Queue Up London Boy by Taylor Swift

Spontaneously Organized Traveling

My greatest joy in life is traveling and there’s nothing I love more than the 2-3 months of anticipation that build before a big trip. Well, besides the trip itself. Flights booked, PTO sorted, and accommodations secured. At this point, I like to sprinkle in some organizational pizazz. The goal is research, research, research, so when the plane lands, I already know what I want to do and see. Check lists, shared docs, and a loose itinerary to ensure the most spontaneously type A trip possible. Then during the trip my brain can go on DND and my only job is FUN.

Is there any better excuse to shop than a rapidly approaching vacation?

My knack for planning goes beyond the day-to-day and into the wardrobe. You know damn well I take my vacation outfits seriously, which is exactly what we’re discussing today. There’s a fine line between the light packing sweet spot and getting charged for an overweight bag. And trust me, there’s nothing worse than hauling oversized luggage around a city you’ve never been. After lots of trial and error, I like to think I’ve got this balance down to a science.

In two weeks I’ll be landing in the hustling, bustling, very British, top of my travel bucket list, city of London. And while I haven’t started physically packing yet, the outfit brainstorming and strategizing is in full swing. My goal is to be the stylish and fun American girl walking down the street, all while avoiding the embarrassment of a hauling a 70lb bag on and off the tube.

What this American Girl is Bringing Across the Pond

For starters, it was absolutely necessary that I bring cute rain boots. Obviously. So that’s where this process started. Some Poshmark scrolling and 7-10 business days later, I ripped open a package to reveal the most perfect pair of cherry red Hunter Boots known to man. It doesn’t get more cute British rainy day in the city than Hunter boots. Can you tell I’m excited about them? Conveniently, it’s raining in Boise today and they’re literally on my feet right now. To go with my new red rain boots, I got a black and white polka dot umbrella. Now I don’t normally love the rain, but this getup might be enough to change my mind.

The Capsule Wardrobe’s More Colorful Cousin

The capsule wardrobe method isn’t exactly my style. I prefer a more maximalist rendition to select items. My perfect ratio is about 40% basics and 60% fun items that I’m actually excited to wear. If I go too far into capsule wardrobe mode, I feel totally uninspired and nothing feels like “me.” But if I only pack playful statement pieces, there’s not enough cohesion to just “throw things on.” Which is so important for a jam-packed week of sightseeing and exploring. Hence the 40/60 method.

The grey area between fashionista and scientist

When packing for a trip, I stick to a formula. It keeps me from going off the rails and packing my whole closet. What we don’t want is what I call an “I want to bring everything” paralysis. Which, as a recovering overpacker, is extremely dangerous. While it varies based on the destination, for my 8 days in London, I’m following this formula to prevent a relapse:

• 5 tops

• 3 pants

• 3 skirts

• 3 jackets

• 3 accessories (scarf, headband, ect.)

• 3 shoes (a flat, a sneaker, and boots)

• 2 dresses

• 2 sweaters

• 1 purse

• 1 tote bag

• 1 sweatshirt

• PJs, socks, undies, ect.

Overkill but not overpacking

All in all, everything we talked about today probably isn’t necessary. Some might consider it overkill. Unfortunately, you are in my corner at the moment so what I say goes! And this is how I choose to prep for the world’s most exciting 8 days EVER. Be prepared for an influx of social media content approximately October 17th-25th. Buckle up London, see you soon!

Xoxo, Soph 💋