I’m a pro at packing.  Selecting what to wear… not so much.

When we returned stateside after 6 years in Okinawa, I was fashion clueless.  You can buy beautiful brocades and silks in the Orient, but you can’t wear them.  Too hot and humid.  You’ll look like a dishrag in ten minutes.   So I wore cotton.    Unfashionable cotton.   The first time I walked into a US department story, I looked around at all the choices and burst into tears.  I didn’t know where to start and my choices were all bad.  Then a wonderful friend, Jodi Greenfelder, who loves to shop came to my rescue.  Her fashion sense is terrific, and she'd select outfits all the way down to the jewelry and shoes. 
So if you saw me between 93-96 when I was president of OCC/RWA, Jodi dressed me.  Very well too.  =)

Without her expertise, I turn to the younger sales clerks for help.  Last year, before Thrillerfest, I needed new clothes.  I asked the sales girl to pick out 10 outfits, then returned 3 days later and tried it all on.  She was on the mark because I told her what not to include, and I bought it all except one dress that looked like it came from my high school closet.  I was grateful.  I don’t like to shop and loathe clothes shopping.  My advice, work those sales people.  I’ve learned most are just itching to help you select something than work a register.

Packing 101. 

Make a list of what clothing and accessories you have and will take, and one for what you need to purchase, have altered, whatever.  A little prep work goes a long way.

Select two outfits per day for a conference and that depends on your personal schedule and whether what you’ve packed can transition from day to evening.  (Just changing jewelry, shoes, and deepening your lipstick can do that, btw)  I make certain I have a couple extra tops.  I’m a klutz, it’s a given I’ll ruin something.

Before packing, lay it out with lingerie (I forgot that once!) match jewelry, shoes, handbag, then zip lock all small items together or put them in the handbag.  If you’re taking it in a garment bag, attach the baggy to the hanger.  No guess work.

Note:  Zip lock bag all liquids because on long flights, jet pressure will cause them to leak.  Bought new?  Removing an inch of product will help stop that too. 

Jewelry and cosmetics.  I pack cosmetics, but carry-on jewelry.   Traveling over seas, I used to wear the good stuff to be certain it stayed with me.  If you have a roll up cosmetic case, unroll it and lay it like clothing, assuring liquids are protected.  Same with jewelry.  Snack size baggies are great for keeping your earrings with the necklace.  If you want to pack them, slip them in the center of your suit case, a couple layers from the bottom.  

Garments.  Pack the largest first and with the least folds.  The flatter it is, the more you can pack.  Use that uneven bottom in a rolling suitcase to your advantage.  If clothes dip, fill it with lingerie.  Lay slacks and jackets on the bottom, shirts on the left (the right for heavy stuff, see below) and use all corners to tuck in lingerie, hose, and shoes.  Wrap the shoes in plastic wrap individually, that way you can put them in odd spaces and those silk shoes will be protected.

Now this one is just my thing…
Pack heavier items on the handle side of the suit case.  That way, when you stand it up, its less likely to fall over.   Its bulk settling at the bottom that makes them tip and towing it be easier.  If packing a duffel bag type suitcase, heavier items go in the center for balance when carrying it, but even distribution is always better.

Don’t pack outside pockets of a suitcase, save the space for the return trip goodies.

To discourage anyone from opening your suitcase, when you check in for the flight, ask the airline attendant to put airline logo tape over the zipper in 2 strips in 2 directions, then sign where the tapes cross.  Bad people won’t even try to tamper with it.  

Unpacking.  If its possible to do it in your hotel room, unpack.  That way, you're not rummaging through a suitcase and can dress faster.  It makes the stay less stressful.  Take an hour to press it all and hang it up.  Saves time when you're in a rush.

Sharing a room.   If you have a room mate, a little consideration goes a long way.   You're sharing the cost equally, so don't dominate the small space.  It smacks of Prima dona and can ruin your trip    and the friendship.

Imo, nothing is worth losing a good friend.

Also, you're roomies, not joined at the hip.  Different schedules, goals, appointments, friends, etc.  If your roomy has to be somewhere at X time and looking lovely and you don't, get out of the way or help press clothes.  Not a problem for me, I'm 'Marine wife' fast and can be ready for public viewing in under 30 minutes.  Pretty damn handy with an iron too.

Lastly, bring play clothes, comfy stuff.  Most often, it’s a half dozen writers in one room, late at night, chatting, and comfort is heaven after a long day of networking.  

Have a good weekend Babes and Bloggers. 

I cannot wait to see your faces and play!!!   

AMY