Hi Ladies

I'm having a bad case of the 'I don't want to be at work today' so thought I'd get a start on thinking about the following:

1 - What to wear on the plane to the UK - I want to be comfy, stylish (hello upgrade!) and warm; and

2 - What to pack to keep the suitcase as empty as possible for all the overseas shopping I'm planning on (coming home via tax free shopping in Dubai ladies!). :glee:

I read an article in the paper the other day that said to pack 4 outfits that you can mix and match with each other. Sounds good in theory, but any ideas?

I don't leave til August, so it will be cool leaving, and I'm guessing it'll be cool on arriving (to me anyway being a Qld chick!). So at this stage am thinking light and dark jeans, a few cardis to layer over camis, at least 2 pairs of ballet style shoes etc... but not sure what else! :ashamed:

Look forward to your suggestions,

Nattie

Jeans, ballet flats and cardis sound like a great basis. I'd pack a pair of stretchy black pants in your carry-on to change into (nothing on Earth is more uncomfortable than jeans worn 24 hours in a row!), and some flight attendants are nice enough to hang your folded jeans up so that they don't wrinkle when they're stuffed in the overhead compartment.

Personally I wouldn't bother with any kind of a coat or heavy jacket - take the lightest jacket you have and buy one there!! A great excuse for first-day shopping.

It's old advice but I'd stick to the same colour palette so you don't have to pack too much makeup/nail polish/hair accessories/accessories in general.

On the plane - say dark jeans, black ballet flats, white or grey slim-fitting (but stretchy and comfy) long-sleeve top, black cardi over that, and maybe a scarf or pearl necklace (may as well class it up to get the best chance of an upgrade.....although that might be wishful thinking!). Also try to find a fab carry on bag (Spencer and Rutherford or one of the many S&R rip-offs perhaps?) and also take a stylish handbag - put all your necessities (all 200ml of them lol) in the handbag and stick it under the seat, and put the bigger bag up top. My suggestion for the bigger bag is to try to get one with wheels (yes stylish with wheels, it can be done), nothing sucks more than carrying a bag around a stopover airport for four hours.

LOL I need to get back to work and stop planning MY next overseas trip!

I agree with everything ozkat recommends! Jeans, cardis, camis and ballet flats are the way to go. You'll be arriving in summer and though it might be a little colder than you're used to it can still get quite hot during August (we were in London in Sept and it was a stinker!) so I doubt you'd need a coat.

On the packing side of things around four outfits is a good idea; also really think about whether you're really going to wear heels and a "going out" outfit - I reckon buy it there. You should get the summer sales around the time you'll arrive too! I took a nice dress and heels on a two-month trip to the UK and USA and I didn't wear either of them once (though I did buy a few nice things once I got there!). I spent the whole time in jeans, capris and flats.

Another thing that came in handy was a set of flat mesh bags in different sizes so you can keep delicates, shoes, dirty laundry and other stuff separate from the rest of your clothes. These were an absolute lifesaver. You can get them at travel places, online etc

Would be worth taking a pashmina or wrap with you on the plane in case you get cold, and so you don't have to use one of their gross blankets.

All very good advice!

You will need to "dress" for any chance of an upgrade, so make an effort and make sure you ask! I would actually forgo the jeans on board. You will be in them for a whole day so wear something with a bit of stretch and classic. A pashmina is essential for on board or for a night out with a summery dress.

Forgot to say that I tried to scan a copy of last Sunday's Age "The Rules" page. Has a whole article on packing for travel, was going to send it to you but you cant read it! Try and get hold of copy of the Sydney equivalent, it may just be in there. It was in the Life magazine supplement. I am happy to mail or fax it to you if you like.

Whenever I pack I always try to stick with one basic colour scheme like black or brown shoes not both. It really keeps things simple & you'll find that you will be able to mix & match everything inc accessories.

My boy travels alot for work & his fave travel thing is a pair of Noise Cancelling headphones. You can use them as normal headphones to listen to movies or music & you get better sound as you won't hear any background noise at all. Perfect for sleeping too as you have complete silence. :sleep: I find the sound of airplane air conditioning very annoying. They are the ear muff type ones so they are comfy not like those ones you stick inside your ear, I can't stand those. They also fold up quite small into a case. I think they were a bit exy $150+? But I guess if it means a good sleep on a plane & arriving at your destination sane, I think its worth it.

If you want to fit more into your suitcase a great way to create extra room is to roll up clothing into neat compact bundles, and if you roll them up with tissue paper they will be less wrinkled when you pull them out.

