The meeting went really well yesterday and both my boss and the visiting people complimented my crisp outfit, which only gave me added confidence before presenting my ideas to them. They have to work a lot of logistics out, but the good news: it’s looking like we’ll have a program in Italy for our students soon!

Today is going to be a nice and relaxing day. We all need a few of these kinds of days a week! I’ve got to start packing for Italy, which begs the question: what do I take?

First I got dressed—something simple and comfortable for all the errands I’d be running today. I’m wearing some Ralph Lauren high-waisted shorts, a navy and white striped shirt with the sleeves pushed up, and a paisley colored scarf tied around my neck like a sailor. It looks really good together and it’s a small way of trying that “clashing patterns” trend.

So here goes all my pre-pre-trip summer packing advice:

If you love fashion then make sure you start planning at least three weeks in advance. It sounds insane and unreasonable, but I assure you it is not. This way you can pace yourself and make sure you take the perfect outfits.

I usually make a list. I definitely write down how many days I’m going to be gone, how often I’m likely to go out on the town or to dinner, how hot it will be and if I will need to change midday, and other useful information for the place I’m visiting.

Last summer I learned the hard way that over packing is not fun. I probably wore half of the clothes I initially bought because the shopping was so good there and I kept refreshing my wardrobe. Then, trying to get all of that stuff packed was a total joke! I had to buy an extra suitcase (which broke!) and pay something like 100 Euros to get it on the plane with me. Lesson learned, ladies!

Over packing is a) stupid; b) unreasonable; and c) makes you look ridiculous.

Always take a little more than you need. I’m not into the “just what you need” idea because you usually need more than you think and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Take lots of plain bottoms: jeans, khaki, black, gray, etc. You’ll be able to make a lot more outfits if you keep to simple prints and colors.

DON’T OVERDO IT WITH THE SHOES. This is the hardest thing for most women. I’m not the biggest shoe and purse person so it really doesn’t matter to me, but some people feel the need to pack 10 pairs of shoes on a 10 day trip … like my mother. No! No! NO NO NO! Depending on your needs take a max of 4 pairs: nice sandals, flip flops for the beach, heels for nights out, and tennis shoes if you’re doing extensive walking or hiking.

Now for me, last summer I took every kind of shoe you can imagine and I wore … one pair. One pair the entire summer because it was too hot to wear anything BUT gladiator sandals, they were comfortable, and they were super stylish. I trekked all around Rome in those shoes and my feet were quite alright! The bottom line is to pack only what you know you’ll use and maybe one or two outfits more. You won’t regret it and you’ll be able to fill your suitcase with beautiful things from the place your visiting!