Ok, i'll admit, I am exaggerating a tad, I'm not really going to a mystery destination. I am in fact jetting off to Cairo tomorrow. (Yes, Cairo in Egypt!!!)
Last year I decided to go to Bali with three weeks notice, last month I decided to go down south for the weekend on the Friday, and last week I was invited to Cairo. I am getting a reputation as a spontaneous traveller, as of course I said 'why not!' (One of the plusses of being an unemployed fashion graduate.)
Anyway, back to the point of this post, I am currently in the middle of packing. I have little knowledge of the culture in Egypt, a rough idea of the weather (apparently it is the winter season so I can expect rain and lots of mud) and a 20kg limit.
I have been told the local women are covered from head to toe. So out of respect and not wanting to attract too much attention I would say my ripped denim mini shorts, singlets and low cut tops are out. It will also be a lot cooler than the 37 degree scorcher we are having today.
After pulling out everything I own, trying to write daily outfit plans and also raiding my mum's and sister's wardrobes for appropriate attire, I think, (I guess I will find out when I get there) I have come up with a fool proof plan for packing for a mysterious destination.
1. Number one, clear your space, for me it was to freshly make my bed and put all my clothes away.
2. Start with the basics. As I am going to the cool weather I am starting with leggings, Long sleeve t-shirts, singlets (for under other dresses or tops), a short black cardigan (for under jackets if you want to wear them open and still be able to see the dress or top), a long black cardigan, a black slip (for under anything, you never know when a black slip will come in handy) and a black blazer. Yes, a lot of black! I can't help it, black is always a staple for a winter wardrobe.
3. Number three, (I needed good will power for this one) is going through your wardrobe and selecting items to wear with your basics (obviously). For some reason, I was attracted to all the items I haven't worn in years, my pink trench (it sounds gross, but it's not, I promise), a stripy shirt and a ruffle skirt....don't ask me what I was thinking, I must have been momentarily excited at the prospect of perhaps wearing them again. However, I regained my sanity and self imposed a golden rule...if I haven't worn the item in the last few years I will not be wearing it whilst on holiday.
4. Statement Items. In the event of an exciting invitation to a fancy dinner, a night out on the town ( I seriously have no idea if there is a 'town' in Cairo) or for any other reason there might be, I will be well prepared. This is where I got excited and packed my all-time favourite LBD (little black dress), my new knit top with sparkly jewels around the neck, a dressy cardigan with embellished shoulders, and a statement khaki jacket.
5. Accessories!!!! Scarves, (I have about 10 packed already, I have been told it is a necessity to cover ones decolletage whilst in Egypt), necklaces, hats, bangles, sunnies, etc. etc. Go crazy, accessories are light and they can make any outfit.
Im thinking number six will be shoes....I haven't got that far yet, I still have a row of 10 pairs out on my floor. I will definitely need some careful thought there! I better get back to it.
Check back soon for some (hopefully) outfit success stories from Cairo.
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