Fashionable Flashpacking

[trip style = any]

I resent the idea that flashpacking is associated with hostels, polar fleece and Crocs {which I'm not dissing, except for Crocs---not even at the campsite people!}. Flashpacking's roots rest in backpacking, romanticizing an upmarket version sans the bulky bag, clanging pots and pans, and extras. Just the essentials. The problem is, the word flashpacking doesn't really describe minimalist, tech-focused hostel-hopping---maybe it should be called technopacking?

At Trip Styler, we think flashpacking means packing fast and fashionably. Period. Who has time to plan outfits for hours and stuff 10 dresses, six pairs of pants, 15 tops, seven pairs of shoes, an ionic hairdryer, and the kitchen sink into a bag and THEN pack and repack on a trip? Not me, not you and certainly not yo momma!

Less is more on the road, and less does not equate to zero style, hence the above graphic---just think of the exponential outfit possibilities.

Fashionable Flashacking HOW-TOs - make a list: I like the Kayak app's packing list feature {which I reuse and re-interepret for every trip} - plan your outfits in advance and tackle 'em from head to toe - seek in-season outfit inspiration via your fave fashion blogs, or check our monthly Fashion Friday column - mix basics and patterns so it's easy to hide stains - always keep your travel toiletries stocked and ready to go - edit shoes down to essentials---max five for a carry-on! - use accessories like belts, scarves and jewelry to re-imagine basics

Related Fitting 50 Garments Into A Carry-On Q&A With “How To Pack Like a Rock Star” Author Packing 103 // Packing 102 // Packing 101 Size Matters Travel Essentials for Any Trip Style High Rolling :: To Roll or Lay Flat? A Summer Weekend Packing List The Art of Carry-On Travel Going Away? Packing and To Do List

[Photo by @tripstyler]

Fashion Friday :: Spring in San Francisco

Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month by fashion blogger Heather

It's easy to leave your heart in San Francisco, as the saying goes, but with such amazing shopping, it's even easier to leave your chequing account. Having just returned from the City by the Bay, I couldn't wait to share a few of my favorite shopping and eating haunts {since you can't have one without the other}. Don't forget your walking shoes!

San Francisco mini neighborhood shopping guide

The Mission

I have a mad crush on the Mission, which has some of the best shops and restaurants in the city---not to mention the coolest park and the prettiest boys and girls on bicycles you ever did see. It's a neighborhood gentri-hipsterfied with coffee shops, thrift stores, juice bars and high-end furniture galleries. Shop around Valencia St at hippie-artisan boutique Gravel & Gold, taxidermy garden shop Paxton Gate and must-stop lifestyle store Voyager. Do yourself a favor and eat at any of the following: Delfina, Foreign Cinema, Four Barrel Coffee, Tartine, Bar Bambino and Bi-Rite Creamery.

Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley is a bit of a locals' secret just a hop-skip from the Mission and home to boutiques and delicious eats aplenty. Shop your face off at Steven Alan, Gimme Shoes, Flight 001, Welcome Stranger, Birch and Rand+Statler, and then eat/drink your face off at Biergarten, Smitten Ice Cream and Bar Jules.

Union Square

We can't discuss shopping in San Francisco without mentioning the epicentre of west coast shopping herself: Union Square. This department store heaven, which includes Macy's, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Barneys, Saks and Neiman Marcus, is also home to all of your favourite chains like Madewell, J.Crew, Zara, Diesel, H&M and Levi's. Refuel at Blue Bottle with delicious coffee and waffles before you, ahem, window shop at the likes of Kate Spade, Chanel, John Varvatos, Prada and YSL.

More Fashion Friday
Spring In Your Step
Scarf Tying 101
Celeb Travel Must-Haves
November in New York

[photos by @heatherlovesit]

Fashion Friday :: Spring Mini Break

[trip style = weekend getaway]

"A mini break means true love." - Bridget Jones's Diary

Thank goodness for spring. We can all go back outside now. And since most of us don't get spring break anymore (boo!), how about a spring mini break, Bridget Jones style? And yes, I'm referring to the infamous mini break that included the "tarts and vicars" Playboy Bunny debacle. I bet you never thought you could take spring style cues from the delightfully awkward Bridget Jones!

Trip Styler Tip: Ladies and gentlemen, tortoise shell sunglasses and aviators never go out of style. Neither do denim jackets, which are the perfect spring-weight coat. I always bring mine on holiday.

Now what to bring?

Women (clockwise from top left) Acne tag milk denim jacket, ASOS 70s kaftan playsuit, Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent berkeley tote, Marc by Marc Jacobs below the knee dress, Topshop wendy nude twist wedges, Topshop monk sand soft lace up shoes, D&G sunglasses, ASOS tailored 2 in 1 jumpsuit, Topshop white snake print scarf

Men (clockwise from top right) Ben Sherman ls blazer, Ben Sherman wiltshire shirt, A.P.C. new cure jeans, Nike x Steven Alan shoes, Mosley Tribes x Temple Bags sunglasses

{Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month and written by fashion blogger Heather.}