Travel Style: What I'm Packing for a Weekend in Philadelphia

Packing for a weekend away is always a PITA. It shouldn't be, but it is. Even when you leave the "Packing for Two Beans" part out of it. Which I will.

We're headed north to Philly today. It's one of my favoritist places on earth, and my Big City Hometown. I grew up about 40 minutes outside of the city (and yes, I'm an all-Philly sports fan. Except DC United. Because I was here when MLS started, and, well, Philly was late to the game).

We're staying right downtown, at Le Méridien. Yes, we're staying in a YMCA. The building, you see, was an old "Y." It's a fabulous space, and I can't wait to enjoy it. We're walking distance to all sorts of things Bean-Important, like Reading Terminal Market, The Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We're going to march all over the city on Saturday.

Because, well...because I'm running my first half marathon on Sunday morning, very early. You might have heard, if you follow me on twitter and Instagram. I've certainly not been quiet about it. But that's for another day.

As far as packing, I'm going super simple. I need to be comfy, layered, and still not look schlumpy in the Instagram pics. (Because that's what it's about, people.) I also don't want to schlep 95 bags into the hotel.

So here we go, all into 1 bag (H gets one, too, and we're putting the Beans' stuff into ours. They get 1 little backpack each with their books and toys. Nothing more.). And while I've ranted about looking nice walking into a nice hotel instead of a gym bag (here and here), I'm cutting myself some slack. I am going for a race, after all. So my new(er) neon-pink trimmed Adidas bag it is.

1 sweater (an old Target colorblock favorite, no longer available, but love the monochromatic block on this one)
1 thin sweatshirty top (a new Converse One Star Target favorite)
1 pair boyfriend jeans (Madewell boyjean)
1 knit skirt (having the skirt and the jeans is the only choice I'm giving myself; Gap, no longer available, but here's a similar one in a brighter color)
1 layering vest (L.L. Bean, and it really does "pack away," never mind that it's insanely warm or cool, depending)
Assorted underwear, bras, and flannel PJ pants and a T-shirt

To drive up tonight, I'm wearing what I'm wearing to work. If I get really antsy about choices, I can switch out the above for a re-wear on one of these. And the boots are my Saturday (and post-race) shoes.

 I'm feeling very Geeeeer-MAHN, despite the fact that I'm wearing all-American designers (Pendleton, Calvin Klein, and, you know, Tar-ZHAY)

My running gear (I'm giving myself more choices there, because I'm freaking about about the little things, like the temperature and whether or not I'll need throwaway clothes at the start) takes up more room in my bag than other stuff. I may also have another bag with smoothie fixins. (Yes, I've gotten so weird about my morning smoothies that I don't want to risk eating something else morning of the race. And yes, I'm bringing my own blender. If I can't find a local smoothie place, that is. The little baggies in the pic below? Those are my measured-out "additives" like chia seeds and cinnamon. Weird. I know.)

This morning's "pumpkin spice" smoothie.

Needless to say, I'm excited. I'm nervous. Very, very nervous. But I'm really looking forward to a weekend with family and friends (a bunch of us are running together, and we're all doing things like getting our race packets together and going to South Philly for a carb dinner tomorrow night) in a city close to my heart.

My face of fear before my last long run (10 miles) the other night.

See you after my 13.1!

If you're a glutton for punishment, I'll be tweeting and Instagramming all weekend long - both @DCCeline!

Reliable Style: The Go-To Piece in Your Closet

As I snapped my sometimes-daily-Instagram #wearing shot in the parking lot this morning, I noticed that, once again, my plaid scarf was in the picture. And my pink tweed cropped trousers. And my crocheted sweater.

Clearly, I have some go-to pieces. We all do. It's part of what makes our style our style. It's how we interpret either the classic or the trendy, and make it our own.

