still based in New York City. And before you ask me "why", I already answered all of that here. So I find myself traveling once a month for at least one whole week. Not only is the constant traveling overwhelming, packing is also one of my least favorite things to do.
I know I can't escape packing, so having the proper materials and some kind of guide makes it a lot easier. Away recently released a collection inspired by the creativity of Stockholm in collaboration with actress Rashida Jones. I received The Medium suitcase along with a tote and four packing cubes this past Saturday, and I'm in love! I figured it would make the perfect opportunity to talk traveling and share some packing tips. I love the suitcase and all of the accessories so much, I decided to launch a giveaway to give one lucky reader their very own! (Scroll down to enter.)
5 packing tips:
1- Make a list. I know packing seems like a piece of cake, but it's so easy to forget things, especially the necessities. And often, I always worry that I'm under packing, so I end up over doing it. Even if you don't have to get ready for as many events as I do when you travel, make the list. It will save you time and a headache in the long run. You will not always be able to stop at a convenient drug store to pick up toiletries. If you have dry skin like me, the hotel lotion will not be enough to keep the ash away. And the small town you visit in Vermont may not have a camera store for your to get an extra battery or a charger for your 5D Mark III. A list also makes it easy to visualize everything. And sometimes, it helps you pack less!
2- Cubes are your friend. If you want to stay organized and save on space, I highly recommend the cubes. In one small square cube, I was able to pack: two tees, one dress, three headwraps, and a full workout outfit (shorts, tank, socks, and sports bra). In another, I packed two pairs of jeans, a pair of denim shorts, and one faux leather mini.) Pack similar materials together to avoid wrinkles.
3- Roll instead of fold. First I fold, then I roll to maximize on space. You'll be surprised how much you can fit when you roll!
4- One word: Multipurpose. I love to pack things that can be used multiple ways, like a highlighter stick, I can use on my cheek, eyelids, or even as lipstick. Multiple sticks like this NARS one is a super space saver! I love to keep my makeup neutral, but I play with different eyeliners, like this blue felt-tip Make Up Forever liquid liner, and they basically take no space. I also love to pack clothing I can wear multiple ways. A pair of jeans to transition from day to night. A few pairs of heels I can dress anything up with. And I love to travel with a strappy metallic shoe because they complement mostly everything! And who knows if I get invited to a gala while I'm in New York! I can wear them with a gown, a mini skirt, or a pair of destroyed jeans.
5- Fill up your clutch, gurrrl. I attend many events during my trips. I pack multiple shoes for different occasions, which means I have to pack the right accessories. I pack up to three different purses at times. Most of them are small clutches, but I always fill them up with different jewelry, socks, or perfume.
For the sake of the post, I packed my toiletries in the smallest cube provided, my makeup in this makeup box I purchased from Sephora, workout clothes and sneakers, undies, jewelry, two pairs of jeans, one pair of shorts, three blouses, one jumpsuit, two dresses, three headwraps, three pairs of heels, one pair of flats, two small purses, the polaroid camera, and I still had room left. I packed the tote provided with my laptop, an agenda, a book, my wallet, two pairs of sunglasses and my passport. That too was still very spacious! I also love that it has a sleeve that goes over the handle to prevent it from sliding and moving around.
I loved the Away suitcase so much, I decided to launch a giveaway to give one lucky reader their very own! To enter:
1- Subscribe to FindingPaola.com.
2- Comment under this post with your next travel destination or more packing tips of your own!
3- Like my Away post on instagram.
4- (NOT REQUIRED/EXTRA CREDIT) Tag two friends you'd like to go on an epic trip with!
WINNER WILL BE SELECTED NEXT TUESDAY, AUGUST 29TH AT NOON AND ANNOUNCED AT 5PM EST VIA NEWSLETTER. (SO BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG!) *Winner must be based in the United States.
Disclaimer: Although Away gifted me the items I featured, I was not compensated in any way for this post, and all opinions are my own.