I love creating a minimal packing list from my vacations — not only to help someone else who may struggle with packing, but also to help myself the next time I go on a trip! It’s so nice to have a reference point!

And I have to start this post by saying that sometimes I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I had barely returned from a girls’ trip to Walt Disney World a few weeks ago and caught my breath (AKA got over a horrible cold) before heading off on another girls’ weekend! This time to see my dear friends Andrea (of Seasons and Salt) and Paige (of StyleThisLife). We met through the blogsphere / social media world a little while back, and have now had four meetups IRL. You can’t keep us apart!

As wheels lifted off the ground in Burbank, I said farewell to the sun under my breath. We were honestly having the most glorious weather ever. And Portland looked like all rain, all the time. I like rain. I would even be so bold to say that I LOVE rain. But sometimes when you’re traveling, it can put a damper on things. Pun intended.

The first 2 days, Portland kept its cold and wet promises. And do you know how hard it is to get photos in the rain?? Well, just scroll down to see. We were a mess. But the last day, we actually did get a little glimpse of sun. By that point, we were honestly too tired to enjoy it much, but it was nice to see peaking through the clouds nonetheless.

That weekend, the ladies and I did what we do best. Eat too much and laugh so hard and gossip (all nice things of course). We even settled in early one night after watching a bunch of Architectural Digest on YouTube. I mean, are we a bunch of wild old women or what! I just wouldn’t have it any other way.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

This trip did bring me a little anxiety as I was packing. Making a minimal packing list with big winter clothing can be a bit intimidating! I kept putting it off and putting it off. Overthinking it like a pro. I’d go back and reference my last rainy weather packing list to see how much of that I could copy.

But when it was all said and done, I simply do my best work under pressure and I packed the night before… as usual. The more I reworked my carry-on bag, the more I realized how utilitarian this packing list would turn out to be. Nothing needed to be all that cute, seeing as it would be hiding under my huge rain jacket most of the time anyway. So I went for warmth and layers and was able to mix and match easily.

sweater / cashmere turtleneck / chunky turtleneck / undershirts
3-in-1 coat / jumpsuit (similar) / tunic (similar) / long sleeve (20% off w code SNAP20)
sweatshirt / joggers / black skinny jeans / fleece tights
boots / sneakers / slippers / sunnies / crossbody (similar)

For day one, I wore my cream sweater layered over my tunic with my stretchy black skinny jeans and sneakers. Day two was all about the black jumpsuit with the cashmere sweater underneath, along with my Dr. Martens. Day three I went back to the skinny jeans and wore them with my black turtleneck and sneakers. And to come home, I couldn’t resist the comfy jumpsuit one last time, with the long sleeve tee underneath. Normally I wear sneakers to the airport for easy removal of the shoes… but TSA Precheck baby. And Dr. Martens it is.

I also made sure to include my favorite lounge wear set and slippers on this trip. I knew with the rain, we’d end up hanging around the house a little more than normal, and I wanted my pajamas to be just a little nicer than the ratty things I wear around here. Slippers were a brilliant last minute addition if I do say so myself.

And there you have it! A little glimpse into my weekend in Portland. I don’t think I’ve fully recovered yet, but I’m feeling grateful to have spent this time with my friends. We had the loveliest of hosts and are already talking about the next get together!

Anything else you would add to a rainy weekend minimal packing list?

loves,
jaana