a personal style blog by Lauren Pfieffer

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Packing For Italy!

Hello all!

My departure date for Italy is fastly approaching...August 17th will be here before I know it! I've taken these few months before summer to begin packing and getting everything I need to travel organized before  it all springs upon me. I recently got a backpack and camera bag for my travels, and I thought I'd show you all!

My camera bag is c/o an Etsy shop called CamerasBagsStraps and I am in LOVE. It absolutely surpassed my expectations upon receiving it. I want to obviously take my DSLR and lenses with me to Italy because I want to take tons of beautiful photos...but I was kind of stumped about how to carry it around and keep it safe because Florence is notorious for pick pocketers. This Etsy shop kindly offered to send me a bag of my choice and I went with the Vintage Look Faux Leather Shoulder bag in size large. This bag is beautifully made and HUGE. I wasn't expecting it to be that big, but it said it fits your camera and two lenses and they weren't kidding. There so much room in this bag I think I'm going to just use it as my every day purse because it can fit lots of extras in the front and back pockets, as well as a water bottle in the inside. It has removable velcro panels to adjust how big you want the compartments to be inside which I thought was a huge plus. I was looking into buying a Cambridge Satchel for my every day purse, but they are ridiculously expensive and this one is just as nice, safe with the front snaps + cross body strap (to keep in front if you at all times!), and much more affordable at $39.99 for a large.

I've heard from previous Florence students that a backpack is essential for going to school and trips for the weekend. Truthfully, I haven't carried a backpack since my sophomore year of high school, so I was kind of bummed about having to lug one around again (they're just not my favorite). But then I thought about the company Herschel Supply Co. that I often see students on campus carrying around and went to check out the site. All of the back packs were exactly what I was looking for-- practical utility with a step towards being fashion forward and classic. The one I ended up purchasing is rather large, but I wanted it to be so I could pack enough for weekend trips. It's the Little America Backpack which was $90. I don't believe I've ever spent $90 on ANY one thing besides perhaps a prom dress or two, so it was hard for me to part with the money...but worth it. This is a gorgeous, comfortable, durable backpack that I'm excited to go adventures with! It also can hold a 15' laptop which is nice for school.

I'm beginnging to get very excited about my trip, but at the same time can't quite comprehend what I'm about to do. I've been learning Italian using a free app called Duolingo which is really fun if you're looking into learning a new language! Next up on my list of things to buy is comfortable, but cute, walking shoes. Any suggestions for me? x

With much love, Lauren.
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12 comments

Mary said...

I spent ten days in Italy during my spring break abroad with nothing but a backpack for luggage-- you'll be glad to have something roomy & durable! So excited to hear more about your adventures! :)

Kezzie said...

Oooh it's nice!!!!!! Great choice!!! And sweet comment, thanks! I'm not sure I'd think of myself as a mentor- far too scatty, but that was a kind thing to say! You'll have an Amazing time in Italy- just be prepared to feel a but overwhelmed and scared when you first arrive. I got to Jakarta in Indonesia for my year of study there and cried my eyes out for 2 days. That is normal. X

Jess said...

I would say that converse are a good bet for confort shoes! They're my go to and when I went to Sicily last summer I wore converse when I wasn't wearing gladiator sandals (another good choice if you can find a pair with ankle support and a decent sole to them!). They also flatten up quite well if you get low tops, and there's a huge selection of colours! xxx

Charmaine said...

Herschels are great! They are designed out of Vancouver, great quality and fashionable. Thanks for the link to that etsy store. I've been looking for a new camera strap forever!

Unknown said...

I must have missed the fact that you're going to Italy!! Wow!! Is it for this upcoming semester? I just got back from a semester in Spain and it was the best decision I made in college! I'm loving the bags you chose and I think they will be perfect for traveling around Europe. I had to live with a smaller wardrobe abroad, but you get used to it, and it turned out to be very refreshing! I hope you have fun packing and preparing for your trip! :)

xo, gina

Elliementary, My Dear said...

Both of these bags look so fun. I can't believe it's already been 4 years since I studied abroad myself. You're making me relive the memories of getting everything ready to go. Can't wait for your posts once you are there :) Oh and I brought Toms and Keds with me for my trip and they worked well for walking.

Unknown said...

I know someone already suggested converse as good walking shoes, but I really feel like I should second that. They go with almost anything, and you can literally wear them for days. And I do know that from experience. ;)BTW, I've never commented on your blog before but I've been reading it for a couple months now and I ready love it. You're super adorable!

Ruby Sterland said...

Aah you're going to have an amazing time! Love these bags, the little back pack is so adorable x

www.totalmodisch.blogspot.co.uk

Katie Selt said...

I have been looking for a camera bag like that for forever! They've always been so expensive though, so this is so seriously goof.


DON'T GO WITH CONVERSE. They're canvas shoes, and when they get wet, your feet get wet. I don't recommend Vans or Toms either for the same reason. You're going in Late Summer and Early Fall, so you want something resilient and protective. I say ankle boots, like these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQA802K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EQA802K&linkCode=as2&tag=travelfcom0a-20

They're comfortable (I own these) and I have walked, ran, and unfortunately, swam in these and they've been fantastic. They also come in different colors and designs as well. I recommend ankle boots because they're easy to style, they're protective, and you're not going to loose it someplace like you could if you were in sandals.


xxKatie
www.katielikeme.com


Jenna Leigh said...

super cute! Love the bag. Hope you have fun

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Kezzie said...

I agree! I was MISERABLE in wet Toms walking round London the other day and Converse on other occasions! When I was in Flirence, it rained for 2 days and I had stupid suede ankle boots for one day and again was miserable with wet feet!!!

Unknown said...

What a very fortunate young lady u r!!! I had never heard of Herschel, and checked them out (interesting!)... and that camera bag that is going to double as a pocketbook - how terrific is that :) I've been reading the previous comments especially about footwear, and all I have to say is - what about leather sneakers??? Also, there is a blogger who has written a post about walking shoes in Paris that she wore: www.parisescapes.com/parisshoes.html
as well as a specific post on this very subject in a well-known travel website: www.fodors.com › Forums › Europe

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