On the Road Again – My First Ever International Work Trip!

Last week, my article on what I am packing for my Spain vacation came out. If you haven’t and are interested, please find the article here. This week, I’m tackling my next packing challenge - my first ever international work trip. This is a really big deal for me as it has always been a dream of mine to have a job that allows me to travel to new places for work. On this trip, I will be in El Salvador for three weeks - two weeks for work and one added on to explore what the country has to offer. I am so thrilled that this is finally happening in my career, but I feel pretty overwhelmed with what to pack. So it is no surprise that I once again turn to the Hive and Shoe Hive to set me straight.

My goal when packing for this trip is to pack lean, so I have room for the fun/adventure clothes that will come with the last third of this trip. I am also conscious of being taken seriously, not being underdressed, and not being overdressed. El Salvador is a pretty conservative country, especially in regards to how women dress, so I want to make sure that I feel like me in my clothes while not pushing the envelope too much. What I love about The Hive and The Shoe Hive is that so many of the items they carry are on-trend while also being something that can remain a staple in my closet long term.

I’ve picked out six outfits that I hope to mix and match the entire trip. You’ll notice a lot of the colors will work together, and changing an outfit can be as simple as changing the blazer and shoes. Additionally, these pieces are going to give me such an outward feeling of confidence that I’ll have to believe it! No time for Imposter Syndrome when I’m wearing a Tibi or Veronica Beard piece!

While I have styled all my favorite work pieces for this trip into outfits, I have also come up with a table that shows you just how versatile this wardrobe really is. Have fun in the table by mixing and matching pieces so you can get a sense of how packing in a color story can bring so much ease to your trip. The colors I went with are taupe, black, white, and navy, with some muted accent colors here and there. As you play around more in the table and realize just how many outfits you are packing with six complete ones, you may feel inspired to take two or so pairs of shoes and maybe a bag out of your suitcase, but I’ll defer to you. You know what makes you feel most comfortable.

Penelope Norton

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Truly a local girl, Penelope was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. Penelope went to James Madison University (GO DUKES!) for undergrad with a degree in International Relations and has her Masters of Science in International Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. While she never expected to work retail, she has found a second home in her Hive and Shoe Hive family, and has discovered the shoe and clothing addiction she never thought she had. After spending 5 wonderful years at the Shoe Hive and Hive as their Director of Operations, Penelope now works in the International Development field in DC. While her new career has her more removed from the day to day buzzz of the stores, you can still find her moonlighting (or should we say some weekend-lighting) at the stores. She just couldn't stay away! When not working or hanging out with friends and family, you can be sure to find her exploring a new country or national park!

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