Or, as in my case, it's how I manage to dress myself daily, despite an odd, in-between-sizes-and-seasons wardrobe that I still haven't completely updated since I hit my goal weight in September 2012. We won't discuss the fact that the fashion blogger can't get to updating her own closet. We will, however, discuss the fact that, in this insanely busy time, when I'm really trying to focus on some critical #DayJob changes and spend some much-needed time with H and The Beans, having even 1 repeat-I-mean-Go-To item in my closet lets me stay presentable. It even lets me feel like I'm still dressing like me.

Clockwise, from top left: Gleeful snow catching at the end of 2012; colors and textures galore at the beginning of 2013; a casual Friday gym locker room shot (with the same sweater as today, mind you); today's Everything-in-this-Outfit-is-on-Repeat ensemble. Pieces from L.L. Bean, Target, Gap, J. Crew, lillybee, and random street markets. Drop me an email or a tweet if you're curious about any of them.

While I'm not entirely happy with my closet right now, I have a few pieces, like the $5 plaid cotton scarf I picked up at a street market Down Tha Shore, I turn to, even if I feel they're on repeat at the same pace as that really annoying pop song on the radio. Its weight works to keep me warm outside and not overheat me inside. Its colors make me happy, and oh, by the way, go with just about everything. Its length covers up a multitude of fashion sins, like the mildly ratty vneck t I'm wearing under my crocheted sweater today.

If you snapped a photo of yourself every day without consideration of what you've thrown on (i.e. you're not considering your outfit as if for one of those outfit posts spread across the interwebs), what would you see on repeat? Try it. You might surprise yourself.

Travel in Style: Weekend Bags From Flirty to Sturdy

Oh, more than 8 weeks ago (I know, because that’s when I started pinning possibilities), a reader and twitter friend asked for some help in finding a weekend bag that wouldn’t break the bank. And while it’s well past her beginning-of-September deadline (forgive me?), it’s time I finally put up or shut up on the topic.

It is, after all, nearly the holiday season, when we all travel to see our families.

Yes, I just wrote that.

It’s also the Season of the Fall Weddings. Facebook, twitter, and Instagram are aglow with group shots of brides and grooms at leaf-adorned outdoor alters, group shots of college friends All Dressed Up, and even invites. So I know a few of you need something in which to stow that gear to get you from Friday night rehearsal dinner through nail appointments, the ceremony and reception, and finally the bleary-eyed wedding brunch The Day After.

The original requirements were a not-uncute weekend bag no more than $100. Easier said than done, of course, especially for this vintage-inspired-luggage addict who goes for the leather travel trunk every time. Gorgeous, but ridiculously impractical.

So I found a group of bags - some bigger, some smaller, most under $100 (but a couple of reaches, especially now that they’re on sale. Personally, if I can’t have leather, I want color.

Clockwise, from top left: Land's End Ella Vickers Medium Duffel (um, named after a woman who served as first mate on the America's Cup team? yes.), Dr. Koffer Fine Leather Accessories Chaucer Bag (see? leather. I told you), Urban Outfitters BDG Buckle Tote (the smallest of the bunch, but adorable and versatile), Lipault Plume Weekend Bag (a bit old school, comes in fun colors), Heritage Leather Co. Canvas Mason bag (love the leather and canvas mix for a mildly nautical twist), L.L. Bean Hardshell Rolling Pullman (the whole hardshell thing intrigues me, though I'm a canvas girl through-and-through, plus, well, rollerbag).

On a terribly practical note, I will say this: if you absolutely must have luggage that you need to depend on (and aren’t terribly concerned about the cute factor, though it’s perfectly presentable), go L.L. Bean or Land’s End every time.

After Mom-Mom bought me my first set of luggage for high school graduation (it’s what she did for all 17 grandkids), and my trusty royal blue canvas Land’s End set took me to my years in Austria and Germany (never mind other trips), I can’t say enough about the quality and customer service from each company. We now rely on an L.L. Bean rollerbag, complete with preptastic monogram. I can stuff a weekend’s worth of clothes for both Beans and me in it (though sometimes the shoes have to go in a separate bag). You can’t hurt either brand, but if something does happen to it, both have impeccably easy repair or exchange policies. They’re pricier than this request, but they’re oh, so worth it.

