Ladies - Packing & Shoe Help Please
 

Ok the packing question - My DH and I are taking a trip to CA and Vegas from May 26th to June 6th. This trip is different for us because we are moving around a lot(1 night hotel - 2 nights w/ family - 1 night hotel - 1 night w/ friends - 2 nights Bellagio - 4 nights JW Marriott). I've never done a trip like this (well a few camping trips but that was strictly jeans & tees). Soooo ... any packing tips? I'm sure I will be using a travel iron a lot but I've heard rolling rather than folding helps ... true? Any other helpful hints?

Now the shoe question ... I have a lot of nice light weight cropped pants that I think will work well for this trip BUT I just realized I don't have any shoes to wear with them that would be comfortable for any real walking ... any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for all suggestions!

I bought a pair of Clark's sandals 2 years ago and have walked all over Rome, San Francisco, and New York City with them- wearing my Capri pants (and Blister-free!). By far the best shoes I have ever had, both comfort and value wise. They have many different styles and colors.

If you are wearing cropped pants, you really need to stick with a sandal, or at least shoes without socks. Wear socks with cropped pants and you will win a speed pass to the Fasion Hall of Shame.

Oh absolutely no socks! Its just that the sandals and flats I have now I couldn't walk that much in. Do you remeber where you got the Clark's?

Nordstroms or their website, nordstroms.com has Clarks.

Get a good pair of neutral sandals (bronze, silver, or gold) and a dressier pair for evenings.

I usually take too many pairs of shoes with me.

It's nordstrom.com, no s. I think I saw they have free shipping on some of their shoes.

Go Travel-LOL! I think we all pack too many shoes.

Any ideas for a purse/tote instead of my regular bag that will hold water bottle, paperback, contacts etc for on the plane and sightseeing?

After packing too much too many times I finally realized that the people I ran into on our trips will never repeat to my friends at home that my shoes didn't match my outfit. In other words, go with comfortable and don't worry about it. If your middle stop in the itinerary is your friends house only pack enough for half a trip - buy a bottle of champagne and wash and dry your clothes for the rest of the trip at their house remembering that as one of the most fun times you ever had doing laundry.

Rockport shoes are also very comfortable walking shoes. Rockport shows have outlet stores and I have sometimes found a pair at Rack Room Shoes, as well as higher end stores. I have a comfy old pair of sneakers I wear on the plane, hiking around, anywhere I will be walking a lot, and "footie" socks I wear with them - you know, the socks that just cover your foot and have a small bow or ball on the back of the heel. They would look fine with capris. Just be sure to break in any new shoes BEFORE your trip!

I always pack a canvas tote bag that folds flat--you know, just an inexpensive shopping bag style--for when I am sightseeing/shopping. I can put my water bottle and any purchases in there while I'm out and put it in my suitcase when I don't need it.

As far as shoes-- I pack too many, too! hehe... and last vacation I bought three pair on the road! Go for the comfort!

Seriously, I think if you have a pair of flip flops, some sandals and a good pair of tennis shoes you are good to go. The sock advice is good, too.

Have fun!

Assuming you are under the age of 80, you may not wear socks with the crop pants. If you are over 80, you must wear them with some sneakers. Then your husband will need to buy shiney white or black shoes or wear sandals with socks. For him, matching belt with the white or black shoes is a must.

Seriously - one trip I somehow forgot to pack my shoes. I was wearing a nice but comfortable pair of low heeled shoes, had a pair of sneakers in my carry-on - and that was it. I still had a good time, if anyone laughed at me, I never noticed, It was a freeing experience.

Now this is my kind of question!

Yes rolling helps, I don't bother with a travel iron anymore they just take up too much space and weight. I try to pack clothes that won't wrinkle too much and use the hotel iron when I can.
In Europe, I've relied often on Bathroom steam! Another trick that works really well: my dressy clothes I kinda roll in drycleaner plastic - barely a wrinkle!

It's so true that we all pack too many shoes (well we women anyway-LOL)! I have started to limit myself though. I love the "kitten heels" for a dressier looking sandal in the evening. I also would then take 2 pairs of "comfy" sandals and switch often. I have learned thru many years of working trade shows iin the US & Europe that changeing shoes at least every other day saves feet!

My biggest packing tip? Pick one main color (mine's black) and accessorize! I have black pants, capris, tops, tanks & skirts then I mix and match a few colored pieces, always 2 black cardigans (1 casual & 1 dressy).

I also take advantage of the hotel laundry service for a few items - it's expensive but to me it's worth not needing to pack quite so much.

I also pack mostly black.

buckeyemom, I have a prada backpack that has been a travel staple of mine for years.

