Packing For A NYC Fall Weekend Getaway

Tina, here.

I'm off to NYC this weekend for my bi-annual pilgrimage to the Ralph Lauren store. Oops, I mean to see my amazing and talented niece Gabrielle, who lives in the same city as said store.

Here's the inspiration for my wardrobe. Good, sturdy boots with comfy stretch pants (not leggings) and a top and pashmina. Voila.

Fall in New York is magical. There's a crispness in the air and a jolt in everyone's step. And my niece is right in the center of it all. She is the assistant to the executive editor for Cosmo. Yeah, she's kinda a big deal. We always have lunch at Bergdorf's and fit in a show or exhibit. And just love being together exploring the city. Which means I need comfortable shoes that are still way cool.

Here's what I'm packing.

(*These are items I've had in my closet for years...I don't go shopping before a trip and buy clothes just for that trip. I don't like "travel clothes." I wear out of town what I wear in town. I've supplied links to similar pieces to support your shopping habit, though.)

Starting with shoes, I want one or two pairs, tops. That's because shoes take up the most packing space. Wear the bulkiest pair on the plane if you can. I'm choosing to wear boots.

My Golden Goose boots are handsome, supportive and comfortable. I would date them if I could.

Don't hate me cause I found my pair of Golden Goose's for $150. They can easily run about a grand at Nordstrom, so look for them on sale. But I like them because they have a zipper (necessary for my high instep) and they have a narrow shaft (necessary for my skinny legs). Here's another great brand for city-walking boots: Van Eli boots for $284. Now for my second pair of shoes.

My second pair of shoes will be these ankle booties. I'm noticing a shocking lack of tennis shoes this trip. I may have to throw in my pink tennies for good measure.

So now it's time to build my outfits around the boots.

For the plane, to and fro:

These Ralph Lauren stretch black pants (not leggings) don't give me elephant knees after multiple wearings, and can be dressed up or down depending on what I'm doing...I'll wear the boots over them for day and switch to the bootie at night. Similar available here.

For tops, the general rule of thumb is have twice as many tops as bottoms. The key is to pack enough camisoles for every day so what touches you is fresh. See how brill that is?

The crossover design is comfy and can look dressy if I need it to, plus it's great for layering. Click on the image for more info.

I'm pulling out my chambray shirt for the trip. It's what I've lived in for months, plus it just goes with my theme here. Click on the image for more info.

Ok now for my wraps. It's going to be cool in the mornings and evenings, but warmer during the day. Layers are key.

A shearling vest is perfect for fall, plus it goes with my whole western glam obsession right now. This one is pretty pricey, but you can find a great vegan option here for $78.

Gahhh why am I such a good shopper? I got my Barbour quilted jacket in NYC during a trip in July for $49. Stick with us and we'll help you make awesome life-changing purchases like this. This Barbour is available here for $199.

Now for accessories. I always travel with a pashmina. On the plane, in my purse, everywhere I go.

So I got mine in Paris. Don't hate me. But here is one available for $28.

My rule of thumb for jewelry is only take with you what you wear on the plane.

Ashley Pittman Turquoise and Light Horn Cuff

I bought my first horn piece at Ashblue almost ten years ago. And I still wear it. This cuff is by Ashley Pitman, similar available here.

I've been wearing my arrowhead necklace ever since my trip to Beersheba this summer. My cousins and I used to hunt for arrowheads in the fields there, and would actually turn up treasures like this. So it's a reminder of summers past and treasure hunting - where it all began.

I know I'm a chronic underpacker, but it's for a reason. I like to travel light without requiring the help of anyone, plus I like to have room to shop. Duh. I hope wherever you are this weekend, you are loving some fall weather. And please know that we can pack you for any trip, and we will let you take more than one pair of pants and two shirts.

Thanks for reading and be sure to explore our wardrobe services for men and women while you're here.

All the best,

Tina

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