Jamaica Style Diary + Life Changing Packing Tips

10598327_1515061678729206_619750467_nH+M bikini, American Apparel shades

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H+M swimsuit, Urban Outfitters shades

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from my Riu resort suite!

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Asos maxi dress (full dress here), Urban Outfitters shades

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vintage top, Versace for H+M headscarf + leggings, American Apparel shades, Asos sandals

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vintage silk robe, American Apparel shades

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H+M swimsuit, Urban Outfitters shades (exact pair, just $16!)

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customized silk bridesmaid robe

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vintage top, Versace for H+M headscarf + leggings, American Apparel shades

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Asos grecian-style maxi dress (on sale right now for $23!) + vintage belt at the all-white party

10617028_1457866631150037_1514783649_nAfter Deja’s wedding in my bridesmaid dress

(all pics taken on my iPhone)

So, where do I even begin?! Pretty much I had the best vacation ever last week in Jamaica. My best friend Deja had a destination wedding and it was lots of fun. We stayed at the exclusive, super gorgeous Riu Ocho Rios. Delicious food, life-changing beaches (we all ran into the water at midnight in our clothes after the wedding reception!) and wonderful and warm staff.

As usual, I packed last minute for the 5 day, 4 night trip, lol. Our car came to pick us up at 5am for our flight and I was packing until 4:15am. Before that, a trip to the all-night laundromat with my fiancé/bodyguard-for-the-night.

BUT, I will say this was the best packing experience of my life!! I was able to fit everything (and I do mean everything) in carryon luggage. This turned out to be super helpful since we didn’t have a direct flight to Jamaica- stopped in Atl. One thing that def helped this time around with packing was making a note of EVERYTHING we would do during the trip- all white party, beach looks, dinner looks (this was were maxi dresses came into play), wedding stuff- my bridesmaid dress, shoes, robe, sash, etc. I also accounted for PJs, underwear, makeup and toiletries. Then I tried some of the looks on first- like the above white one-shouldered maxi dress to make sure to bring the right accessories.

After making the list, I packed and tried very hard not to bring anything extra. This is not a small feat considering I’m a fashion stylist who is trained to always overpack for shoots, lol. But, I did it! I ended up wearing everything I brought.

How To Pack Like A Pro

1. Make a list of every activity you plan to do

2. Pick a look for that activity

3. Pick an evening look (maxi dresses are an easy choice for vacays)

4. Try everything on and put the coinciding accessories (jewelry, shoes, etc) with each look

5. Fold it neatly into your bags

6. Voilá! You, got it babe!

Hope these tips help!

Can’t wait till the next vacay! Riu was a blast!

xo.Joy.

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