Just pick a color you’ll like - kinda like that tattoo you’re thankful you never got.

Style Dilemma: What to Wear to an Amusement Park, Redux

Yes, I’ve written this post before.

It’s also - literally, don’t laugh - the post that seems to get (unscientific assessment here, I’m terrible at all of this blog stats stuff) the most random Google searches (yes, I'm working on my SEO, people. look at me, I'm a blogger).

What to wear to an amusement park is apparently quite the style dilemma.

Therefore, and because I’m stealing a few minutes between deadlines in the DayJob, I thought we’d revisit. Why now, you ask? Well, 3 reasons:

1) People apparently want to know. You ask, I answer.

2) Because people want to know, I re-read my post. And while I think I assessed the situation fairly and accurately, I’m perplexed at some of my own response. Linen gauchos? I literally don’t know what the heck I was talking about. Forgive me? It was 2006.

3) We’re going to Sesame Place this weekend. We’re going to the park 2 days. In my off moments (like driving home at 10:30 at night, driving to the office at 5am) this week, I’ve been mulling it over. And over. And over.

So let’s take a look at what I said before, and we’ll update. We’ll also update it for “What to Wear to an Amusement Park When You Have Kids.” Because it does, no matter how hard you try, make it different.

In 2006, I assesed the situation as follows (yes, I’ve been writing proposals all week):

There are a couple of issues at hand

1. Feet - walking around all day on asphalt gets hot and uncomfortable. Breathing feet is key
2. Hair - keeping it cool & not dissheveled
3. Skin - too much sun = bad
4. Heat - sweaty = bad On target, right?

New "issues" for 2012 and “with kids:”

Stuff - how I didn’t address this back then, I have no earthly idea. Except that I probably wore my favorite cargos with 23K pockets and carried my teensy little J. Crew Magic Wallet in the pocket. So what to do?

I hate backpacks. They are immensely practical, but no matter how hard they try, they are just. not. stylish or chic. Let’s not talk about those pseudo-dressy ones that hang horribly and look like a dead animal slung to your back. That being said, a tote bag is about the least practical option at an amusement park, especially when chasing little ones around. You need 2 hands. You also need another grownup (or friend old enough to stand alone) to wait with said bag while you’re on the ride.

So, my friends, suck it up. Take the L.L. Bean, Jansport, or Land’s End backpack you have stuffed in your closet (I know you haven’t thrown it out yet because it’s just plain old too useful and still in very good condition, despite all of the ballpoint pen you have scribbled all over it). Drag it out, and use it. It’ll let you be hands-free, store all your stuff (think changes of clothes, see next item), and it’s 2 days. At an amusement park. You can deal.

You know what else I’m a fan of? Rides the kids can go on by themselves where I can stand below and take pictures.

Onward. Next up New Issue?

Water Rides - Last time I was there (ahem, at least 30 years ago), Sesame Place had some water. Slides and sprinklers and such. Apparently it’s now got a full-fledged water park. This means bathing suits and changes of clothes. (See above where I tell you to suck it up on the backpack.).

I’ve debated this in my head. On one hand, a full-coverage racing suit, or at least a one-piece that stays in place seems like your best bet where this many random children are involved. But there are 2 significant issues with the one piece:

1) It’s an additional layer. Of synthetic material. It’s August. Do the dripping wet math.

2) Access. It’s a long day, it’s hot, and you should be drinking loads and loads of water, which translates to, of course, many pit stops. It’s hard enough undoing yourself if you’re wearing a t-shirt and shorts over a suit. Try doing it while keeping The Beans from touching any surface at all (why in God’s name are those random bathroom surfaces so attractive?).

