We Aim To Slay

Tomorrow morning I start the 20+ hour drive to Mississippi – Stacey and I are headed to the first regional preliminary International and American Women of Service pageant! And although my mom and I have traveled to many pageants over the years, this is the first time that we will be camping on the journey!

I mentioned in my post documenting our trip to Pennsylvania that there are certain items that are pageantry-packing-staples… 

Traveling 101: Toiletries and Basics

When I was 15 years old, I flew to Tennessee to compete in a national pageant – can you guess the one item I forgot to pack? My makeup bag! After being scarred for life, I make it a point to pack my makeup first.

I always make sure to pack shampoo, conditioner, all styling essentials, and a deep conditioning mask to apply before the drive home – products detailed in my post “My Updated Wash-N-Go Routine” – in order to keep my curls hydrated and looking their best!

And because we will be camping, we will be bringing a tent, blow up mattress, and several portable gadgets like an electric coffee brewer! While camping in Tennessee, Stacey and I will be participating in our second Sleep Out for Covenant House fundraising event!

And of course, I’l be bringing basics such as: undergarments, socks, my hair bonnet, my pillow, chargers, and my laptop and filming gear! I’ll be live-streaming the next installment of the #SelfCareSeries – featuring my sister queens, Shea and Chelsea – this Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. EST!

Pageant-Focused Items

Now we’re getting into my favorite section! Because I will be serving as a judge during the pageant itself, I will be bringing my interview dress and a formal gown that can be packed in my suitcase.

There will be a number of events outside of the competition, including an afternoon of community service and a Disney-Disco themed party! For our service project I will be bringing my official Crown of Service t-shirt and a pair of jeans. For the theme party I will be wearing a Zara brand halter dress I found at TJ Maxx about two years ago, featuring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck! I’ll be making it look more disco appropriate by adding rhinestone-accented accessories!

Obviously, I have to pack my crown and sash! And, I wouldn’t be traveling in queenly style if I wasn’t using my custom International Women of Service luggage! A super cool aspect of our prize package, our luggage sets also came with organizers to keep my suitcase in order. Also included was a soft-sided crown case that I use for my filming equipment. And the last gift, a jewelry organizer, which perfectly fits all of my pageant earrings!

I’ve been so blessed to have incredible sponsors such as Dazzle Boutique , who provided me with the absolute best shoe in pageantry – the Diverse Style by Sydni Dion! I’m wearing the Platform Heel in color “oatmeal”!

Because I’m trying to keep my luggage to a minimum, I will only be bringing five pairs of shoes – the Sydni Dion’s, the Just Fab black rhinestone booties, the Steve Madden platform sandals, a pair of sneakers, and my Doc Marten boots, which I’ll be wearing during our travels.

Downtime Clothes

If you’ve read any of my previous traveling posts you’ll know that I have a horrible habit of forgetting to pack downtime clothing, shoes, and accessories. And even though I’ll only be gone for a long weekend, I made sure to plan these items first!

I’m taking a “capsule wardrobe” approach to packing this time, only selecting a few key items that can be worn interchangeably to create several different outfits! For me that includes items such as sweatpants and a sweatshirt; a white button down shirt; a black and a white tank top; a little black dress; a maroon tea-length skirt; a pair of jeans; some athletic wear; and a light-gray cardigan!

What Do You Think?

Are you the type of person to make a list and pack well in advance? Or, do you wait until the day before your trip and fling things into your bags? I try so hard to plan in advance, but I tend to panic pack as I’m trying to get out of the door! (Which is exactly what happened this time!)

Don’t forget to tune in this Saturday for the second installment of the We Aim To Slay and Crown of Service #SelfCareSeries! You can join us live on my official titleholder Facebook Page – International Women of Service Mrs 2024! You can also watch the first installment of the #SelfCareSeries, featuring Stacey, now available on the We Aim To Slay YouTube Channel!

I’ll be back next week to get into the Halloween spirit, sharing some last minute costume ideas – some with a focus on your makeup, and some with a focus on your outfit! In the meantime, you can read last year’s post dedicated to quick and easy, last minute looks that can be worn IRL!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!