pack it up.

When {cv} and I were long distance, I swore I lived out of a suitcase. I'd pack for a weekend in Charlotte, get home late on Sunday night, and barely get my laundry done before I was packing to visit my parents in Indiana. Even though I'm a planner to the max, packing {for any length of time} is always a last-minute activity for me. Inevitably, my bags are stuffed to the gills with the dress I might need and the extra cardigan if it gets chilly. It's a problem, I know.

{starting from top left, clockwise: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8}

During those distance days, I was thankful there were certain things I didn't have to pack. {cv} was kind enough to let me keep all my hair products and even a toothbrush at his place. {It sounds like this John Mayer song, but I digress.} When he first suggested it, I didn't realize what a step it was--but it was the start of something much bigger. We were taking small steps {with trivial things like a toothbrush and hair mousse} which would lead to an easier transition when we were finally living together. 

Admittedly, one of the things I miss the least about distance is the "living out of a suitcase" feeling. Though those three years sadly didn't make me a better packer, I am grateful for the perspective that feeling gave me. I knew suitcases would be used for fun trips together--rather than trips to one another.

Many thanks for your birthday wishes yesterday! I was seriously overwhelmed with your comments and tweets! You made this girl feel very loved. 27 is off to a great start ;) Have a great Wednesday!

19 comments:

  1. Aw, happy belated bday!

    I keep a toiletry bag packed all the time so I can just pop it into my bag at the last minute and not have to worry about forgetting essentials like a toothbrush, etc.

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  2. I always make sure I pack outfits for a variety of occasions, you don't want to get there and realize that you don't have a good outfit!!

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  3. I do what briannelee does and keep a bag of toiletries packed! I keep small samples of my skin care routine, a small toothpaste, etc. in a clear bag to take with me. I also find that making a detailed list of everything I want to bring helps me plan outfits in advanced, and narrow down/edit what I really need for the trip before I even start packing!

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  4. Love the Longchamp bag! I'd use that as my "carry on" bag for a plane ride, but put my purse/more important things in a smaller wristlet inside of it for easy access :)

    <3
    kimberrleigh.com

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  5. I do love that kate spade bag. I just never really get excited about luggage...I guess it's something I should think more about, especially with all the traveling we have coming up.

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  6. I love the Longchamp bag! I've been meaning to invest in one for quite some time. Although, since I'm in a long distance relationship that requires constant traveling - I should have invested in one a long time ago. Instead I use this plain black duffel bag from Walmart that is not cute at all.

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  7. I roll all of my clothes. Leaves me with less wrinkles and with more room to pack...well...more clothes :)

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  8. I don't enjoy packing at all! I always want to bring a pair of shoes for every outfit but that never works out :)

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  9. Happy Birthday Av! :) Hope it was wonderful!

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  10. well, studying abroad helped with that. i could only bring so much with me for the semester and i learned to pack small when i was traveling. i learned that rolling clothes versus folding them helps with wrinkles and lets you pack more as far as space is concerned.

    i always try on outfits before i travel and if i am cramped for space, i make sure different pieces work together.

    http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

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  11. You took the words right out of my mouth! I usually get around to unpacking from a weekend visiting my boyfriend a few hours before I have to pack again! And since it's visiting a guy who can't plan anything, I have a million outfits that I just might need! So tiring, but worth it :) My one tip is to roll everything. You can fit so much more and there are fewer creases!

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  12. love love love pretty bags!

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  13. Happy birthday! one year older and wiser! I love bag posts! esp big duffel bags and weekenders. they make me feel the wanderlust again! i love especially the flamingo bag. i roll up my clothes to fit more in a bag!

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  14. Happy birthday! I went to Kansas City for Memorial Day weekend, and I must say that my large Longchamp was the absolute perfect size!

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