What I Packed for the Greenbrier Resort
For a recent press trip, I tested the one-bag packing method -- Of course I tossed in thrifted items.
When I was invited on a press trip to learn more about Almost Heaven Saunas, based in Lewisburg, WV, my first thought was: What am I going to wear? We were staying at the iconic Greenbrier Resort, one of the few places that still enforces a dress code. Everything I wore needed to align with their “smart casual” requirement.
I’m a chronic over-packer. I always add “just-in-case” items—an extra dress, a rain jacket—and never end up using them. I leave with an overstuffed suitcase, get annoyed, vow to do better, and repeat the same pattern on my next trip.
For inspiration, I’d been browsing the r/HerOneBag subreddit while prepping for a future European vacation. I decided to try the one-bag approach for West Virginia. This meant (a) creating a versatile capsule wardrobe, (b) packing only essentials, and (c) sticking to the plan. STICK TO THE PLAN!
My “One Bag” of Choice
While the HerOneBag community loves travel backpacks, I took a different approach. My travel backpacks are all top-loading, which I find frustrating—you have to dig through everything to find one item.
Instead, I used the JanSport Everyday Large Tote ($49.95, Amazon) in Lavender Ash, which I first saw at a JanSport press preview (check Instagram for photos of the event). It’s a stylish tote with a 31-liter capacity (19” x 14” x 7”), and two side elasticated pockets to hold water bottles, or shoes, or what have you that fits under an airplane seat. It looked great with every outfit—no clunky backpack clashing with my vibe—and worked perfectly for a press trip, gym session, or weekend getaway.
Capsule Wardrobe: Smart Casual, Thrift-Enhanced
Everything below fit in the JanSport tote—and yes, I zipped it closed!
Planning for three active days, I created a wardrobe of mix-and-match pieces that met the Greenbrier’s no-jeans dress code. Naturally, I included a few favorite thrifted finds.
Day 1 Travel Outfit:
Ralph Lauren white tee (thrifted)
Carve Designs Suki Linen Pants in Chateau Chambray ($88, Carve Designs). Washable linen-blend, ethically made, has four pockets, and barely wrinkles.
Carve Designs Morgan Polo Sweater in Navy ($92, Carve Designs)
The sweater, made from lightweight organic cotton, kept me warm on the plane and doubled as an outer layer for cooler moments outdoors.
Dinner at the Resort Steakhouse:
Anewsta V-Neck Paisley Floral Print Dress ($30.96, SHEIN)
This romantic dress feels high-end. The princess seams flatter my petite frame.
Facility Visit + BBQ Dinner:
Carve Designs Corey Denim Pant in Ecru ($108, Carve Designs). Though technically “denim,” these pants are elevated enough to pass for casual trousers, especially in a soft neutral. I love that Carve Designs uses organic, ethically sourced materials.
Vintage Orla Kiely tee (thrifted)
Swimwear:
Shape Solver Sport by Mimi Flamingo One-Piece Romper Swimsuit ($58, Kohl’s)
I chose this romper-style suit for comfort during active moments—and it has pockets!
Final Day Travel Outfit:
Proenza Schouler snake print tee (thrifted)
Carve Designs linen pants (re-worn)
These pants barely wrinkled and stayed comfy throughout.
Not Pictured:
Pajamas and underwear (of course!) Also not pictured here, but you’ll see it in other photos. My Strathberry Charlotte drawstring bag in dusky rose ($342.00, Strathberry). The small 23cm size belies its capacity, which is substantial. I can wear it as a shoulder or cross-body bag, or carry it by hand. It’s super versatile, as I can wear it with cocktail wear or shorts. I heart her so much.
Footwear
I kept my shoes aligned with both the color palette and function.
Aetrex Vania Arch Support Platform Sandal ($149.95, Aetrex)
My daily go-to. Great for walking, stylish, and TSA-friendly with Velcro straps. Plus, the arch support and antimicrobial footbed are ideal for flat feet. A summery and more versatile option than a walking shoe.Hari Mari Clipper Flip Flops ($110, Hari Mari)
Waterproof leather, boat-safe, and they float. Perfect for sauna sessions or plunge pools. I even wore them on the flight home.Steve Madden Hailee Taupe Suede Mule ($99.95, Steve Madden)
Worn for dinner and reserved for dressier moments. Comfortable and fashion-forward, featuring raffia trim.
Accessories
Yes, I went with pink—this particular tone works like a neutral.
Fossil Harlow Three-Hand Watch ($150, Fossil)
Classic and versatile enough to wear with any outfit.DIFF Eyewear Tasca III Aviator Sunglasses in Peach-Brown ($128, DIFF Eyewear)
Made of hand-cut acetate and stainless steel with 100% UVA/UVB protection. These sunnies are from DIFF’s Iconica collection.Angara Bezel-Set Round Aquamarine Pendant ($239, Angara)
A pretty pop of color that worked with everything.Earrings (3 pairs):
Makeup Bags
JanSport Perfect Pouch ($16.09, Amazon). Held my contacts, solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, and skincare.
Nintendo Pouch. Gifted to me, held my makeup.
Worth It Pouch. Another gifted item that held all my hair care products.
Calista Tools GoGo Mini Round Brush ($39.99, Calista Tools)
Compact and perfect for drying hair or creating waves on the go.
Electronics
Laptop – A travel essential. No pictured.
Yxk Portable 15.6” Monitor ($51.99, Amazon) – Compact, lightweight, and reliable.
CALPAK Tech Organizer ($42, CALPAK) – Multiple compartments for cords, chargers, earbuds, and blocks.
Kindle – Downloaded a few Guy Ritchie and Simon Pegg movies to watch on the flight.
Sattache Bag ($195, Sattache). This bag is a game-changer. Designed as a shoe compartment when traveling, I placed two pairs of shoes in it. Once emptied of shoes, it converts into a bag. The Sattache can be worn as a backpack, sling bag, crossbody bag, shoulder bag, or hand carry. The picture below shows it holding both pairs of shoes.
I also tossed in a couple of tea bags and some snacks for good measure.
Below is the fully packed JanSport tote—it held everything I listed above!
The Greenbrier is iconic as the moutains are magestic gladyou enjoyed oneof the best in the country