Toed: do you have one of those spinner suitcases? I've been wanting to get one of those, but our 26 incher is holding strong, so alas, no justification yet. Maybe after our trip to Hawaii?

BTW, quite an impressive collection. I've not done an inventory, but my collection pales in comparison to yours.

For sumreknot-

Packing light starts ahead of the trip. Layout or hang somewhere separate in your home everything you are thinking about taking. Refine it every couple days.

A 25" for 15 days Italy/Greece sounds OK to me.

Downsize all cosmetics. That's truly my best trick. Use ziplocks rather than a hard cosmetic case. Skip the space saver bags, or just take a couple (they take up room, weight, and for me aren't particularly helpful).

And resist throwing in stuff at the last minutes that you 'might need'. You don't.

Get a good 2nd bag that will be your daily carry-around, a large soft pocketbook, tiny backpack, whatever you are most comfortable with.

The friend who recommends a 30" is all wet IMO. Also watch using the expanable feature of a suitcase. When it's on wheel it makes it off-balance and prone to tipping over.

Suerte, Suze

Speaking of luggage & other uses, a few years back I saw a bunch of Elton John's Louis Vuitton trunks for sale at Antiquarius. His name was on them in gold. The most fabulous trunks you've ever seen & one was open & upright with drawers, etc. Don't remember the price but it was $$$$$$.

Thanks for all of your helpful advice...!!!

I can't believe how much luggage some of you have -lol!! Where do you store it all? Seriously, that one list from dear Toed would fill an entire closet


I know I already had my vote, but I'll say it again... Don't purchase new luggage. Use what you have or borrow from friends. Work on your packing light skills and techniques. That will serve you FAR better than buying bigger suitcases and taking too much stuff. Guaranteed!

Suze - I think I missed one. I have a 22" softside wheeled blue bag also - bought it last year on vacation to bring home souvenirs.

Honestly, I haven't seen the hardside stuff in ages. It was my grandmother's and is stored in the attic. Not really practical anymore, but just can't get rid of it.

It does take up a lot of room (maybe that's why I can't keep that room clean!), but I take after my Mom. We like compartments and a suitcase is just a big compartment. I figure as my nieces get older, I'll give them some of my pieces. Then I can start buying again.

As I am a city-living, condo-dweller, seriously I wouldn't be able to store that much luggage if I wanted to -LOL!

Suze - attics are wonderful things. Of course, I don't think I could get in there far enough to get half of the contents out, but it holds a ton!

We were browsing some shops in town today and I saw some luggage. I showed a few pieces to my husband ( sedate quiet colors like black and grey) then I told him that I considered the black or grey but decided on maybe the polka dots or plaid...You should have seen the look of horror on his face LOL

But, Scarlett, if you had one of these, you wouldn't lose it.

http://tinyurl.com/yqgvpd

I rather like that bag in blue/white...

I have to say I do too LOL
There is something about the print..sort of a retro look?
But then I can admire things but end up with black..
And when I was small, RED was my favorite color

Anybody shop at Anthropologie?

http://tinyurl.com/2qbwpg

I saw it today in blue..how is that for bright and won't get lost on the carrousel?

I love Anthropolgie -- great skirts. And I think that's a cute bag.

I love Anthropologie, too. AND in May they're opening a new store in our very small town. Yes!!

Ooo...I love that bag Scarlett! I love that yellow, and it looks so cute!

Perhaps it's time I retire my leather carry-on from Firenze and get a cutesy roller.

I am thinking seriously about giving away all my old luggage (too old, too dirty, too big, too black, too boring, too heavy, etc.) and remembering the saying that "Life is short, buy the damn shoes". Tumi is having a sale on their lightweight luggage and that one in Anthropologie is to die for.

And maile, you are keeping all of that luggage why? Sounds like it is time to toss it.

Hi Loveitaly! I don't know why I haven't given all those suitcases away yet ... I've simplified my closet so I really don't have things to store in them even if I were that organized. However, I plan to throw them all down the attic ladder as soon as the cast comes off ... then haul them off to the Salvation Army. Then I need to decide upon the perfect suitcase, backpack and carryon (along with the perfect jeans, travel outfit, shoes, etc.) and I'll be ready for the next trip.

Well maile it sounds like we both have the same ambitions except I did get rid of all of my luggage (except for the 29inch one that I now store extra bed pillows in). I am debating about what to buy..think I will buy a 24 inch suitcase. I have a couple of carryons, one larger then the other and have kept those. I am all set for shoes, but jeans..don't even mention it..I need to do some serious shopping for good looking jeans.

Get better soon and good luck with getting that old luggage to the Salvation Army. And have fun shopping, that will be a treat I am sure once you get rid of your cast.