Now, this post SHOULD be short and sweet, according to all the advice that I was given prior to packing for my trip to New York tomorrow.
It should read something along the lines of this:
Step 1: Find biggest suitcase in house.
Step 2: Just add change of undies plus essential toiletries.
Step 3: Shop on arrival.
But. Here’s the thing.
Unlike my blogging sisters who are either in transit or on the ground soaking up every possible shopping opportunity (Mrs Woog and BabyMac, I’m looking at you …), I will be arriving the night BEFORE BlogHer starts.
Granted, I will not be returning for some time after the conference ends, when the shops will very much become my playground, but in the meantime, I need to look like someone who purports to call themselves a style blogger.
But ahead of my shopping fun, I need to arrive with four days of outfits ready to go.
So, I did what I do very well. I made a list.
A list of what was on the schedule for each day – including parties night-time networking.
I worked back from that list, creating outfits that would suit both the summer weather I’ll be flying into, the occasion AND the fact that I am known to freeze in air-conditioned conference venue situations.
Some of my favourite Australian designers also came to my packing party*, sending me some sneak previews of what they’ve got in store for spring for me to feel very special in.
And I can tell you, there’s a whole lot of colour involved. The contents of my suitcase are not for the neutrally pre-dispositioned, no siree.
You will not be able to miss me in the corridors of the Hilton New York. Well … maybe you will because there will be approximately 4000 or so other female bloggers probably flaunting their summer colours too.
What I’ve packed
1. Lightweight frocks. In summer, I’m very much a frock girl – and I’ve packed maxis and short frocks in summer fabrics for this trip. They fold up to next to nothing, require no ironing and will form the basis of my party and hot summer casual travel wardrobe.
2. Tops. While at the conference I’ll be teaming tops with jeans or a skirt and a knit or a jacket (see above re my cold fish in aircon status). I have this top earmarked to wear to the Sparklecorn party because apparently it’s mandatory to sparkle. I’m down with that. I’m also packing extra tops because as soon as I can get to the shops, I’ll be buying up some NYDJ shorts for all the walking I plan to do around the city. Much as I love dresses, I do not love the chafing that can occur thanks to my not-so-stylish combo of sweat, summer and generous thighs.
3. Lightweight jackets. Jacket for me are a bit of a conference uniform. They dress up a jeans and tee outfit as well as provide just the right amount of warmth. I’ve packed the Seed jacket from this post and I also whipped out to Sussan on Saturday for the floral blazer featured in the new catalogue (it’s not online otherwise I’d link to it). It’s 3/4 sleeves, lightweight and fun. It “spoke” to me and said, please take me with you to New York.
4. Jeans. I’m only packing two pairs – one I’m wearing on the plane and another as back-up for at the conference. I suspect it will be far too hot for long pants once I’m out of the airconditioning.
5. Statement accessories. Ahh, you didn’t think I’d go minimal here, did you? For starters, the lovely Renee Blackwell Designs is my jewellery sponsor for the conference and she’s sent me off with some gorgeous pieces from her collection (some pictured below). You can see some above but look out for them in my New York outfit posts. I’m particularly fond of the “Madonna Nipple Ring” (Renee’s description, not mine!). To work back with the jewellery I’ve packed a few lightweight scarves and few pieces from Ruby Olive and Sancerre.
6. Flat or almost-flat shoes. Count the shoes above. Yes, this is NOT an illusion. I’m actually only taking four pairs of shoes. Now, I know that for many of you this is still excessive, but for me it’s a miracle … and I’m not saying that I might still sneak another pair in 
I’ve been semi-sensible too: just packing flats or low-heels. Which leaves the (suit)case wide open for some highly impractical shoe purchasing post-conference.
7. Makeup/toiletries: I’ve got my plane stash sorted. In my luggage you’ll also find the bits and pieces I like to carry with me. At all times. Everything from sunscreen through to makeup to create a smokey eye for those night-time parties. I’ve minimised where I can but I’m sure my roomie will still very much laugh at how much I’ve stashed.
…. and what does that all add up to in suitcase space? Half of my big Samsonite, thank-you very much!
There is a huge advantage to travelling somewhere where it’s summer … your “stuff” doesn’t take up so much room. Well, that’s my packing story and I’m sticking to it.
What’s your travel packing secret? Are you laughing at my version of ”light” packing?
* I’m incredibly grateful and honoured to be taking with me some amazing fashion pieces gifted to me from some of my favourite Australian designers. While I’m away I’ll be featuring those pieces in Model and Me and Keeping It Real outfit posts. Special mention to Renee Blackwell Designs, Verily, Feathers, Bella Lido, Sancerre, Zoe Kratzmann and Ruby Olive.
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I’m attending BlogHer ’12 in New York City thanks to my favourite toothpaste
