These fascinating footsies were right next to mine when I happily flew up to the Gold Coast from Sydney on a mission of 'good style' will.

I landed at the GC airport and was spirited to that symbolic shopping mall, Pacific Fair, to talk style. Fashion. Pop Culture. Celebs. All that stuff that I write and talk about for a living.

It was appropriate I saw these feet because I had nearly completed this column, about the vibe of travel style, so totes to my travel pal's flip-floppy filthy feet for even more inspiration . . . although I'm pretty sure he won't be taking note of any style police dictums very soon.

Speaking of travel wardrobes, I recently had to host some travel 'style sessions' as Style Ambassador for V Australia. These sessions were all about packing. Yep, that thing that can be one of the most time-consuming and slightly stressful parts of going away. Or is that just a 'me' thing?

And no matter how great the trip ahead is about to be, I still leave so much of it to the last minute. Like a hour before the plane leaves. Or is that just another 'me' thing? One thing I have learnt is to stick exactly to my 'what-to-pack' list. I stuck to that motto when my 8-year-old and I went to The Red Centre and to Cairns. Cold for Uluru. And hot for Cairns. So already, a suitcase conundrum.

Ok, here goes. As far as colours were concerned we stuck to absolute basics. Now that may sound like a 'computer says no' to many of you, but one thing I have learned through lots of short trips away, is not to throw in a million colours. Yep, it made us look pretty frugal in the 'fashion' department, but hey, we weren't away covering a Paris runway show. The sticking-to-just-a-few-colours thing is really important, otherwise you end up having a whole lot of clothes that don't go with each other and most of which will stay in your case.

My packing rule of thumb is one, yes, just one, one-piece black cossie. One big black silk over shirt (bought in Bali) to go over the black cossie, if you are heading off to the pool or beach. There's a pair of walking/sandshoes; some black thongs and a platform wedge that can be my 'night time' shoe. There are some comfy black cotton jersey harem-style pants and an oversized long, layered cardigan to wear on the plane and a couple of Tee shirts; 2 Camilla Franks kaftans; some Levi's; a black cotton turtle neck (worn on plane) and a my favourite thing ever: a black pashmina that doubles as a wrap and blanket on the plane . . . and a wrap to wear out at night. There are some denim, knee-length shorts; a big denim shirt, black footless tights and a red and white gingham shirt. And two lightweight summer dresses: one from Zimmerman and the other from Collette Dinnigan.

Not forgetting, of course, some good, squashable, floppy hats and lots of accessories. It's amazing what some chunky necklaces, scarves and big bangles can do to make today's look totally different tomorrow. And you know what? It all works together. Although one memo to self: one big puffy parka wouldn't have gone astray in chilly Uluru.

And how to pack all that tech stuff we all seem to carry? All those Blackberry, Sony camera and PC leads are all chucked into one strong Prada computer bag. Yep, it was an investment, but well worth the cost. Case closed!

The only negatives on the perils of packing an hour before you leave (an addiction I have nearly broken) is you tend to pack silly things. Like 4 tight dresses (what was I thinking that time I went to Port Douglas?); to pack any piece that needs ironing (as if!); and to stuff in too many handbags.

I still think the best tips ever: always pack a fold up bag into your suitcase (for all those holiday purchases) and roll your clothes . .  don't ever fold them. And there you go!