New Year Ritual

At the beginning of every year I write a packing list in the back of my pocket diary for a 1 week holiday. I have done this new year ritual for the past 4 years because at short notice the worst thing is packing because I always forget important stuff, like a towel for a year 11/12 5 day co-ed biology camp, so this little check list has come in handy and as I travel more it has become stream line and lighter.

My list is:
1 pair of comfy ballet flats
1 pair of sandles or thongs
2 t shirts (1 plain colour and 1 patterned)
2 dresses
1 pair of jeans (depending on the weather)
1 pair of pants (depending on the weather)
1 pair of pajamas
1 pair of shorts (depending on the weather)
1 skirt
1 cardigan (2 if very cold)
1 coat (if very cold)
1 tank top or camisol
1 pair of walking shoes if having to walk allot and 2 pairs of socks (4 if cold)
7 pairs of knickers and 3 bras
bathers for swimming
1 long sleeve t shirt (depending on the weather)
1 necklace, 2 brooches and 1 bangle
1 headband and hair clips
1 pashmina and 1 silk scarf (1 thick scarf if cold)
2 pairs of pantyhose (4 if cold)
1 pair of sunglasses
1 travel towel
sunscreen and moisturizer with SPF
soap that can be used as a shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleanser and emergency laundry liquid
toothbrush and toothpaste
1 lipstick, 1 lip gloss or balm, 1 mascara, 1 blusher, tinted moisturizer, eyeshadow pallet and 1 eye pencil

Even with this planning there are still problems. The top 2,

1.dresses
Trying to find dresses that work for every situation day and night but doesn't look too casual or too dressy. I always take my favorite wrap jersey dress that can be worn as a beach cover up, walking around town/country and worn backwards as an evening dress.


Speckled Ink Dress-ANTHROPOLOGIE 40's print silk day dress- fabgabs on etsy
http://www.anthropologie.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabgabs



2.shoes
If they are high, too tight, give you blisters, will make your feet sweat and smell .... DO NOT TAKE THEM. Nice flats or a small wedge heel is always the best way to go and thongs are a must if any public change rooms are to be used (and it doesn't matter if you throw them away when they get icky)

Side-By-Side Flats-ANTHROPOLOGIE Dream-Born Shoes
http://www.anthropologie.com http://www.bornshoes.com