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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Whats In Your Bag!

I am in a terrible dilemma. Bag packing time is drawing nearer for my summer exodus. My problem, the transatlantic baggage allowance! The airlines in their infinite wisdom have reduced the transatlantic allowances to one 50lb bag. So I decided to do a practice packing. During this exercise I discovered my empty bag weighed 17lbs. Leaving me with a measly 33lbs for books, clothes, shoes, toiletries and make-up.


Before the tightening of security, I used to carry-on my makeup and some toiletries. I mean a bottle of shampoo takes a fair wack out of the baggage poundage. Now these items must go in the checked baggage. This has reduced my clothes, shoes and handbag choices to practically nil. And don't even talk to me about books. I have had to give up the books altogether, only bringing one for reading during the journey. Thankfully we have a good library which I will be haunting regularly. My other book option, Amazon UK here I come!

I sat on the bedroom floor staring into my half empty bag deliberating on what else I could leave behind. Frustrated I came to the point where I was unwilling to make any further cuts to my wardrobe. I finally acknowledged the fact I must bring bag number two and pay the $50 dollar fee each way. Why, well because of my shoes. I have weddings and christenings to attend in a town where style is a way of life. There is no library type place for shoes. I need those shoes! They are the pinnacle of my outfits. An outfit is not complete without the shoes and bag carefully chosen to enhance it. Shoes are the fashion accessory I get creative with. The fashion accessory I will never be too old for. I would be a sorry sight in a mini mini skirt, belly shirt or torn jeans. The fashionesta in me is appeased by my shoes. Can you blame me? Look at them! Aren’t they just beautiful?

28 comments:

fairyhedgehog said...

They're gorgeous!

I can't wear pretty shoes - I've got wide feet and not much fits.

For baggage, can't you just pack a toothbrush and buy all your other stuff like shampoo once you're over here?

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Love the shoes! Of course you must take them. $100 extra so you can be pretty and feel amazing? It's worth it.

Ann said...

Hi fairyhedgehog, Yes the shampoo etc have also gotten the boot (I'm too funny LOL!)from the bags.

Hi KarenG, Exactly my thoughts, the extra charge is nothing compared to feeling properly and stylishly dressed!

Talli Roland said...

Oh, I hate packing! Are you coming back over here?

Words A Day said...

I love the polka dot ones! I agree shoes are the one thing you can be really creative with, even if I end up having to pick a rather dull safe dress a delicious pair of shoes lifts more than my heels. And you'd only end up buying replacements...! They're worth it.

Mise said...

Yes, you'll have to pack those lovely shoes. As Karen says, well worth the money to feel you represented yourself in your full glory.

Theresa Milstein said...

Forget the shampoo. You can buy when you get there. I bet shampoo and conditioner weighs at least as much as two pairs of shoes.

I know Old Kitty will appreciate a post about shoes.

I don't know how you do it. 50 lbs for all summer? I'm fretting about one week! Good luck, Ann.

Brigid O'Connor said...

Hi Ann, I am getting mega excited about meeting you, which shoes are you going to wear ?
I am staying in my sisters for one night tomorrow and I am having problems deciding what to wear,
by the way we still have shops in good old Ireland, leave some space, mega bargains here at the moment. Shoes and handbags my favourite too.

Joanne said...

Consider it a $100 investment in your fashionista way of life, paying great style dividends. Enjoy :)

Agnes said...

I'd pay the $100!

Susannah said...

Pay the money - take the shoes! :-)

Old Kitty said...

Oh Ann

I beg you to take an extra bag for these gorgeous shoes. You can never travel with enough shoes. You will need shoes. Shoes are essential.

Passport, money, traveller's cheques. Shoes. Always.

:-)

Take care
x

Catherine said...

Hi Ann - my goodness you are spoilt for choice - wait till you have to deal with Ryanair charging you €30 for bringing one x 15kg bag across the channel - each way! And if you forego that option you can carry 10kg for free handluggage including the handbag and book for inflight entertainment. (including the weight of the bag!) I'm intrigued about the style commment if it's the town I'm thinking of you refer to - maybe if I lived there I'd know it better for style being a lifestyle! But then you look way more stylish than I would ever hope to be - much to teen daughter's despair! Even my dear late mother bemoaned my jeans and tee-shirt dress code. Aren't I lucky there's an imposed dress code at work that bans jeans! Smart casual being the order of the day - beats a nurse's uniform I suppose. Still irks me when I see the admin staff in jeans! I came by your blog to see if you'd reviewed Brooklyn but if you're busy packing you've enough on your plate!
All the best and happy journey!
Catherine.

