As you read this, it is highly likely that I still haven’t finished packing to head back to NYC yet my flight leaves Atlanta tonight. SMH. I tried getting my niece and nephews involved in a game of “scavenger hunt” where they search my sister’s house for all of my belongings and place them in my suitcase to win, but they caught on quick. So then I turned to designer Abi Ferrin who makes some gorgeous dresses found at fashionable girl hang-out spots like Nordstrom, who was happy to dish the following tips…

How to pack dresses and skirts so they don’t get wrinkled…
I always pack items that don’t travel well individually in a plastic dry cleaning type hang bag. Then lay them flat and fold in half if necessary. If you can avoid folding on a skirt and just have take up the whole layer of your suitcase- that is ideal.

Where in your suitcase and in what order…
Actually shoes, workout gear, jeans, t-shirts and cosmetics should be at the bottom of your suitcase as they travel the easiest. Also, cosmetic cases and anything with liquids should be contained and wrapped in a plastic ziplock bag or towel so that if they do leak, they don’t ruin your clothes. I put them at the bottom with washables just in case of a leak. I always put underwear and socks in the side compartments so they don’t get swallowed by the rest of your clothes and you know right where your smaller items are. On top is where your delicates and wrinkleables should go, individually wrapped in plastic hang bags and laid as flat as possible, one item at a time. Girls on the go don’t have time for ironing, so this is why my signature 5-way dress is a must here as well. You can roll that in a ball- and pack it anywhere you want – worry free!

Heavier garments on the bottom?
Yes- all heavy garments go on the bottom to avoid smashing the lighter pieces. Silk and chiffon should always be the last item to be packed and the first to come out of your suitcase as soon as you enter the hotel room.

Abi Ferrin totally knows about packing and getting the most out of wardrobe—one of her popular designs, the “Nikki” dress can be worn 5 different ways. Check it out in action…

Same dress, different color

And I just adore this asymmetrical Grecian-style “Becky” dress (I totally need to go to events that would require me to wear such a frock)

And how cool is this “Daniella” pantset?

Shop Abi Ferrin in the widget below and check out more looks at abiferrin.com.

More Nordstrom…