8 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Pearls – borrowed from my mom
- Polka-dot dress – Target
- Red tank – ON
- Red wedges – thrifted vintage Etienne Aigner
- Pearl earrings – my wedding earrings, sidewalk sale
- Wildflowers – picked in field outside of town
Endnotes:
Dear Readers, I’m back. I’ve been a pretty bad blogger lately but for good reason; I’ve enjoyed some much needed time away from the computer and with my husband and my family in Romania. Now that I’m back in Germany, I do have pictures to share from my time traveling and I hope to make a more regular appearance around here.
Today’s outfit shots are from some time last week when we celebrated my grandfather’s and my husband’s recent May birthdays at a little family and friends’ dinner out. I knew that there would be a good chance that I couldn’t get away with wearing jeans and sporty flats my entire vacation, so I had wisely packed one semi-formal dress and my red wedges for just such an event. This black and white polka-dot dress is dressy enough for a special occasion dinner without being so formal that it begs for attention.
Wildflowers and Polka Dots, originally uploaded by academichic.When packing without quite knowing what my itinerary will entail, I like to choose items that can function for multiple occasions or registers and that can be mixed and matched in various ways. That often means neutrals (like this black and white dress) and semi-casual dresses or skirts that can be elevated to a more formal look or dressed down for everyday wear with the use of shoes, jewelry, or the right accessories. If a garment only appears to be useful for a certain type of event or setting and will likely only be worn one way, I tend to not pack it in favor of something that will present me with more options at my destination. Unless, of course, I’m packing for something very specific and unique, like a black-tie wedding.
How do you choose what to pack and what to leave behind? And since I’ll be doing a lot more packing in the weeks to come (as I leave Germany and head back to the US), what is some of the most useful packing advice you’ve received and could kindly share with us? Thank you! S.
For a plethora of packing-related posts, make sure to check out our Academichic Travels section here. Ever the academics, we love to document and theorize even our bag-packing methodologies.
Red , originally uploaded by academichic.
I love this polka-dot dress, especially with the fun red sandals and that little splash of color in the tank top. I hope you had a great visit with your husband and with family – time away from the computer is often a very necessary and rewarding thing! Good luck with finishing up and packing to return to the States!
I *hate* packing but I’m so good at it. I’m all for the minimalist approach.
The polka dot dress is simple and chic, and I love the pops of red with it!
Moving is always a good reason to purge. I usually go through my wardrobe, silly books, kitchen knick-knacks and giveaway or donate a lot of items. Also those vacuum packing bags are miraculous. Right now I’m trying to convince my husband we should get rid of our couch and love seat before the move and replace them on the other side.
So lovely. And the flowers make a perfect accessory!
My only packing tip is to try on every outfit before it goes in the suitcase. I’ll be doing that for my upcoming trip to Iceland for sure.
I’m most curious to know how much more your bags will weigh on your return to the US…unless your husband took some stuff already?
Sweet dress…casual yet dressy enough!
this dress is gorgeous and i love it with the red accents (and the flowers…amazing!). it’s great to hear that you’re taking a computer break for family time, even though we’ve missed you!
(and thanks for your really sweet comment the other day–it made me day to be called a fave by one of my all-time faves :) )
I plan outfits ahead of time, and try to only pack items that will double up–this shirt with that skirt, or those jeans, etc. And try everything on so you don’t realize it doesn’t look good together at the moment you can’t do anything about it!
Polka dots with red shoes = amazing combo! Glad you were able to get away and spend some time with people you love!
I just spent two month in Germany waiting for my new visa, and will be packing tomorrow to return to the US, so your post is very up to date! Your blogging from Munich inspired me to do thrift shopping (in Berlin), and I’ll be returning with a lot of extra clothes. I will roll up most of my clothing (pants, shirts) and pack as dense as possible, and leave all replaceable and heavy items as e.g. shampoo behind. I’ll try to bring things from brands I can only get in Germany instead. Am considering heavier coats as cabin luggage, despite the summery weather.
I amazed time passed so fast, and you’re already returning! Have a good trip.
P.S. My airline (SAS) just changed their policy while I was here, and they allow only a single bag now, not two. Since I have two suitcases I need to bring back I wrote a complaint e-mail, and they sent me an voucher for so I won’t have to pay. It may be worth checking.
I am an awful packer, but have been getting better. No, I do not need 15 shirts. Bring 3 and rewear them. I am glad you’ve had family time, but am glad to see you back here too!
Packing sends me into a tailspin. I envy your and others minimalist, but highly effective approaches! Plagued by what ifs, and the prospect of wardrobe boredom/panic, I invariably overpack in spite of my best intentions. I’m packing now for a 4 day weekend with specific events (but unpredictable weather) so the outfit approach works. My upcoming six weeks in California is more problematic!
bonus points for looking really comfy, too!
These pictures are so pretty! I love that dress with the red accents.
The pops of red are so pretty!
You all always have the best packing advice here, taking packing to an art. I have so many dresses, I usually pack enough to wear a different dress every day (that’s what I did for my 10 day vacation to London and St. Petersburg last year). This actually works well because dresses are so small and easily rolled up. Then I can pack one pair of boots and one pair of flats, a jacket, a couple of cardigans and a lot of tights. I don’t wear many accessories, so that helps keep it manageable. I’m fine with checking a bag.
Thanks for the tips, all!
@Sal – I also tend to try on outfits ahead of time, but that’s not always possible when short on time. But I do like that approach when time permits.
@Mona – thanks for that tip!! I also brought two suitcases here and need to return with two and I do think my baggage allowance has changed since last fall. I just came to terms with having to pay for that second one, but now I’m going to try what you did and see if I can’t get a voucher, thank you!
@Dottie – I think your dress approach is pretty great, actually. I will have to try this for a trip some time!
S
Hi, I just wanted to say that I saw you in Cluj last week, you were walking with your husband and taking pictures, and it was a nice surprise. I have been following this blog for a while now and it’s one of my favorites! Keep up the good work!
P.S. I absolutely love those red wedges! Cute and feminine.
Dana – ha! How funny! It’s so funny to hear that you spotted me, I hope I wasn’t doing anything embarrassing when you saw me ;) You should have said hello! Maybe the next time I’m in Cluj, we can actually have a coffee, I know we’ll be back because we both really loved the city!
S.
I was on the others side of the street from you and I was getting on a bus! But next time you come visit Cluj e-mail me and we can have that coffee!
This outfit is so pretty! That dress is gorgeous, and I love the wildflowers.
[...] from Academichic shows us that wildflowers are the perfect accessory for a black and white polka dot [...]
[...] just trying to get dressed quickly and comfortably, that is. Style savvy-readers like Sal mentioned trying travel outfits on at home before packing and I have definitely approached my packing in that well-planned way before. But when [...]