If you’re like me, packing for a long or multiple location trip is stressful! I always pack way too much because I “don’t know what I’ll be in the mood to wear” or I want to feel prepared for whatever weather changes I might incur.  This packing phobia got a quick kick in the butt earlier this year when I went on my RTW trip and decided to pack everything I needed in one small carry on. There was so much to think about but I was somehow able to condense everything and, ultimately settled on some less stylish items because of how small they were able to be packed!

If I didn’t care about fashion, then I probably wouldn’t have thought one way or another about my clothing choices. Moreover, I would have thought practically about the weight of them, would they dry easily, wrinkle free, etc. And, surprisingly, most days I didn’t care about my clothing options; I was climbing Mt. Fuji or holding koalas in Brisbane, for freaking sake! I was an explorer! I could conquer the world… but then other days- the days we were seeing a show in London or a fancy dinner in Iceland- where I wanted to be dressed up and hated that I only had practical clothing options.

There had to be a way for both the practical explorer and stylish traveler to live as one.

Back in July, the New York Times posted an article about the 6 Items or Less Projectand though the idea is excellent for traveling with a carry on, it is way too restrictive for me, my multiple destinations, and compulsive shopping habit. And then, right as I was checking my favorite style blog- it hit me. The #30 for 30 Challenge!

Kendi Everydayhas been doing these style challenges every season this past year and it was time for her latest one. I had watched Kendi during her spring and summer challenges- selecting 30 items (tops, bottoms and shoes included) as she created 30 separate, unique and inspiring outfits. The first couple times, I just watched and read, more for her humor and cute outfit choices than for anything else. (Well, and honestly, just like in my packing choices, I didn’t want to limit myself from my over expanding closet!) Then, when this one came around, I started thinking how great this challenge is for travelers, especially considering all the holiday travel coming up!

So, last month I selected all my items- made sure they fit in a (very cute) suitcase and spent the next 30 or so days creating outfits for very different temperatures and activities as I traveled between Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. Here’s what I learned:

• 30 items is A LOT! So many choices!
• Just as planning your excursions, plan some of your outfits ahead of time. A lot of walking tours- pack comfortable shoes. Going swimming- pack a scarf that can double as a wrap.
• Don’t be afraid to include special or “too fancy for travel” pieces.
• Planning outfits also helps in deciding what items you are missing. Knowing how I was going to wear a certain dress  reminded me to pack a cardigan and jacket!
• Look at your pieces in a different way than you have before: For instance- I have a button up plaid shirt, but since the buttons were snap buttons, it could easily be worn inside and out- creating a completely different look and style. Same goes for making a dress more casual- layer it with a sweater and it looks like a cute skirt.
• Accessories are key! The best part for me, was creating new looks with different accessories. Using a sash as a belt or hair bow or wrapping it around shorts or over jackets really changed the look and created more interest.
• Also, accessories are small and take up way less room than an entire extra outfit. Pack four scarves, varying thickness and patterns, and you’ll still have room to bring something home with you!
• Pack half basics and half patterns- You can only opt for the solid black outfit in a city, or tone it up or down by adding more patterns and colors.

And without further ado- my other 28 outfits!!

After completing the challenge, I know it could be done in just the same way with only 20 or (dare I say…) 15 items.  Especially for travel, the length of your trip can dictate how many items you include in your “challenge”. Would you try this approach the next time you travel? Or, do you just throw a bunch of stuff in a suitcase and hope it works out?!