SUMMER PACKING GUIDE: 1 WEEK IN NYC

Next up in my summer packing series is the city that I called home for 6 years. With it's museums, theater, restaurants,, shopping and people watching, New York City is a top tourist destination for good reason. When visiting anytime of year, I recommend sticking to a muted palette that won't easily show the city's grime and dirt. Here I've chosen white, black and green. 

For summer, I love light airy pieces that won't leave you sweltering whether you're walking down Fifth or catching the N train uptown. I find that often people underestimate just how hot the city can get in the summer, so I recommend airing on the side of scorching, but also bringing along a few pieces that can be layered up in case you get chilly at night. 

I also recommend packing a variety of separates that are slightly dressy. I find that this is the key to ensuring you can go anywhere you like without feeling underdressed. For your purse, I definitely recommend a crossbody so that you can explore hands free. Finally, for shoes comfort is key and for me that means sleek sneakers (not running shoes), ballet flats and ankle boots.  

white tee / green linen camisole / green linen tee / white cotton button down / black dress / sunglasses / cotton polka dot top / black pencil skirt / black blazer / jeans / cap toe pumps / slip on sneakers / silk scarf / black purse / long necklace / gold hoops / signet ring / suitcase

SUMMER PACKING GUIDE: 1 WEEK IN CHARLESTON

Summer is practically synonymous with travel and each year a few cities stand out as the go-to spots for a week away. Over the next few days, I'm going to share a mock 1 week packing guide for some of the top travel destinations in the country. Since I'm lucky enough to call Charleston home, let's kick things off with this lovely southern city. 

When visiting Charleston in the summer, it will undoubtedly be hot, VERY hot. The average temps from June through August hover right around 90 degrees with a constant heat index of over 100. Couple that with the soaring humidity, and you have a perfect recipe for soupy, often uncomfortable conditions. Despite this though, you can still have a wonderful time if you plan correctly and bring along plenty of airy cotton and linen. Trust me, summer in the south and synthetic fabrics don't mix. 

To compliment the gorgeous colors that line every historic street downtown, I've selected a palette pf pale blue, white and pink. For footwear I've chosen a simple pair of sandals, slip on sneakers for the days you want to walk a lot and espadrilles for dressing things up slightly from day to night.

For accessories, I would bring your finer pieces and avoid anything plated or faux because it can discolor and tarnish very quickly when you're sweating constantly.

For handbags, I would bring a light straw bag and a smaller clutch or crossbody with a chain instead of a leather strap because if you're planning on walking a lot and inevitably sweating while wearing your bag's strap across your chest, the leather dye can sometimes transfer, and stain your clothes. 

A great pair of sunglasses and a straw bag complete everything. 

white tee / pink cotton blouse / striped linen blouse / white cotton top / striped linen dress / denim skirt / white shorts / black pencil skirt / white cotton button down / brown sandals / espadrilles / slip on sneakers / straw hat / sunglasses / gold hoops / signet ring / black purse / straw bag / suitcase

How To Not Look Like A Tourist | 6 Things NOT To Wear In Europe

I've been very lucky to travel a bit in my life, both within the United States and abroad. Every time I've traveled I've not only had an amazing time but also learned a lot, and today I want to share some of that in the form of 6 things you shouldn't wear, if you want to fit in while traveling. Before we hop into my tips, let's review why you'd want to assimilate while traveling. Also, OBVIOUSLY these are very broad generalizations and I don't mean to imply that these are universal truths across all people and countries. Of course each place has individual and unique customs and traditions that should always be celebrated and respected. Labeling this blog post and my corresponding video in a very generalized "Europe" helps with YouTube analytics and I don't mean to imply that "Europe" is one large concept with a uniform identity. Also, it goes without saying that the tips I'm sharing here are just general dressing tips, that when coupled with respect, cultural sensitivity, a true interest in the place I'm visiting, and at least a few words and phrases have helped me have a more enjoyable, immersive experience.

