The Voxfrockers are off on hols soonish: one westward (Perth), one southward (Hobart), and two far northward enough (Byron, Bali) to warrant new togs (Pictured, top: nautical niceness from the myriad “design-your-own-online” options at kiniswimwear ) and a tip or six on keeping three weeks worth of summery wardrobe flotsam tight, light and in good nick for all end-uses and destinations. (In their case: a bit of work, bit of play.) This set of pearls by editor Janice Breen Burns, first appeared for Sun-Herald readers, now it is yours, with our love.
The stylish traveller, by old Hollywood standards, was a mink-swathed matron with a battalion of bell-hops lugging monogrammed trunks, suitcases and valises behind her. The more the luggage, in those grand old traditions of world travel, the more the glamour. Now the opposite is true. Aside from the excess baggage bills of an ostentatious (and usually celebrity) few, today the smaller the luggage, the more stylish (and relaxed, and nimble) the traveller. Not to mention, the more petite her carbon “footprint” on this fragile planet.
Easy packer from Voxfrock’s current favourite online destination www.paddotopalmy.com.au
Packing tight, light and compactly, particularly for summer travel, is also a crucial skill for anyone averse to queues, carousels, trolleys and that curious sense of entrapment only 30 unwieldy kilos of holiday baggage can bring. With care – and some remarkable advances in crush-free fabric technology – it is now possible to pack for a three-week round trip, including for business meetings and dressy dates, in one standard carry-on valise and average shoulder bag.
The trick is to plan scrupulously, stick to a list of flexible essentials, limit your wardrobe to those crush-free fabrics, and fit the lot together with fold and roll techniques in a 3D carry-on-sized jigsaw puzzle. This writer can personally vouch for the packing method, collated after decades of tips from countless fashion industry frequent (female) travellers.
Packable summer chic from www.themodecollective.com
THE LIST
1 Short kaftan (silk/cotton, to double for beach/pool cover-up and casual wear)
1 Long kaftan (silk/cotton, to double for casual and, with accessories, dressier dates)
1 Tailored (light silk crepe or similar) jacket (for business)
1 Cardigan, pullover or casual jacket (lightweight)
1 Skirt (pencil or similar, lightweight, for business)
1 Skirt (gathered or similar, silk/cotton for casual and dressier dates)
2 Pants (one silk for dressier dates, one cotton/denim for casual)
7 Tops (Tank, singlet, shell, string strap, sports/yoga top, black/white/various colours for casual and business wear)
7 Knickers
7 Brassieres
3 Pair sports socks
1 Pair sports shorts
1 Pair flat sandals
1 Pair high-heel sandals
1 Flat-fold toiletries/cosmetics envelope
1 Flat envelope/clutch-style handbag
The list is based on a 21-day holiday/business trip and assumes laundry can be done every seven days. Sporty types however, will rinse their socks and knickers after every second run or gym/yoga session. Choose fabrics such as jersey, silk, crepe and fine knits where possible and lightweight weaves for business items. Travellers with a penchant for black and white will also find it easier to mix and match.
www.paddotopalmy.com.au
From the “By Gisele” collection
To “jigsaw pack” soft fabric items, lay each one flat, fold once, smoothing as you go, then roll into a “cigar”. To pack the tailored jacket, turn one side and sleeve inside out, thread this into the other sleeve, line up the shoulders one inside the other, then roll, smoothing as you go. Use knickers and small items such as jewellery, as “gap fillers” in your carry-on.
Finally, wear an easy jersey slipfrock or pants and top, trainers and pashmina to travel, and bone up on airport security rules to avoid stressful palavers pre and post take-off.
