#PackingProblems: Clothing List

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(oh hey there I am in the mirror!!)

I'm very pleased to be finished with preparing the clothing to pack for my trip to Alaska. If you didn't read the beginning of the #PackingProblems saga, check that out here. I decided that instead of just throwing clothes on my bed or around my room, I would get organized with my simple metal garment rack from Target. 

While I did use Lauren Conrad's Style book for packing inspiration for "Weekend Getaway to Somewhere Cold" (pg. 195), I had a lot of tweaking to do because my trip is 9 days total: 2 days in Seattle and then 7 days on the cruise to Alaska. Google, travel websites, nowhere has been remotely helpful in how to pack besides Hannah and Coral. Both of those ladies have been extremely helpful in what I should expect and plan for!! I know I overpacked, but I think it's more planned preparedness. The weather in Alaska is very unpredictable. I've been advised that the weather can change quickly with the possibility of sporadic rain, ice, mud, and wind. HOW DOES A GIRL PLAN CLOTHING FOR THAT!?  Like this I guess...

Focus: Layers & Neutrals

• 3 Dresses
• 2 T-Shirts
• 4 Cami's
• Peacoat
• Blazer
• Fleece Jacket
• Hoodie
• Cardigan
• Light Sweatshirt
• Chambray Shirt
• 4 Pairs of Jeans 
• Silk/Chiffon Top
• 3 Sweaters
• 2 Pairs of Leggings
• Sweats/Yoga Pants
• Pajamas
• Bikini
• 1 Pair of Shorts
• Undergarments
• Socks

Tips:

• LAYERS! LAYERS! LAYERS! That's one constant thing everyone has told me. Plan for the weather to change, so you'll be able to add layers or take them away. I like using the camis and t-shirts because they're lighter weight and you can add a sweater/cardigan/jacket on top to reach the desired comfort level.
• Stick to neutrals with small pops of colors. I have a red pea coat, a yellow hoodie, a pink sweater, and colored skinny jeans to add some fun to my outfits. Neutrals allow for easy mixing and matching and more outfit options.
• Pack one or two pairs of leggings to wear under jeans when it's chilly outdoors for excursions and whatnot. Also leggings are great for lounging or for night time/dinners as bottoms for sweaters. 
• You don't need as many pairs of jeans as you think. I packed a white pair for daytime meals or night time dressing up. I also have a colored pair for a fun pop. Two pairs of regular denim skinnies is important because you'll have one extra back up pair in case the other gets wet in the rain or muddy during an excursion. 
• Outerwear should be your best friend because of course, let me emphasize again, LAYERS. I have a cardigan and chambray for breezy days on the ship or walking through the ports of call. I brought a pea coat to dress up for day time or night time when it's colder. I also have a light sweatshirt and hoodie to throw over pretty much anything. Also, my favorite pieces of outerwear: a blazer to fancify any look for night time (dresses, sweaters, camis) and a new Northface fleece that's light feeling and easy to pack, but also a great outer layer to keep you warm.
• Only bring the dresses you can change up with accessories. My picks: a simple red strapless (my birthday dress), a little black and white dress, and a fun navy striped dress. (Look out for a post dedicated solely to formal dining nights on the cruise!)

While this may seem like a lot (and quite overwhelming), you'll see how to create and plan multiple outfits. Stay tuned for the next part of #PackingProblems and if you missed any of the other posts check them out below!

#PackingProblems- Intro | Clothing | Shoes | Cruise Formal Nights | Makeup

xx - Dan