packing – the Spiff

Organizing a {Diaper} Bag

September 30, 2016 No Comments

how to fill a diaper bag, diaper bag, coach diaper bag, mom life, mom blog, knoxville mom blog, knoxville fashion blog, funny fashion blog, knoxville mom, pretty diaper bag

I put “diaper” in those fancy brackets – that I’m misusing but they’re pretty – so that if you aren’t using a diaper bag, you could still get something from this…

A couple months before Jackson turned one I started thinking of weening myself off the diaper bag. At least carrying a different bag. I’m thinking practically here, it’s not at all because I love a new bag ;)

I wanted a bag that didn’t look like a diaper bag but could still function like one. My original plan was to buy a big purse and add my to-go diaper changing pad. Then I met this beauty.

It’s an actual diaper bag masquerading as a gorgeous carry-all. I wasn’t sold at first, but the more I looked at it, the more it convinced me we would be best friends.

My husband wasn’t surprised to hear that I was taking my time filling it. Anytime I get anything new that requires me to put stuff inside it, I become very very anal.

After doing some research and compiling my own list, I think I’ve got everything I need for Jackson. Now if someone will just please invent a portable potty so when he starts using public restrooms I can avoid that and unpack one from my bag. MmmKay? Thanks!

In this post I showed you how Ipsy beauty bags are my go-to organizational tool. They’re cute and keep my purse clutter free. And when I need a receipt I know exactly where it is.

After the great lipstick explosion of 2015 (it was messy, lives were changed), I’ve learned my lesson and will now put everything in a bag.

One of the things I loved about my first diaper bag? Pockets! Give every pocket a job.

Assigning pockets helps you know exactly where everything is. Most of the time when you’re handling the bag, you’ve simultaneously got a 20 pound human in your arm, so knowing exactly where to reach for something, helps A LOT.

Even if you don’t have a 20 pound human around, assigning pockets will help keep you organized and frazzle free.

Do a bag check once a week (or more). I periodically go through the bag and restock everything. Wipes, diapers, swap out the toy to keep Jackson interested. During the photo shoot, I had to swap out every single packet of food – because he ate them. All four of them. Within a 20 minute period.

This is also a great practice for your purse. Go through and reorganize everything where it needs to be. Sometimes a receipt gets thrown in and not put in a bag – put it away.

This is easily something that can be put off, but it takes less than 10 minutes and it’s saved me so many times. Refilling a bag in peace and quiet is so much better than running around the house panic grabbing everything as you dash out the door.

Fashion, packing

How to Pick Your Best Shoe Team

July 1, 2015 No Comments

When you’re traveling away from all the luxuries of home, you’ve got to make sure your shoe game is on point. That plus the fact that you’ve only got so much room in the suitcase, means you have to pick the best and the brightest from your team of shoes!

Are you with me!? Ok let’s DO THIS.

Here’s what qualifies a player to make the cut…

1. Versatility

Versatility is number one for a reason – it’s the most important factor. My neon pointy toe heels may look super chic and fabulous with that striped shirt dress, but if that’s the only thing they go with then they’re not worth the real-estate. My nude gladiator sandals on the other hand, will work with all five dresses in my suitcase.

Nude Gladiator Sandals, you’re in!

2. Comfort

Whether we’re packing for a vacation or for a work trip (in my case a couple weeks ago – both) comfort is a necessity. Most of the time you don’t completely know your schedule, so if at any point you end up walking around for hours, you’ve got to have a comfortable option. This means if two players are alike in a category (i.e.: casual sneakers) go with the guy that’s going to support your feet the best and build your outfits around him.

Casual Nike’s, get in there!

3. Bulk

Thirdly and really the least important is the size of your shoe. I have a pair of gladiator wedges that take up a TON of space. But this is a trickier requirement because if it falls within the confines of the first two (for example, if these wedges are really comfortable and if they’re going to go with a lot) then they make it on the team, but if they don’t fulfill any of those requirements then they’re first to get the boot. Again, if it comes down to two or three options and you just can’t decide – check to see which one will take up the least amount of space and go with it.