I think OliveOly bought one of ebay for her Christmas in Paris trip. It is durable, roomy, and comfortable. My husband always gives me his junk (water, wallet, map, tickets, etc) and it goes in there also. In the bag I keep my id, cc, cash, umbrella, bandaids (because I'm too vain to wear sensible shoes), baby powder, sunblock, sunglasses, sweater or scarf (for AC), and whatever souveniers I've bought.

I wore out a pair of black mules this summer that went with everything.

I have 2 pairs of Joseph Siebel shoes that I absolutely love. They are mules, but they have a strap that can be pushed behind the heel, and then the shoes are no longer mules and don't "flip-flop" on your feet. I wore the brown ones last summer in London, with capris (no socks!), and got the black ones this fall b/c I loved my brown ones so much (I really just love shoes!:) These are great in airports b/c they can be worn as mules and taken off easily for security. By the way, I also wear them with socks and pants in the colder months, so I feel like they are well worth the money I spent on them.

...nevermind...

Oaktown Traveler

My packing technique originated with an insert that came with my suitcase. Lay out the largest item (probably a dress) and then stack slacks, skirts and tops on top. Knit tops make the best top layer. Something that doesn't wrinkle works best. Fold all sleeves and excess length to the middle. Then fold the skirt of the dress and pant legs in half over the pile. You will have one big pile of clothes to go into your suitcase. Put shoes, lingerie, etc around the edges. With the pile method, nothing is folded with a sharp crease. I'm not fussy but usually nothing needs ironing.
Sorry I can't remember the name of my sandals. They are all canvas with cloth elastic straps. They look dressy enough to wear with most outfits and have withstood trade show walking. My new sandals that haven't been tested yet are by SAS.

Oh I am sooooo going shoe shopping now! :) Thanks for the great suggestions. I normally dress my capris and cropped pants down and wear with Tevas or dress them up and wear w/ sandals I wouldn't want to walk Vegas in! I will shop for some more comfortable shoes with all your suggestions in hand.

For a bag ... I often carry a sort of half back pack. It has just one strap curved to fit comfortably over my right shoulder. It holds everything we need but is not so big I end up bringing too much to carry. What I would really like is to find a dressier version of it. I've seen a few in leather but they were too small ... more mini packs than half packs.

I have an usually narrow foot and I find that the SAS shoes work best. Before you scream "old lady look", they have sandals that are designed very much like the Clark sandals. This year they have come with a good looking dressy sandal that you might like. I have seen any number of SAS stores at Outlet Malls.
I also love the Vera Bradley handbags for traveling. They have pockets for all your items. She also makes good looking backpacks and travel bags that are made of lightweight quilted fabric. She has web site for ordering bags. Enjoy your trip to Vegas.

I try to pack only 2/3 pair of shoes that will match everything that I take with me. I have some walking sandals, some dressier sandals (Aerosoles) that are very comfy for walking as well, and some in-between that can go either way. Aerosoles are very fashionable these days, very comfy, and well priced.

You all are going to think that I am completely out of my mind, but this is how I pack, and I have always had much success with it and little wrinkles to contend with upon arrival to our chosen destination. I pack on the bottom of my large suitcase my sandels & shoes (in shoe bags). This gives a nice flat bottom, as most suitcases on wheels usually have some varied indentations because of the handle that pulls of out of the back. Then I leave all of my clothing hanging on their hangers. I take my clothing and lay it flat across the bottom and then fold the bottom half back up over the top half, so the bottom of slacks and dresses (for example) that are longer are actually now at the top by the top of the hanger. I also fold in arms of shirts neatly to to prevent them from wrinkling. Does this at all make sense???? Then when I get to the hotel I unzip my suitcase and then I am able to place everything straight away to the closet, because everything is on hangers. I travel often, and sometimes for business with my husband for weekend events, etc. and this way of packing, though unusual, works very well, and I never have to iron anything. (I have even packed this way when traveling with formal gowns.) It seems the fuller the suitcase, the more this system works because it has less shifting during travel. I also take a couple rolled items (work out clothes, or relaxing pj bottoms) and place them up into the empty space on either side of the hangers.
I feel a little foolish for rambling on for so long, but it if helps another gal or guy, then my rambling will be put to good use. Good intentions.
Just think garment bag packing, without the garment bag, if the above didn't make sense. Ha. :) T.

Great advice Tiff! I'm gonna try your routine!

Well if you bring more Tanks and blouses that match the shoes you will have more outfits. Less Jeans... Polishing the toes with open toe sandels will set any outfit off right. With the name Mcqueeney Im sure your a Diva!!!! (smile)

Gee...this whole thing has to go on some email that is sent round and round with a heading like:

The difference between men and women or

What men don't understand or ????

