Stress-Free Packing – Become the Ultimate Packing Queen
It’s finally that time of the year again when the sunshine lures you out for a lazy evening stroll every day, and everything tastes like a piña colada! And you can practically hear the airplane roll out into the runway and the engines lifting you off towards another exotic destination. Yet even if you’re the personification of Zen on any other day, and a minimalist at heart, there’s one part of the vacation equation that most likely drives you up the wall: the wonderful packing process.
From choosing what to wear, coordinating needs and wants, events and possibilities, all the way to washing, prepping, and the actual packing, it can wreck your holiday mood in no time. So, let’s pull our collective wits together and win this fashion battle once and for all!
Know thy map
Have you taken a glance at the forecast for the destination you’re visiting? Because even if you’re headed for the sunniest part of Greece, there might be an odd day of rain and wind, which makes your little compact umbrella and your sneakers a necessity, and not just an option.
Additionally, it’s wise to check certain cultural expectations and possible boundaries. For example, certain countries in the Middle East require you to wear long skirts and pants, so you’ll need cotton and linen varieties for comfort and heat. All these little guidelines will greatly determine your wardrobe and accessories, so do some research in advance.
Choose by color
Or the lack thereof, since you have limited space in your suitcase, and you should always have as many combo options as possible, which isn’t doable with one pink shirt, red pants, and green sandals. I mean, that looks like one delicious ice-cream, but if you wish to visit a fancy restaurant, then black, white, beige, and a variety of creamy hues can be your go-to selection.
Of course, you can always have a handful of selected pieces that brighten up your wardrobe, and patterns such as vivid florals and classy stripes are always welcome and very versatile. With a subdued palette, you’ll be able to mix and match to your heart’s content!
Key summer-licious pieces
Cute and casual are the two best ways to describe the clothes every gal should have available during her summer travels. Unless you’re traveling for business, in which case you’ll need to think of a more formal outfit selection.
As for your beachy escapades, think in terms of shirt dresses, stylish summer skirts, and a comfortable shorts for your daily adventures. Regarding your tops, kaftans and breezy tanks make for this year’s summer favorites, simply because you can only add some elegant accessories such as a statement necklace, and your daytime outfit instantly transforms into an evening look. Instead of bringing too many of each group, remember that you can always wash one or two pieces for an added day of wear, instead of stuffing your suitcase with extras.
Mind your step
When it comes to your lovely feet, don’t underestimate the importance of the right pair of lightweight sandals that will make your sightseeing as comfy as possible, and blister-free. Leather hues on Roman-inspired sandals work wonders with denim, cotton, and more sophisticated fabrics, so you can wear them for any occasion.
Flipflops for the beach or your cocktail by the pool and a set of regular ballet flats for a slightly cooler evening stroll both justify their place on your checklist. If you plan to visit high-end restaurants, then by all means, a pair of neutral high heels is every gal’s asset, especially if you have a stunning playsuit or your LBD to put on.
Be smart with add-ons
The right piece of bling is often all you need to elevate your entire look from casual to classy in an instant. This is where your creativity can shine in all of its glory, as wearing neutral tones in your wardrobe and a fresh tan all make for a perfect basis to experiment with some new, exciting baubles!
The world is your oyster as far as choices go, so anything from simple chokers, layered bracelets in a rainbow of colors, all the way too stacked rings and pearl earrings can bring a splash of color to your minimalist wardrobe.
Queens of Virtue was birthed through the desire to create a brand for multicultural women – to inspireHER, motivateHER, influenceHER, educateHER, empowerHER, and leadHER to make her passion and purpose, her paycheck. Travel has always been my passion and therapy, with beauty and style being my creative outlet. Originally, the brand was my blog – ‘Travel. Beauty. Style.,’ but I decided to plant seeds of expansion. I focused on becoming a certified travel consultant, but I wanted to create a platform where women can not only travel but connect through genuine togetherness. I did not want just another travel agency, so the brand operates as a DMC (Destination Management Company) and a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) as well.
As a blogger I noticed that influencers of color were being left out of the “influence” space, especially in the luxury sector. Campaigns continued to go to black and brown destinations, yet the message appeared extremely whitewashed. So, I became the change I desired to see! No longer did I care to come to the table. I realized that my entire life, I was a master chef. I asked myself, why sit at the table, when I am the createHER of the Michelin 5-star menu? Coming from a Caribbean culture, raised in Brooklyn, NY – I knew that it takes a village! So, I built one.
The ‘She Rize” movement is all about the ‘Power in the Pack.” We are Women of Power, uplifting multicultural women, helping them to recognize their role by unleashing their Queendom that exists within. The brand offers resources within pillars of motivation – through coaching and mentoring – for small businesses and entrepreneurship development. As a woman, one of the hardest things to accomplish is being mentored and/or coached by other women. Not too many women take the time to be our sisters’ keeper. I remember looking up to Toni Morrison, Terry McMillan, and of course, Maya Angelou. Their creative works gave me the inspiration and fuel I need to ‘rize’ when the world told me I cannot! “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise!” – Maya Angelou.
I work 1-on-1 with women aspiring to take their brands higher. For those who are interested in the travel industry, you will receive mentorship and coaching, in addition to training and job placement upon industry certification. In fact, you can expect my guidance and support throughout the entire process.
For the last decade, as a digital influencer, I recognized a void within the industry. The goal is to be the bridge that connects the not-so-invisible dots. Working with women influencers and creators of color, is my passion – as well as a privilege! This initiative works with top brands, professionals, and influencers/creators (by invitation only) to create content as storytellers! Throughout the year, this collective hosts exclusive FAMs (familiarization) and Press trips for influencers to experience destinations and events, saturated in luxury and style. I also create luxury campaigns in the Travel and Lifestyle arenas. The initiative also provides a luxury digital magazine for creators and influencers, by creators and influencers called ‘Shades of Beauty, Influence of Color,’ as well as a podcast series called the ‘Queen’s Qorner,’ training, courses, and virtual travel content – all launching soon.
The vision I have for Queens of Virtue continues to transform. I hope to impact over 1,000 women globally by the end of 2022, leaving a digital footprint of change and growth. By 2025, I hope to reach over 10,000 women. When I say impact – I mean to influence, inspire, empower, educate, lead – to shape in some way, helping HER to not just tell her story, but to manifest her dreams into a sweet reality. My goal is to have properties; Airbnb’s, resorts, and Inn’s in exotic destinations around the globe, in addition, catamaran(s), private jet(s) and thousands of sustainable women-led and owned businesses under my wing by 2030. I plan to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren. Queens of Virtue aims to be a household staple and world-renowned luxury lifestyle brand for decades to come.
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