Luggage is not what it used to be.  Take my mother’s vintage suitcases, purchased in the late 1950’s as her honeymoon luggage.  Gorgeous.  As a child, I pretended to be a Hollywood starlet, as I played with her train case and the round circle suitcase that were sized perfectly for me.  I even remember the whimsical keys…

It’s nearly impossible to find that kind of luxe luggage nowadays, and with the travel regulations placed on the quantity and size of bags, we’ve been forced to give up style for conformity.  Since abandoning the fantasy of traveling with chic luggage, as I prepared for a business trip, I shifted all my attention to the task of packing.

Traveling with a compact carry-on means that every article of clothing must count.  I ask you: how could a gal bring all the right clothes, not to mention accessories, for a three-day conference and semi-formal dinner, stuffed into only one bag?

That’s when I channeled Alex, the associate fashion editor at the popular women’s magazine where I worked right after college.  He was cute and funny and had impeccable taste.  It was like having my own personal Tim Gunn for a friend and work buddy.  He once did a brilliant feature on how to pack for a trip.  Choose one color, he advised.  Create your own little “collection” so you can mix and match everything.  Bring two pairs of shoes – a black and a neutral– and one smart purse.  Use your accessories for a pop of color.  The guy was a genius!

Much deliberation took place in front of my one-and-only closet.  Then it hit me.  Blue.  Midnight blue, to be more precise.  Accessories?  Faux pearls could easily be slipped into a zip lock bag.  Add a couple of scarves – one turquoise and one radiant orchard – after all, they weigh nothing.  And I was good to go.

My utilitarian luggage?  Not so chic.  My travel wardrobe?  I think Alex would approve.