How I Packed for Two Weeks in Europe With Only a Carry On

This was a feat unto itself.  I can be a serial overpacker when left to my own devices.  I will pack so many just in case items, they could probably fit into their own suitcases.  So when I first booked the trip to Europe I set out to only bring on a carry on and purchased the perfect carry on for myself.  I think having the right equipment helps immensely when packing.  I didn't want to waste time waiting for my luggage when I got to Europe.

So what did I pack...

Bottoms:

• 1 pair of jeans - True Religion
• 1 pair of black skinny pants - Citizens of Humanity
• 1 black maxi skirt - Nordstrom Rack
• 1 pair of Lululemon Inspire Crops - Lululemon
• 1 pair of khaki shorts - Hollister

Tops:

• Blue checkered button down - J.Crew
• Chambray shirt - Lauren Conrad
• Blue button down shirt - J.Crew
• Black sheer shirt - Marshalls
• White sequin tank - Kohls
• Gold sequin tank - Banana Republic
• Blue/white stripe tank - J.Crew
• Long Sleeve t-shirt - Lululemon
• Neon yellow tank - Aerie
• Gray tank - Aerie
• Black and white stripe tank - J.Crew
• Crochet tank - Kohls

Dresses:

• Black Maxi - Ella Moss
• Navy and white striped floral dress - French Connection

Outerwear:

• Navy Safari Jacket - J.Crew
• Black Blazer - The Limited

Shoes:

• Flip Flops - Rainbow
• Black flats - Tory Burch
• Metallic sandals - Michael Kors
• Glitter sandals - Anthropologie

Bags:

• Louis Vuitton Neverfull XL
• Longchamp expandable pliage bag
• Tory Burch Amanda Logo clutch
• Chanel Quilted Chain bag

Miscellaneous

• 10 pairs of panties
• 1 strapless bra
• 3 bras
• Toiletries
• Plug adapters
• One long necklace - J.Crew
• One bib necklace - Forever 21
• Studs - Kate Spade
• Faux diamond bracelet - Nadri
• Gemstone bracelet - Swarovski

So was everything worth taking aka what would I have left behind?

The Michael Kors heels - we walked so much that my feet were perpetually tired since day 1.  I wore them once and only for dinner.  I think that was the only item.  I wore everything at least once with the exception of the striped dress, but if the weather had been warmer in Paris, I think I would have worn that instead.  I ended up washing undies for the hubster and myself and two pairs of pants each.  I sometimes wore two outfits in one day, but I think that is fine for going out to dinner.  I didn't wear much of the jewelry, but since it didn't take up that much space, I wasn't too concerned.

I am so impressed with myself.  Didn't think it was possible and didn't think I would be content with my outfits.  If you noticed, there was a lot of neutrals in my pieces (navy, black, and white dominated my suitcase).  That was definitely key - the ability to mix and match bottoms.

It helped that the two items of clothing I did buy on the trip also fit into the wardrobe palette.

What I wish I had brought:

Socks - My feet were cold.

Boots - I know I bought some, but that was at the end of the trip. I just wish I had better shoes when it rained.  What I wouldn't have given for my Uggs.
Sweater - Also, something I ended up buying, but I wish I had one more long sleeve top.
My laptop - the hubster brought his, but I would have liked to be able to download all the pictures onto my own laptop.  We had a slight crisis when I accidentally moved my iphone pictures to his laptop and then couldn't get them back onto my phone until I had my laptop.  My Macbook is heavy and I would probably regret bringing it eventually, but I want the convenience.  The only hiccup would b convince the hubster not to bring his laptop!

What I'm glad I didn't bring aka what didn't make the cut and didn't end up needing:

Hair dryer - didn't need it, all the hotels had one
Flat iron - I rarely use it at home and wouldn't have used on vacation
More shoes - even thought I wanted to bring boots, there just wasn't room.  I guess I could have worn them on the flight, but I still would have had to pack/wear them on travel days.
More bags - the 4 I brought were versatile enough

Looking at these lists, it looks like a lot of stuff.  How did it fit in my little roller bag?  Packing cubes!  No joke.  I will always use these when trying to maximize items I want to pack.

And that's it.  I think I almost packed the perfect bag for a long vacation and now that I bought a Longchamp expandable duffle, I have the perfect long weekend bag which means I can pack the prfect bag.