When I was a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, one of our projects was to design “five easy pieces” for a weekend getaway. The layout had to include our inspiration and had to be presented in a way that was harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Don’t you know that my five pieces were all reversible because I couldn’t imagine not having options! That said, let me just start by saying this is not a tutorial for smart packing. I have done a fair amount of travelling in my life and I have some tricks and preferences, but I like my creature comforts aka my closet????

The only thing worse than packing for a ski vacation (bulky, bulky, bulky) is packing for our annual business/pleasure trip to Las Vegas. Here’s why. We are gone 5 or 6 days and nights. During each day we hit the gym, the pool, the trade show, shopping if our feet allow and an evening gala or show. This requires four clothing changes a day.( Now I know what Cher and Lady Gaga must go through each concert.) Try packing lightly for that. The only saving grace is that summer clothes are compact and light. I have tried being practical with shoes but because we are on our feet all day, often on marble floors, I usually carry a backup pair of shoes with me in a tote during the trade show. Then on to my third pair of heels, my feet suffer a bit at night for the sake of looking good. And don’t expect me to apologize for putting style ahead of comfort. A girl’s gotta have fun.

We will be leaving for this trip in a few days and I have begun the process of packing. I always start by making a calendar of the days and nights we will be away, filling in the planned activities where needed. I then start the process of figuring out day outfits and evening outfits. This requires a lot of trying on, coordinating, finding the right bra so no straps will show, shopping, and matching shoes, bags and accessories. I put each ensemble in a little pile, and then write them down in my chart, juggling them around so I will not wear the same pair of shoes two times in a row…..just to give my feet a break. The chart is very helpful once I get there too because getting dressed is a no-brainer. There is just one caveat. It’s called moods. I do like a little spontaneity when getting dressed so just for the he_ _ of it, I have been known to throw in an option or two. Last year I packed a lot of neutral clothes and my accessories were fewer but it just doesn’t work every year. This year I have more color in my wardrobe and a few prints as well and you know what that means!

Here are a couple of tips I have to offer just from experience….NOT because I am an expert. Don’t put all of your shoes in one bag and clothes in another just in case your luggage gets lost or separated. Secondly, if you are travelling to a warm climate, wear layers that you can peel off on arrival and pack a swimsuit and cover up in your carry on so that you can at least cry about your lost luggage poolside with a tropical libation. Oh yes, don’t forget to call the 1-800 number on your credit card to let them know you will be shopping in a new location!

We are due to fly out in a couple of days and I will be posting from the air and then from Las Vegas. I’m sure I will have plenty to write about since people watching is my favorite pastime. Who says “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”?