My Charleston Packing List

My Charleston Packing List was blush and bashful. That’s code for pink and pink. I don’t know what happened to me, but I got on a pink kick this year. I was invited to do a segment on News 8 CT on how to build a Mimosa Bar, and I wanted something really feminine and soft. I found this ALICE + OLIVIA pink cashmere sweater with the most amazing ruffle sleeves and decided it would be perfect for the show. I haven’t worn pink in a really long time and fell in love with it all over again.

| the ALICE + OLIVIA sweater that started it all |

I wanted to blog about my packing list before I left for my Charleston Girls’ Weekend, but I ran out of time. Even though the getaway has come and gone, I can see myself wearing many of these items again on our spring break vacay.

| I am obsessed with these pale pink peep toe booties, find them here |

My packing process is probably the same as yours. I start with making a list of how many days I will be traveling and what I plan to do each day. I prefer to travel light (i.e. a carry-on bag), especially if it is for just a weekend getaway. I am really careful with packing only the essentials. If possible, I try to travel in the same clothes to and from the destination. That way, I save the entire carry-on bag for clothes to wear when I am there.

I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively and have learned a lot of helpful techniques on packing wisely. Click here if you want tips on How to Pack A Carry On Suitcase Like a Pro.

As I mentioned earlier, I packed a lot of pink for my Charleston trip. It was a girls’ getaway and for whatever reason I was in the mood for all shades of pink. I knew that I be changing twice a day, so I packed flats and casual clothes for daytime tours and shopping. And because we had plans for dinner every night, I packed heels and black pants for the evening.

I’ve itemized my packing list (see below) and re-created the outfits with links to the items (or similar) to purchase. I was able to mix and match many of the items to create different looks.

Accessories:

Your favorite pieces of coordinating jewelry
Two pairs of sunnies (I have a pair of Ray Ban Original Aviators & inexpensive Nine West, ala Jackie O)
Straw Hat
Large Handbag / Small Cheetah-print Clutch & Belt

Tops/Shirts:

Pink and White Check Button Down Shirt (Vineyard Vines; similar Ralph Lauren)
Pink Tank and Pink Cardigan (J Jill)
Pink and White Gingham Wrap-Around Shirt
Pink Asymmetrical Top (Anthropologie) ON SALE for $19.95, only M, L in Holly green
Blue and White Off-the-Shoulder Top (Thread & Supply; similar Generation Love)
White Top with Keyhole detail (Ralph Lauren)
White Cotton Blouse
Camel Cardigan (similar Prada)
Grey Jacket (Free People, similar)

Pants/Jeans:

Sophie Distressed Boyfriend Jeans (A Gold E)
Ginger Flare Dark Wash Jeans (7 for all Mankind)
Bootcut White Jeans (7 for all Mankind)
Black Cropped Pants (Banana Republic)

Shoes:

Vaneli ‘Bisa’ Rose Peep Toe Booties (they come in other colors too)
Converse All-Stars
Grey Ralph Lauren sneakers
Black Sandals (similar Ann Taylor)
Cheetah-Print Flats (Isaac Mizrahi,; similar Prada)

Of course I had to come home with a few items after shopping on Market Street. I picked up this pretty 3-strand necklace made from beads and mini tassels. I can wear each strand alone, or all together. They also fit around the brim of my hat!