Packing for Vaca

Now that you've got your fantastic vintage suitcase or your new eco-bags ready to go, its time to empty your closet. However, if your closet is anything like mine, that would take about 7 very large suitcases. So trying to stick to the new baggage limits, what is the best way to pack for 9 days away?

Well, Alex and I are heading to Toronto for a long awaited reunion to see all our favourite people from school, do a little shopping and Fair JAKE research and to attend the wedding of our beautiful, hilarious and lovely friend Katie. That means we will be busy and will need outfits for a variety of occasions. I've found the best thing to do is pack only items that have many functions and that dresses are key. So, to hot, humid Toronto where it is likely I will encounter thunderstorms next week, this is what I am taking... (sorry for the photo quality. Packing for me usually happens long after midnight)


Basic bottoms: jeans, denim shorts, navy blue highwaisted shorts and black fitted jersey skirt.

Colourful tops: tees and tanks in both unique prints, bright colours and neutrals that can be paired with bottoms or thrown over dresses.












Textured Toplayers: A army-green raincoat, a denim jacket, a classic black sweater and a grey button-up cardigan

Dresses: Three short dresses in bold and very different prints that pull colours from solid tops and jackets. They add excitement to your weeklong wardrobe and are great for a day of shopping or drinks with friends. I've also packed a simple black jersey dress which is great for throwing on over a bathing suit or travelling. A boldly striped maxi dress adds a bit of fun and a warmer option if it happens to get cooler and, of course, a silk Nicole Bridger dress for Katie's wedding.

Accessories: Its so key to throw in a variety of accessories, including belts, rings, necklaces, sunglasses. Maybe a hat, if you're a fair haired redhead... The thing is, compared to the rest of what you're packing they don't take up too much room and if you find yourself not liking an outfit or not feeling dressed up enough, a variety of accessories to choose from will make a difference.

Footwear: This is where I can get carried away. You can probably scratch a few of my pics from your next duffle bag, but this is what I go for. A black flip flop. Standard, basic and goes with anything.White sandal, brown leather wedge sandal. Nude flat. Sneaker. Summer heel. I'll probably throw in a few more pairs before I hop on the plane.

So what's the basic formula of it all? Know the weather, layer it up, use accessories to add variety to your outfits and know what events you will need to dress for. I would pack differently if I was headed on a beach vacation or somewhere in the fall, but I think for a summer escape to the city a mix of colour, shape and texture are perfect. Watch out Toronto, we're coming back!!

Get Packin'

What a weekend, the Jazz festival, Chinatown night market, Canada Day and so much more.

 I know I got too much sun but I had fun getting there. However, now that it is over and I am getting started on a new week ahead, it got me thinking about what needs to get done (A LOT). Kim and I are heading to Toronto in a week for work and pleasure, which got me thinking about packing. That thought spiked my curiosity towards luggage and what sustainable options are out there. So I got to looking and found some interesting info.

I think the most sustainable luggage is to go to your local thrift store... or parents attic and see what they have there first. Like most vintage things luggage used to be built better and more durable. So not only will you get something strong but you will be reducing the waste entering our landfills which is a bonus. 

But if you can't stand the thought of using someone else's old luggage or you want something new and matching then there are alternatives out there.

For example Heys has designed an eco collection, the hard shell is made from 100% recycled water bottles!

Whatever you decide remember to always MARK YOUR LUGGAGE! Once I almost left the airport with the wrong bag because I thought there was no chance someone else would have the same old ugly bag as me  (I got mine from a thrift store) and sure enough, my name was called on the P.A. system to return to the baggage area to swap my bag!

-Alex