Packing Takes Practice

My flights will have me using Jet Blue and IcelandAir, and as I was making sure my luggage meets size requirements, I also realize that there is a weight limit for the carry-on. Uh oh. 

(Picture compliments of Yoav's blogspot)

I was already having problems getting the checked luggage under 50lbs. Now I have to get the carry on to about 20lbs.

So I'm a bigger girl, about size US 12-16, depending on the product. Also, I have some decent bust and wide feet. Sounds totally attractive, right? You bet it is (except maybe the feet, but we can't be perfect, now can we?).

Anyways, I have this fear that as much as I want to take empty suitcases and buy clothes in Europe, I won't be able to find anything to fit me! 

Which led me to spending a bit of my saved cash for new clothes and shoes here. As if I didn't have enough room or weight in my luggage as is.

And of course, now I'm in that teetering stage of "what if I do find stuff?!" I'm panicking.

 I'm already having packing issues as is:

 

And this is after I had donated at least two large trash bags full! 

I've also been setting aside more as I go through each pile, and trying on fall/winter clothes. I've made a strict rule that if I'm not comfortable in how they look, I won't take them, even if I feel like I might lose weight while I'm there (I know we all hoard those items). 

If that miracle happens (I mean, cheese, bread, and wine every day? I'll have to be rolled out to the bus stop by Christmas!), I'll either buy something new, or if it is something really expensive (denim), I'll make a list of items for my mom to ship me.

Surprisingly, my biggest purchases have been shoes. I've never considered myself a girly-girl when it comes to shoes, although my suitcases have proved otherwise.

Wide shoes are apparently difficult to find, so I went on a frantic hunt for comfortable yet stylish flats. I found these bad boys:

They're White Mountain brand, called Moondance. Found them at TJ Maxx. My sister said they are "rich, older white women shoes for long shopping trips." Hey, they are comfortable, cute, and if they are good for old lady feet, they are good enough for me and all the walking I'm going to do! 

The bad part is I really, really want to buy the other pair that are black and white. 

Maybe I am an old lady. Too bad I'm not rich, else I wouldn't bat an eye about paying baggage fees.

xx

P.S.

Any tips for packing for a year? How about finding "des vêtements grandes tailles" or wide shoes in France/Europe? Just...nothing too expensive.