Packing Challenge.

Confession: I am a chronic over packer.

I am of the mindset if 2 pairs of shoes would work, having the option of 5 would be even better!

Normally I don't see my over packing as a problem, but more of a way to give myself choices {you never know what you'll be in the mood to wear!} but the over packing leads to some heavy, cumbersome bags as I'm on the road.

So this week, I created a self imposed challenge to see how many outfits I could create from a limited amount of items.

After some thought, here's what I'm working with:



1 army green jacket (loft)
1 classic black dress (gap)
2 skirts - pumpkin orange (kohls) & pencil denim (loft)
2 tops - 1 mustard yellow (loft) & oatmeal/red striped sweater (loft)
1 pair of jeans (loft)
1 pair of shoes (target)
3 belts - teal (goodwill) mustard yellow (old navy) chunky brown (jc penny)
2 necklaces - gold chunky and peals (both forever 21)
2 bracelets - gold & pearls

Here are the mix and match outfits I put together:

outfit one for work and college fair:



outfit two for college fair:



outfit two turned casual for when I head back to the office:



outfit three for college fairs:



outfit four for college fairs:



I ended up throwing in a simple white t-shirt in case I need it, plus I have the option of wearing the pumpkin skirt with the green jacket if needed.

I have to admit, I was apprehensive as I was packing and it took huge restraint on my part to not throw in lots of random clothes so that I have options. {the over packer... she is hard to keep in control!} The thing about college fairs is that it's a given I will not see the same kids ever night. However, there is a really strong chance that I will see the same recruiters throughout the week... and it's that really strong chance that makes me feel like I need to have different outfits for each day so they don't think I'm a crazy bag lady, re-wearing the same clothes every day. The funny thing is that real life to me is re-wearing clothes. We may not all publicize it, but I think most people are all about wearing stuff again if it's not really dirty.

So, I threw out my crazy bag lady fears and packed very very lightly this week. {the only items I packed that I didn't show here in pictures are my pj's, work out clothes & tennis shoes. that's right, one full week and only two pairs of shoes. this is for sure a first in my life!}  It was super nice to be able to put all of my clothes, toiletries and entertainment extras (kindle, magazine, bible, etc) in one bag. It has made it really easy to change hotels daily!

Here's a sneak peek of the outfits I've actually worn so far... check back on Friday for the full review of how my week went!


{taken monday, at home before I hit the road. it was only after I was in the car that I realized I was a walking candy corn. a cute one, but a candy corn nun the less! don't worry, I don't plan on retiring this outfit because of that reason!}


{tuesday, forced to take my own mirror picture. gotta do what you gotta do!}

I'm linking this up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. See my last WIWW here!