I know this is probably a little late, but I always wear my jeans on the plane, I wear a comfy t-shirt or a nice pretty top if I want to go glam.. I take a mixture of clothes over seas where ever I go, I can't always say I'll do much shopping. I always take a cardigan and a a pair of going out shoes - like a pair of black boots or a slinky pair of heels. Keep it simple...

Oh! I cant think of anything worse than jeans on something more than a two hour flight. That big metal button (or buttons) digging into me while the distance between the seat in front of me feels like it is getting smaller and smaller!

Stretchy clothes let you sit comfortably and are usually crease resistant.:)

Layer upon layer.
Tempreture can vary alot between outdoors, airport air conditioning & the plane so be prepapred to dress & undress easily. You also want to be comfy, especially if you intend to sleep on a plane. For longer flights I like to wear cotton jersey pants (kinda like dressier gym wear), a singlet sans bra if you can get away with it, a long sleeve top and a soft jacket/cardi. I wear slip on shoes then change in sox on board.

Layer upon layer.
Tempreture can vary alot between outdoors, airport air conditioning & the plane so be prepapred to dress & undress easily. You also want to be comfy, especially if you intend to sleep on a plane. For longer flights I like to wear cotton jersey pants (kinda like dressier gym wear), a singlet sans bra if you can get away with it, a long sleeve top and a soft jacket/cardi. I wear slip on shoes then change in sox on board.

I am already feeling relaxed and comfy Medusa!

Oh! I cant think of anything worse than jeans on something more than a two hour flight. That big metal button (or buttons) digging into me while the distance between the seat in front of me feels like it is getting smaller and smaller!

Stretchy clothes let you sit comfortably and are usually crease resistant.:)

Louisa you're sooooo right. Jeans seem like a good idea until about three hours in when you realise you still have so long to go and all you want to do is sleep and all you can feel is the wasitband and the button!! I agree that stretchy pants are definitely so much better on a long flight, but I find it so hard to find ones that look half decent when you're in one of those fab overseas international airports.

I wore jeans on my last longhaul flight - but I then changed into my 'going out' tracky dacks. Much comfier!

This time I'm going to wear the leggings, with the long tunic top over the top - layer upon layer! I get so cold on the plane so I need to be able to get warm quickly and easily. :hearts:

I once wore strappy heals and jeans on a flight to Singapore. Sounds ok in theory, but I discovered that my feet swell to resemble huge watermelons when on long flights, so walking of the plane and through the Singapore airport was hell!!! :(

I have learnt to always pack my own towel and face washer, there are lovely micro fibre travel towels that dry really fast and roll up to be tiny, these are available from backpackers shops like mountain design! 4 mix and match outfits is a great idea and its not like you will see the same people everyday so they won't be none the wiser that your managing to look so fab with only 4 different outfits!

I have learnt to always pack my own towel and face washer, there are lovely micro fibre travel towels that dry really fast and roll up to be tiny, these are available from backpackers shops like mountain design! 4 mix and match outfits is a great idea and its not like you will see the same people everyday so they won't be none the wiser that your managing to look so fab with only 4 different outfits!

Thanks Tahlie - I'm actually just on the lookout for my own towel to take so great timing!

I've also got the outfit thing sorted - I think... looks good on paper, we'll see how I go on Thursday when I try to pack! :chuckle:

Thanks Tahlie - I'm actually just on the lookout for my own towel to take so great timing!

I've also got the outfit thing sorted - I think... looks good on paper, we'll see how I go on Thursday when I try to pack! :chuckle:

I have one word for you my dear....ROLL!!! such a space saver and better for the crush factor too.:glee: Can you pack me?!!! I'll keep you warm!! ok that sounds REALLY bad!!! I mean it in a loving way (ok getting deeper) i'll go now.. :ashamed: :whistle::chuckle:

Nattie I'm not sure what footwear you're planning on wearing on the plane, but if you're thinking of wearing ballet flats, maybe chuck some Havvies in your carry-on, just in case your feet swell?? You don't want blisters and sore feet on your first day! Yes you might feel slightly dorky (although all manner of celebs wear Havaianas - just make sure your toes look nice!!) but a few hours of dorkiness is worth it for a month of comfort.

Nattie I'm not sure what footwear you're planning on wearing on the plane, but if you're thinking of wearing ballet flats, maybe chuck some Havvies in your carry-on, just in case your feet swell?? You don't want blisters and sore feet on your first day! Yes you might feel slightly dorky (although all manner of celebs wear Havaianas - just make sure your toes look nice!!) but a few hours of dorkiness is worth it for a month of comfort.

