Style Dilemma: 10 Steps to Packing for Vacation

Those of you following on twitter, Instagram, and facebook know we're about to head East to Europe. It's been 14 years since I've been to the part of the world I consider a second home, and it'll be the first time for the Beans.

The last time I was in a German-speaking country, this is a shot from German-speaking Italy, up in Tirol.

Needless to say, we're all a little excited.

This will be our view for 3 days of the trip, my host parents' place in the Alps.

We're in the final throes of preparation. We all have our passports, and we have friends picking up our mail. We test-packed a month ago to see what luggage it really made sense to take. You see, if it were just H and me traveling, we'd pack the morning of our trip. With two Beans in tow, though, it's a different story.

This past weekend, then, we started packing for realz.

Let me set this straight: I am NOT a pre-packer. My MIL will start packing for a trip a month in advance. I pack that day. I cannot, usually, get over the idea that I have certain things out of commission while I pack, and there's always one thing I have to use up until the Very Last Minute that prevents me from closing the suitcase.

This time, though, I want to be done, no worries, no rushing, just hop in the car with at least 5 separate devices (2 cell phones, a Nook, a laptop/tablet, and the Beans' 2 cameras - maybe 3, if I take the plunge), and get to the airport with more than enough time to let the Beans get excited about the airport and the things we adults think are boring.

I'm also a little panicked about the packing. For, despite my friends' Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen) and Rosana's (DC Style Factory) advice, and Chelsea's faith (The Chelsea Chronicles) that I've got it altogether in the packing department, I'm worried.

Will I take enough?
Will I take too much?
Will I take the right weight clothing?
Will I take the "right" clothing?

That one? That last one? That's my panic. As a 17 year old heading not only away from home but overseas for the first time ever, I had no worries and no real inkling that there was a thing called "looking like an American." By the time I finished my year in Austria, my German was fluid enough that I was mistaken for native. Fast forward through a college year in Germany, then trips back and trips to Romania and Greece with H, well, I'm hyper aware, now, of That Phenomenon.

And I don't want to be Those Americans.

Despite accepting the fact that we are, after living years in Europe, decidedly in the Tourist Camp this time around, I just can't bear the idea. Of course, we ARE Americans, and we're proudly so, but you know the stereotype traveler.

So in addition to guiding the Beans in their packing, I'm selecting my wardrobe carefully. We want to step it up a notch from what we might schlump around in here on a weekend. For the Bean, she happily paired her skirts with blouses and ditched her favorite shorts for a tennis dress. For No.2, who will happily wear a suit to church, he won't even don a polo shirt on a regular day. We picked their things out last night, and we'll see how that goes.

As for me, my packing goals are two-fold:

1) Efficiency - everything in there has to be multi-purpose, and dress up or down
2) Anti-American - 'nuff said. I tried on a few pieces last night and that was the H-test: "Do I look like an American?" He chortled, and humored me.

So here's how I'm doing it, step by step:

1) Know your trip - We're going somewhere slightly more formal, even in casual wear. Where are you going? Is there any variation?

2) Color-Coordination - I picked one color story, to borrow Rosana's term, then pulled easy pieces out. For me, it's grey/black/navy/white. It all goes with everything.

3) Easy, but fitted fabrics - the easiest way to look schlumpy in any language is to be a slouchy mess. You know me, I'm a sucker for a good deliberate slouch, but I made sure to pick pieces that fit well AND are comfortable. Predictably (and is does this mean I'm old?), there's a fair amount of jersey and pique in the mix, with a few light synthetics.

4) Cross-training - I laid it all out on my bed, and tested each top with each bottom, making sure I had at least double-use out of each piece (I did the same with the Bean, to teach her).

What I thought I was bringing - 5 weeks ago. It hasn't changed much, but I have thought through it more.

5) The Pre-Pack - my new tool. With my first run laid out, we put it all in the suitcase to see if it would fit. With that information, we know not only which luggage works, but whether or not we have any wiggle room. (I'm a roller, by the way. H hates it, but I swear by it.)

6) Time - I checked IG. I posted the pick of our "pre-pack" 5 weeks ago. Since then, I've thought and considered, wondered whether I had the right things, and even bought an item or two to round things out. I should be writing it all down, as I'm a habitual list-maker, but maybe the pre-pack took its place this time (only so many grown-up, organized things a girl can do at once).

The Bean's pre-pack. Note the print-on-print-on-print pattern mixing and her own color story. When we swapped out a few things last night, we tested each of them with the others to make sure they work. There was nothing to which she said "No." Brave fashion girl.

7) Pull - Make like your own stylist and pull the items you intend on packing. Last night, we all pulled the actual clothing we're packing. I still have a consideration or two (whether to buy a pair of shorts in case we hike up an Alp).

8) The Plane - Pull the pieces you're carrying with you - we're only taking one change of clothes on the plane in case of the luggage disaster, but for the little one, we need to take more. Those, along with our outfits for the plane (all considered in the packing selections), are all set aside.

9) Don't touch the pile - The Beans and H are under strict orders not to touch the things we're packing. That goes for me, too.

10) Pack - It won't be tonight (I still have to stop at Target for those shorts I think I'm packing, and there's a load of laundry today), but by two nights prior to our trip, the suitcase will be zipped.

And the most important...

If we get there and don't have the right stuff? No worries. Go to the store and fix it. While we don't want to buy loads, we aren't going somewhere obscure. If we forgot something, we can pick it up or do without.

I promise a pic or two of my actual selections and their logic, but for now,

How Do You Pack? How do you decide what to bring? When do you zip up the bag?

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!

Style Dilemma: Finding the Grownup Overnight Bag

This is my dilemma, folks. Usually, Style Dilemmas come from readers and friends, or even from family. But in this case, well, here’s my story.

