Pack it up, Pack it up, you got it, you got it

So I am starting to get a handle on everything that I need to pack for this trip. I have never ever packed for 4 months before or any kind of trip where you can't find a Marshalls or TJMaxx within a 5 mile radius.

My goal is to make it to Italy and back in ONE SUITCASE. Yep, one suitcase. The one I am going to use is a 30" Samsonite duffel bag with wheels that I think my dad bought a Costco... (?) A soft sided suitcase will come in really handy when I have to store it in my room for the semester... I am hoping I can just slide it under my bed. Fingers crossed.

Samsonite 30" Duffel Bag (You can find a similar one on eBay here)

This suitcase also has a lot of cool features that I really like.
First off, It opens 2 ways, like a regular suitcase AND like a traditional duffel. My plan of attack here is to put mostly my shoes and heavy stuff in the bottom slice of the suitcase. On the top, I'll try to jam in the rest of my clothes.
This suitcase also has handy dandy backpack straps if necessary when navigating cobblestones, which very well may happen. Otherwise I'll be rolling it.
The top, which you cant really see from the picture, has an extra pocket with bungee cords on the top for whatever extra pair of shoes I add at the last minute.

That being said, I am going to tackle this packing thing one step at a time, starting from the bottom up!
(With the exception being the shoes...my favorite boots are getting fixed and won't be done til Thursday).

Making the most of your very limited Suitcase space: Bottoms edition

Everything I have read about packing for Europe has told me that versatility is everything. Jeans can be worn with everything and are and essential Italian staple. Going with neutral colors gives you variety and opportunity to come up with different color combos with shirts, scarves, accessories, etc. The bottoms that I have (so far) are:

Bottom's UP!

• Lace Shorts (TJMaxx) Similar
• BlankNyC Denim Shorts (Marshalls...only $12 on clearance!)They retail for $78 on the brand's website here...
• White AE Shorts (from 5+ years ago) Similar 
• Black AE 'Festival High Waisted Shorts' Ta-Da!
• Striped Linen 'Tuxedo' Short (Gap) 
• Cream colored flowy lace skirt (Nordstroms Rack) The way more expensive version here
• Dark low rise Skinny Jeans (H&M from my last trip to Florence)
• BGD High waisted 'Cigarette Jean' (Urban Outfitters) Here
• Lucky Brand Brown Corduroys (TJMaxx) 
• Black Skinnies (H&M...only $9.99!!!)

The lace shorts and flowy skirt are going to be perfect with leather sandals and solid color tanks for the warmer weather and the corduroys are super comfy for fall/winter. I went with the High waisted black shorts and BGD jeans because with a high waist, you NEVER have to worry about your butt crack hanging out which is awesome for traveling and class for that matter. 

I want to pick up maybe an extra skirt in a fun color before I go and hopefully a pair of colored capris that are a little lighter than jeans... I am a total Marshalls/TJMaxx/Bargain hunting fanatic so I am sure I'll find something that will work before I leave.

Also not pictured are the 4 pairs of Lululemon leggings that are an absolute obsession of mine. I sleep in them, travel airports in them, workout in them, and do just about anything in my Lulu's. I definitely suggest getting a pair of Wunder Under crops... SO COMFY and perfect to tuck into boots in the fall and to wear under your jeans and pants for when it is really really cold. It's like wearing pajamas all day everyday. 

Wunder Unders

Exactly

Over the next couple days I am going to get all of my shoes/tops/jackets together then have to tackle all of the other stuff... ughh..

Ta-ta for now!
Devotissimo Suo,
M