PS: I know it says Ladies, but I just had to read it. Similar to discretely reading the Cosmo cover while in the checkout line ;-)

LOL kimosobbe so NOT a Diva! I'm new to this whole caring about shoes thing actually. My "tomboy phase" (as my Mom called it) lasted well into my 30s! Its only the last few years (I'm 36 now) I've had anything but sneakers & tevas on my feet ... had one pair of low heeled black pumps that were my "dress shoes" for years. But my inner shoe monster has been unleashed now and wow can she shop!

I tried on some Clark's at Nordstroms and they seem VERY comfortable. Didn't have exactly the style I wanted so I ordered a pair from Zappos.

Placeu2, you are welcome here (lol). That is why in the body of my post I typed "gal or guy" 'cause I just knew some of the fellas would sneak in and read. (For humor sake alone, if not for anything else) Indeed, we are unique creatures, but do love assist each other with helpful tips when asked! Happy travels, T.

To add to Tiff's packing plan - leave some of clothes in cleaner bags and you'll have even fewer wrinkles. Works great.

Some of the local Borders Book Stores in California are offering a demonstration on packing. I think it's taught by an author who wrote a book on it. It's scheduled for later this month. You might see if something similiar is offered in your area. It could be informative.

I prefer to pack toiletries only and buy all new clothes and shoes as I travel. Unfortunately, this plan has never gotten past my husband.

I'll have to try that one on my husband too "here today gone 2 maui" - I love it. Don't think he will be crazy about it either. DARN!!

Too funny htg2Maui! I would try that with Mr. R5 but I so hate to shop! (Must I be missing a gene, ladies?)
Tiff, some questions: what size suitcase are you packing in-and are the hangers regular size? plastic or metal
(security concerns?)I def want to try your method as there are never enough hangers in hotels!
I love my Clark's canvas mules(I wear
a cut off footie/hose over my toes for comfort)and then I have a pair of black
slides for a little dressier. (Great excuse for a pedicure)
For the plane I wear Merrels (sp?)slip on's.
They don't look so bad with jean capris'
(or I just don't care if they do!Haha!)
R5

Blister prevention tip - put a piece of moleskin on any pressure point where you may get a blister. Prevents the blister from forming. Saved my feet on many a trip!

When I went to Texas last summer I took 4 pairs of shoes-1 pair of cowboy boots (a must in Texas), 1 pair of tennis shoes, and 2 pairs of Birkenstocks. I wore my Birks every day. I only wore my tennis shoes once, and I wore my boots to the nightclubs.

My advice, take a good pair (or two) of sandals. You'll wear them with everything-dresses, capris, shorts, skirts. Birkenstock and Clarks make really cute comfortable sandals.

Definitely use dry cleaner bags in between layers of packed clothes. I have packed everything this way (up to black tie affair wear!), travelled many times to Europe, and everything comes out beautifully. A lot of times I just leave the hangers on too. Just take them out of the suitcase and hang right in the closet!

Ok I got my Clark's in from Zappos and WOW!!! Can't believe how comfortable these things are! Didn't want to take them off but the weather in CT isn't really sandal weather just yet. :)

I will defintely try some of the great packing trips posted here as well. Thanks again everyone!

Good thread Mcqueeney! Lots of helpful information I will try myself.

An experience as a small child traveling with parents to DisneyLand comes to mind. I think I was about 7 years old but this memory has affected the way I pack today as an adult. We drove from Nebraska and I remember we stopped in Las Vegas and saw a show, I think it was Don Rickels, but that's not what my memory is about. My mom forgot to pack my "Mary Janes" and I remember being in this adorable little dress with these stupid clunky tennis shoes on.

I truly think I was affected for life...I can't believe a 7 year old can actually remember being "embarrased" but I really was, perhaps my mom made a bigger deal of it than she should have, or maybe I was vain early on, who knew.

My point, you're probably wondering is to this day I continue to way overpack shoes! Therapy? Perhaps I'll consider it.. I have made the mistake too often of packing "new" shoes too and have nearly ruined my feet with blisters.

Hope anyone can relate to this "sole-bearing" memory, and take heed Mcqueeney, pack light with just a couple, okay a few COMFY shoes!!!

Have a wonderful trip!! I'm going to save this post for my next "packing" adventure!

I love Clarks, too! Also, try Born. Very comfortable and good support--a shoe you can wear for hours with great success. I'm going to try the "one pile" packing method that was mentioned. I put my lingerie in zip lock bags, pushing as much air out as possible. I seem to get more in my suitcase when I do that!

Has anyone seen those "space bags" for packing in suitcases? You just roll the air our of them and flatten the items like you do with the vacuum cleaner hose on blankets, etc. My daughter is going overseas and needed to pack a big puffy coat and heard about them. I was amazed how much we were able to flatten that coat down so that it fit into her suitcase. They are reusable, too. Just thought someone could use one more packing tip.

The capri and Clark sandals work great! Traveled 3 weeks in Spain last summer with 2 pairs of sandals and had no problems!