In January, H had his Big Company Holiday Party at the American History Museum. It was a crazy time, and I’d barely thought about what to wear. Fortunately, both of the dresses I bought for his reunion were an option. Nor did I need to think about shoes. The I-Could-Wear-Them-Every-Day Stuart Weitzman patent platform pumps I bought for the reunion (a more than worth it investment I’d recommend you consider) worked for both dresses.

So we could have a little alone time, H booked the night at The Willard. We certainly don’t live far from downtown DC, but not having to worry about what time The Beans would wander into our room (invariably early, when we’re out late)? Heaven.

We were late, we were rushed. I tossed my shoes, underwear, and next day morning clothes into my gym bag. It’s the smallest thing I have. The dresses went in a leftover store garment bag.

We ran out the door and hopped in the Uber. I mean, if we’re going to stay at the Willard, we should arrive in style, right?

We pulled up, and the doorman opened the door. I stepped out, and our driver handed me my bag. And then I went to walk through the lobby at The Willard. With my gym bag. I decided right then and there I need a new overnight bag. Well, I need an overnight bag, because a gym bag doesn’t count. I’m a nearly-40-year-old woman who counts herself among the relatively stylish (presumptious, I know), and my bag looks like I’m in high school.

Thank you, Mr. Bellman, for snapping this before we stepped out to party with Kermit, Dorthy's ruby slippers, and the American Flag.

Well, I still haven’t bought one, but I’ve thought about it. Often. And on the eve of my BFF’s 40th, when I’ll drive north to PA to celebrate with her for one night, I packed, and again I wondered which bag to use. My trusted and reliable L.L. Bean rollerbag is too big for a t-shirt, shoes, a dress, toiletries, and a sweater. Oh, and a clutch. I won’t be able to find a solution in time (gym bag, you win again), but I searched out a few small, stylish, and hopefully durable options.

Herschel Novel, Rib & Hull Heirloom Tote, Adidas Perforated Hold All (yes, I know, no gym bags, but this is a decidedly grownup one. Picture yourself arriving for an overnight in a hipster hotel on the LES, perhaps?), Graf & Lantz Carry On

What do you use for overnight or weekend trips? Do you have a favorite? Do you use a garment bag? Toiletry or jewelry cases? Please share!

Oh, and yes, I wrote this post, then remembered...I’d posted on a very similar dilemma not all that long ago. We’ll just blame my memory loss on The Beans

Impossible Conversations + World Famous Pizza

We're booked.

August 3, The Bean and I board an early morning train at Union Station, pick My Mommy up when we hit 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, and will be lunching at The Plaza (The Bean's request) by midday.

You see, I have 2 Elsas, and there's an Elsa The Bean needs to learn more about. In 2004, when the Shocking! exhibition was at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, My Mommy and I stood in lines to trapse through. It was pretty amazing to see the throngs for a woman who, at the time, I thought was essentially unknown to the average person.

George Hoyningen-Huené (Russian, 1900–1968), Portrait of Elsa Schiaparelli, 1932, Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hoyningen-Huené/Vogue; © Condé Nast

 
So now that the Met has Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations, which at its simplest juxtaposes the lives and works of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, I consider it, quite frankly, my motherly and daughterly duty to take my 2 Elsas. (The Bean is named after My Mommy, and 2 more generations of Elsas.)

Surreal Gallery View, Impossible Conversations, Courtesy of  The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I will make sure to explain to her the significance of the exhibition, the perspective of these two women. Others may scoff at me attempting this, but 20 bucks says a 5 year old has a more natural inclination to appreciate the surrealism that binds these two artists and businesswomen than most 35 year olds. Pardon me for getting on a soapbox, but there is always a way to describe something to a young person. There is always a way - we just have to find the words and let our brains and hearts relax for a minute to put ourselves in their shoes - to rephrase what we assume are complex concepts into terms that make more than perfect sense to a child.

Exotic Body Gallery View, Impossible Conversations, Courtesy of  The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

On our first trip to NYC, I took The Bean to see the Daphne Guinness exhibit at the Museum at FIT. It was stunning. She sketched. We wandered the streets of Chelsea, traipsed down 5th Avenue, and lunched at The Plaza.

The Bean sketches everywhere. Even in the cab on the way to Daphne Guinness. That look like any island you know? 

She was hooked.

I can't wait to see the exhibit and share the thoughtful beauty and creativity. It's important to me that we develop that in her. I can't wait to watch her sketch in her New York sketchbook. She has her own pink moleskine dedicated just to one city. We'll charge up her camera, make sure we have lots of room on all of our SD cards, and snap loads and loads of pictures of our excursions.

 The Bean with her camera, snapping every. single. Christmas. window on 5th Avenue in December.

Our basic plan (which we will, as before, tweet - and now Instagram - all the way, with #BeanintheBigApple) is:

Friday, we'll arrive midday, drop our bags in our Chelsea hotel, then travel uptown to lunch at The Plaza. After lunch, we'll jump over to the Met for Impossible Conversations. And, I'm sure, spend too much money at the gift shop. Friday dinner is up in the air. Traveling with a 5 year old, allbeit one who travels happily, means that we need to stay flexible. She's also as happy with a sidewalk hot dog as she is with a Fancy Dinner, so we could use that to our advantage.

On Saturday it'll be hard not to go back to the Museum at FIT again, especially since we're staying right around the corner. But for Saturday, the only thing we'll have planned, I think, is that one of our meals will be at Lombardi's, one of those places billed as The Best Pizza in the World, and one that happens to be the oldest in New York. H and I discovered it (and adding dollops of creamy, fresh ricotta to our pizza) on our honeymoon. The Bean loves pizza.

Our possible BeanintheBigApple plan on Google Maps (love, love, love being able to customize the little pins!)

