You may or may not have picked up on my excitement on Twitter over the past week. Yes, I know it’s nearly Christmas and all that (I did order the turkey and ham yesterday so it must be happening) but am squeezing in a little pre-Christmas excitement this weekend.
Specifically I’m attending the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards 2011 (hereafter known as NAPBAS so you can play along at home with the # on Twitter). I’m flying to Melbourne Thursday night then overnight to Kuala Lumpur with my green and gold pom-poms packed to cheer along the Australian finalists in these awards.
I’m patriotic at the best of times but put me on a red carpet at an international blogging event and I really can’t be held responsible for any “oi, oi, ois” that might escape my lips. Especially if someone has placed a champagne in my vicinity.
The passport has been dusted off (it’s been A WHILE between overseas jaunts … does anyone jaunt anymore? If not, they really should), I’ve emailed ahead to the spa at the Putrajaya Marriott in the hope of booking some quality “rejuvenation” time to kill the jet lag, so all there is left to do is get down to the serious side of the trip: what to pack?
Here’s what I’ve been told to prepare for:
1. NAPBAS awards night – black tie (SORTED. Remember this outfit?).
2. Party outfit for awards night after party (umm, pyjamas? Just kidding … of COURSE I’m going out after not sleeping for the previous 24 hours).
3. Casual clothes and comfy footwear for tour around Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (note to self re champagne consumption and tropical heat).
4. Something nice to wear out to dinner and shopping Saturday night (I’m thinking this dress).
What else I’m taking:
1. Something easy to wear on the plane (this will do nicely … with the addition of a Gasparre cashmere/modal wrap that’s like a mini blanket and SO soft).

2. Something to wear poolside (hello new swimsuit).
3. More comfy and casual clothes (because I really do believe in having options).
4. Some blog branding to wear around my neck (thanks Uberkate).
5. And some extra accessories just for luck.

I know this seems extreme a lot for a weekend away. But that’s just it. I’m AWAY. Away from my wardrobe. And thanks to the lovely people at Samsonite I’ll easily fit it all in with plenty of room to spare … for shopping.

Which leads me to you. Have you been to Kuala Lumpur recently? What should I be channelling my shopping budget towards? And has anyone had one of those fish pedicures?
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Big, big … HUGE thank-you to my sponsor:
I’m attending NAPBAS thanks to AirAsia X (you can like them on Facebook here).
AirAsia X offers long-haul flights to 16 destinations: Japan (Haneda & Osaka), Korea (Incheon), Australia (Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast), India (New Delhi and Mumbai), China (Tianjin, Hangzhou and Chengdu), Taiwan (Taipei), Iran (Tehran), Paris (Orly), London (Gatwick) and New Zealand (Christchurch).
Comments 49
I always underpack, so can never criticise someone for overpacking. But I do hope you have plenty of room to take all your purchases home!
Author
I did! But didn’t buy a whole lot mainly because time was short. Next time.
How exciting, Nikki! Have a great time!
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Thanks Rochelle … will do!
Have a great time Nikki, I think you have packed lightly, I am a serial overpacker, but if you don’t have something you can always buy it, and yes we never grow out of handbags and shoes. Love the red Samsonite, let us know how well it travels, I am in need of a new case 🙂
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I will, Julie … I love how big it is 😉 and that I’ll easily spot it at baggage claim!
How exciting Nikki. Love all the outfits. Love LOVE the Uberkate necklace. Have a great trip!
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Thanks Linda! I’m excited … well will be when I get on the plane!
Have a wonderful jaunt! I love the Uberkate Blog lines necklace.
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Thanks Jess … and yes, how cool are they?!
Bon voyage Nikki:)
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Thanks Annabel x
Take the Sunscreen as well and a Hat and the sunnies
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Hat and sunnies above – and yes sunscreen in my wash bag!
Hi Nikki
Is the Sacha Drake Del Mar Dress still available? If so, where could I find one on the Sunshine Coast????
Author
You could try Zambezee at Mooloolaba but after I did the last post the demand for them skyrocketed! Otherwise call Sacha Drake’s head office – http://www.sachadrake.com.au/contact-us
Nikki,
have a fabulous time. Love the inclusion of the wrap to keep that chilly airplane air-conditioning at bay.
And the scarf which will come in handy if you visit any temples or cultural sights where shoulders need to be covered up.
Enjoy your visit – it’s an amazing country (lived in Malaysia for 2 years as a teenager).
Author
Thanks Leanne … I’m a cold fish in air con – and LOVING this wrap. And yes, I can’t wait to see this wonderful place – if only for a short time!
KL is our favourite destination! Shoes and handbags are the items to head for! Shoes mostly go up to about size 40 – over that it’s not so easy but you can find them in the major dept stores like Parkson and Isetan. Pavilion and KLCC are great shopping malls, and I also love Sungei Wang for a more local flavour!
Check out the KL forums on Tripadvisor.com for up to date advice and shopping tips from travellers!
Have a great time!
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Oh, thanks so much for the tips Maree!
God I’d love to be let loose in your wardrobe – I’d play dress ups for hours 😉
Have a fab time!
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Thanks Laney x
I am so so jealous.
I have never been oversea’s.
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Oh wish I could bundle you up and stash you in my suitcase x
How exciting, Nikki! Have a great time!! xox
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I will, Bree …thanksx
I have major dramas packing, even a weekend away calls for at least 5-10 outfits… you never know what the weather will be like or what event/occassion might pop up.
Have a fantastic time Nikki!
x
Author
Oh, I’m glad it’s not just me!
Waaah!!! Enjoy yourself!! Remember to drink LOTS of water while you’re there – it’s hot and humid. Not too sure about shopping as I’m not from KL but, go for their mani and pedis – CHEAP AS!! Yes I’ve heard about the fish pedicure…my cousins have tried them I think. Sounded fun, but I’m ticklish so, it’s personal preference? 😉
Author
Good tip! And yes, have just booked in a pedi at the hotel day spa for when I arrive to calm my swollen ankles!
Wow so many pairs of shoes, I usually just have 2 pairs when I travel. I’m from Malaysia so a word of warning it’s hot and humid here and chances of rain is inevitable so perhaps a pop up umbrella for protection against the sun and rain?
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I know, I’m hopeless in the shoe department! Doesn’t help that one event is black tie. Wouldn’t normally take these type of shoes on holidays. Thanks for the tip on the umbrella!
Have a fabulous time! I have a girlfriend who culls her wardrobe before she goes to KL so she can completely restock it!!
Your carry on shot looks exactly like mine, same colour wrap and all.
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I don’t think the clothes will fit me alas … bags always do though 😉 And I’m not surprised our carry on looks the same!!
That’s it! I want your life and your style. Okay will settle just for your style and wardrobe 🙂
Have a fab time Nikki!
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Haha, Jodi … I will have a great time though. A little pre-Christmas treat.
WOO-HOOOOO. I’m so excited for you. LOVE the poolside outfit, and will be following along from home XXX
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I will spare you the photo of me in my swimsuit x
Have an awesome time. How exciting to be going!
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Very, very exciting … blogging in Asia is HUGE … will be great to experience the buzz.
I don’t think it’s too much at all 🙂 it’s all so being and happy. Have an awesome time.
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Thanks Danielle … in that case, I might slip some more things in!
Have a ball! You will certainly look great. I LOVE that Uberkate necklace. Fab xx
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OMG, how amazing is that necklace. You have very good friends Mrs Woog. Wish you were coming to KL x
Have a great time. can I suggest some aqueous cream too?
x Marnie
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For chafing? LOL.
yes…