Dear Abby and Elle: Ok…Ok…Ok… I am so excited! I get to spend a week at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas. The only problem is my luggage is small. Since I want to save all the money I can to lay down on the tables, buying new luggage is out. Can you help me pack smart and chic? I want to experience everything the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and the city have to offer — day and night. Thanks for your help! — So Freakin’ Excited
Dear Excited: You are in luck (and we hope your luck continues at the casinos!) because we recently returned from Italy and are in the right position to advise you. The thing about traveling is packing right. You can’t take your whole wardrobe with you, so you have to select key pieces and match them with the right accessories. In your case, we recommend taking a few more articles of clothing and fewer accessories, but accessories that can go with most of your outfits. Shoes are awkward to fit into luggage, so the fewer you can bring, the better.
As a rule, we don’t like to bring many valuables on vacation, on the off-chance they get stolen or our luggage gets lost. (Not that anything like that will happen to you, especially at the Cosmopolitan.) But it’s a good rule to follow. Take a look at the ensemble we put together. It gives you a completely different look from day to night, using the same accessories.
You will turn heads in any crowd in this hot turquoise dress laden with gold accompaniments. Wear it to Jaleo for a fabulous Spanish lunch, then change into this black dress and you’re ready for dinner at the Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar. Hit the tables and slots in either one and it’s “Winner, winner, tofu dinner!” (Hey, we’re vegetarians.)
Finally, another little tip for packing efficiently: Roll (vs. fold) your clothes tightly like you would a bedroll or sleeping bag. You’ll not only maximize your luggage space, but your clothes are less likely to wrinkle.
PS: Stay tuned for a fashion report from Italy!
Abby & Elle Upstairs Fashion & Design 