• You'll have a more immersive experience and get to see the places you're visiting from a participant's perspective, rather than just an observer's perspective
• You won't be easily identified as a tourist, which will make you less of a target for pick pockets, price gouging etc.
• You won't be turned away from certain places like churches and some restaurants 
• It's more respectful of the place you're visiting to try and assimilate and your clothing is a nice place to start  

1. Head To Toe Gym Clothes

The first thing I like to avoid wearing while on vacation is head to toe gym gear. Even though athleisure is very popular these days, I like to skip the gym look from head to toe because it's more difficult to transition from day to night.

Let's say for example, you're out and about sightseeing in gym clothes and lose track of time. The next thing you know, it's late evening and many restaurants are winding down so you don't have time to pop back to your hotel and change. If you're in traditional gym clothing you won't easily be able to stop into any restaurant for dinner, and may even have to resort to a quick meal at a fast food chain.

To remedy this, I like to dress up slightly at the beginning of the day so that I can easily transition into evening. In place of leggings, I'll opt for some easy to wear trousers like these that have an elastic waist band but still look perfectly polished. Instead of a sweatshirt, I'll go for a classic sweater (cashmere and cotton are always great for travel), and instead of running or tennis shoes, I'll opt for a sleek city sneaker. I would love to add a pair of slip on sneakers to my closet for this reason because they look more polished than other sneakers and are easier for TSA when it may be too warm for ankle boots.

2. BASEBALL CAPS

Next up is baseball caps - especially those with American team logos. In my experience, these are a dead giveaway that you're from out of town.

Even though I definitely I saw baseball caps (even Yankees caps) more in recent years, they're still not common and they're a very easy way to spot a tourist. Much like my first tip above, these are also far too casual for many places so again, you run the risk of being turned away from places - or being told there are no open tables when really there are.

To avoid this easy identifier, I recommend leaving the baseball cap at home and instead, opting for a more dressed up option like a fedora or straw hat. I find that these look so much more polished but still cover your head and shield your eyes.

3. BACKPACKS

Not only are backpacks easier for pick pockets to reach into, AWFUL for public transit because they take up so much space around you, but they're also too casual for many activities. For example, you can't easily wear a backpack to a semi-formal or even many casual restaurants in major cities.

Instead, I like to opt for a sleek crossbody bag that I can easily carry hands free and also hold in front of me while exploring. This is a tip I learned while living in NYC and it keeps my belongings safe, while also looking more put together than a classic backpack.

Another tip is to avoid walking around with a water bottle or take away coffee cup because it's often uncommon to take your beverages to go outside of the United States, so you'll likely stand out more easily.

4.UNCOMFORTABLE SHOES & FLIP FLOPS

If you aren't used to walking a lot, and you walk long distances on vacation your feet will probably ache no matter. That said, you might as well give yourself a fighting chance by wearing comfortable shoes.

Not only will comfy shoes make your entire trip more enjoyable, but they'll also be more practical for the often uneven, old streets and steps that are so common in older cities.

Along those same lines, high heels and the uneven cobblestone streets throughout Europe and older cities do not mix, so I recommend going for a flatter option during the day, and then switching into your heels for dinner if you'll only be traveling a short distance or maybe taking an uber.

If you want some height during the day though, try a wedge or a pair of ankle boots with a small, stacked heel. I love these because they keep your foot secure, they're incredibly comfortable and they go with everything. 

Another shoe style I would avoid bringing on vacation are flip flops. In my experience, this classic pool shoe is much too casual for many places so much like the other tips I've shared, you run the risk of being turned away from restaurants if you're wearing them. Instead, I like to pack a sleeker sandal that looks more thoughtful than flip flips but are just as comfortable - if not more comfortable. 

5. FLIMSY RAIN COATS

While traveling you're bound to run into unpleasant weather conditions like rain. Often when a rain storm strikes and you're unprepared, you'll be forced to pick up a flimsy, plastic windbreaker on the side of the street. 

These cheap toppers are a dead giveaway that you're not local so if I'm traveling during a rainy season, I like to bring something that can stand the rain.

A traditional trench coat or waxed cotton coat are perfect for this. 

 

 

6. ANYTHING TOO EXPOSED WITHOUT A COVERUP

Last but not least, if you plan to pop into old churches while visiting new cities (especially those in Europe), it's important to keep the dress code in mind.