These rules don’t just apply to packing either. Versatility and comfort are two big factors when trying to decide whether or not to buy a pair of shoes. Sometimes we can get a little drunk on how cute a pair of shoes is, then wake up the next day after purchasing them to realize they treat our feet like dirt. Don’t fall into that trap. Respect your feet.

Fashion, outfit planning, packing, pattern mixing, west town mall

Pack Like a Pro

April 29, 2015 2 Comments

t-shirt // patterned top // black dress // white blazer // jean jacket // floral pumps // black flats // nike’s // dark skinnies // boyfriend jeans // patterned pants // pink piko top // blue top

Four and a half years ago I started a job that required some travel. In those 4 1/2 years I’ve been schooled on how to pack well.

Last week when packing for a business trip to Indianapolis, I thought it might be a challenge since I’m still learning how to dress with a baby bump. But by making and following these tried and true rules, everything I packed was precisely what I needed…

1. Check the freakin’ weather.

I am amazed by the number of people I go on trips with who don’t check the weather of the city they’re traveling to. You can’t assume they’re having the same weather you are, and it really makes a difference in your comfort level while there. I checked and saw that Indianapolis was going to be waaaay cooler than it was here, so I was sure to pack jackets and a sweater for night time activities. And boy did it pay off – between the cooler temps and the craaaazy wind it was freezing. Check the freakin’ weather.

2. Go through your itinerary to know what you’ll need.

On most trips (even vacation-centered one’s) you have an idea of what you’ll be doing. Business trips especially are pretty planned out. So go through each event and decide what it is you’ll need to wear. If you’re not sure what the level of dress will be, shoot for somewhere in the middle of dressy and casual. This means packing items like blazers and dark jeans. That combination goes well in almost any situation. Something that also goes well is a little black dress. Pack your most versatile LBD (like the one pictured) so that you can wear it with pumps at night, then change to flats and a jean jacket for some sight seeing.

3. Pack items that will pull double duty.

For my trip to Indianapolis I had to dress for a nice reception and meetings during the day. For this I packed one pair of heels (I wear a size 10 so my shoes take up a good bit of room). And sure, the safest bet is to go with your black pumps, but I decided to go with a little more flair and packed my patterned pumps. They really jazzed up my striped dress in the evening and added great personality to my black and white pants (like the ones pictured) for meetings during the day (plus they’re some of my most comfortable heels). All of the other shoes I packed were both nice looking and comfortable so I could easily switch them around to different outfits (and comfortably meander downtown).

4. Remember to pack for down time.

One thing I’ve been working on for the past couple of trips is packing for down time. Simple, casual outfits you can wear after hours that are comfortable and appropriate for public viewing really come in handy and are sometimes easily forgotten. A t-shirt like the one pictured (which ironically says, “Nothing to Wear”) is a great way to go. So is the snakeskin patterned shirt that can also pull double duty under the white blazer.

5. Stick with simple colors or patterns for easy mixing.

Notice the only animal print I have up there is in the black and white blouse from Express. Every other pattern is something different. This makes it so that everything can be easily mixed and matched. At a quick glance, I counted 11 outfits that could be made out of the items above. Keep this in mind when packing, and be sure to lay everything out on your bed before packing it. This will allow you to see the big picture and be certain that you can pull multiple outfits together.

Also, try everything on before you pack it away. I know this adds to your to-do list, but it’s better to know that everything fits and looks well while you can still change it instead of in the hotel room when you’re stuck with what you’ve brought.

I hope this helps you with all your spring/summer trips. Conveniently, everything pictured (except the Nike’s) can be found at West Town Mall!

