Packing Made Simple - 7 Pieces For 7 DAys

Who wants to lug around a heavy bag while on vacation? Or pay extra for baggage.  Packing efficiently is all about great planning. Using the cluster system will ensure enough pieces for dressy or casual occasions, warm days, cool nights and a dozen different outfit options all in one itty bitty carry-on bag. That's right. Dust off that small bag...you know, the one that fits in the overhead. This system will give you more looks, with more style, and less weight so you won’t have to wait and wait for your bag after you get to your destination. Which means you can start exploring and snapping pictures that much sooner!

7 Pieces for 7 Days - the system
1. Find a source of inspiration–a pattern of colors in a print, stripe or plaid–to inspire the color scheme of your cluster. 
2. Plan for 6 easy pieces of clothing, at least 3-4 tops and 2-3 bottom pieces.  It's often nice to have one of the tops be a third layer piece. 
3. Select pieces that are basic/classics–simple in style lines and shape.
4. Select pieces that go together–will work with at least three, four or more other pieces. Every piece in this group can be worn together.
5. Select pieces that are distinctly different from one another (no two pieces alike) for maximum versatility. 
6. Select accessories to go with the clothes, beginning with essential basic accessories first. Comfortable shoes are a must on vacation. 
7. Finally, throw in a swimsuit, pjs, underwear, essential grooming items, a couple of books, sunscreen and you’re ready for piña coladas!

Ladies Cluster

1.  We start with the button-up blue, red and white shirt as the inspiration piece. 
2.  Then we added three more tops, with the denim jacket as our third layer piece.  Also a dress which can double as a skirt.  2 pants are also added, the white and blue jeans.  The blue jeans are a lighter weight, wide leg, denim and therefore cooler for warm weather. The colors of these pieces all coordinate with the original blue, red, and white inspiration piece.  
3.  Clothing shapes are classic and flatter this owner's figure.
4. They are also simple enough that they can all mix and match to be worn together. (See coordinated outfits below.)
5. The pieces are definitely distinct from one another. We have a dress, button up shirt, wrap style top, and henley style shirt that all create a different mood and message when worn.  You will not look like you are wearing the same uniform every day! 
6. Accessories include a hat for sun protection, gold and red earrings, blue/red necklace, scarf, brown belt, navy sneakers, and brown sandals. (See individual outfits for all of the accessories.)  Jewelry and scarves don't take up much space and can completely change the look.  Feel free to add more of these.  Be choosy about your shoes.  It's smart to have comfortable shoes that are in different styles.  Nothing is worse than getting a blister the first day of vacation and having to wear a shoe that continues to rub that blister for the rest of the trip.  Be sure the styles of shoes are different enough that they contact/rub your feet in different places. (I will often throw in a pair of flip flops in case the horizontal strap of the other shoe rubs on my foot.)
7.  Add a red swimsuit and maybe cut-offs to go over them and you ready for a water day.  

Men's Cluster

1.  We start with the Hawaiian print blue, red and white shirt as the inspiration piece. 
2.  Then we added three more tops, with the light-weight utility jacket as our third layer piece.  2 pants and 1 pair of shorts are also added, the shorts and blue pants can be for warmer weather and the red denim will come in handy if the it gets cool.  The blue tech pants are a lighter weight, no iron, lovely fabric and therefore cooler for warm weather. The colors of these pieces all coordinate with the original blue, red, and white inspiration piece.  
3.  Clothing shapes are classic and work well with this owner's body build.
4. They are also simple enough that they can all mix and match to be worn together. (See coordinated outfits below.)
5. The pieces are definitely distinct from one another. Although they all have collars, which is a great way to frame the face, we have a polo, short sleeve button-up, long sleeve button-up, and light weight jacket.  Roll up the sleeves on the long sleeve shirt if it gets warm.  Wear the jacket on the flight when the air conditioning is turned up. Each piece creates a different mood and message - these combinations are far from boring. How can red pants be boring?? 
6. Accessories include a hat for sun protection, navy sneakers, and grey sandals. Be choosy about your shoes.  It's smart to have comfortable shoes that are in different styles.  Nothing is worse than getting a blister the first day of vacation and having to wear a shoe that continues to rub that blister for the rest of the trip.  Be sure the styles of shoes are different enough to contact/rub your feet in different places. 
7.  Add a swimsuit (in blue, red or grey) and maybe t-shirt to go over it and you ready for a water day.  

Looking for a Pro Stylist's Help? 

Let's get you packed to amaze every day of your vacay. 
This session includes:

• One-hour style session, in person or virtual. We'll focus on your most travel worthy clothing and create the makings of a travel cluster.
• Shopping list for missing items.
• Customized online shopping picks that includes 5-6 new pieces to add to your travel cluster.
• Online closet with easy to access inspiration for each day on vacation.
• 10-20 different looks designed to meet the needs of your unique destination.

Get started HERE or click below to purchase. 

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