I think we'll take some cues from fashionable friends who know New York well, like Emily Hargrove, of Capital Style, and Capitol Hill Barbie, now of Baby Steps in Heels. Since The Bean really does enjoy wandering shops and discovering places, Saturday will likely find us gallavanting around the Lower East Side, shop to shop. We won't mention the end-of-summer sales we'll hit (I know from our 2006 honeymoon experience - literally at the exact same time of year, almost to the day).

Maybe we'll take a look at a show. Maybe we'll have dinner with an Iron Chef. Maybe we'll head back uptown to the American Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs are always a hit, after all.

Ice cream at Chelsea Market was a Huge Hit on our first BeanintheBigApple trip

Sunday we'll play by ear as well, maybe grabbing a brunchy breakfast at Chelsea Market (or get ice cream again?), maybe another museumy stop before we head home on the train. And then you can all comfort me as The Bean goes off on her first Overnight Trip, hopping off in Philadelphia with My Mommy to stay with Grandmom and Pop-Pop for a few nights. When you figure out how to stop little girls from growing up, will you please let me know?

For those who'd like to sneak in a trip to NYC for the exhibition, Impossible Conversations, it runs through August 19th. Even though I haven't seen it yet, I'll wager it's worth a day of playing hooky and the Amtrak or Bolt Bus fare from DC to NYC.

What I Read on the Web

I’m a terrible blogger. You see, part of being a blogger is that you read other blogs. It’s part of this unspoken Blogger Code.

And I always forget.

And then I remember, and spend a “lunch hour” at my desk with takeout sushi or Chipotle veggie bowl (guac, no sour cream or cheese), and catch up on Everything I Can Remember.'

I do have a few I read regularly, women who’ve become friends and blogging confidents In Real Life (IRL). If you read the blog or follow on facebook or twitter, you know who they are. I’m unabashed in my support for them.

What I thought I’d share today is a few others, those I read regularly - or read when I go “oh, crap, I should’ve read them,” then go catch up on the last 3 weeks of posts. I’ve only met one IRL, despite the fact that all but one have at least spent a good part of the last few years in DC. I am, however, convinced that, if we met IRL, we would be BFFs.

Lord knows we all "talk" enough on that newfangled interwebs thingy called twitter.

Rosa Loves - Rosa, the lone blogger of this group I’ve met IRL, takes beautiful pictures. Through those pictures, she shares little bits of her stylish DC life. Brunching here, having friends make fashion cakes there, I regularly live vicariously through her lens. She also happens to be Really, Really Smart, working in a research lab for her Day Job. Stylish and geeky? No wonder we hit it off. It wasn’t just the Red Lipstick.

What Would Gwyneth Do - This stylish mama managed to get Gwyneth to read her blog. Ballsy. Totally copykatable ballsy, in the best of "why can't I do that" ways. And awesome. But then, so is her blog. She shares bits and pieces of her 2-bean+H life in California. Specifically, LA. Sometimes she makes me cry. I promise it’s not the style posts that make me cry. She doesn't do it often, but when she lets her fingers fly and shares some of That Deeper Stuff, go get the tissues.

Baby Steps in Heels - Formerly known as Capitol Hill Barbie, she picked up and moved to Manhattan (after Pittsburg) and had Reese. So she shifted her focus to How to Do It All. Or at least how to pretend like you do, and look good while you're at it. Oh. And she lives in Manhattan. How we never met IRL while she was in DC on The Hill, I have no idea. None. Also, she loves WWGD, too. (Hilarious coincidence, really. I swear we didn't plan all the blog love.)

The New Diplomat’s Wife - The world traveler. Need I say more? Part of what draws me to this pretty pictures blog is the fact that she started it in my home-away-from-home, Vienna, Austria. Married to a diplomat (duh, title), she shares her travels and her thoughts on style. She's a low key mama whom I didn't even realize was a mama until she sent me the link to this picture. Bad blogger me again. Just makes me pine after - I mean admire her jet-setting ways even more. She also manages to sneak in a non-cheezy-Sound-of-Music reference. Gold.

Now. Please go read them. I promise you'll keep reading them.

Style Dilemma: Chicago on Foot

We're taking The Bean on her first plane ride Saturday. BabySis lives out there (with new baby!) and H has a conference. The Bean and I are going to play corporate family.

So once we got all the logistics settled (hotel room with two rooms for sleeping through the night, very nice friend teaching us to install and uninstall carseat, travel potty...the joys!), now we're down to the Very Important Stuff.

What to pack.

Granted, I have to figure out her wardrobe, too, but she's lucky enough to have inherited some adorable stuff from dear friends. A relative no brainer.

But Mama? That's another story.

Weekends now I usually live in jeans and cargos, a totally What-Not-to-Wear target. Ambush Makeover's waiting around the corner for me. My work wardrobe isn't particularly child-tourism friendly.

And lord knows what the weather will be on The Lake in April. Monday they had snow.

So off to ponder the packing...

Style Dilemma: Wandering Egyptian Paths

N wrote in for help:

I will be traveling on vacation to Egypt this coming october and have no idea what to wear! I want to look chic and yet will be doing lots of walking activities and potentially hiking on this trip. Also, because egypt is predominantly Islamic, any clues on what I should definitely avoid (aka no tank tops?)

Any advice would be so greatly appreciated!

Upon followup, it turns out that N is going on the trip because it's been a dream of hers to go visit since she was a kid pouring over ancient egypt books. Her best friend just went this year, and she figures, "Heck if she can, no reason why I can't either." She'll be traveling on a tour with some beach time, city time, and lots of touristy desert walking time. She describes her style as "minimalist," liking clean lines and solids. As for what she won't wear? "Anything that's has a pattern that looks like old wall paper."

