feel so close +minimalist packing for a 9 day trip

(an outfit from a couple weeks ago)

sunnies: claire's
romper: roxy
blazer: mendocino
wedges: nine west

Off to the wild west today--well, not quite yet, first we're going to Banff National Park and the Columbia ice fields. I just finished packing everything into a backpack (much to the disappointment of all you fashionistas out there). Less is more, and not even I am willing to go hiking in 4" heels, thank you. Here's what I'm bringing for the 9-day excursion, in case you're interested:

three tank tops (these double as pjs after being worn twice--locate a laundromat nearby or sink wash)
a flowy top (can be dressed up or down)
a blouse (to layer with in case it gets cold)
a pair of jeans
a pair of denim shorts
a pair of khaki capris
a flowy maxi dress (which can be knotted to varying lengths)
a swim suit (for the hot springs/hotel pool)
a faux leather jacket

three necklaces (chosen wisely, haha) and a couple of rings (probably unnecessary)
a 2-in-1 belt (so it can be worn around the waist or hips)
a hairbrush, bobby pins, hair elastics, and a giant hair clip
a little makeup (mascara, lipstick)
toiletries (moisturizer, perfume, etc.)

a set of pjs
as many bras, socks, and underwear as you need
a pair of sandals
a pair of sneakers (wear the pair of shoes which take up the most space on the plane)

sunnies
a side-sling purse and/or wallet (don't forget your ID)
cell phone, ipod, camera (and all chargers)
a book (I'm bringing eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert)
a couple pens and a sharpie
notepad (or journal, if you write a lot)
gum (peppermint, always)
a refillable water bottle
a pack of travel-size Kleenex and safety pins (very handy)
sunscreen and bug spray

... and I'll be back in a week with a cowboy hat! for now, I present to you the anthem of summer 2012.

ootd: how to wear an orange romper (09/12/11)

romper: h&m
vest: mom
necklace: aldo
bracelets: zellers

oh, the joys of a $25 outfit. shoes not included, of course. (however, since all my sandals are "in the shop"- aka the shoe goo was drying, i wore my $1 old navy flip flops. oh, the joys of a $26 outfit.) when it comes to rompers and day dresses, h&m is my one-stop shop. they have a large variety of styles and okay-quality materials. after all, i'm not going to be wearing the same dress more than twice a month. unless they're basic solid colours, they're too memorable a clothing item.

sunday, i was digging around in my mom's '90s clothing. you would not believe the matching suits and pants she's got. this striped grey vest has a terrifying bottom counterpart. yet it was a cute neutral vest to tone down the traffic sign orange. i particularly adore the pockets on this romper, but the back of it is not very flattering, which the vest disguises.

nail polish in mellow yellow, grade six dice bracelets, and that same bird necklace from the ex. scandalous repeat, eh? (Not that I even believe in that idea.) nonetheless, i doubled it up to give it an edgier look, and to avoid having it hang down beside where the waist cinch ties.

music: "american trash" by innerpartysystem