Vicki Rocho said...

Those are cute shoes. I really need some new shoes but I have no vision. I only like shoes that OTHER people have. When I'm at the store, they all look blah to me.

Consequently packing is easy for me. One pair of comfy walking shoes (for the plane and beyond) and maybe a nicer pair for going out.

I say leave the shoes at home and buy new ones while you're gone. The day before you leave, pack up the new shoes and mail them home...probably cheaper than what the airline would charge!

India Drummond said...

The best thing my Sony eReader did for me was free up space in my luggage! I used to take a couple (um, or five) books on any trip of any length. And then I'd usually have even more books on the way home!

Plain Jane said...

Ann, I have the opposite problem. I don't want to take anything. If if doesn't fit in a small carry-on, it doesn't go. Even for three weeks in Central America. I think something is wrong with me. By the way, you have been tagged on my blog.

niamh said...

I love the pink one - very SATC! I'd recommend the same as India - an e-reader? Kenny Books in Galway have started an online delivery service now too, good rates.

Unknown said...

They are beautiful and I completely understand your dilemma! I recently had the same thing happen while I was traveling to Los Angeles, so many beautiful outfits and yet I had to downsize thanks to astronomical prices!!! I made it work but I wasn't happy about it!

Love shoes!

Barbara Scully said...

Right - I am clearly the only woman on the planet who doesn't really get the shoe thing. Possibly due to my large feet and great height, which means flats all the time (easy to pack).. but I would reiterate what Brigid says - great bargains to be had here at the moment. Dont bring too much with you!

As far as I am concerned, coming to Ireland the only problem is having to bring clothes for every season! But I bet you have a wardrobe left here for that purpose? When you arriving and WHAT ABOUT LOUIE?

Natasha said...

I just had to leave a comment to tell you how much I love your profile!!!!

And even a non-shoe person like me thinks those shoes are gorgeous. I can understand why you wouldn't want to leave any of them behind.

Susan Fields said...

Shoes are always what make packing difficult for me, too. I get the whole bag packed and then I remember...I have to fit the shoes in somewhere. Good luck with your dilemma, and have a wonderful trip!

Moll said...

It's always the shoes. Always. I shipped a box of shoes the last time I went to California. I am not kidding.

Anonymous said...

No gumboots?!? I'm not a shoe person but I do think yours are very pretty. :o) I say yes pay extra and take them with you.

Al said...

I will have to take your word on the shoe thing.
When we do away Deb usually has to remind me to take some thing other than comfortable walking boots.
She has me well trained though, when she points to a pair of shoes in a shop and says "aren't they lovely?" I nearly always say "yes".

Patricia Stoltey said...

Traveling that includes weddings and other special events forces us to take stuff we'd never carry on a normal trip. Sounds like you really have no choice. But just think of all the fun you're going to have!

Jackee said...

I'm just amazed you can walk in them, much less bring them along. (Ha, ha!)I have a hard time in heels, despite their cuteness...

And I'm going to be an evil temptress here and say it might be time to buy an ipad/Kindle!

In other news, you have an award over at my blog! Happy Friday!

Ann said...

Oh my look at all these comments. Thank you all for stopping by. So many understanding shoe people too! I have tossed out the shampoo etc and will be bringing the extra bag. I haven't broken the news to husband yet. I am sure you will all hear the roar. The reader is on my wishlist! Hopefully children will notice.

Hi Talli, Yes, I am heading home for the summer. So excited!

Brigid, I am looking forward to meeting you too. So excited. I haven't decided yet which shoes wear that day.

Hi Catherine, have you never been on the Quay on a Friday or Saturday evening? The NY runways are only trotting after the fashion there!

Rebecca, I looked into posting the shoes, but it is cheaper to take the extra bag. Not only that but the security with mail is as bad as the airports!

Ryna, Thank you for stopping by. I hope you visit again soon.

Barbara I have addressed your question about Louie in todays post.

Jackee thank you so much for the award.

No Niki, no gumboots, I have some hot pink flowery wellies in Ireland though waiting for me!

Unknown said...

You have made me consider my shoe situation. I have been awakened to the importance of shoes. Like Barbara, I have never given much consideration to my footwear...when I find a comfortable pair of shoes, I hope that they will last me forever! But thanks to this post, I have been awakened to a pleasure that I have so far missed! x.