Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Consciously styling all over the world with a carry on cabin bag .....


So, I know what you are thinking.  It simply cannot be done.  Well ….  WRONG!  It can be and I can prove it.

I’ve just spent two weeks in India with a carry on cabin bag.  Yes!  I did and I have witnesses to prove it.

Before you pack, three things you must consider:
1.     The climate you are travelling to (consider the indoor environment as well – air conditioning/heating)
2.     The cultural aspect of your destination – aspects to be respectful of
3.     Your itinerary – what will you be doing?

Chennai
So, once you have these questions answered in your head, the rest is a no-brainer.  Here’s how my trip to Chennai in India went.  Climate?  Bloody hot vs bloody cold air conditioned environment.  Culturally, it was important that India is not the place for ‘sassy’ dressing.  So that means arms and legs remain respectfully covered.  I spent one week in a spiritual retreat and one week checking out the locals and doing a spot of shopping as well as just hanging by the pool at the Taj hotel.

Now you are busting to know what was in my bag eh?  Ok, suspense over.  Here it is.




On the plane I wore black stretchy pants, long sleeve top, cotton drill jacket with hood, strappy sandals with a heel (because I can!) and the wool wrap.

Cropped black pant (almarker)
cropped white pant (Verge from Silver Maple)
flowy printed hippy pant
flowy calf length skirt (Flower)
strappy sundress (Valley Girl)


Tops from almarker

3 x light weight tops with ¾ length sleeves 

green
beige
orange

2 x bras
2 x knickers
1 x swimsuit and crushable hat
1 pair flat shoes
1 pair thongs or flip flops


Hippie pant $10 from Valley Girl
Wrap tie top in beige
2 x camisoles
1 necklace
1 pair earrings



What else?

toiletries decanted into small containers
Ipad
book
journal 
5 x coloured pens
 




Wraps from almarker, materialbyproduct & Ishka


5 x lightweight wraps

Orange & white from materialbyproduct
Colourful wrap at the top from almarker
Chillies wrap from Ishka
All 4 doubled up as headbands
1 x wool wrap (gift from Christina!)

Every day, I had a different outfit on. 

Secret No. 1
The wrap or scarf.  I do have hair that needs styling with a good hairdryer and a GHD.  I use head scarves when I travel instead.  They add colour to my base neutral travel wardrobe.

Secret No. 2
Colour co-ordinate so that everything goes back with everything else.  Honestly, I would never wear a top over a dress at home, but doing so in India gave the illusion of another skirt and covered my shoulders to be respectful.  I could have created over 30 outfits with what I had in that little bag but I didn’t need to.  I could have stayed another two weeks in India with the contents of that little bag.

Secret No. 3
Get the fabric right so you are comfortable.  Everything I had was right for the climate and did not crush.  There simply must be enough room in your garments if you are travelling to hot climates.  The human body will retain fluid.  You want to be feeling comfy so ditch the tight jeans for this trip.

So, then I also came home with a singing bowl for my meditation practice, a sari and several scarves as gifts.  It all fitted.  I checked my carry on bag in the hold on the way home, just because I could. 

My new American sisters Bridgette & Brittany
Now, I must say that my buddies I travelled with, did not quite get to the bottom of their bags.  I know it’s ‘normal’ to want to take a whole lot of stuff you simply don’t need.  And it happens!  My advice?  Surrender the need to carry so much clutter. 

Nice to travel light and really immerse in the experience of your trip instead of your baggage. 

Give it a go!  And yes, a pre trip shopping & packing service is available to make your trip easier for you.  For more information please email helen@imagequest.com.au

Bon Voyage!!!!!   Tell us about how YOU pack to travel now ........