Blog Entry - BrandHabit

Part 2: Packing for Travel in 2 Places

I am back from my travels and I am ready to report on my packing.
This was one of the WORST examples of smart traveling.
Really, it was HUMILIATING to drag this huge, heavy L.L. Bean duffle from
San Francisco, to St Thomas to Maine (via Boston) and back again. Plus, I had to suffer the comments and looks of incredulousness I received from my husband and brother-in-law, who from time to time so sweetly offered to help in heaving the duffle off the baggage claim carrousels!

So, here is where I TOTALLY messed up:

Without giving you an exact tally of what I wore and didn’t wear, here is a general statement: Of ALL those “go to lunch” or “shopping” outfits I packed, I only wore 1 top and 2 dresses. I didn’t wear any of the slacks or fancier skirts etc.

Here is the shocker: As I was leaving St Thomas and before leaving for the airport, I got on the scale with my bag of stuff that I wore. It was 12 lbs. Then, I finished packing the stuff that I didn’t wear and got on the scale again. Get this: The additional stuff I DIDN’T wear weighted an additional, 25lbs!!!!!

The clothes I brought for Maine were almost less appropriate. The weather in Maine ranged from cool on the water to hot and sticky. I didn’t bring any salt-water-worthy long pants or long sleeved shirts.

Really, as much as I fight it, the best clothes for Maine in the summer are plain tanks, loose twill or khaki pants and long cotton t-shirts with a fleece. In other words: LL BEAN. I am SO NOT L.L. Bean. In fact I fight peppiness with a vengeance.

15 years ago when I was firmly planted in my hippy California style, I was determined to wear my long gypsy skirts, tiny cleavage baring tops and lots of jewelry. Now that I am “more mature” and “more practical” I have to admit.. a few pairs of loose cotton twill pants and plain long sleeved t-shirts might not kill me. Next time, I promise I will pack better!