Generally speaking, most of these churches have a dress code that prohibits exposed shoulders and sometimes even knees. To ensure you can visit as many of these icons as you'd like, I recommend bringing along a 1 or 2 longer hemlines and an easy coverup like a cardigan or shawl.

And there you have it! I've embedded my corresponding video below and I'd love to know if you have anything to add to this list. Do you have any dress code recommendations you think are worth noting? Let me know in the comments down below and like always thank you so much for watching. 

10 Packing Mistakes We All Make

You know I love to pack light. I can't remember the last time I checked a bag, and regardless of where I'm headed I never take more than a carry-on. In fact, I've even managed to bring nothing more than a medium sized tote for almost a week away, and have even packed 2 weeks of items into a single carry-on. Needless to say, as I've refined my packing methods over the years, I've made plenty of mistakes and today I want to share those with you - along with some easy ways to combat them.

MISTAKE 1: LISTENING TO EVERYONE ELSE & NOT YOURSELF

Especially with the growing number of voices available on the internet, it's so easy to become overwhelmed with packing advise. Everywhere we turn someone new is telling us what we should and should not be packing and quite frankly most of it is wrong - my own advise included. So mistake number 1 is listening to everyone but yourself. Whether it's me or someone else you trust, just because something works for them doesn't mean it will work for you and especially in the age of minimalism and living lightly it's so easy to feel like an outcast if you choose to check a bag. So, if you prefer to check a bag and can't get behind the whole carry-on movement, then don't. Go ahead and check your bag. My only bit of advise here would be to find a system that works for you rather than against you. If traveling is stressful for you, then try and take some time before your next trip to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your packing and travel plan so that it's a more enjoyable experience. After all, travel is such a wonderful thing and if we're lucky enough to travel, we shouldn't let a few packing redundancies cause us to avoid it all together.

MISTAKE 2: NOT PACKING DUPLICATES

Here's the thing, just about any packing video you watch or article you read will neatly outline a list of essentials that can be mixed and matched for the entirety of your trip. These lists, much like capsule wardrobe guides will typically include only 1 of each given category - i.e. 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of pants etc.

The point of all of this is to make packing and downsizing seem manageable, effortless and ultimately aspirational. Who wants to be told they need to pack 3 pairs of jeans to have a great trip? That gets overwhelming really quickly, and we'd all much rather be the chic jet setter that can make one pair of jeans work for two weeks of travel.

The problem with this approach, much like what I mentioned earlier is that these guides are just that - guides. They are not meant to be taken literally and instead, they should always be tweaked to suit us and our individual needs. So whether you just prefer jeans over pants or won't be able to launder your clothes and hate the feel of third day jeans, I recommend that you pack (and buy) duplicates whenever you see fit. 

MISTAKE 3: BRINGING ONLY WHAT YOU NEED

Much like my tip before, this next one is a tricky one to reconcile in the age of minimalism. I know I myself have advised that you only really need one white t for example, but the truth of the matter is that pieces like t-shirts, lightweight shorts and even slim cardigans and sweaters take up so little space in our suitcases that we should never feel guilty about throwing in a few extras.

You never know when you may want to wear your v-neck instead of your crewneck and you shouldn't feel like you're doing without just for the sake of meeting an arbitrary packing number. That said though, try not to go nuts and embrace the power of having a plan. For example, I find that planning my outfits ahead of time helps me pack within reason, and not make avoidable mistakes like bringing a wool sweater to a beach getaway.

MISTAKE 4: SKIMPING ON ACCESSORIES

You know I love accessories. I think they're an invaluable part of every great wardrobe and especially when traveling, I like to load up on scarves, necklaces and earrings.

Not only do they take up very little space in my suitcase, but they can instantly change up anything I'm wearing. Just by swapping my accessories, I can rewear the same dress multiple times without getting bored.  

This becomes particularly useful when traveling so that I can cut down on the bulkier items and instead, sneak some scarves and jewelry into any nooks and crannies I have in your luggage.