If you need more packing advice, I’ve given plenty. Click here, here, here, here or here (oh and here).

outfit planning, packing, summer, summer time

Packing for a Summer Getaway

August 28, 2014 No Comments

Don’t let the text in this picture fool you. If you’re packing for any getaway, these pieces (which are now probably all on sale) will build the perfect vacay wardrobe…

what to pack

Whether you’re packing up for a quick jaunt to the beach, or scooting your lawn chair into the sun on your back patio, this week is a great time to shop for some fresh pieces. Good thing West Town Mall has such a great selection!

American Eagle bathing suit: The stripe placement on the bottoms will help your hips look narrow (yay!)

Gap shirt dress: Pick one up to wear over tights, with wedges, or let it pull double duty and wear it as a bathing suit coverup.

Garage t-shirt: Takes up very little room in your suitcase, and really comes in handy.

Forever21 beaded necklace, maxi dress and hat: I love love the coral color of this necklace. I can think of at least 5 ways to wear that dress (it’s less than $15), and that hat would really come in handy on days you don’t want to do your hair (so…everyday).

Dillard’s wedges and infinity scarf: These Lucky Brand wedges are by far THE MOST COMFORTABLE wedges I have ever put on my feet. Don’t go one step this spring without trying a pair. Seriously. And what’s better for cool nights then a light scarf with this adorable print? (“Nothing” is the correct answer).

The Limited “Love” necklace: Having a great long necklace is a great way to pack another accessory without taking up more room.

Bath and Body Works lip balm: Essential only if you plan on using your lips while on vacation.

J. Crew shorts: Cool, in every sense of the word.

Charlotte Russe cross body bag: I love this for the pattern, but also because you can tuck the chain in at night and use it as a clutch.

Sunglass Hut Tory Burch shades: Yes. Please.

Express sandals: Looks like comfort and versatility finally met and formed an adorable friendship in the form of this sandal.

Aeropostale sweater: If you don’t pack a light sweater, you’re going to think back to this blog and think how right I was to suggest it and how you really should have listened.

If you plan on getting all gussied up on vacation, pack this uh-mazing dress.

Beauty, makeup, makeup brushes, packing

All the Makeup You Need to Pack

June 27, 2014 No Comments

Four words I’ve never heard anyone say, “I really enjoy packing.”

That’s because no one enjoys whittling down their possessions to what they “think” they’ll need while away from home, and cramming it all in the tiny space of a suitcase. But if that’s the most amount of work I have to do for a few days of relaxation, I’ll suck it up.

Here I showed you four dresses that could get you glamorously through a weekend away. Today I’m going to show you that all you need to pack in your makeup bag are these six items…

1. CC Cream – Give your foundation a break and let your skin breathe a bit by just packing a high powered cream. Most versions give you great coverage, evens your skin tone and moisturizes. So don’t fight me on this, just pack it.

2. Maybelline Color Tattoo in “Bad to the Bronze” – This eye shadow is basically what my lids live in during the summer. It’s got the right amount of shimmer, goes great with a tan, doesn’t crease, and can be layered up for a more dramatic effect. It’s the black t-shirt of your makeup bag.

3. MAC Black Eyeshadow in “Carbon” – When you’re packing lightly you need products that can pull double duty. This can be layered on as an eyeliner during the day, and can live inside your water line for a smokey eye at night. It’s totally awesome like that.

4. MAC Small Angled Brush #266 – I use this brush only… everyday. It’s the best for filling in my brows and creating the perfect cat eye. It’s also great for getting liner and shadow right there where your lashes meet your lid, giving you a fuller lash effect. Sounds like this little guy wins a ride on the vacay-bus!

5. L’Oreal Mascara – Even though you’re on vacation, people are still going to need to see your lashes! Remember mascara, forget the lash curler. It takes up room and you can give it a rest (unless you’re one of those weirdos that loves curling lashes).

6. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush – Saying the name is a vacation in and of itself! The great thing about this blush is you can apply it with two fingers, which means you can leave your blush brush at home with a bag of potato chips and the Netflix password.