My solution, which, quite frankly, may not be for everyone:

For a water-ride-friendly ensemble, don well-fitting shorts (don’t listen to what I said in 2006 about shorts), a fitted, lightweight T-shirt of your choice, and either a bikini (we are talking about access here) or regular old underwear (in this case, I’d recommend something other than cotton, because it will get wet, and you need it to dry quickly) and a sports bra or exercise tank with a built-in bra. Important? Quick-drying materials. This is the one and only time (feel free to come back and taunt me if I contradict myself in another 6 years) I will recommend you wear gym-gear outside of your workout. If it’s not a cotton T (see my WW friend’s ode to Lycra), it will dry much faster, and you will be much more comfortable all day.

Counter clockwise, from top right: Phillies Women's Lonnie Cleanup Adjustable Cap (I have a very similar one I wear all the time), C9 by Champion Seamles Racerback Tank (I've just bought a bunch of the C9 stuff at Target, and while I haven't worn them much, love the fit, the colors, and the styles)  Women's Converse One Star Neon Oxford - Pink (my missing ones are grey, and have a Really Cool Print Double Tongue), L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack (mine has lasted me more than 20 years, 2 years overseas, and now 2 Beans), Great Adventure's Green Lantern (yes, that's Great Adventure. I couldn't resist putting it in just for my dear Tri-State-Area readers), Sesame Place (wish me luck), Purell Hand Sanitizer (the little hang-on-any-bag tags rock. an absolute must. Or wipes. After every. single. ride.), Neutrogena Wet Skin SPF 70 (do I have to explain?)

So what did I get right in 2006? Well, to quote myself:

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. There's nothing less stylish than a girl stranded in "lobsterland" because she "forgot" (as H is wont to do) to slather it on. Never mind there's less of a need for the fridge-cooled aloe vera when you get home.

2012 update: yes. Also, spray-on sunscreen is the best invention ev-ah.

Ballcap. This would be one of the very few times (the other would be when you're whooping it up at a homecoming game) I'd say: forget hairstyles, pull it back in DC's-best ponytail, toss on a cap, and leave it be. It'll keep you cool & sun-free.

2012 update: yes. I’ll likely sport my plaid Phillies cap. Who cares if they’re in last place? I am not, I repeat, not, a fair-weather Phan.

Layered tops. Cami [removed “sweat-wicking cotton” comment. Again, what was I talking about in 2006?), and a beach-inspired thin cotton button-down. A tunic would work well, here, too. Airy, light, and layered is key. An interesting t-shirt might do, too, but you'll be cooler if you're layered.

2012 update: if you really think you can avoid the water rides, this layered look is absolutely the way to go. It’s cool and chic. But water absolutely requires something, well, less fashionable.

Shoes. This is hard. My comfort inclination is to tell you to screw fashion & go tourist by throwing on the running shoes. But I'm going to pull back from the edge and say: if you don't already have a pair in your closet, get thee to any store worth it's salt (my cheapy fave, Target, will do) and grab a pair of what department stores so eloquently call "fashion sneakers." Puma, Nike, Michelle K, and every other brand known to woman now have fun colors that won't kill your feet.

2012 update: I’ve been debating this myself. I literally can’t find my favorite grey lowtop Chucks, and have no other “fashion sneakers.” While I’m absolutely 100% sure my suburban Target has a pair that will work, this is one day I really don’t think I can squeeze in a Tar-ZHAY run. So guess what? Running shoes. This is not the time (since we’ll be in the waterpark mode) to wear my trusty gladiator sandals or even flip-flops. Soggy feet and blisters will ensue.

_______________________________________

So there you have it. I might have been smoking some gaucho dope in 2006, and I will fully admit that some of my recommendations (ahem, a bikini under clothes) might not work for folks. Forgive me on that one; I’m still fully infatuated with my #healthyme results. So if this doesn’t work for you, what does work? What will you wear to an amusement park?

