Packing For New York

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My new anthem on packing for a trip is this...
"Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication." -Leonardo Da Vinci

I always pack super far in advance. I find that, if I don't, I spend far too much time daydreaming or worrying about what I will ultimately pack. So, for my Thursday afternoon trip, wanna know when I packed? Sunday.

Granted, since then, I have altered the contents of my suitcase a few times. Add a blazer here. Swap out a pair of gold flats there. But mostly, here's my go-to city-traveling swag. (Why did I say "swag?" Because I've been watching too much Parks and Rec. So, there).

• 1 black blazer (Banana Republic - I also have an awesome one that's actually from Victoria's Secret, but my BR jacket is already quite broken in so I prefer it for the long haul)
• Pants: Skinny blue jeans, Skinny black jeans (Gap) Skinny black slacks (Ann Taylor), Black leggings
• 3 tank tops (BR, F21, etc)
• 3 loose over-shirts (commmmmmmfy)
• 3 kind of dressy tops
• 1 comfortable but form fitting black dress (va va voom?)
• Clothes for running (or sleeping if I don't use them on a run): 1 pair of shorts, 2 pairs of running pants, 2 running tops, 2 sports bras, heart rate monitor, etc.
• Shoes: Sperry Topsiders, Super shiny gold "flats," Running shoes
• A few headpieces

Some basic, completely unscientific theories behind my packing:

Always bring a blazer. Seriously. A blazer instantly classes up even a t shirt and jeans, and a basic black blazer will go with just about anything you own. If you're trying to pack tightly, instead of packing a few different jackets and cardigans, go for a black blazer.

Get the skinny. I try to pack skinny legged jeans when I travel. They just feel a bit dressier and (probably more importantly) easier to manage. For example, if it starts raining, wide leg and boot cut jeans will get drenched up to your knees. Skinny pants rarely touch the ground, so it keeps you more dry and clean!

Comfort is Queen. Because I'm expecting to be walking around a lot, I wanted to pack some comfy shoes, and Sperrys are the go-to choice. But, I also wanted to make sure I had some cute stuff for a fancy dinner. I'm also packing a pair of shiny gold "flats" that are pretty dressy, and have just enough of a heel to give that satisfying clicketyclack as you walk.

Fringe Scarf DIY

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In honor of the Pinterest Challenge, wherein the avid Pinteresters of the 'verse take a crack at actually making one of the many things we spend hours pinning on Pinterest (I know, what a novel idea to actually make those things!), I decided to get with the season and knit cut myself a scarf for my fall-ish (and soon to be winter-ish) Chicago commute. 

Found an example here.

Reasons why this rocks: 

1. It's easy. Really. All you need is scissors and a t-shirt.
2. No sewing or knitting involved. I don't have the patience for either of these activities... but taking a pair of scissors and hacking away was certainly do-able.
3. It's actually really cute!  
4. I recycled. Instead of buying something new, I took an old shirt that was on its last leg (I mean... arm?) and gave it a new life. Love that!

Make Your Own!

1. Find an old (or new, if you're crazy rich or just plain crazy) t shirt. I grabbed a gray shirt I've been using to head to the gym, which had begun to show its age (see the rips/holes in the bottom left hand side of the photo below).

 

2. Cut the shirt straight across, right underneath the armpits. You'll be using the bottom part... but if you're like me, you might end up saving the top half just in case you're randomly inspired some day...

 

3. Start from the bottom of the "loop" of fabric and begin cutting strips about 1/2 inch wide. The longer your strips, the longer your fringe will be. I cut about half way up.

 

4. After cutting the fringe strips, take each piece and pull down on it, to stretch it out and make it look less like it's been "freshly cut" (because, come on, who wants to look like they're wearing something freshly cut now-a-days?!).

 

5. Wear that thang! :)

 

**If you're crazy (impressively) advanced, try this weave-back long sleeve shirt. It's next on my cut-and-weave to-do-list, you know?!**