The Capsule Suitcase - Packing Tips for the Stylish Nomad

The Capsule Suitcase

The capsule suitcase

Packing Tips for the Stylish Nomad

Latest from the blog

lake house packing

3 Ways to Pack for a Lake House

July 24, 2022

Inspiration for your next lake house vacation, whether you’re fashionable, casual, or sporty!

packing list for a wedding guest destination

How to Pack for a Destination Wedding

June 26, 2022

Swap your fancy dress for separates to unlock way more travel-friendly outfits.

My HomeExchange Review

June 19, 2022

Want to save money on accomodations on your next trip? Read about my experience with a house swap service!

How to Pack for Rainy Weather

April 24, 2022

Rain on vacation is a bummer, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Check out my packing tips and travel-friendly product recommendations for everything from light rain to torrential downpours.

View my Packing Lists

lake house packing

3 Ways to Pack for a Lake House

Inspiration for your next lake house vacation, whether you’re fashionable, casual, or sporty!

packing list for a wedding guest destination

How to Pack for a Destination Wedding

Swap your fancy dress for separates to unlock way more travel-friendly outfits.

How to Pack for Transition Weather

Spring weather can be wild and a real puzzle for packing. Find out how to pack strategically between rainstorms and sunny days.

pack winter trip

How to Pack for Winter Travel

I’m sharing my best tips to pack for a winter trip, so you’re warm, stylish, and don’t have to pay for multiple checked bags.

Subscribe to The Capsule Suitcase on Youtube!

There’s more to see over on my YouTube channel. Drop a sub to stay up to date with the latest packing tips and tricks from The Capsule Suitcase.

Travel Gear Reviews

My HomeExchange Review

Want to save money on accomodations on your next trip? Read about my experience with a house swap service!

packing compression socks

The Best Compression Socks for Travel

What are the best compression socks for travel? In my guide, I explain what compression socks do and where to buy the best ones.

black friday cyber monday deals

The Black Friday Sales I’m Shopping This Year

I don’t always go hard on Black Friday, but for some brands, it’s worth it. Take a look at my top picks!

Troubadour bag review

Troubadour Carrier Tote Bag Review

Is this my new favourite carry-on bag? It might be! Read my review of the Troubadour Carrier Tote to see why it’s quickly becoming my travel MVP.

Packing Tips and Tricks

How to Pack for Winter Weekend in New York

January 6, 2017

When I did a bad job of packing for New York during a storm, I imagined how I’d do it differently.

Don’t Put This One Thing in Silicone Travel Tubes

July 31, 2016

A little lesson in chemistry while traveling!

nashville packing

How to Pack for Nashville

December 19, 2017

I embraced the Honky Tonk style with denim, boots, and some Tennessee barbecue.

How to Avoid Overpacking on Your Next Trip

July 14, 2019

I accidentally overpacked on my 4-week trip to Europe. Find out the lessons I learned and how to avoid making the same mistakes I did.

How to Pack for the UK in the Fall

October 2, 2017

Find out how I packed for the unpredictable weather in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

How to Pack for Portland, Oregon

July 24, 2017

Find out what I packed for Portland, Oregon, the city of bridges!

What to Pack for a Weekend in Detroit

May 26, 2019

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Motor City a.k.a Detroit. Everyone I told made a face when I said my next business trip was Detroit, Michigan, but I LOVED it. This is a city that has spent the last decade rebuilding itself after the housing crisis. And like a phoenix, its rebirth has

packing for a business trip

How to Pack for a Business Trip in 2022

March 19, 2022

Travelling for work? View my ultimate guide to packing for a business trip for all seasons and destinations.

On The Web

Travel Adventures

build a website

How to Launch a Travel Blog

August 15, 2021

lost luggage

What to Do About Lost Luggage

January 31, 2021

flying during a pandemic

COVID Pandemic: What to Expect When Flying

July 19, 2020

how to travel without leaving your home

5 Ways to Travel Without Leaving Your Home

March 22, 2020

safe to travel coronavirus

Is It Safe to Travel During The Pandemic?

March 15, 2020

Beauty Tips

packing beauty devices

5 High-Tech Beauty Devices to Pack on Your Next Trip

Beauty devices can take up a lot of space but some are worth it. Read on to see which ones make the cut for me.