Also, for the record, stop rolling your eyes. Amusement parks are one of the funnest things ever. And if you disagree in some sort of snobbish, I-refuse-to-admit-I’m-an-American way, well, you’re un-American. Go. It’s like laughing out loud for no reason at all. You’ll feel better, you’ll be happy, and you will find a little bit of joy you didn’t realize you had.

Sleepy Style: Waking Up on Christmas Morning

Snuggling down for a long winter's night.

Even though the DC weather keeps toying with us (hel-LO? mornings freezing and afternoons in the 50s?), I know I'm not the only one happily burrowing in her down comforter every night. I'm the one who sleeps with her windows cracked (when H is out of town, at least - he's a tropical boy) so she gets to burrow even deeper under piles and piles of blankets. My mother claims to have left me on the porch in the winter (albeit in Richmond, VA) to nap as an infant in my pram (when baby carriages were baby carriages and not mechanical wonders).

I'm happiest cold. 

I'm also happiest this time of year because, well, it's Christmas. I'm an unabashed Christmas fan - for secular and religious reasons. Part of it is the joy that comes with the secular part of Christmas morning, and rolling out of bed to the smell of Pillsbury Orange Rolls baking and unwrapping both the surprises Santa left and the predictable we-get-you-this-every-year gifts.

Like the Lanz of Salzburg flannel nightgown we kids would get our mommy every year. Dad would take us to Strawbridge & Clothier, and we'd pick it out, complete with "Lanz" scripted into the pattern. The Nice Ladies would pack it in a box that we would wrap at home. Then, Christmas morning, Mommy would feign surprise at the 10th or 11th nightgown she'd gotten in a row.

But she did live in them, then. And they are the best. I keep trying to get babygirl into them, but she wants to copy me with "yoga pants" and a t-shirt. There is something infinitely cozy about a flannel nightgown, never mind when you top it with a flannel robe. Tuck your toes into fuzzy Minnetonka moccasins,* and you're all set for a night by the fire.

For which, of course, you need a fireplace. And a chimney. Neither of which we have in our upper-floor condo. And the Comcast e-fireplace just don't cut it.

So I'll just share my ideal winter bedtime gear with you, in all its unsexy and unglamorous glory. And see if I can't inspire one or two of you to hit up L.L. Bean or Minnetonka to get ready for January.

*BTW, go check out the Minnetonka site for the bestest mocs ever. Really must get myself a pair. Now.

Christmas Comfy by dcceline featuring sheep slippers

Style On the Fly

Life's busy, but what's new? A quick & dirty (ok, ridiculously muddy is more like it) recap of style happenings in my little world...

Rain boots: perfect timing. Just when I thought I wouldn't need them any more, the skies opened up. The Bean is very happy when Mama puts on her boots, too, so we can stomp in puddles.

Necessities purchased: been in the market for new, ah, foundation garments, as mine are nearly dead. Because I can't seem to ever get to a brick and mortar store, I went back to Ye Olde Vicki's. I was addicted to her stuff in college (even went so far as to buy matching "sets" with 3 girlfriends - yeah, we were wierd), but haven't worn it in forever. Am looking forward to a comfy new robe, though.

Fallout from the Pink Pumps: I never did find a pair, but have been having a lovely exchange with Kassie from simply soles. Am very much looking forward to a designer event coming up with the creative lead from Butter. Maybe I'll buck the economy and indulge in these pretty preppy flats.

The Ultimate Bargain: if you haven't already, sign up for DC-based CityShopGirl's daily emails. Yesterday, this gem arrived: the J. Crew Distribution Center in Lynchburg, VA, is holding an open house of sorts - 13 June 10-6, 14 June 2-6, current items up to 70% off. Hmmm...sounds like it might be time for a Papa-Bean Day, so Mama can hit the store!