Last bit of important information - she's trying to "go backpack," rather than "kitchen sink" on the packing style for this trip.

Dear N,

Excited to help out. As it turns out, bluesuitgirl just made the trip last year. She'd asked for my help, too, specifically on shoes and a bag. Start with that post, and then temper it with her "real trip" advice. I've added some selections based on her recommendations. You also might want to take a look at my response to dariaux' plea for her trip to India.

From bluesuitgirl:

Egypt is such a great experience, you will see sights you have never seen before, crowded streets, slums, the traffic and all sorts of other things ie. animals, pushcarts travelling down the highways. It is improtatnt to remember that Egypt is returning to a more conservative era, meaning many women are covered to the point that only their eyes are showing.

Being a westerner, sometimes we can be a bit disrespectful because we are not aware of the proper norms. You should keep your shoulders and knees covered at all times-- meaning in even 100 degree heat, no tank tops or shorts...and with that you will still be heckeled in the streets and some random men may grab your butt or arm or any other part of your body they can get a quick grasp of. And if they don't actually touch you, they sure will be whistling.

Light t-shirts are great, khakis or cargo pants that are not heavy. Jeans were a bit much in the heat. If you wear dresses, make sure they are knee-length or longer and something over the shoulders. Layer, although it doesn't really get cool at night, it is cool compared to the really hot days.

Sturdy shoes are key. The streets and sidewalks are not in good shape, cute little strappy sandals may prove a bit hazardous when navigating the uneven roadways. If you are spending the day out sightseeing, a big floppy hat is a must--along with lots of sunscreen!

Good luck on your pre-trip shopping, N! And be sure to let us know what you end up buying - and then wearing! If you snap any great shots, we'd love to see those when you get back!

Style Dilemma: One Week, One Car, and One One-Year-Old

Yes, yes, this is another one of my own style dilemmas...but I figure someone else must have the same issues I do, so...

Must pack. Someday. Leaving in 2 days for the beach. Won't have time to pack until tomorrow night, probably. And have to do it with baby and baby gear in tow. So compact packing is key. The good thing? It's the beach. Beach requires little real clothing. It's the Outer Banks, so there's absolutely no need to dress for anything. If I bother to throw in a nice skirt, it'll be a Big Deal. And there's a washer and dryer, so if I underpack, no problem, just toss it in, and reuse.

How to pack quickly and not forget anything? Make a list, probably...so here goes...

Very Important Must Not Forget
Underwear
Sunscreen
Non-flip-flop shoes
Bikini (wanted to get out and buy another one, but don't think I can even fit in a quick trip to Target before we leave)
Beach dress/coverup
Wear around the house yoga pants and tank
Deodorant
Razor & new blade

Could Really Live Without It If I Had To, So Maybe Shouldn't Bother
Light Ts
Tank(s)
Shorts (the single pair I own that are really too big for me)
Cargo pants (also really too big, but they're cool and have loooooots of pockets)
Jeans (because)
Beach towels (the benefits of traveling with mommy, as she brings these things)
Makeup

The bigger list(s) will be for The Bean & her paraphanalia. But we'll deal.

Style Dilemma: One Last Note

One last thing on Dariaux' trip to India:



Check out this month's Real Simple. There's a great spread on tunics, with choices all across the price spectrum.



Plus, they have a bunch of recommendations for travel - some wierd, some useful.

Style Dilemma: Hot. Period.

Dariaux's headed to India for a business trip, and is looking for help:

it's bloody hot in India - 110 average during the day and 85 at night. I can't wear skirts - trousers are preferred. I can go sleeveless, however.

Well, my dear, funny you should ask, because there's a flurry of "warm weather" clothing discussions going on in chats around the region. DC's a terrible place to try and stay stylish in the summer - humidity is ridiculous. And I'm going to take a stab and assume India will be the same.

But the "no skirts" thing does throw a wrench into the deal. Skirts and flowy dresses are the au currant method of dealing with the heat.

That being said, I think you have a couple of points to consider...

1) Gut instinct? Avoid the sleeveless tops. Sun protection is probably going to be as important to you as heat beating coolness. Instead? Go tunic-y. Linen or cotton. Maybe something fun like this belted top from - yup! - Kohl's.

2) Stock up on blousy peasant tops. These first came out a couple of seasons ago, but are still relatively easy to find. Try Gap's version - a little colonial, but it still works. I fondly remember my first trip to Romania - I traipsed around monasteries in a similar top I still miss.

3) Given the "safari" look that's now made it off the runways and into our stores, you should be able to find some "heat appropriate" (after all, aren't safaris usually in Very Hot Places?) looks. All you need for that look is a little epaulet-inspired buttoning, like on this lightweight cotton buttondown at The Gap.

3) Pants - let's see. I don't think it needs to be said that linen doesn't travel that well. On the other hand, it's linen, and who expects it to be neatly pressed. So you'll have to pick your own Wrinkle Comfort Level there.

I'm seeing white pants and colored tops, but again, I'm not so sure white is the way to go on the road. I'll be practical and advise navy, black, brown, or khaki. Navy'll be your best bet for not feeling boring, I think. Try staple stores like Banana for a good linen pant. The versions they're showing on their site now are linen/silk, though, which might be too sticky in the end. Fitted but wide leg I think are your keys to staying cool.

And please, no capris. I don't care what Marie Claire says in their latest spread. I don't like cropped pants.

Oh, and a hat. Wear a hat.

Style Dilemma: Winter? Weather Packing

Baby B said yesterday, "You should do a post about how to pack for 30 degrees today, 50 degrees tomorrow. On travel." With everyone headed over the river and through the woods, some from freezing temps to balmy breezes and vice versa, she's right. How do you do it? How in Coco's name do you pack for a weekend trip when your Weathers don't line up (and your bags are full of goodies you're giving)?

