DO YOU ROLL OR FOLD?

It may only be February, but many of us are already dreaming of spring and sunshine. Here in Northern Michigan, we may get some sunny days, but warmth is still a ways off. That’s why when the season of spring break rolls around, we all get bit by the travel bug. So whether you’re thinking of driving to a southern state or flying to a tropical climate, you’ll need to pack and prepare sans winter coats, sweaters, wool socks, and Yaktrax.

Now, packing presents some challenges – What do you bring? How many outfits will you need? Do you need to have a color palette figured out? And, the big one: Do you roll or fold your clothes?

According to packing experts, rolling your clothes will save space, leaving room for more items or new purchases. Rolling clothes squeezes air out from the items, meaning you use all available space; plus, rolling can also ensure fewer wrinkles. 

However, to each her own when it comes to Team Roll or Team Fold – PEcado owner and self-proclaimed excellent space maneuverer Alona Kelly is a committed folder, claiming the act of rolling to be less efficient. C’est la vie! But, between you and me, whether you roll or fold, any of our Scarlet Sage items will travel well – they’re darn near impossible to wrinkle, and their lightweight design allows for movement and airflow, ideal for hot temperatures!

When it comes to packing, in general, Alona has some additional tips and preferences to share that may help you with your own travel plans.

Pack Your Prerequisites

An excellent place to start is knowing what pieces you can’t live without. For Alona, she always begins with some tank tops, leggings, and sneakers. When she travels to a warm location, she knows she’ll be taking walks on the beach, maybe jogging in the morning, or grabbing a quick cup of coffee from a cute cafe; such basic fundamentals like tanks and leggings suit her daily vacation needs.

Before you start packing, it’s good to have a rough itinerary in mind. That way, you’ll spend less time stressing over what to bring and what to leave at home. Also, identify the items that you always wear. Perhaps oversized t-shirts and sweatpants make you feel most relaxed and comfy, and vacations are about nothing if not relaxation! Or maybe yoga pants and hoodies are your jam! A great way to tackle travel trepidation is to know yourself and what you like.

Pick Versatile Pieces

Another great Alona tip is to select suitcase civvies that have versatility—for example, our new A.Kom dresses can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the time of day and your plans. These flowy floral dresses can be paired with casual sandals or open-toe flats for an afternoon outing or lunch and then easily transition into evening by swapping sandals for heels and grabbing a leather jacket or blazer. It’s a two-outfit-in-one situation!

Other versatile items include these multicolored maxi dresses – go from daytime poolside or beachside to nighttime high-top or barside for a great evening-out look. Again, it’s just a matter of changing out of your bathing suit and sliding on some strappy sandals, and trading your beach tote for a classy clutch! I mean, who doesn’t like getting multiple uses out of one piece?

Plan For New Purchases

One of Alona’s favorite packing tips is to leave some space in the ol’ suitcase for new purchases. We often squeeze a bit of shopping in while on vacation, and nothing is worse than not having enough room to fit amazing new pieces into your luggage. After all, who wants to go to the post office while traveling? Not us! 

A good rule of thumb when you’re preparing for a trip and start getting anxious asking yourself questions like – Did I pack enough? Do I have enough outfits? Will I need this or that? – is to breathe and remember you’re most likely not going to be off in the Florida Everglades without access to shopping centers, malls, and boutiques. If you’ve forgotten something, you’ll be able to find it while you’re away from home. 

And most importantly, remember you are in charge of your own thoughts and interpretation of experiences. Even if something doesn’t go according to your plan, it’s not the end of the world. So have fun at that moment and embrace new adventures. Because that’s what makes our trips memorable, not the clothes we wear.

So, the next time you’re in downtown Petoskey, stop by and allow PEcado to help you pack for your next trip – it’ll be our PEcado pleasure. Our spring and summer merchandise is arriving weekly as we gear up for the coming seasons and getaways, so we’ll be ready. Plus, Alona may even have some extra packing tips to share 😉

Tag us on Instagram and Facebook to show us your travel looks & share your tips with us in comments below ❤️

Written by Alex Dailey
Edited by Alona Kelly