PACKING!: Part 2 - This Spring Wardrobe

Back again!

This post is for those of us left who haven't finished (or started, you know who you are) packing. This is for suitcase number 2, the spring/summer ensemble! This is not really too important, I actually think this is more for people who don't go shopping a lot, because I wholly intend on shopping while in South Korea. (Says the girl with 2 stuffed luggage bags).



This is the more difficult bag for us girls because we have so much we can wear! Now girls, let us start with shoes. We only need to bring one pair of flats that are professional looking. You can bring heels if that's your cup of tea, but only 1 pair. I know you'll be tempted to bring a bunch of cute sandals and the like, but no, we're trying to save space. Furthermore, you will need one pair of sneakers. This is obvious, you may need them. Sneakers have many uses and they are far more comfortable than flats in most cases. Also, one pair of flip-flops (or whatever you call them). I think that's about it.  Men, please bring one pair of sneakers and one pair of flip-flops. Your already packed your oxfords in the winter ensemble, so you're golden.

Clothes. Clothes. Clothes. This first part is for both genders. You will need professional slacks, perhaps 3 pairs, and maybe a pair or two of cut-offs, not jeans. Also, be sure to wear appropriate shirts. Bring plain tees, they can have color, but keep the graphics to a minimum. I would say to bring 7 shirts. If you have blouses and button-ups, make them your priority. Also, you can pack 2 cardigans. Cardigans are unisex, by the way. You can have 2 light pull-over sweaters (professional looking) in lieu of cardigans as well. IF you want to bring your graphic tees for weekend use, bring only 3 max.

Girls, don't bring a lot of low-cut shirts. If you even suspect that cleavage is being shown, it's too low. Korean fashion deems the upper body as too sex, which also means that showing your shoulders is a big no-no. This is why I say bring cardigans and sweaters with your cute shirts. Furthermore, we all want to bring skirts. Your skirts should be longer in nature. You all remember that rule in school where the shirts and skirts had be at least as long as out fingertips when we had them strait down our sides? That's what you need for working at a school. Also, remember the difference between body-con and pencil skirts: one you're likely to wear to a club and the other is the type you see those female lawyers wear in Law & Order. Bring 3-4 skirts.

Bring underwear, and toiletries, which will be split between your winter and summer bags. The list was on the post for winter packing, but here it is again for your convenience:

1. Deodorant: I hear it's available in Korea, but not only is the selection terrible, but the prices are what some might call daylight robbery. I suggest bringing a couple of sticks.
2. Toothpaste: Korean toothpaste doesn't have fluoride, and some people find it doesn't work like the one's we're used to. Bring 2 or 3 large tubes with you. Experiment later.
3. Lotion: This is important for me. Koreans simply have different skin types than some of us. I'm a black woman, and my skin tends to get ashy. There is no way that Koreans have the right kind of lotion for me. So I'm bringing a few bottles of Jergens Shea Butter with me. I don't wanna look like snow on Christmas morning if there was no snow. If I can find it there (there are a few brands out there, just a few), better. But I'll bet it's expensive.
4. Shampoo: Also for people with differently textured hair. I have nappy hair (like I said, I'm Black), so I need certain products for my hair. Chances are, you may not find your favorite brand out there. Bring a bottle or two, and then search your local stores to see if they have it. If not, ask your family for care packages.
5. Toothbrush: this is optional, but I prefer certain kinds of toothbrushes. until i am certain i can find what I'm looking for, I'm bringing some extras with me.
6. Feminine products: obviously, guys can skip over this. But girls, sometimes certain brands are not there yet. Bring a box of your favorite products, just to be safe. Then you can learn if your product is there or not, and decide whether you want to add it to your care package or not. This includes midol as well. It's good to bring the bottle so that you can talk to a pharmacist about what to substitute it with.
7. Make-up: I don't wear make-up, but for girls that do, this could be important. Darker tones will not be accommodated. Black and Brown girls, bring your own foundation! Even I plan on bringing a little (never know when I gotta get dolled up). Don't assume that they'll have your tones, because Koreans are definitely on the light side of the spectrum, and this is one of the most ethnically homogeneous first-world nations in the world.