Packing - 15 days in Spain

This post was inspired by the 'packing consultation' I had with my Mom, who is going to Spain for 15 days. She is a serial over-packer and for this 15 day trip, she is only allowed to bring 1 20 inch carry-on, and a purse.  Most people hate packing, but I thoroughly enjoy it, as I shared in this post - Tetris with clothes. 

A few things we considered before we started - weather and activities. The weather will reach highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s and they will often be on the go all day with no time to change clothes for evenings. Knowing this, my strategy was to pack lightweight layers that were interchangeable with each other.

We started at the bottom. We knew she would only be bringing 2 pair of shoes, both black. A sporty, walking shoe that would replace a sneaker, and another black patent loafer that could dress things up a bit. 

Next, we chose pants 1 black, 1 navy, 1 dark wash jean, and 1 charcoal jean (later we added a colored jean for some variety). We included a black and white printed skirt for dressier evenings. Then I started picking tops from her closet that were lightweight, layer-able, and preferably wrinkle-resistant - 9 tops in all. All tops could be worn with any of the 4 neutral pants, and half of the tops could be paired with the colored jeans. Finally we picked 3 blazers/jackets, 1 cardigan sweater and 3 scarfs. I lined everything up using a rolling rack, building and eliminating as we went - you could also lay it all out on your bed. Then I put together 13 outfits pictured below.

5 Bottoms: Dark Wash Jean, Charcoal Jean, Black Pants, Navy Pants, Black/White Skirt
9 Tops    Solids: Red Ruffle Tank, Royal 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, Light Pink Blouse
             Textures: Cream Lace Top, Purple with Purple Polka Dots
             Prints: Floral Blouse, Paisley Blouse, Black Stripe T/Flower, Black/White Print
3 Jackets: Denim Jacket, Black Knit Moto Jacket, Cream/Gold/Silver Boucle Jacket 
3 Scarfs: Global Print, Solid Purple, Solid Dark Pink

Below you see I fit it ALL of the items above into the 20 inch suitcase, except for the travel outfit (striped flower t, black cardigan, dark wash jeans and 1 pair shoes). I rolled the 4 pair of pants and lined them in a row across, and then I squeezed in as many rolled tops in a row across just like the pants. Photo 2 shows another layer of tops rolled and laid across the bottom layer, and the opposite side of the suitcase shows jackets and shoes. Plenty of room for toiletries. 

A few side notes.....

- Finding comfortable shoes to walk around in all day proved to be the most difficult part of this. Thank goodness for Zappos and Nordstrom - free shipping, free returns.

- We ended up removing the Black Knit Moto jacket because the forecast was even warmer than expected

- We didn't discuss jewelry, but I suggest pick either gold or silver or if you has a piece that has both - perfect!1 or 2 necklaces at the most and 1 or 2 pair of earings - an everyday and a dressy maybe.

- The 1 purse was a small, gunmetal cross-body purse 

- If this were me packing, I would have thrown in 2 knit dresses.

- My Dad was ridiculously EASY to pack for. 1 Black Jeans, 1 Dark Wash Jeans, 1 khaki pair if pants, 2 long sleeve woven shirts, 6 polo shirts, 1 jacket/activewear piece and 2 pair of shoes. 

- I fully expect my Mom to throw in a few random things at the end just because she has room

Coming soon - I helped a family of 5 pack for 2 weeks in Italy!!