You already know I went on a girls’ trip for my 40th birthday, but you don’t know what I packed in my carry-on. As always, I waited until the last minute to get my packing done, and let the anxiety build up high and tight before the outfits just came to me. Once they finally did, I was able to pack a nearly perfect carry-on suitcase.

In about 20 minutes.

At 7 in the morning.

Just before we were scheduled to leave.

But as much of a packing whiz as I claim to be, trying to pack for a single weekend — where there would be so many different types of activities — was kinda tough! I knew the weather would be on the chilly side (by a Californian’s standards). For sure I’d need a fun outfit for Gaga, and some workout gear for classes at Civana. Obviously some comfy clothes for driving and flying… and then just regular clothes for whatever else we got ourselves into. All in a little rolling duffel bag — this is the one similar to what I was working with.

Packing List

** ALL LINKS UPDATED SEPT 2021
BRALETTE (similar) / BLACK CAMISOLE (similar) / BLACK TANK TOP (similar) / ONE-PIECE BATHING SUIT (similar)
BUFFALO PLAID FLANNEL (similar) / LONG CARDIGAN handmade (similar) / BLACK TUNIC (similar) / LEATHER JACKET (similar)
VINTAGE BLACK JEANS (similar) / LEGGINGS / SEQUIN PANTS (similar) / BLAZER (similar)
BOOTIES (similar) / HEELS (similar) / SNEAKERS / SUNGLASSES / CROSSBODY (that turns into a clutch + fanny pack!)

NOT PICTURED: My birthday tiara and sash. For reals.

You can see there’s a lot of black — more than I’ve ever packed for anything else. But I was glad I had it because it was so versatile going from day to night. Especially when some of the evening activities were a surprise.

The leather jacket was tricky to fit, but was definitely a lifesaver. I wore it to elevate a plain dinner outfit. I also wore it on the plane to make my workout gear look like an actual outfit. It’s just perfect for making any outfit insta-chic.

And I think most people would agree that 3 pairs of shoes for 3.5 days can hardly be considered minimal. If it hadn’t been for Lady Gaga, I could have gotten away with 2. But those sequin pants! Begged for higher heels.

the outfits

My black jeans and tank top certainly got a good workout. It probably would have been smart to pack one extra casual t-shirt for travel days. Some things were looking a little raggedy by the time I got home.

It also would have been smart to remember to pack my bathing suit. DEEERP. I actually had to buy the one shown above at the spa, and that was a pretty penny. At least the hotel had spa robes and flippy-floppies that I could use. That new one-piece will just have to be my mom suit this summer. Which is fine. I won’t have to torment myself ordering and returning 4,000 bathing suits like I do every other year.

Any questions about my travels or my packing list? HMU!

loves,
jaana