James St Journal September: Pack with Intention

Literary paragon and emblem of considered style, Joan Didion is synonymous with precision, clarity and perception. Sitting austerely amongst the ranks of New Journalism pioneers like Gay Talese, Hunter S. Thompson and Tom Wolfe, Didion’s written approach blends the narrative intrigue of fiction with sharp, exacting observation.

Didion’s 1979 packing list is one such observation. A list of 33 seemingly mundane items reveals that her sartorial sensibility was as intentional as her prose. What began as a practical tool became, an integral part of the way she travelled and worked. The uniform it materialised was one of both utility and an assured instinct for self-presentation. The list was lean because she knew what she needed, and the uniform it produced was equally assured.

DIDION'S PACKING LIST

To Pack and Wear:
2 skirts; 2 jerseys or leotards; 1 pullover sweater; 2 pair shoes; stockings; bra; nightgown; robe; slippers; cigarettes; bourbon 

Bag with:
Shampoo; toothbrush and paste; basis soap; razor; deodorant; aspirin; prescriptions; Tampax; face cream; powder; baby oil 

To Carry:
Mohair throw; typewriter; 2 legal pads; pens; files; house key

JAMES ST PACKING LIST

It would be foolish to replicate Didion’s famed list verbatim. To do so is beside the point anyway, for its lasting appeal lies less in the particulars but more in the certainty. A certainty grounded in familiarity, ritual and arriving somewhere unfamiliar yet remaining entirely oneself.

So this James St iteration takes its cue from the same economy of thought: that good packing begins with knowing what is essential to you. Whether planning a shoulder season vacation abroad, business travel or simply a few days at the beach, we invite you to draw inspiration from our James St traveller’s edit.

To Pack and Wear:

2 skirts
Bassike – Crushed Cotton Pleated Skirt, Natural ($360) 
Camargue – Kowtow Sphere Skirt, Black ($159)

1 jumper
Camilla and Marc – Leona Knit V Neck Sweater ($350) 

2 pairs of shoes
Assembly Label – Alina Leather Sandal, Wallnut ($100) 
Bared Footwear – Chauna Loafer, Chocolate Brown ($289)

Bra
Calexico – Cosabella Dolce Soft Bra, Black ($99)

Stockings
Nudie Jeans – Women Cable Socks, Offwhite ($35) 

Nightgown
Lee Mathews – Silk Habotai Slip ($249) 

Bag with:

Shampoo
Le Labo – Shampoo 85mL, Basil ($26) 

Deodrant
MECCA Cosmetica – Nécessaire The Deodorant ($36) 

Face cream
Aesop – In Two Minds Facial Hydrator ($79) 

To Carry:

2 note pads
Museum of Small Things – The Calile X Gerwyn Davies Notepad ($15)

House key
Dinosaur Designs – Earth Keyring ($60) 

Mohair throw
St. Agni – Stretch Silk Scarf, Black ($199) 
Lee Mathews – LM x Stansborough Felted Wool Scarf ($399)

Words by Alyssa Trigg