Assembling a wardrobe for this particular trip has been a challenge, in a first world problem sort of way. As I’ve struggled to figure out what to pack for a trip that encompasses 3.5 weeks and about 750 miles from south to north in a carryon piece of luggage, the index card with my written list has been scratched out and rewritten numerous times.
Yesterday, though, I finally was able to make a decision.
I’m checking a bag.*
With my decision, came relief. I could pack the clothing I would need for activities that included a hike on Mt Etna, a soak in natural hot springs, dinners out (including Thanksgiving which apparently has become popular in Italy) and lots of walking in potentially wet weather. I also will have space to bring home a couple of bottles of wine in the reusable, dry bags I purchased in San Francisco last summer.
So, what am I bringing?
- 3 pairs of pants – I’ll wear the uber comfy, Phillip Lim brown wide wale corduroys I recently purchased used from Rent the Runway ($40!) and pack a pair of jeans and a second pair of pin wale corduroys in a great shade of rust.
- 3 dresses – a rented Herve Leger sleeveless, black knee length number, a long sleeved ruched dress in fern green and a camel vegan leather jumper. All three can be dressed up or down and layered.
- A knee length, royal blue Ralph Lauren corduroy skirt purchased at Collected Boutique.
- A Gap Anorak with hood and a black vegan leather coat which I’ll sear on the plane.
- 3 button down shirts – chambray, white and blue striped.
- 2 dressy tops – a ruched Herve Leger in black jersey and a sequined Aknvas piece.
- 2 vests – a lightweight down one in navy and a wool fair isle patterned one in delicious colors.
- 4 t-shirts – 2 long sleeved in black and navy, 2 short sleeved in black and white. I’ll wear the latter on the flight.
- 3 pull over sweaters – a berry cashmere, a cream cashmere with specks of brown, black and blue and a black merino wool crewneck which I’ll wear to travel.
- A swimsuit
- 2 scarves, a wool hat and gloves, socks, tights, and undergarments
- 2 pairs of Adidas – blue suede and white leather with black trim. I’ll wear the white ones to travel
- My new black Fluevog (low) heels and a pair of J. Crew knee high black boots that I recently bought at Marshall’s for $29.99. I am so high/low brow!
- Lightweight leggings and tank top for sleeping.
- A cotton/linen shift that will work as a casual dress, bathing suit cover up and robe.
- Toiletries
- My trusty Nikon.
Does that sound like a lot?
I have no intention of filling my bag on the way to Italy, but I’m kind of happy that I’ll have room to spare. It’ll help keep my personal item light with just my iPad, travel documents and items from my handbag. The other bonus of checked luggage is that I don’t have to stress about liquids, be it hair products or vino.
Now that I’ve determined that a larger bag was worth the effort of schlepping and I’ve actually partially packed it, I’m getting really excited. It doesn’t matter how many times I visit Europe, it’s always an adventure and I can’t wait to step off that plane and explore Sicily and hang with my friends on the mainland. Andiamo!
*I should mention that a checked bag weighing up to 50 lbs was included in the price of my transatlantic ticket. Why was I being so damn dumb?
