travel plans

Please accept my apologies for the unexpected absence of posts over the past two weeks. I'm preparing for an event at work that will take place in late June, and it's been a bit draining to say the least. But the good news is that I'm also in the midst of planning a trip to Europe! In the beginning of July, I'll be heading to Madrid with Kevin and Hannah. Kevin and I will also be traveling to Barcelona and Amsterdam as well as potentially making stops in France and/or Antwerp.

Because of my hectic schedule right now, a lot of the trip planning has fallen to Kevin. And that's probably as it should be, because the truth is that I'm no good at it. I hate choosing flights, deciding which hotels to stay at, and figuring out the best way to get from point A to point B. What I am very good at, however, is formulating my packing list. I also might be the only person who shops just as much before a trip as I do during it.

What I learned during my trip to India, though, is that I don't like to tote around too much luggage when I travel. Dragging it all from one place to the next is physically exhausting, and constantly worrying about your valuables being stolen or lost can be mentally exhausting. Packing lightly is a challenge, no question, but I think that versatile and inexpensive items -- especially ones that don't take up much space -- are key. Here are a few of the things that I'm currently planning to take with me:

bracelets from Anthropologie (available here)

roll-up denim shorts from the Gap (available here)

small zipper pouch set from Baggu (available here)

tri-blend women's track tee from American Apparel (available here)

'Denpasar' skirt from Anthropologie (available here)

*spotted on District of Chic and ordered immediately; now obsessed

crossbody bag by Madewell (available here)

I'm still completely and totally undecided about footwear, though.  TOMS?  Chacos?  Kork-Ease sandals?  Converse?  Espadrilles?  HELP ME.