Hmmm...

Baby B, I think I have your answer.

It seems so cliche, and yes, your mother said so, but layers, layers, layers. And I'm not talking the ones in your 'do. A couple of quick guidelines for that odd weather packing should do you...

1) Know what you'll be doing. If your family just hangs out, and doesn't leave the house, don't worry too much about what to wear. They know you and have seen you in your jammies before. On the other hand, if you're headed to Midnight Mass at the Church of the Hat Ladies, well, then, you'd best suck it up and check your main bag so you can carry on your hat box.

2) www.weather.com It actually works. Plan a little, and don't assume that Florida will be 80 degrees. If you do, it won't.

3) Pick 1 pair of tailored but not too fussy slacks in a wearable fabric, like twill or gabardine. You could even do a pair of dark, dressy trouser jeans.

4) Pile in the layerable Ts. Even if you're not wearing them on the outside of your ensemble, you can tuck them underneath for extra warmth on one end of the flight or another. And they pack so easily, too - just roll them.

5) Black. Or at least a single, neutral color.

6) Comfy, run-through-the-airport shoes. See M clothes shoes for reference.

7) Socks. You can put them under boots, if you have to (wear boots onto the plane, if you need to - or want to - wear them in your travels, rather than packing them), and if you don't, you can put them on while in the air to keep your tootsies warm in flight.

8) Presentable PJs and/or a robe. It's not your house, so they don't want to see you in your alltogether.

9) Little blazer or cropped jacket. You can layer it under something heavier, if either travel end warrants, or it can serve as your in-flight coverup.

10) Pashmina. Overdone, yes, but eternally useful. Great way to add color to any outfit, and great for when the stewardesses - ahem - flight attendants - run out of blankets (which they always seem to, nowadays).

Report from Greece: Boots, Knickers, and ANTM

Let's start with this. The view from our hotel room in Chania, ancient port, best known as a Venetian port. It was absolutely lovely, quiet, and perfect for leaving the balcony door open while napping in the afternoon (one of my favorite travel passtimes).

The view from our room at the Best Western in Chania

(where they have the bestest breakfast in the whole world)

But this was the middle of our trip. Fashion, as I said before, in Chania was tourist-centric, though there were lots and lots of little artisan jewlers with sweet and sassy pieces. My only treat to myself: a huge mother-of-pearl (knuckle-to-knuckle) cocktail ring.

Athens had more to its style. Big slouchy boots and equestrian boots were everywhere. Made me want to rush out and buy a pair that I didn't pick up in the States. I tried, but alas, none fit right. Given the weather (I really had to laugh at how bundled up they were), the Greek women were in tights, boots, and skirts or dresses, or in knickers. That's right. Knickers. Maybe I missed the trend stateside, but it's one that works well in transition - from season to season and from day to night. Worked especially well for young, hip mommas.

Athenian family out for a stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis
(note the equestrian boots and knickers; love the bright jacket)

More boots and knickers in the shadow of the Acropolis
(my very own MIL and one of my now multitudes of Grecian cousins, who always seems to be infuriatingly perfectly attired, despite having two children and a full-time job)

I tried desperately not to look like the American tourist, but I'm not sure it worked. I can usually successfully pass for a Northern European (which is sometimes an advantage, sometimes not, depending on the country). But I felt like I had a big stamp "American" on my forhead. Worse, "American Tourist." And so I was. There's no mistaking that I was a tourist. Thank goodness I was - there are really so many gorgeous things to see, like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is) and Sounio. Most of it is just stunning, and who the heck cares if you're a tourist; if you weren't, you wouldn't see it.

Playing model (I pay attention to Jay's instructions on ANTM) on the cliffs of Sounio, upon which rests an ancient temple to Poseidon. The site's most famous visitor? Lord Byron, who somehow made his mark (literally) all over Greece. Practically every ancient site we saw had a Byron story. Kinda the George Washington (Washington ate here, Washington slept here) of Greece, oddly enough.

The best part of all? Family. I now have about 1000 Greek cousins (picture the scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding where Gus introduces his whole family to the new wasp-y in-laws: "Nick, Nikos, Nicki..."). Better yet? Some of them live on Crete. That would be a Greek island. I have cousins who live in the Greek islands. How exotic do I sound (to a tried-and-true wasp, that is)? Even better yet? Some of them have a garden in which lemons, oranges, and avocadoes (didn't know they grew on trees - they do - I'd just never thought about it) grow. And a basement in which they make their own wine and rachiu,* a sliwowitz/grappa/palinca/weinbrandt-like liquor that'll knock you on your rear faster than you can say "opa!"

Basement with winecasks, one of the cousins, and H. (Note the ubiquitous layered T, tank, and tummy sleeve over jeans.)

As my MIL advised me ahead of time, the shoes were to die for, with colors, styles, and materials galore (lots of great patterned fabrics for spring and summer), but alas, I found nothing that fit that wowed me (even when in Europe, I have a strict "if I don't love it, and it doesn't feel really good, I don't buy it" policy). So I stuck with my star flats and Grasshoppers

The Grasshoppers (topped with the Citizens) rest in front of the National Archeological Museum.

*Probably totally butchering the spelling. Since Greek is in Greek letters, and the translation I get of it is really Romanian, that's the best I can do.

Report from Greece: Overdue

Yeah, yeah, so I'm a little behind.

And so I overpacked a little. With good intentions. Problems with my packing:

1) It never got really warm in Greece - not even on Crete, though there were some jacket-free days there.

2) The M khakis I brought, while perfect for the plane (very comfy and lots of room), were/are really too big. I wore them out one day in Athens, and found myself hiking them up constantly. I wanted a belt, but M pants don't come with one. At least not that pair.

