1 week, 1 carry on, 12 outfits

September was a crazy month for me! I was packing my apartment up, getting ready for a week in Europe, and actually moving/organizing... but finally all of that is done and I'm back in action :)

I figured for my first post back I would begin with some packing tips. I know this isn't my usual fashion tips and savings, but with the holidays right around the corner, I figured I'd share some of my organizing knowledge. When I travel I hate checking my bag. I think it goes back to four years ago when I had a lot of great clothes stolen from my checked luggage. My bags got lost in transit (surprise, surprise!) and when I finally got them, it was as if someone had shopped through what I had packed and stolen what they liked... ever since then I've been a carry-on type of girl.

Packing Tips

• Buy cheap luggage: Cheap luggage will deter people from stealing items or your whole bag (this is more important for international travel), but regardless your bags get thrown around a bunch so why bother having something expensive? Mine is a snazzy zebra carry on from TJ Maxx, $30.
• Pack outfits: When you are trying to pack light you need to ensure you pack outfits. If you use basic pieces you can actually mix and match what you have to create even more looks! My usual rule is two outfits a day: one for the morning and one for the evening. Once you have selected your outfits fold and stack as you would wear them. I usually throw in a few extra tops in case it's colder or warmer than I expected. I was headed to Europe for a wedding so I had to pack a variety of clothes. In total I packed 8 outfits, 3 extra tops, 3 dresses, 3 pairs of shoes, a clutch, pjs, a swimsuit and cover up, and a small gift in my carry on!

4 pairs of jeans, 2 maxi skirts, leather leggings, leggings, 12 tops

• Fold your undies: I know this may sound weird, but you actually save a ton of space if you fold your underwear. This way it stays organized and you know what you brought. After I fold the underwear, I use them to stuff my bras so they don't loose their shape.

Fold your bras in half and stuff them with
 your undies to save their shape

• Fill every crevasse in your bag while packing: Yes this is obvious, but don't leave holes of space. This means stuff socks, stockings, or belts in your shoes and vary the positioning of clothes in your bag so there aren't big holes in the center or corners.

Put the toes of your pumps into your heels to prevent squishing

Use the side zippers for belts and such.
Also place items your will infrequently wear on the bottom of the bag.
For me this is all the dresses I will wear for the wedding.

layer your tops and flip the jeans opposite ways to make an even layer

put big flat piece on the top to smooth everything out and give you a clean space for your toiletries

• Open your expander to zip the bag and then close the expander: This helps you close the bag more easily and take pushes down your clothes without you having to sit on your bag :)