ISSA-KIDS-FOREO-SWEDEN-REVIEW

The Best Travel Toothbrush: ISSA kids by FOREO Sweden review

I use a kids toothbrush and I love it! Find out why the ISSA kids by FOREO Sweden is my favourite toothbrush for travel.

UFO 2 Facial Device by Foreo Sweden

A 2-Minute Supercharged Facial in your Pocket: UFO 2 by FOREO Review

My review of the UFO 2 by FOREO Sweden, an ultra-high-tech palm-sized beauty tool for 2-minute supercharged facials using LED, hot/cold therapy, and more.

best sunscreens

The 10 Best Sunscreens for Summer

When you’re sun-sensitive like me, you understand pretty quickly that not all sunscreens are equal. Here’s my roundup of the best sunscreens on the market for Summer 2021.

Fashion Tips

How to Pack for New York City in July

New York humidity, here I come! My motto: stay fresh and look profesh.

Shopping Guides

organic basics

Organic Basics Review

Read my review of the popular Danish brand that focuses on organic and sustainable clothing.

allbirds review

Every Allbirds Products Ranked – Allbirds Review

Read my review and ranking of travel-friendly products from Allbirds, a BCorp footwear and clothing brand that uses natural materials.

foreo bear vs nuface

FOREO BEAR mini vs NuFACE Mini Comparison

I compare two of the most popular microcurrent devices on the market.

Health and wellness

packing compression socks

The Best Compression Socks for Travel

working out in the park

Working Out on a Trip: How to Stay Active on Vacation

best sunscreens

The 10 Best Sunscreens for Summer

flying-during-covid

COVID and Flying: How to Stay Safe on Your Next Flight

wellness travel tips

How to Boost Your Immune System Before Flying

best travel gear

Travel Items I Use at Home

happy home base

The Importance of Cultivating a Home Base

Shop my recommended products

I’ve curated a list of my very favourite travel-friendly products. Take a look for recommendations and exclusive discounts.

Follow on Instagram

The Capsule Suitcase

Watch me turn a $40 pair of @oldnavy pixie pants i $Watch me turn a $40 pair of @oldnavy pixie pants into a designer dupe for trendy skirts-over-pants trousers! The trick is to find a brand that has a seasonal collection using the same fabrics and colours for pants and skirts. Aritzia had some options, but ultimately, with Old Navy’s sales, and cashing in some @honey points into gift cards, I spent a total of $12 on both the skirt and pants. I bought my pants true to size but sized up for the skirt to have more fabric to work with. After pinning, measuring, and marking, I opted for a simple wrap skirt with an envelope front. This is totally removable and can be adjusted to be worn on the natural waist or slightly below. To make sure the mini skirt doesn’t “spin” and stays straight, I’ve safety-pinned it to the pants at the waist. And voilà! A Dries Van Noten or Courreges knock-off at a teeny tiny fraction of the price. . . . . #thriftflips #sewinginspiration #oldnavystyle #fallfashiontrends #y2koutfits$

It’s been roughly two months since we decided to

It’s been roughly two months since we decided to go all in on our businesses, as a couple, and WE LOVE IT. Here’s why:

Being an entrepreneur is lonely. Tyler had told me this before but I didn't really get it until I was fully in it too. It's been great for both of us to be able to talk through all the minor decisions and ideas and get gut checks before making a move.

We can leverage our respective strengths. I'm a whiz with copywriting and digital marketing but find contract negotiations a little daunting. Tyler is much bolder than I am and this has already saved us money.

We can work when inspiration strikes and nobody is bitter. We're evenly matched in our ambition, creativity, and propensity to work at weird hours. We're both passionate about the same goals and working towards them.

The most challenging part is balancing all three of our projects. Some weeks it's 100% @keikofuroshiki , others (like this week), it is @shopfunctionhouse, and the one I keep neglecting right now, The Capsule Suitcase, is trucking along but needs some love and attention to grow and reach its full potential. Being able to context switch and focus on the tasks that will have the biggest impact takes some thought and a little sacrifice.

It's hella busy but I've honestly never been happier!

Photo by @emily.kate.photo at our "office" at @nostalgia__room

One of many non-traditional things we did at our w

One of many non-traditional things we did at our wedding was getting ready together on the day of!

Our wedding was an intimate, family-only affair so I couldn't imagine anything better than to get ready with my fiancé and meet our families at the chapel for a big reveal!

We didn't have a bridal party, so logistically and emotionally, it felt right to truly spend the whole day together, and I LOVED IT.

