Gilded Gal Goes | Las Vegas

I know it sounds unbelievable, but I actually enjoy packing. I’m a total organization nerd, so naturally I write lists of everything that I might do – and might need – while I’m on vacation. I don’t think it gets much worse than arriving at my destination ready to explore only to realize that I forgot to pack bras {yep, I’m speaking from experience}.

So, before I start to pack, I break down my trip by day and then take a few guesses about how I might spend my time. Of course it’s vacation, so I like to be spontaneous and go with the flow, although it doesn’t hurt to have a couple ideas. Knock on wood, this strategy hasn’t failed me yet {& now I’m jinxed} and has actually helped me avoid over-packing.

I know that packing isn’t something that people usually enjoy, so I want to share a few tips that will hopefully make it, dare I say – fun {!!!}. What you fill your suitcase with varies by where you’re visiting, so I’ll share my packing and city-related tips before my trips for this new recurring post, Gilded Gal Goes.

If you’re reading this on Friday morning, I’m either in route, or I just landed, in Las Vegas {follow my trip on Instagram @gildedgal}. I decided to crash my family’s vacation, so my suitcase isn’t necessarily full of typical Vegas attire {read: less bodycon, more shift}. Because of that, I think this first GGG list should help you prep for a trip to somewhere warm & sunny, whether you’re heading west, east or taking it international.

I think the best tip I can give you to get excited about packing is you’re going on a trip! As soon as I think about that, I’m ready to pack my bag. If that doesn’t do the trick for you, try these …

Pack cheap sunglasses – especially if you plan on drinking by a pool or on the beach {insert winking emoji}. I hate losing any pair of sunglasses, but especially hate it if they’re expensive! I’m packing these from Forever 21 that look way more expensive than they really are {can you believe were under $6?!}.

If you’re a bikini gal, pack styles/patterns that can me mixed-and-matched. If you know you’re going to a place where you’ll spend a lot of time in a bathing suit – like Vegas – make sure it’s one that you’re comfortable wearing all day. For me, my top MUST have underwire, since I need that extra bit of support to feel comfortable hanging out {sometimes literally} all day. I also just purchased a pair of high-waisted bottoms from J.Crew – I can’t wait to see the awesome tan-line I get after a day at the pool {not}. If you’re a fan of J.Crew suits, a lot of styles are on super sale, so this is a great time to buy and stock-up for next season.

Even if you are going to a warm place, make sure to pack a scarf or a jacket. I’m hot 99.9% of the time, but the one time I forget a jacket you can bet that I’m going to be cold. My go-to is my jean jacket since it goes with everything. The casinos in Vegas are notoriously chilly, so I’ll be glad to have it this weekend. If you prefer a lightweight option, a pashmina always does the trick and doubles nicely as a blanket on the plane.

Pack plenty of sunscreen! Most hotels upcharge the necessities, so don’t spend a fortune when you can get it at home for a reasonable price. Don’t forget to buy the lotion formula if you’re flying, since you can’t pack aerosol cans on a plane. Also, don’t forget to pack face & body lotion. My skin tends to get super dry after being in the sun, so I try to prevent peeling and avoid using the hotel lotion {I have sensitive skin, so hotel lotion usually irritates me}.

Pack the travel size version of all your toiletries. I use the lotion, make-up remover and face wash that usually comes with the “free” gift bags that department stores give with a minimum make-up purchase {there’s a great one at Carson’s Clinque counter going on until Sunday, 8/21}. I also ask for fragrance samples, so I don’t need to pack a full bottle.

Pack your shoes, purses and jewelry last. I lay everything I’m packing on my bed and pick accessories while everything is right in front of me. I hate zipping up my bag and then trying to match jewelry, because I can never seem to remember what’s in there!

Do you have any last minute summer getaways planned? Or any packing tips that you think I should try? Tell me about it in the comments below or on Instagram by using #GildedGalGoes.

What do you say? Are you ready to pack your bags?!

To see where this Gilded Gal Goes next, follow me on Instagram.

Happy Friday!

xAlex