First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of posts recently. A few weeks ago I moved to London, where I will be living and studying for the next 6-ish months.
Second of all, I want to address a major problem that comes with studying abroad: packing. Airline restrictions are strict (I only brought one bag) so that means you have to pack perfectly, or you'll have one outfit to wear every day for 6 months. Now that I'm here, I've discovered some strengths and some flaws in what I brought. I've decided to put together a packing list-- the packing list that I wish that I had had.
There are a few things that need to be highlighted:
key pieces,
statement accessories,
a great coat,
essential shoes ONLY, and
the bare minimum of liquids.
1.
Key Pieces: It is so easy to bring a lot of boring things-- basic jeans, basic shirts, basic shoes. DO NOT DO THIS. Sure, bring a solid color tee, but only one (I suggest white or gray). You will get so sick of basics so fast, and you'll be desperate for some flare in your wardrobe if you don't have enough WOW pieces. Bring bold prints, interesting bottoms, lots of embellishments, whatever as long as each piece is unique. This way, you look like you have a new outfit every time you go out. Mixing and matching will soon become your best friend.
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| A sequined blazer (Silence and Noise, $29.99) will add a much-needed flare to any outfit, available here. |
2.
Statement Accessories: I take that back, accessories will become your best friend. Accessories weigh next to nothing, and add so much flare to an outfit. Pair your one pair of jeans with your one tee shirt, add a statement necklace and ta-da! You're ready to go.
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| Just slip on this bold ring and you're ready to go! Forever 21, $3.80, available here. |
3.
A Great Coat: You will probably only have room for one coat, and if you're going somewhere with cold weather like me, you will wear it every single day. I brought a plain black coat. Yes, it goes with everything, but I'm kicking myself for not bringing my bright red pea coat instead. Like I said before, perpetual basics are a recipe for style boredom. Most days, it's too cold for me to even take my coat off, so all anyone ever sees is lots of black (my over-the-knee boats are black too). I would kill for a burst of color, especially on those rainy London days.
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| It might be black, but it's definitely not boring. BB Dakota, $89.99, available here. |
4.
Essential Shoes ONLY: I've only worn two pairs of shoes since I've gotten here-- one for daytime, one for nighttime. Did I bring two pairs of shoes? No, I brought seven. The other five took up space that could have been occupied by more clothes, of which I desperately need. If you do not wear the pair of shoes all the time, ditch them, you'll thank yourself later.
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| Great for day and night. Gap, $89.50, available here. |
5.
The Bare Minimum of Liquids: This part I got right. Bring makeup, bring hair products that you probably won't be able to buy wherever you're going, but DON'T bring basics like shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, toothpaste, or even deodorant. Unless you're going somewhere really isolated, you can buy the basics there. Nothing takes up more weight than liquids, so do yourself a favor, and hit up your local drugstore once you arrive.
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| Travel-sized bottles are great for weekend trips. The Container Store, $0.99 each, available here. |
A couple other suggestions: bring one or two purses that you absolutely love, because I promise that they'll get a lot of use; scarves should be included in your accessories, they can spice up any boring outfit; don't forget hair clips, hair ties, etc., changing up your hair-do is a great way to make your look feel new again; lastly, get creative-- put pieces together that you wouldn't normally, like a chunky sweater with a mini skirt for a night out, or wear pieces in new ways, like turning a scarf into a turban.
Click
here for a great turban how-to video.
Now travel, fashionistas!
-Annie Wazer
difference between the $214.99 L.A.M.B wedge platform pumps and the $59 Arden B. faux suede wedge pumps?
