Suitcase Chic blog came out a day before we left on vacation. It was useful to pare down what to take. Since San Francisco would still be cool, especially at night, I needed layers including jacket and scarves. My neutrals were beige & black for evening and beige & blue for daytime. Here is what I took for 2 weeks: 4 short sleeved tops (at least one too many) 3 long-sleeved tops (also used for layering) 1 sweater 1 blazer 1 jacket 2 pairs pants (too cold for skirts) 4 scarves (could have used 2 but that was my splurge) 2 pairs of shoes 1 purse (for evening) 1 day pack I have a travel bag for jewelry (not included in photo) and travel with a backpack on my back and my day pack on my front, so both hands are free when needing to ascend/descend stairs on trains, buses, etc.; one hand hangs on to the railing, the other shows my travel document; no hands required for my luggage. Thank you, Leslie, for such a timely Style Article!

Nice job Sandy! I love your photo showing what you packed. It looks like everything will mix & match! Perfect layers for San Fran too. The Suitcase Chic article will definitely help you pare down your packing (yet you'll have a stylish trip)!
Leslie MSP

I would like Suitcase Chic emailed to me as I can't open it up because of cookies.

Wendy, if you are a member, you might email Missus Smartypants and she'll snd you the issue even though it's not longer available. If you aren't a member, it's really worth the money.

Suitcase Chic was about what to pack for a trip, but I'm wondering about my actual Suitcase, bought in a rush, a while ago. It's bright pink with white polka dots... Is it fit to be seen with, do you think? Definitely not sophisticated or chic. Easy to find on a train or airport carousel, though. Am considering changing to a black one to match my smaller black one. But that's what everyone else has.

Natasha...go with your bright pink polka dot suitcase. Here's a quote I like from Dr. Suess: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out!"...everyone has black (except I don't. My suitcase is blue with an image of the Effiel Tower)...

Thanks MSP. I feel better about it now :)

My main suitcase is a small roller in blue and black gingham, so not very jazzy, but not plain either. To up the style, I recommend a scarf...even a cheap one, after all it is going to roll around in airports, car trunks, etc. And a fancy coordinated luggage tag!