The result was that I wore my jeans 24/7 (except for Easter night, when I wore a dress). Tummy Sleeves saved my fashion life. I played the Layer Game. Almost every day was a combination of Tummy Sleeve, tank, and sweater or T. Flats, too, as my Grasshoppers were lovely, but not broken in enough (I should know better).

So here's the edited list of what I took/wore:

2 Old Navy tanks (one in True Blue, one in a berry color that doesn't seem to be on the website)
orange sparkly Indian-inspired Chrome Hearts tank
INC sheer blue T (didn't wear at all)
4 summery, flowy tunic-y blouses lent me by a marvelous GreekGoddess friend who just gave birth to her first daughter (only wore two. One regularly, one one day only. They currently make me look much bigger than I am, and that's just not a good thing. They're hanging back in the closet for later.)
an iie
blue Motherhood Maternity dress
linen Old Navy halter dress (for some reason not on the website - wish it were - it's so non "M") (never got warm enough to wear)
a standby cami
tummy sleeves (one black, one nude)
underwear (of course)
socks (in case my feet get cold at night)
trouser socks (eew, I know, but just in case it gets cold over there - it's possible) (and I couldn't have lived without them. Note to self: shoes with teensy star cutouts leave teensy star blisters on bare feet.)
tights (see above comment, but without the "eew") (never really got cold enough)
Old Navy rollover waist khakis (Babsie D, you were right, right, right - don't knock 'em til you try 'em - and I never want to wear anything else ever again - but also can't find these online)
Citizen standby jeans
an old standby printed Ann Taylor skirt - just in case (didn't even pack)
favorite brown merino v-neck sweater
favorite black cowl neck sweater (again, just in case it's cold) (not cold enough, though)
a black cotton motorcycle jacket (Gap, 300 seasons ago, but it's still one of my favorites)
red cotton raincoat
teal silk pashmina-like shawl - perfect for the plane!

Shoes are a little extensive...but here goes
Mia stars flats - like slippers - with stars! (for some reason, 3 of the last 4 pairs of shoes I've bought have been Brasilian-born - something to look into there)
my orange flats (didn't bring 'em along)
standby black heels (just in case)
gold strappy sandals (we didn't go out, really. I was too darn tired the whole time.)
my favorite bought-in-Miami with BlueSuitGirl ankle wrap sandals (never got the chance to wear them)
my new Grasshoppers
slippers (oddly enough, also with stars)

Back from Greece - Full Report Coming Soon

I'm back.

Exhausted.

Waking up at 4am and not going back to sleep. (That's fun, let me tell you.)

I've met every relative H has (very nearly). My Romanian is better, and I can count to 10 in Greek, courtesy of a lovely diva of a 10 year old.

Short version of the trip...

Athens is full of great fashion - shoes especially - I wish I'd found some that fit. I tried, unlike on our trip to Italy, but nothing fit just right.

As a tall, Germanic-boned woman, I felt totally comfortable walking the streets of the ancient modern city. It was delightful, after our two last European trips were to Romania, land of the Skinny Minnie. Greek women have curves, and wear them proudly and stylishly (though the full-length winter coats on a 50-degree day were rather amusing. I suppose it's all relative.). I'll go back any time.

Chania, the second largest city on Crete, was quietly touristy. Our hotel, with views out on to the Old Venetian Harbor, was delightful (love those real continental breakfasts). Walking through the old city and through the local hills and seashores with newly met family members was amazing. Fashion and style were less obvious, more touristy. But I do feel like we were in on a secret that no one else knew, really - it was so quiet.

More to come - pictures and style discussion. And, of course, the list of what I really took to and wore in Greece (let's just say a joyful thank you for the Tummy Sleeves, flats, and ancient Citizen jeans).

Packing for Greece...if I ever get to it.

Let's just say that I'm thankful I've traveled a lot. Packing happens for me in about 30 seconds. 60 if it's winter and I'm trying to stuff things into a bag.

Everyone has different packing styles. Take, for example, me and my mother-in-law. My style? I just told you. List in head for a week (or not), then pack on the fly. Invariably I end up with a few too many tops, but worse things could happen. MiL? She's been packed for a month. I kid you not. MiL's a very planned and "get it done now, so I can play later" kinda gal (dinner's often cooked by the time I get up in the morning). It's served her well. So she started packing in the spare room about a month ago. She'll be packed, then think twice, pull something out, replace it, see a weather report, change it again...

So when I left this morning, already mildly stressed about trying to get further with the aforementioned thesis-type project thingy and transition my projects to coworkers for the next two weeks, I really wasn't even considering packing. It'll happen. Someday. Our plane departs tomorrow dinnertime, so I figure I'll get it done at some point. No worries. Jae and Erwin tomorrow morning are much more important (I'll feel good, even if I have nothing to wear) than getting my crap in a bag.


[12 hours after I started this post...continued...]


But I did find 10 minutes before a meeting and again after my brain conked out on work & school to make a list of the things I think I should pack. I'll spare you all of the vitamins and face products, but here's the pre-packing clothing list.


2 Old Navy tanks (one in True Blue, one in a berry color that doesn't seem to be on the website)
orange sparkly Indian-inspired Chrome Hearts tank
INC sheer blue T
4 summery, flowy tunic-y blouses lent me by a marvelous GreekGoddess friend who just gave birth to her first daughter
an iie
blue Motherhood Maternity dress
linen Old Navy halter dress (for some reason not on the website - wish it were - it's so non "M")
a standby cami
tummy sleeves (one black, one nude)
underwear (of course)
socks (in case my feet get cold at night)
trouser socks (eew, I know, but just in case it gets cold over there - it's possible)
tights (see above comment, but without the "eew")
Old Navy rollover waist khakis (Babsie D, you were right, right, right - don't knock 'em til you try 'em - and I never want to wear anything else ever again - but also can't find these online)
Citizen standby jeans
an old standby printed Ann Taylor skirt - just in case
favorite brown merino v-neck sweater
favorite black cowl neck sweater (again, just in case it's cold)
a black cotton motorcycle jacket (Gap, 300 seasons ago, but it's still one of my favorites)
red cotton raincoat
teal silk pashmina-like shawl - perfect for the plane!


