I don’t consider myself extremely high-maintenance, but I do like to have options. Which is probably why I have a slight tendency to overpack, when I travel. And by “slight tendency” I mean that I usually bring enough extra clothing and accessories to open a pop-up shop.

But this time around, while planning outfits for my trip to Berlin to attend The Hive 13, something inspired me to try my hand at packing all I will need for the weekend in a small carry-on suitcase. Challenge accepted!

Naturally, being aver so slightly anal about stuff, it all had to be planned. Shoes and accessories are my downfall, so I set one rule: don’t bring anything you’ll only wear once. I modified my planned outfits so that I could reuse some accessories and shoes rather than bringing more… and I found that it was not too shabby. Elated, I proceeded to create a Polyvore packing list as a visual aid (and so that I could share it with you here).

This is the packing list I was planning to go with:

weekend in Berlin: packing list

But then… the weather gods got all fussy. Rain has been our almost constant companion for several days in the row, and is likely planning to stick around for long enough to make for a wet Hive 13 weekend.

And so all the time spent looking for the perfect pair of beige boots  became utterly pointless – wearing a brand new pair of beige suede boots doesn’t seem like a good choice for a rainy day, does it? No matter that they gorgeously embellished with burnished gold studs, or that the suede is butter soft or that the heel is the perfect height to give a slight boost without making them uncomfortable or making them look like a “trying too hard, fancy-pants!” shoe. Nope. A-hem! *makes effort to get it together*

And so today I found myself planning for a different kind of packing list. I am still determined to pack light, only I have to include options for slightly chillier weather and possible rain. Here’s what that looks like

Berlin packing list, rainy weekend

I might add a couple more bracelets and maybe a belt, but that’s about it as far as clothes go. Gotta say, this may look like a lot of stuff to you, but for me it’s definitely progress from my usual overpacking ways!

And here are the outfits I’m planning:

The Hive Berlin, travel outfit

The Hive Berlin outfits

 

 

As you can see I kept my outfit pretty simple, and mostly revolving around dresses. A cute dress in a soft fabric and a flattering cut is, simply put, a woman’s best friend. It’s incredibly comfortable because unlike top and pants, it doesn’t tug or pull or need much adjusting at any given time. You can wear it with ballet flats or pumps in spring, or with tights, boots and a cardi in the fall – which is precisely what what made it so easy to adjust my packing list after the change in weather!

Because I kept everything so basic, I tried to add a pop of color here and there with the accessories; like that great scarf from ASOS, which I fell in love with as soon as I saw it!

So there. The rest is pretty simple, as I plan to apply the same rationale to makeup and toiletries.

Berlin, here I come!

simple

 

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Event Alert: Women’s Expo

by Elisa on May 15, 2013

in events,Zurich

There have been a lot of changes in Zurich since I first moved here in 1999, pregnant with my now-thirteen years old daughter Sarah: Zurich is more open and more fun to live in, and decidedly more expat-friendly; there are events, blogs, and even a magazine  geared towards expats and Zurich’s international community, and altogether definitely more resources than I could have imagined just a few years ago.

One of these events is coming up, and it is geared specifically towards women: I am talking of course about the Women’s Expo.

It is no mystery that women are considered the world’s most powerful consumers, representing up to 85% of consumer spending; and lest someone be tempted to say “it’s all those bags and shoes”, let’s not forget that wives and mothers are, more often than not, the ones making purchasing decisions for an entire household – purchases that go from groceries to birthday gifts for kids and adults alike, from wardrobe items for all members of the family to all that goes into socializing and entertaining , and anything in between!

It is no surprise then, than more and more merchants try to appeal to the ladies of the household. Unfortunately not all merchants have the budget or the chance to do that on a regular basis. Until now, that is.

Lisa Mundembe-Chuma, creator of Inspirational Woman magazine and member of the Executive Committee of the Professional Women’s Group of Zurich, has organized an event that combines supporting local women-owned businesses with networking, information and shopping opportunities.

Let’s hear from Lisa herself:

Why the Women’s Expo?

I realized that more and more women in Switzerland are starting businesses. An event for women to connect, promote collaboration, showcase & promote their businesses and build new relationships made sense. So the Women’s Expo was born.

I wanted to create an environment where women in business throughout Switzerland come together to meet each other and also meet face to face with the public to promote & showcase their businesses as well as build new relationships amongst themselves and the public; an environment where the public of Switzerland has the opportunity to know and learn more about different products or services from their owners, ask questions and get responses, try new products and give feedback, discover new and exciting products & services, connect with new people and have fun.

 

What can visitors expect?

The day is going to be full of action, from shopping opportunities all the way to free flowing networking. It will also include health scans, massages, makeovers, product testing, art displays… all attendees will also be eligible for entry in special giveaways and will receive special discounts, and there will be free face painting for the kids. 

 

Do you have any tips for women who would like to start their own business, but are at a loss as to where to begin?

I would want to encourage women who are thinking of starting their own businesses to connect with other women currently in business and ask them questions so you can see, and most importantly learn, how others are doing it. I would also encourage them to start from where they are right now and grow from there. There is nothing like the perfect time.

It is also very important to have a clear vision of what you want to do and to know exactly what you are trying not to do, clarity is key in business. Have two or three trusted people that believe in your idea and accountability buddies because they will help you to keep your goals. I would also encourage them to come to the women’s expo and connect with the exhibitors, I believe the environment will be very inspiring.

 

The Woman’s Expo will take place on May 26, 2013 at the Kongresshaus Zürich, starting at 10 am.
Entry is free.

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Budget-friendly spring fashion

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Welcome new sponsor: Camille Lingerie.uk!

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