packing up in style.

Happy Wednesday everyone! As we prepare for our trip next week, I started reminiscing about my other trips to the west coast. I've been to California on four occasions: once in fourth grade with my parents, again during my freshman and junior years of college with my roommate, and once last summer with my maid of honor. This trip to California is so special: it is actually {cv}'s first trip to the west coast! I couldn't be more thrilled to share memories with him in one of my favorite states! We are also getting to spend four {wonderful!} days with our dear friends from Denver and I may even get to see my college roomie, {si} :) All in all, we have lots of great things on tap!

So, as I'm starting to pack for next week, I decided to find a little packing inspiration from this old photo I took from 2004. In my opinion, it embodies that bold and beautiful nature of the California way of life. I've loved this photo for years now--which is why I picked it to serve as inspiration for what I might toss in my bag if money grew on trees! 


{sources: 1  -  2  -  3  -  4  -  5  -  6  -  7  -  8  -  9  -  10}

When I asked for your help in planning our itinerary, you all came through in a big way...so I have a feeling this time will be no different. My big question this time is:

What few items can always be found in your travel bag? 
 What is on your must-pack list for any vacation?!

I can't wait to hear your tips :) I simply cannot thank you enough for all your love and support after reading my post yesterday. I feel like I've made a HUGE step forward in accepting that being pale{r} is beautiful! I hope all of you have too! If you have any questions for me after that post, as always, I'm here to answer them...just email me. Thank you again for everything--you'll never know what your encouragement means to me! More from me tomorrow! xoxo {av}
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22 comments:

  1. Casey LewisMay 11, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    I'm getting ready to go on a week long road trip so I'm preparing a few posts about packing musts but... magazines, a great pair of sunglasses, a warm scarf, and a few cozy pairs of leggings are all musts no matter where I'm going. My iPad is my latest favorite travel accessory, but totally NOT a necessity.

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  2. m_bMay 11, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    ooh good questions! i always have a notebook to jot down fun places i saw or ideas! and of course a great book for the plane.
    can't wait to see how your trip went!

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  3. ChelseaMay 11, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    You are going to have so much fun!!
    I've always wanted to go to California.. maybe I will someday.

    Hope it's great!!

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  4. jillian :: cornflake dreams.May 11, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    YAH! im so excited for your trip! i always have to bring q-tips. weird i know but i freak when i dont have them :) that and good walking shoes. now i certainly do sound like an old soul. skype tonight! xoxo jillian

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  5. UnknownMay 11, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Have so much fun!! I miss the west coast sooo much! Email me if you need tips for SF and BRING A JACKET... Northern CA is cold and foggy during this time! xxoo, ashley {a little dash of ash}

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  6. UnknownMay 11, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    i always have kindle, a sweater, and a scarf. i seem to have odd temps, so am always taking on and off items.

    not the best packer... so I don't want to leave you too worse off. (: so, I'll zip my lips!

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  7. Kate @ GreatestEscapist.comMay 11, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    I'm about to travel with my iPad for this first time, & I can't WAIT! I also try NOT to pack more than one or two pairs of shoes - they take up so much space. Instead, I choose outfits based on the choose I've chosen to take. Since I started doing this, I've found that I pack MUCH less.

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  8. natasha {schue love}May 11, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I hope you have an AMAZING time in CA...the colors are just perfect! Loving the fedora and yellow sandals!

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  9. UnknownMay 11, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    You are going to have the BEST time! I have been lusting over that fedora on net-a-porter and the necklace is amazing. Happy Wednesday!

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  10. lil desiquaMay 11, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    I'm going to a wedding in Florida TOMORROW and I can't wait!! My necessities are a book/magazine/Nook and ipod for the plane, Evian spray for waking up and hydrating my skin after the airplane air, a hoodie, and if I'm not wearing them, socks for the plane. My feet get cold easily and I hate being cold! So lots of "plane necessities"!

    Oh, and I need a camera whenever I'm on vacation for capturing all those special moments!

    Have a wonderful trip!

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  11. jenyMay 11, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    I am so far behind on blog reading, but I just wanted to tell you that your post yesterday got my attention. I am already SO tan because of all the sunroof windows down driving I have been doing. I am not doing enough to protect myself in those non "beach" times. Living in Charleston makes it too easy to forget. Thank you for the wake-up call.

    Also...have fun in Cali! Make sure to bring a scarf with you. Old Navy has some cute ones. It will make you warm on the plane and you can tuck it in your bag for when the nights cool off. Hugs to you.

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  12. KT @ KT's Refinishing SchoolMay 11, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    {cv} will love, love, love California (I may be a bit biased because I am from there!)

    My must-have on a flight is a pair of socks--I usually wear sandals or flats when I'm traveling because they are easy to slip off and on when going through security but then my feet are cold. A pair of socks saves me from this predicament :)

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  13. KristenMay 11, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    you are too cute. i hope you and cv have a wonderful trip and i can't wait to catch up when you return!! as far as packing...i try to stick with basics as far as clothing, and lots of accessories. scarves, jewelry, etc...pretty much what your inspiration :) xoxo

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  14. MelindaMay 11, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    i was told to pack layers for SF. :) i'll definitely be taking a scarf or two! i'm most excited to bike the bridge and go to fisherman's wharf--hoping to fit in a couple wine tastings!

    everyone seems to be taking nooks & kindles, but i don't have one, so i like to take a new book & new magazine. have fun!!

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  15. SarahMay 11, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Have a great time!

    Also, I just gave you an award! Check it out on my page. :)

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  16. Hannah {Culture Connoisseur}May 11, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    I always pack a pashmina, and ear plugs! Have an awesome time. I'm so jealous!

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  17. A Crimson KissMay 11, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Next week-eek! Promise me you'll put a sweater and a pair of jeans in that bag-SF and the Bay Area won't be California summer oasis I keep hoping for!

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  18. MAEMay 11, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    I'm off to Las Vegas on Friday and packing too. I never leave for a trip without a sunscreen face stick, a comfy pair of shoes, a light weight long sleeve shirt for layering, hair spray gel and a scarf.

    My one word of advice...carry on! I'm on a three year run of not checking bags and it always makes travel smoother. Enjoy!

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  19. linds.elizMay 11, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    nautical with a twist! love the colors :)

    linds.eliz@ 413

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  20. JessicaMay 12, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    There is a joke that goes "You can always spot a tourist in San Francisco in July because they will be the only ones wearing shorts." On the bay and coast it is usually cool but inland it can get warm so it's best to dress in layers. I love the colors on your inspiration board, very colorful & Californian! Hope you have a fabulous trip!

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  21. ag.May 13, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    LOVEEEE these colours!!

    Must-pack list?! My camera, of course! And I always pack lots of layers. I do tend to overpack though so I would not be the best person to take packing tips from!

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  22. Things to DoMay 15, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    I always have a big scarf/pashmina for the flight. I can never predict the temp of the airplane right and so I try to be prepared. Have fun on your trip!

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