Shoes are a little extensive...but here goes
Mia stars flats - like slippers - with stars! (for some reason, 3 of the last 4 pairs of shoes I've bought have been Brasilian-born - something to look into there)
my orange flats
standby black heels (just in case)
gold strappy sandals
my favorite bought-in-Miama with BlueSuitGirl ankle wrap sandals
my new Grasshoppers
slippers (oddly enough, also with stars)


And, of course, accessories...but I haven' t decided on those yet.


MiL says that the shoe shopping in Greece is to-die-for - lots of little boutiques. I promise a full report - and I'll tell you if I actually packed any of what I listed, let alone whether or not I wore it.


See you on April 11th! I'll let you know how visiting the relatives in Athens and Chania, Crete, was!

What We Actually Did in L.A.

Thursday

- V-day gift - massage from Chuck at the Pacific Waters Spa. Chuck has a unique style, blended from all sorts of massage styles - Thai, accupressure, his own techniques. My only regret? That I didn't see the sign for the Waterfall Shower before my massage - it takes 20 minutes to set up.

- Move hotels to Redondo Beach

- Relaxed old skool lunch on the Redondo Pier

- Fight traffic to show H Wilshire Blvd, Rodeo Drive on our way to family friends' place for dinner. Subsequently late for dinner.

- After dinner, show H Sunset Blvd.

Friday

- Drive to Irvine for H's lunch meeting. While away time in the standard but pleasant outdoor shopping center. Find cool shoe store, the name of which I can't remember.

- Play tourist and hit Laguna Beach. Lunch overlooking the Pacific. See MTV-show-like teenagers.

- Fight traffic for an hour. Go 11 miles. H decides that the PCH is actually the better route, so take the scenic trip up the coast, through Long Beach (Snoop wasn't home) and Palos Verdes, to Redondo.

- Dinner with a D.C. friend in Manhattan Beach. Desired restaurant has an hour + wait, so take in the scene at Shade's blissfully open Skydeck. Other than the the barkeep not knowing how to make an actual martini (I kid you not - a vodka martini was vodka shaken with ice with olives, and a gin martini, dirty, was gin shaken with ice, a squirt of olive juice, and olives), great views and a decent vibe. Dinner at Petros surpassed all previously eaten Greek food. Apparently we'd just missed Mama Petros the Sunday before...but her aura was still there. Great modern comfort vibe (a little reminiscent of our own Zaytinya), and brilliant food.

Saturday

- Fight traffic (H loves the 405) to the Valley to meet newfound friends for lunch. Long story, but H met a scarily similar guy on the plane, and he and his wife are fantastic. Wierdness? Her due date (first child) is the same as mine. Lunch at his dad's restaurant, La Fogata, on Van Nuys. Best freakin' Mexican food you've ever had.

- Skirt traffic to hit the Getty faster than you can get from Wilshire to Beverly...oh wait, that's not very fast in rush hour...it's really such an amazing place. Here we have our only celeb sighting - and it's a D.C.-style: Bill Bradley and wife. Gracious when we approached to say hello. See the Icons of Sinai exhibit. Wish we lived here. At the top of the world.

- Skirt more traffic to meet The Liquid Muse in Santa Monica. Hit Tengu for dinner. Apart from H and The Muse torturing me with the lovely sushi this knocked up gal can't eat, had an asbolutely lovely time. Vote for best booze-free cocktail: Dry soda's Lavender. I'll let The Muse rave about it. In the meantime, try it on your own.

- Pleasantly stuffed from dinner, wander down Ocean Drive in search of a dessert place. Everything was packed. Checked out the 3rd Street Promenade, then hit a great bar at the top of a hotel (Muse? help? Do we know the name?). Watched the beautiful people circle around us.

Sunday

- Breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House. No, it's not the one in Jersey. Not related, either. We asked.

- Flight home. Hate Delta.

State of mind: Sad.

First prize goes to the person who notices what's conspicously absent from this report.

What I Actually Wore in L.A.

So when I got there, I got lazy. And comfortable. Thank goodness for the California vibe...made me not need to worry so much about clothing...sounds like an oxymoron, I know, L.A. and not worrying about appearance, but honestly, when you're looking out at the ocean from your balcony after your massage gift from H, who the heck cares?

Tops (yes, I packed too many, but they all fit with room to spare, so why not? You never know how you'll feel, right?)
H&M babydoll sweater*
Favorite brown merino v-neck (Banana) all-weather sweater*
Favorite black holey cowl neck sweater (also Banana?), just in case it's chilly
Banana indigo babydoll T**
I.N.C. nearly sheer, ribbed printed indigo T (yes, I'm apparently in love with indigo)
Brown merino shell (Banana)
Brown F.C.U.K. kinda racer-back tank (yes, brown's a theme, too)Romanian iie (my fallback, ahem, signature, look)
Indian-inspired beaded orange tank (I'd tell you the designer, but it's packed, and all I can remember is that it was a Nieman Marcus purchase and the logo reminds me of Guns-N-Roses)
H's old school warm-up jacket

Bottoms
Ancient Citizens trouser jeans*
Boring but functional (and well-fitting) khakis (Banana)*
Boring but functional (and not-as-well-fitting) pseudo khakis (Banana?) - original plan are still at the cleaners (sorry, H, I forgot, too!)
Too big (but fit the mildly growing bump) Kate-inspired pinstriped trousers**

Sole dress H&M wrap dress (we'll see if I feel up to wearing it, but it packs too well to not come with me)

Shoes
New orange Nine West flats
Ancient and holey Target mocs
Ancient (what will I do if they ever die?!) bronze/gold sandals (for evening with jeans - perfect) ***

*On the original list
**Gotta-go-to-work-don't-want-to-bother-to-change-before-the-plane-wear
***which, since I haven't worn in 3000 years, gave me a BIG ol blister on the bottom of my foot.

