Sarah's Rules for Packing (Guidelines, They're Actually Guidelines)

Summer is often the season for travel, which inevitably leads to suitcases and intense bouts of frustration. Since many I know are set to jet off at some point in the coming months, whether it be near or far, I decided to dwell for a bit on the subject of packing and share what little wisdom I've picked up during preparations for my own travels. Hopefully my musings are something of a help to someone out there! Before beginning, I should note that pretty much everything I'm about to offer is geared toward women. I'm afraid you men will be a bit left out of this post. My apologies. Here we go...

1. Do as the French do. Really, when is this not a good rule to live by? Kissing, pastry-making, Coco Chanel...it is rarely a bad idea to follow in French footsteps. Living in Europe, and in Paris in particular, however, leaves one with very little closet space. It is for this reason that French women tend to have relatively small, yet fabulous, wardrobes. Rather that having oodles of clothes, they have an assortment of classic pieces they wear much more frequently in a variety of creative combinations. I recommend this line of thinking when packing. Pick out the clothes you wear the most (and therefore presumably like best), and see how many combinations you can make. Add any pieces you deem necessary (using discretion, of course) to allow for the greatest number of combinations using the fewest number of pieces. It may mean you have to wash your clothes a bit more often, but it will also allow you to pick up a few pieces overseas.
2. There are, in my opinion, a few essentials no woman should travel without: a good, classic pair of black pumps (ones you can actually walk in), a classic black dress that can be dressed up for a date or night out on the town, and a black bathing suit. Okay, technically the bathing suit doesn't have to be black, it just provides a nice sense of symmetry to the rule. You just never know when a bathing suit will come in handy.
3. In terms of shoes, all of the books and movies that make it seem like sassy, chic 3 inch heels are totally wearable, particularly on the cobblestone streets of many a European city, are complete and utter bullshit. On the rare occasion that you are required to make it work in heels you will likely be miserable the entire time, so it really isn't worth bringing more than one pair, two at the absolute most. Use the room in your suitcase for flats and sandals instead, a couple of casual pairs as well as a dressy set or two. You will also be walking a lot more than you're used to. You're feet will inevitably begin to hurt quite a bit, probably within your first 48 hours there. For this reason, bring insoles. The Dr. Scholls aisle at CVS is your new best friend. Seriously, insoles aren't just for old ladies. They'll keep you from constantly wanting to cut off your own feet and chuck 'em out the window.
4. Be honest with yourself about working out. If you're actually going to exercise while you're over there, by all means pack the clothes and shoes you need. If you want to exercise while you're over there, but probably won't, use the room for an extra top or dress. But, really.
5. Books. You won't get any summer reading done while you're over there. Don't bring it with you. Fun reading can be bought once you're over there. The printing press was invented in Europe for goodness' sake...they have books.
6. On the off chance your luggage is lost on the way over, make sure you have the essentials with you. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, the bare minimum of make-up (enough to make you look human after a transatlantic flight), a change of underwear and perhaps a top. Pants can last an extra day or two if need be.
7. Just buy a hair straightener and/or curling iron once you're over there. Adapters and converters are notoriously unreliable and are just as likely to burst into flame (it does happen, I can attest to that fact) as they are to work properly. And if you plan on traveling abroad again at some point, you'll already be set with the necessary hair tools. 

Happy packing!