If you've been considering this but afraid to disappoint anybody who is more traditional, listen to your gut! I have zero regrets. Tyler still got a little bit of a first look as he hadn't seen me in my dress yet and got to come in and help me fasten the final button.

Our photography preference has always been more documentary-style wedding photography, so we love how @emily.kate.photo captured these moments.

#2023bride #2024bride #uniqueweddingideas #nontraditionwedding #wedding #weddingplanning #bridetobe #weddinggettingready #weddinginspiration

Part 3 of sewing my wedding dress! The lining and

Part 3 of sewing my wedding dress! The lining and assembly were the most technical part of this project because any messiness or cut corners here would alter how the dress fit and looked. I definitely took my time and seam ripped and undid things often to redo them right. If I felt myself rushing to get it done, it was time to stop for the day. But the silk-cotton lining in ivory made such a big difference in the coolness and comfort of the dress and makes it so much brighter! The little details like being able to better pattern match the top and bottom of the skirt and embroider our initials were the cherry on top of this custom dress flip.
•
•
•
#weddingplanning #bridalfashion #weddingfashion #weddingwardrobe #bridetobe #weddinggettingready #bridaloutfit #weddinginspiration #weddingbudget #2023bride #2024bride #2025bride #sewingproject #sewinginspiration

I love my little home and the pleasures of routine

I love my little home and the pleasures of routine (because I get to opt out whenever). Don’t forget to refill the ice tray ✌🏻

Back in my favourite city in the world.

Back in my favourite city in the world.

Part 2 of how I flipped my off the rack wedding dr

Part 2 of how I flipped my off the rack wedding dress!
•
•
•
#weddingplanning #bridalfashion #weddingfashion #weddingwardrobe #bridetobe #weddinggettingready #bridaloutfit #weddinginspiration #weddingbudget #2023bride #2024bride #2025bride

The wedding content is here and I’m starting wit

The wedding content is here and I’m starting with videos about how I sewed, altered, and personalize my wedding dress. Check out the full YouTube video in my link in bio or my latest reel for a sneak peek!

My dress came out to about $450, all materials and supplies included. Where I splurged a bit was my accessories because I plan to wear those for many years to come!

My earrings were purchased at @boutiqueperidot in St-Henri, Montreal

Veil: Etsy - $20

Bag: @staud.clothing

Shoes: @maguireshoes
•
•
•
#weddingplanning #bridalfashion #weddingfashion #weddingwardrobe #bridetobe #weddinggettingready #bridaloutfit #weddinginspiration #weddingbudget #2023bride #2024bride #2025bride

Part 1 : I sewed my own wedding dress and here’s

Part 1 : I sewed my own wedding dress and here’s the story.

I knew going into my bridal season that I just didn’t want to spend that much on my dress, since you only wear it once. But, it IS a wedding dress and special...and I love fashion so I couldn’t help but want my dress to feel like ME. I was engaged for 6 months only and didn’t want to spend more than $500, so that immediately ruled out the typical bridal boutique experience.

I shopped second hand, vintage, online and didn’t find much...until I thought about doing a high-street flip...buying a dress that had good bones, and making it better.

The starting point was this Elliatt dress I got for $300 and then I spent about $150 on silk organza, ivory silk-cotton lining, and sewing supplies.

People have all sorts of ways of finding their wedding dress, but I haven’t heard much about dress flips, i.e. getting a new dress but also totally re-doing it!

•
•
•
#weddingplanning #bridalfashion #weddingfashion #weddingwardrobe #bridetobe #weddinggettingready #bridaloutfit #weddinginspiration #weddingbudget #2023bride #2024bride #2025bride #sewingproject #sewinginspiration

I let Instagram make this reel from a 1h stop at L

I let Instagram make this reel from a 1h stop at Lone Star Lake. #kansassummer

One month ago already!

One month ago already!

So many cute startups in Lawrence, Kansas. A new o

So many cute startups in Lawrence, Kansas. A new one I’ve been dying to check out is @picnic.snax . Grabbed some provisions today and used my @keikofuroshiki first as a hair tie (it’s hot 🥵) and then quickly turned it into a baggie for my snack haul. #lawrencekansas #lfk #smallbusinesssupport

Follow my adventures!

The Capsule Suitcase

SHOPPING BAG 0

Added to wishlist! VIEW WISHLIST