What I Actually Packed for L.A.

Tops (yes, I packed too many, but they all fit with room to spare, so why not? You never know how you'll feel, right?)
H&M babydoll sweater*
Favorite brown merino v-neck (Banana) all-weather sweater*
Favorite black holey cowl neck sweater (also Banana?), just in case it's chilly
Banana indigo babydoll T**
I.N.C. nearly sheer, ribbed printed indigo T (yes, I'm apparently in love with indigo)
Brown merino shell (Banana)
Brown F.C.U.K. kinda racer-back tank (yes, brown's a theme, too)
Romanian iie (my fallback, ahem, signature, look)
Indian-inspired beaded orange tank (I'd tell you the designer, but it's packed, and all I can remember is that it was a Nieman Marcus purchase and the logo reminds me of Guns-N-Roses)
H's old school warm-up jacket

Bottoms
Ancient Citizens trouser jeans*
Boring but functional (and well-fitting) khakis (Banana)*
Boring but functional (and not-as-well-fitting) pseudo khakis (Banana?) - original plan are still at the cleaners (sorry, H, I forgot, too!)
Too big (but fit the mildly growing bump) Kate-inspired pinstriped trousers**

Sole dress
H&M wrap dress (we'll see if I feel up to wearing it, but it packs too well to not come with me)

Shoes
New orange Nine West flats
Ancient and holey Target mocs
Ancient (what will I do if they ever die?!) bronze/gold sandals (for evening with jeans - perfect)

*On the original list
**Gotta-go-to-work-don't-want-to-bother-to-change-before-the-plane-wear

Packing for L.A.

After I finish up a few things for work, pretend to work on my thesis (which now has a very pressing deadline), feel sorry for myself because I'm so tired, I have to pack.

I hate packing.

I especially hate packing when I don't like a fair amount of the clothes in my closet or when I don't fit into a lot of them.

I especially hate packing for a vacation trip when I don't feel like I have a lot of casual options.

The good thing? L.A. is unabashedly casual. And rubber bands are my friends.

Things that will definitely go in the 'case:

H&M babydoll sweater
Ancient Citizens trouser jeans
Boring but functional (and well-fitting) khakis (Banana)
Favorite brown merino v-neck (Banana) all-weather sweater
New orange Nine West flats

See? Boring. Not happy. I'll just have to dig and see what I can find to add in the 'case.

Turkey Day Haul

So who knew that Atlantic City, New Jersey, was a bastion of deals?

I'm a fan of the run down dichotomy of have and have-not - ok, not a fan of the dichotomy - it can be really pretty miserable - but I'm a fan of the city and what it was, is, and what it's trying to do. It's going a little "Vegas" on me, but it is fun, and it's still A.C. Where else can you stand at a craps table sandwiched between Pauly and Vinny, with 21-year-olds at the other end. It's the only place in the world where race, color, and creed really don't matter. At the gambling table.

Anyway. Diatribe on A.C. aside, what has also sprung up is a whole bunch of deals. Apart from the regular sales in the indoor shopping districts like The Quarter at the Tropicana and The Pier at Caesar's (I keep waiting for Scoop to open, but it's teasingly papered up...I peeked - the shelves are stocked, and there are people that distinctly look like hip salespeople inside, but they won't let us in yet!), they've got Outlets.

I know outlets are usually overhyped and not real deals - especially when you try to go to stores that are stores you might buy from regularly. But H and I did really well. A little patience, and an afternoon to ourselves yielded a Pretty Good Haul.

Among the purchases...

A lovely blue and brown-striped button down for H. Paired with the soft olive v-neck sweater he found, it brings a little color into his bizcaz dress. (Banana)

To replace my slowly dying LBD (that I love, it's got great detail, but I'm not sure it can survive one more trip to the cleaners), an acrylic and wool shift with darting detail. It's a little on the conservative side, but I like the mildly retro charm. (Banana)

A sweet little blousey cap-sleeve T in a great indigo and a softer than soft bordeaux angora v-neck sweater that'll both keep me from rewearing my brown merino v-neck 3 times a week. (Banana)

Mod, mod, mod. And short, short, short. So short that I really need to go find some opaque tights to funk it up. It's a sleevless, black and cream shift that harkens to Twiggy - amazingly good on me, especially since Twiggy I am not. (H&M)

Finally, a wrap dress that doesn't make me look thick in the middle. (I have a thing about me and belted stuff - dresses, shirts, you name it.) I've loved the look for years, and finally found a pop-arty black and cream (yes, there's a trend here) version that I'll be able to pair with my Daslu boots for a little office spunk. (H&M)

And last, but certainly not least, a little piece of British biker chick badass. H has been dying for me to have a leather jacket. And we just haven't seen one that was right. So the Wilson's Leather outlet finally came through. It's worn black, classic biker cut up top (lapels, easy drape), but box cut bottom, and tapered just enough at the waist so I don't look like a boy. But my favorite part? The buttons. Big, flat pewter buttons down the front and on the sleeves. Puts a little jaunt in my step. So Pauly didn't like them, but I do. And I can't wait to don it with my boots.

Asylum, here I come.