Monday, January 31, 2011

WHAT IS A "BASE COLOR" THEME?


A Base Color theme is important to every light packer.  It eliminates the need for a lot of excess baggage. (couldn’t resist)  My base color is black.  Other popular themes are beige, gray and navy blue. All colors, of course could be used as a theme but these are the most practical.  Seldom is white used as dirt and stains are an issue to be avoided when on the road. Selecting a neutral color usually works well.  So what is the “Base Color” theme exactly?  Well in simplest terms it is a wardrobe philosophy. A philosophy in which an individual allows one color to dominate the wardrobe.  In my wardrobe I own 2 pairs of black dress pants, 2 casual black pants,1 pair of black shorts, 2 pairs of black workout shorts, a plain black business skirt, a plain black cocktail dress, an ankle length black dress skirt, various black tops from sleeveless to long sleeve, a black sweater and several pairs of black shoes. I coordinate these items with clothes in other colors and patterns so that I can expand and enhance my wardrobe. By utilizing the base color approach to packing the traveller can select items that he or she knows will go with numerous other pieces of clothing. Ex: A particular pair of black shoes could go nicely with,  say, my casual or dress slacks, my black cocktail dress or business skirt. I create interest and diversity to these outfits by bright color tops scarfs and accessories.  (The black strapless dress in the photo is also my ankle length dress skirt!)
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO: mimipackslight.com

MY WEBSITE IS: www.mimipackslight.com

In my last blog, "LAY IT OUT IN ADVANCE" where I mentioned a website, I was referring to: www.mimipackslight.com  You can go to the site for the daily charts and other important information to help you pack lighter.

LAY OUT YOUR CLOTHING


Before you pack your actual travel bag (I hate to say bags) it is always best to lay your clothes out on a bed or table in accordance to the outfits you plan to wear.  Print out a copy of the “Daily Charts” included on my website. (mimipackslight.com) Then fill in what you think you might use with a pencil so you can erase if needed. Then organize each day of your trip with the appropriate outfits.   Keep in mind that you do not need to pack every “fantastic” or favorite thing you own. YOU ONLY NEED TO PACK WHAT YOU NEED!  Even though you look like Madonna in that deep red sequence cocktail dress that you just had to have, don’t pack it if you are going away with your girlfriends for a weekend spa retreat.  Save the dress for the appropriate venue and you will be rewarded by a lighter bag and God forbid the horror of leaving it behind at the hotel.  For longer trips I will lay out a few slacks and then one on top of the other the tops I will coordinate with each of those pairs of pants. This can be done with skirts and shorts as well. Alway keep in mind how many days you will be traveling. It is highly unlikely that you will need more then 8 tops for a four day trip.