how to pack your shoes

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How not to pack is high on the list of things I’ve learned from Past Elizabeth.

It’s quickly followed by “how not to pluck your eyebrows in high school”, “how not to talk to boys in your Road-Runner voice” and so on and so forth.

You’ll hear my first packing mantra in the video, but thankfully things have changed (my Eyebrows and Social Life say, “THANK GOD”).

Here is the step-by-step packing process I follow now, watch the video for additional tips YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT (I mean, I put it in all caps so it’s legit).

1. Walk yourself through your entire trip.

I thought I was a great packer, sitting in the car/plane all smug in my efficiency, but then I would get out of the shower, and need to sit in a group to discuss plans for the evening and would have to do so in my pj’s or fancy maxi dress.

Lesson learned: Walk through every step you can think of so you can have a comfortable and public appropriate leisure outfit (that could double as workout clothes if the buffet strikes too often).

2. Lay everything out then start editing down by outfits that go with the least amount of shoe-age.

I used to think I needed multiple wedges because I wasn’t about to sacrifice style for space! …Then I would end up wearing one pair only once.

Lesson learned: Pack according to your favorite most comfortable shoes (and only a few of them). You always walk more than you think you will on a trip, so pack comfortable shoes. And having just a few pairs to match to will really help refine your outfit choices and make you an overall more efficient packer. Here’s how to pick your best shoe team.

3. Add your accessories on top.

I used to pack up my clothes then go through my jewelry and pick it separately. Invariably I would miss an outfit and feel naked without the right accessories.

Lesson learned: Put your jewelry on top of each outfit you’re going to wear so you can visualize the whole look and have exactly what you need when you arrive. You can still put all your jewelry in its own bag, but this way you’ll be totally prepared.

PS: A crossbody bag (like the one pictured above) is your best purse choice – wearing it around your body makes it harder to be stolen. Just dishing out the cold hard facts.

For how to pack your makeup and for the perfect travel outfit – watch the clip!

How to Pick Your Best Shoe Team

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.

Tips that Improved My Packing