Style How To

With Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, and even more quick Summer getaways on the docket, we're prepping with a refresher in minimalist packing. Because as much as we love feeling ready for any dress code, it's not exactly fun lugging around an overpacked bag, either. Cutting down on what makes it inside your weekender bag has everything to do with staying calm, cool, and collected. Ask yourself: What's the weather going to be like? Are there any formal evening events involved? Is there room to recycle outfit pieces? Those answers should help shape the contents of your packing strategy, along with employing a level of self-restraint, of course. Read on for our quick tips for packing (light) like a pro. Have one to share? Do so below!

• Don't underestimate the power of making a list. Write down the bare essentials of what you'll need for your trip, wherever the final destination may be. Key word here is basic: bras, underwear, socks, a pair of jeans, a warmer layer for the evenings, a chic go-with-everything dress, and so on. Then, follow your list without exception — it'll help you to not go overboard when you start digging into your wardrobe.
• Do be reasonable. Override that voice in your head trying to convince you that you absolutely need six tops for a three-day trip. You don't . . . and the practical you knows that.
• Don't skimp too much. If you know that you're going to a wedding with formal dinners planned every night, then yes pack a few extra dresses. The trade-off? Include a neutral-toned pair of ankle-strap sandals that go with each outfit, so you don't have to overload on the shoe front.

More tips after the jump!

Let's just cut to the chase — oil stains don't have to be the death knell of your soiled clothes. In fact, it's pretty easy to rid those pesky grease spots from your favorite tees and jeans with our quick five-step SOS drill. Just remember: at the moment of stain disaster, try not to panic, don't despair, and definitely avoid rubbing at the stain. Do those three things at the outset and you're already off to a running start. We promise, there's life after olive oil spillage and butter-related crimes, and our tips below will not only help you combat those oil stains, they'll lead you straight to stain removal victory.

1. Pre-pretreat it. Before the real battle begins, cover the stain with cornstarch and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Then, simply shake off the excess powder before heading to step two.
2. Shout it out. There's a reason why this brand has become a household name — Shout is awesome. It literally saves (clothes') lives. In regards to oil stains, you want to spray the area with a solvent-based stain remover, like Shout Advanced Stain Remover Trigger Spray ($5), and gently blot.

Read more stain-fighting tips here.

Kate Hudson showed off her slick styling skills while visiting the Late Show With David Letterman yesterday, donning not one, but two hot-pink looks. The gorgeous actress radiated as she entered the studios wearing a slightly more casual Michael Kors bright pink knit top, black leather pencil skirt, and white Christian Louboutin pumps. And on her way out, Kate made a quick change into a more evening-appropriate ensemble in a black Barbara Bui long-sleeved, drop-waist dress paired with suede pink pumps. Even if you're not a typical "hot pink" kind of girl, Kate proved that just a pop goes a long way. Read below for more easy styling tips, then shop similar pieces below.

• Since hot pink is enough of a statement on its own, make sure to accessorize with minimal jewels and simple shoes, like stud earrings and pointy-toe pumps or flats.
• Balance out the girlie hot-pink hue with a little leather; we love how Kate incorporated the subversive texture into both of her looks.
• Since you want your hot-pink accents to stand out, stay away from complicated cuts and opt for cleaner silhouettes and lines, like simple pencil skirts or classic-cut blouses.

The '90s are back in action, and here's one supereasy way to channel the trend in one minute flat: wrap a shirt around your waist. If you're looking to emote that cool Johnny Depp 21 Jump Street style, then pair a plaid shirt with denim shorts for full-on grunge appeal, or take a more subtle approach and style it with trousers and a sheer blouse. Even more, you can swap out the plaid option for an army-green shirt for a slightly less obvious take on the trend — we love how Alexa Chung paired hers with a cute short set. Just remember, the key to getting this right is choosing an oversize silhouette (the shirt should hang around your knee area), and don't forget to snoop around your boyfriend's closet for an unexpected score before hitting the shops.