Thursday, June 3, 2010

Traveling Light


Sweatshirt: Goodwill, $3 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Trench: Target girls' section, $15 // Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden via 6pm.com, $50 // Bag: Vintage, $14

This is what I threw on after arriving in California. Don't you always want to change after a plane ride? It's sort of boring, but quick and easy was the name of the game for this trip.

Not surprisingly, I tend to over-pack. This time around, I made a concerted effort not to. I packed the night before, didn't plan any outfits and took far fewer options than usual. This resulted in somewhat basic ensembles that repeat several key items. I ended up totally pleased with what I brought along. I didn't waste time fussing over what to wear, and, though I wasn't always dressed to the nines, I felt comfortable and pulled together each day. 

Someone suggested sharing packing tips, which I would be happy to do. Only trouble is, I don't consider myself a pro! If you're curious, here is a rough list of what I brought for this five-day trip:

Clothes: Light wash jeans, dark wash jeans, trousers (which I didn't wear), light trench, cropped moto jacket, a few tees, a blouse, a dress (which I didn't wear), a skirt.

Accessories: A couple of hats, some jewelry, a messenger bag, a clutch.

Shoes: Flats, oxfords, wedge sandals.

I did buy a few things that I wore on the trip, but that was more out of desire than necessity. I don't like to waste any time before showing off new goods! Speaking of new stuff, these oxfords are the $50 shoes I mentioned awhile back. They run really small, so I had to exchange for a larger size. Other than that, they're amazing! They look great and are quite comfortable.

18 comments:

Breezer said...

Target girls trench? Nice score! You look perfectly casually chic. Lovin' the oxfords!

calivintage said...

eep! i just got those same shoes on gilt. love this classic preppy look on you. :)

E said...

I really like the French vibe from this look :-)

MarieBayArea said...

i love those shoes. your whole outfit is classic, and the fit of those jeans and your short hair give the look some edge too.

Lisa said...

So cute ..I love the beret and trench...btw I can't believe how stylish your "leftovers" are.

Anonymous said...

i like your shoes! I want to get some brown oxfords..

Also, I like finding out what other people pack on trips, I've tried different ways of figuring out how to pack light and with good pieces to mix and match, but it's definitely not something I have mastered!

Leah Brunner said...

great trench! love the stripe shirt and beret as well

melina bee said...

such a cute classic outfit, very early 60s trouffout movie.

Chloe Marie said...

Such a chic outfit you managed to pull together, normally when I get off a plane I feel far too spaced out to put anything half decent together. I love your trench and the bag. A hint of androgyny in the look which I'm loving.

What Would a Nerd Wear said...

i find that i'm happier when i pack simply for a trip, too, even if it doesn't lead to the most exciting outfits ever.
this is fabulous, and perfect for san francisco (which can be so mercilessly cold in june!)

What About Lunch said...

Where did you get the hat, that's what I need to know. I am looking for one just like it.

Nora Frances said...

Love it! Thanks for sharing your packing list. I always aim to pack light in case I get stuck somewhere and have to carry my bag around and it's nice to see what other people find useful (or not useful, thanks for marking unworn pieces!).

Hope you had fun in Cali!

Lexie said...

you ARE a chic traveler!

Jacqueline Tavs said...

I have the same shoes and love them! you look so cute :)

Kansas Couture said...

What About Lunch - The hat is from Payless, but it's from fall/winter. Best of luck finding one like it!

mommy Orkid Belle said...

You always look great in whatever you wear. You know how to pull it off! :)

Diana said...

Very Euro-chic! I love it!

Wusel's... said...

I love the colour of your jeans. It's a wonderful shade of blue and it goes well with the colour of your Steve Madden's.