Packing List

I'm home for a week in Indiana, on a last-minute trip... so what's a girl to pack?

If there's one thing the Army has taught me, it's that you should only pack what you can carry.  My Mom was shocked to see me walk out with just a carry-on suitcase and large purse, since my sister usually packs a large suitcase just for a weekend trip.  (Last time, she apparently traveled with no less than FOUR pairs of boots!)  But my opinion is, if you can't lift your own bag into the overhead compartment, you shouldn't pack it.  You need to be able to maneuver/handle everything on your own.  (*Note: if you are a Mommy and have to handle carseat/baby/baby's stuff, that is different.  I'm talking solo trips!)

I packed my beloved Burton Wheelie Flight Deck for the trip.  As I've said before, it's the Mary Poppins carpet bag of luggage.  (I have the larger suitcase, the Double Deck, but didn't need it just for a week.

What's in my bags?
In my Coach tote:
-wallet     -iPhone/charger     -sunglasses     -eyeglasses
-iPod     -MacBook Pro/charger      -magazines (Forbes, Real Simple, Cooking Light)
-Kindle      -FiberOne bars      -chapstick      -ticket holder

In my carry-on:
-Erin Condren life planner      -3 x dresses
-3 x workout outfits (wore my running shoes)     -pair of wedges      -pair of flats
-skinny jeans      -jean shorts      -1 x tank top      -2 x black tops     -1 x polo
-1 x nude cami      -2 x bras (include nude, strapless)
-underwear (always pack tons!)     -toiletries (in a rolling bag with makeup/shower stuff)
-vitamins      -Chi flat iron      -blow dryer
-2 x purses (black Longchamp tote, small black Coach shoulder bag)      -silver jewelry
-camera/charger      -hairbrush      -pajamas    -dirty clothes bag

When I'm going to be living out of a small bag for a while, I tend to pick one color palette...  one that works with either black or brown accessories, so I don't end up with too many shoes.  This trip, I chose black... so all of my dresses coordinate with my black flats or wedges, my tops are predominantly black/white, and my purses are both black.  I chose silver jewelry, and that rounded out my planning.   I tend to wear my 'biggest' pair of shoes on the plane, i.e. the bulkiest ones that would take space in my bag.  So if I'm taking boots or running shoes, I wear those.  I roll my clothes in my suitcase to prevent wrinkles and conserve space.  ALWAYS save enough space to bring something back with you on your trip!

I packed enough outfits that I can mix/match to last an entire week's stay.  I've got options to dress an outfit up or down too.  So that's what I look for in packing for a week in a carry-on bag.  The Army has changed the way I travel!  And since so many airlines are charging for checked baggage, it's actually a good skill to have.

Project Runway: Avant Garde Challenge #pr9bryce

Top 3 Looks... I think Josh M.'s on far left was best. credit

Yeah, you read it... I liked what Bryce did!  Doesn't mean I'm a fan, but I'm giving him some kudos.  Still think he'll be headed home fairly soon.

Overall, I was disappointed with the designers' performance this episode.  They were told to create an avant garde look based on a painting they created with kids from an art school in Harlem.

I just don't feel like any of them really gave us avant garde.  Like Laura said, I feel that avant garde is something normal people wouldn't wear, something that borders on costume-ish but still exudes fashion.  Lady Gaga often dresses in this way.

I liked Bryce's look, even though it was extremely simple... the straight-jacket sleeves concept and the colors I felt made it avant garde; the sleeves were part of the statement.   I also like the looks from Kimberly, Anya, and Josh M.  I was on the fence about Bert's look.  The pants were really cool in my opinion, and I'm glad Heidi saved him; the other judges hated it.

I do think Olivier's look was pathetic; he was fortunate poor Josh C., who is so lovable and yet not that in tune to design and fit, was back to replace the uber-downer Cecilia last episode.  Sad to see Josh C. leave again, but he wouldn't have made it to the final runway show anyways.  Olivier needs to brighten up his color palette and take more chances... or maybe get out in the SUN and get some Vitamin D!  Poor kid looks ill.

While I liked Bryce's outfit, I was torn about Anthony's win.  I've been an Anthony Ryan fan until last episode, and I just don't think his dress was particularly avant garde.  I think I would see it worn on a celebrity.  Between his outfit and Josh M., I think Josh M. should have won.  Sigh.  But I'm not a judge.

I think I am going to continue to stay on Team Kimberly.  She is consistent and has some great ideas, and I think she will stick it out for the long run!

Top 3 MTV VMA Moments 2011

Recognize those video outfits?  credit

I know I'm a few days behind, but I finally watched the 2011 MTV VMAs on DVR.   I've got to admit, ever since MTV got rid of TRL and stopped showing videos, I haven't kept up with my favorite artists' music videos, even online.  I did love Katy Perry's 'Firework' video (that won Video of the Year) but I couldn't tell you what the other videos were like!  It seems more like awards for music instead of videos, kind of like MTV's version of the Grammys.  So really, it's all about the performances.

My Top 3 Favorite Moments:

1.  I LOVED the Britney Spears dance medley, danced by some amazingly talented kids.  I remember in the heyday of music videos rushing home to watch TRL, and singing along to Britney's videos.  The medley highlighted some of her most iconic/famous videos, and the exact dance moves!  A lot of people didn't understand why Britney deserved a tribute, but let's be honest... she's had a relatively long career already, given MTV some amazing videos and performances, and is a VMA veteran.  So why not?

2.  Beyonce's baby bump announcement.  It's not that I felt her singing was that great (it all sounds the same to me, B belting it out) but I loved Kanye congratulating Jay-Z backstage on her pregnancy.  Congrats to them, talk about a lucky kid to have such amazing parents!

3.  Bruno Mars' performance of Amy Winehouse's "Valerie".  I didn't like the song initially, because I'd only heard the cover on Glee, but now I really want to hear more from Amy's album.  She was a talented singer, and her untimely death was tragic, but not surprising.  The VMAs were a fitting venue to acknowledge her passing and allow other stars to pay their respects.

Lastly, I know I'm late on this one, but I am really loving Adele's sound.  'Rolling in the Deep' didn't impress me at first... I honestly would change the station when it came on.  But now, I'm really feeling it.  She is very raw, and her songs are intimate.  I'm going to have to get the album now.