Trip Time

Tomorrow I leave the homestead in the heartland for a workshop in Boston.

I have wanted to attend one of these writing courses since I first saw the brochure. I am finally making it happen. Maybe, just maybe, I will write my book one of these days.

So tonight I will pack 3 days worth of clothing in a carry-on bag. And I know my readers are asking, “What will you pack?”

• 2 pairs of dress trousers in wrinkle-resistant blends
• 3 tops
• 1 jacket
• Undies and accessories and other necessities
• PJs

I will wear my best pair of jeans with another top and jacket; the jeans will make the trip home as well. I have a pair of neutral metallic 1.5” wedges, that will serve me well through airports and along city streets, as well as complimenting every outfit in the suitcase.

The usual electronic devices want to come along for the ride: BlackBerry, Netbook, iPod, and Kindle.

It is time to do those things I love, travel and write.

I am so glad I gave myself this trip!

Goodbye Coronado, Hello Home

Today I will leave the San Diego area for uncomfortable airport  seats, and then the colder climes of home. I have survived my 5 day adventure with the contents of my computer tote and a standard roll-aboard suitcase. These included:

• 2 pairs of dress trousers
• 1 pencil skirt
• 4 knit tops
• 2 knit cardigans
• 1 denim jacket
• 2 pairs of shoes (1 worn Tuesday en route)
• 1 pair of jeans (worn Tuesday)
• 1 additional top (worn Tuesday)
• 1 trench coat (worn Tuesday)
• 1 nightshirt
• Assorted cosmetics
• Appropriate undergarments
• Netbook, Kindle, and Blackberry with their chargers

I could easily have packed two more tops to get another day’s wear out of each pair of trousers. So, in theory, I could have gone a week with just the contents of allowable carry-on bags.

That is the art of packing. For other upcoming trips I will not be quite as condensed (mostly because I have already been discussing footwear with other meeting attendees; I have a reputation to uphold, you know).

Photo courtesy of PhotoXpress.

Planning A Wardrobe

My closet is a mess. I am trying to weed out some stuff, but I just haven’t had the time to get it organized this fall (it’s winter now…).

Perhaps it’s time to rethink my wardrobe goals. Last week I saw a post by Diane Danielson on making a business plan for your wardrobe.

Here are the rules:

1.  Write a mission statement. 

2.  Find your signature look and stick with it. 

3.  Promote from within. 

4.  Downsize strategically. 

5.  Employ best practices.

6.  Scale down expansion plans. 

7.  Negotiate lower prices with vendors. 

These can be boiled down to (1)Figure out how you want to dress;   (2)Keep what works with your image and chuck the other stuff; and (3)Only buy stuff that will work with your life, and try to get the best price.

Of course, I am still stuck at the strategic downsizing phase, with no end in sight. Wish me luck.

Wardrobe Maintenance

Now for the surest sign of a change of seasons: closet clean-out!

Every spring and fall as I exchange the linen for the cashmere, I sort through my wardrobe for stuff I haven’t worn. If an item has hung in the closet through its entire season, gathering dust, then it deserves a new home. I get to make room for “update items", new purchases that will make my outfits look 09/10 instead of 99/00.

Sometimes one or two pairs of shoes accompany the clothing. Occasionally, a “good buy” at DSW becomes a “fashion don’t.” But shoes generally have more staying power in my closet.

My hubby left an hour ago for a football game, while I am here in town, covering the patient service. I will use the time to edit my clothing and make my closet functional again.

And maybe I will find some time to shop…

Photos courtesy of PhotoXpress.com.