Thanks hun :hugs:

My feet didn't swell last time I flew... so fingers crossed I'm good this time! My ballet flats are SO worn in they are like socks... sooo comfy and loose so they should be good. I'm either wearing them or I'll wear my everlast shoes (sneakers but not style) which I wear with little sockies ;)

Thanks hun :hugs:

My feet didn't swell last time I flew... so fingers crossed I'm good this time! My ballet flats are SO worn in they are like socks... sooo comfy and loose so they should be good. I'm either wearing them or I'll wear my everlast shoes (sneakers but not style) which I wear with little sockies ;)

Oooooh I'm so excited for you!!!

I'm excited too! :clapping:

I've started writing my lists - plural! One for what to pack, what to take in carry-on, what to wear on the plane... what last minute things I have left to do.

I"m going nuts! :rollthoseeyes:

I found that a nice pair of comfy thck socks never go astray. My feet ALWAYS get cold!! Even if im rugged up if I dont have socks on im freezing. I find planes are always cold. Maybe its just me. Im always the first to ask for a blankey too. :chuckle: HOW PRECIOUS AM I?! I would wear thick socks on a plane I would even walk around the plane in them :chuckle: and shimmy back into my cutesy flats upon arrival.

I found that a nice pair of comfy thck socks never go astray. My feet ALWAYS get cold!! Even if im rugged up if I dont have socks on im freezing. I find planes are always cold. Maybe its just me. Im always the first to ask for a blankey too. :chuckle: HOW PRECIOUS AM I?! I would wear thick socks on a plane I would even walk around the plane in them :chuckle: and shimmy back into my cutesy flats upon arrival.

That's pretty much exactly what I do! Same with asking for a blanket - and EXTRA blankets! :hugs:

last time i flew international i was boiling but the time b4 bloody freezing :explode:

Nattie I know you already know this, but I'm going to say it again because somehow every time I go on a long flight, I seem to forget the drastic effects it has on my skin!!

DRINK LOADS OF WATER!

DRINK NO ALCOHOL OR COFFEE! (if you can help it...I know i couldn't stay away from coffee)

MOISTURISE MOISTURISE MOISTURISE!

Every time I get off a long-haul flight I feel and look like a corpse, and even though I have very oily skin, my face is always dehydrated and all my fine lines show up like there is a spotlight on them. Take some makeup remover wipes, and as soon as that baby turns the seatbelt sign off, go into the bathroom and do your thing! Take off your makeup and slather yourself in moisturiser and eye cream! You have to look GORGEOUS when you get there!

last time i flew international i was boiling but the time b4 bloody freezing :explode:

I always go through hot or cold stages on long haul flights. One minute I am FREEZING and the next I am ROASTING. I never just feel normal.

I agree - drink lots of water.
This has been made rather difficult now due to the new liquid restrictions. You can't take any bottles on board. Even though I was skulling those tiny cups of water they give out at every opportunity I was still dying of thirst. They really should issue passengers with their own water bottle.

I agree - drink lots of water.
This has been made rather difficult now due to the new liquid restrictions. You can't take any bottles on board. Even though I was skulling those tiny cups of water they give out at every opportunity I was still dying of thirst. They really should issue passengers with their own water bottle.

Ugh I hate that. Those little plastic cups are so stupid. Can you take an empty bottle and then get the cabin crew to fill it for you?

I am the worlds worst packer. When we head off overseas in Late September/ early October I know I will get a huge excess luggage bill. I don't know what goes wrong. Even if I don't think I have packed much I end up bringing back tons more than I am allowed. I've told the boy I he can take an empty case for all my shopping this time and buy himself an outfit once he gets there:chuckle:

Ugh I hate that. Those little plastic cups are so stupid. Can you take an empty bottle and then get the cabin crew to fill it for you?
Good idea. Worth a try.

Well further to my other note in the general thread... still not much progress on packing!!

Half in the suitcase now... half still on the bed - still think I have tooooooooo much stuff!

Re water - I thought once I got past customs, I can buy my water on the other side for the plane? Hope that's the case... I NEED a big water bottle!!

Am taking heavy duty hand cream, deodorant, toothpast, eyecream, facewipes... my moisturising biotherm mask for the flight... not sure what else yet as carry on

Well further to my other note in the general thread... still not much progress on packing!!

Half in the suitcase now... half still on the bed - still think I have tooooooooo much stuff!

Re water - I thought once I got past customs, I can buy my water on the other side for the plane? Hope that's the case... I NEED a big water bottle!!

Am taking heavy duty hand cream, deodorant, toothpast, eyecream, facewipes... my moisturising biotherm mask for the flight... not sure what else yet as carry on

Sounds like such a great little kit Nattie!! Hope you have an amazing flight tomorroww!! We will miss you!!! :hugs::waving:

CANT WAIT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT WHEN YOU GET BACK!!