Need: Rainboots, ASAP

Every time I help The Bean pull on her bright pink L.L. Bean rainboots (with the convenient handles to make it a "bahg! bagh!" when not wearing them - a girl after her mama's heart, where everything turns into a purse), she says, "Mama boot!"

And I have to tell her "Mama doesn't have any boots."

Well, she does, but she can't find them. Somewhere in the nether regions of our condo is a pair of ridiculously useful duck boots - 9", I think. I love them. But I wore them at some point 2 winters ago, and now I can't find them.

So Mama has no boots.

I should hoof it to Target and find a cheap-o - ahem - frugally chic - pair, but word has it that the frugally chic pairs they're selling, well, they stink. Like rubber. So I'm going to take this as a "you get what you pay for" (sometimes) sign, and go to my fave outdoor store. It's about time I ordered them online and just had them in hand.

Now...to choose between classic Wellington green and over-the-top seafood...

Style Poll Results: Wellies yes!

A whopping 5 members of the IR voted, but a vote is still - and always will be - a vote.

4 out of 5 of you say "yes, please!" to rainboots, though you were split on whether to go all out or play English gardener with an understated green. Here are a couple of choices for both sets.

Gardening mavens Smith & Hawken go simple...

Normally practical LL Bean gets a little prep

And Tretorn - yup, Tretorn - goes glam with Wonder Woman (via WellieArt.com)

Keep your eyes peeled for the next poll...

At Last (and we're not talking Etta James, here)

Finally, Fall Has Arrived!

Thank goodness.

If I'd had to endure one more ridiculous day of June weather with October light (you know how it just has that lovely pale orange cast?), I was going to...well...

I know there are more than a few of you out there in the Infintessimal Readership (ahem, Miss Scarlet) who are thrilled with the temperature drop. Sweaters, scarves, here we come!

So The Bean and I had a lovely day yesterday, starting with lunch with a dear friend in Georgetown.* Naturally, as part of lunch discussion (after baby and H talk), fashion came up. LatinaTerp was thrilled to have the rest of the afternoon, Bean-free (she has two lovlies), to do some wardrobe updating. The first thing on her list? Boots.

Now longer-term readers know that I have a love affair with boots - unrequited, for the most part. Apart from my amazing, honeymoon-bought Daslus, I search and search and search, to no avail. A big part of my dilemma is my calf size - I inhertited my dad's great, muscular calves. This means that 98% of the boots out there zip to within about an inch of the top before they start pinching. I know I'm not alone, either, in the calf-size dilemma - large or small calves, it's a problem. It's a discussion every fall, just like in this week's Talking Fashion.

There are manufacturers out there that make "larger" or "smaller" calf sizes, but apart from trying them on, quite frankly, there's not a whole lot a gal can do. You never know, based on cut, exactly where they'll fall.

But despite my dilemma, I search on (it usually takes me 3 years to find a new pair, which I subsequently wear to death. My first favorite pair I bought in Cambridge, England, on a jaunt with a dear friend, and wore them until the soles cracked right underneath me.) Here are a couple of my favorites for this season...

Gidigio for Carbon - these would ground a flirty little dress or skirt and frilly blouse. Think schoolmarm on crack.

Rockport (yup) sold at L.L. Bean (yup again). As a girl who grew up in "horse country" (the occasional fox hunt would dash through our backyard), I'm sucker for an equestrian style. Don't bother wearing it over your jeans (ugh, why torture yourself with skinny jeans?), but if you dare to wear this season's cozy sweater dress (I'm getting flashbacks to one I had 10 years ago), they'd be perfect. Or just plain old with a suit or skirt for the office.

I'm also a sucker for anything "hard," like Frye or Harley. Check out zappos.com for a great selection of Frye boots.

And what did LatinaTerp end up with, you ask? Earrings, 2 skirts, capris, and sunglasses. But no boots.

*Much to my dismay, I dressed my daughter in her absolute preppiest outfit (polo dress with whales). It was the dress on top, I swear!