MISTAKE 5: NOT WEIGHING YOUR SUITCASE

Most airline providers have size and weight restrictions for your luggage and too often we don't consider both.

Not only will choosing a lightweight bag ensure that you're not struggling through the airport to make it to your gate, but also that you're carry-on bag (that you worked so hard to pack) isn't checked at the last minute.

Also, be mindful of any changes in weight requirements as you make connecting flights. This is often something that needs to be triple checked when the second or third leg of your trip takes place abroad and often on a much smaller plane. 

MISTAKE 6: NOT PACKING AHEAD OF TIME

Waiting until the last minute is one of the worst mistakes you can make when it comes to packing. Do so causes you to feel rushed, forget things, overpack etc. For many of us, packing is already stressful and waiting until the last minute only makes it worse. To remedy this, I recommend starting at least a few days before your trip by checking the weather and starting to think about what you'll bring. In my experience, some work behind the scenes makes the whole packing experience a lot easier. Let's say, for example, that you love Pinterest but hate packing. You may benefit from spending more time on Pinterest getting outfit inspiration a few days or weeks before your trip, so that you have a clear idea of what you'll want to bring. That way, when you go to put everything in your suitcase you already have an idea of what to pack and aren't starting at square one with no time to spare. 

source

MISTAKE 7: NOT FITTING IN

Next, I think it's valuable to try and fit in wherever you're traveling. I think it''s so important to take the time to research local customs and dress codes and then try to dress accordingly.

For example, we tend to dress far more casually in the United States than many places in Europe so I find that I personally need to elevate my daily looks slightly to feel appropriate. Now, this isn't to say that you should wear a costume while traveling, and I don't recommend trying to dress like a caricature of the society you're visiting, but I do think that a little cultural sensitivity is always welcome.

Using the example of Europe again, I think that dressing up more than you normally would is a small way of showing respect to the places you're visiting and doing that, along with trying to address people in their native language is a nice practice to adopt when traveling. Along those same lines, it's important to respect local customs and bring the necessary clothing for visiting places of worship etc.

MISTAKE 8: NOT CHECKING THE VOLTAGE OF YOUR ELECTRONICS

Next up is not checking the voltage of your electronics before throwing them in your bag. For me, this typically applies to my hair tools and it's such a small detail that's easily overlooked.

For example, when Jason and I visited Paris a few years ago I needed to swap my usual curling iron for a dual voltage tool (like my beloved GHDs) so that I could use it abroad. It's definitely worth triple checking this information before you leave so that you don't accidentally fry your favorite blowdryer or worse, cause electrical issues where you're staying. If you don't already have a dual voltage tool and don't want to buy one, most hotels and Airbnbs have them on hand for you to use. 

MISTAKE 9: FORGETTING TO PACK ADAPTERS

Along those same lines, it's so easy to forget an adapter when traveling and they're essential to ensuring you can actually use the electronics you bring. You can find these everywhere these days and to ensure I never forget mine, I keep a few permanently stowed in my suitcase so they're always there when I need them. 

MISTAKE 10: NOT CONSIDERING YOUR FABRICS

Last but not least, is not considering how well your fabrics will travel. I spend a lot of time here and on my YouTube channel discussing the benefits of natural fibers like cotton, wool and cashmere.

I love how these materials feel on the skin and they tend to regulate our body temperatures better than synthetics. For these and many other reasons, they're a wonderful part of every wardrobe and are also great for travel.

That said though, these fabrics do have a tendency to wrinkle and pill so it's important to either bring a steamer or ensure that you're hotel has an iron on hand to handle any creases that may arise. In addition to these wrinkle prone pieces, I tend to bring along more wrinkle-resistant items when traveling because they're no fuss and allow me to get ready quicker. I have a few jersey items that I love for this and recently I discovered Everlane's "Go Weave" technology which is virtually wrinkle-resistant. I picked up a pair of the Go Weave Slouch pants and can attest that they really do stay wrinkle free most of the day! 

And there you have it! You can watch my corresponding video to the right and I'd love to know any packing tips you have.

Let me know in the comments down below or over on YouTube and like always, thanks so much for watching.