Splendid heavy weight leggings
No6 Clog wedges
H&M mini skirt
H&M tunic top
James Perse long sleeve tee
Everlane cashmere cardigan
Admonish leather tote bag
Um…it’s freezing here, I’m layered like crazy. And I’m already disappointed in my lack of preparation. It’s not that bad; I don’t have to be out in the weather very long at a time, but my mom keeps her house very cold, so I’m a little like a lizard under a sun lamp while I’m at home – literally – I move from room to room sitting in front of one of her many portable heaters, or the gas fireplace. I should have brought my heavier Inhabit NY cashmere cardigan instead of this one, but this one was all that would fit in my carry on bag. And I was going to throw in my cheap-o puffer jacket I got recently at H&M that folds up in to a teeny tiny ball, but of course that didn’t fit in my bag either. Because, duh, I HAD to bring my clogs instead of a couple more sweaters and a jacket 😉
Which begs the question, why? If I must constrain myself to only a very small carry-on bag for 5 days, do I really need more than one pair of shoes? Given the situation, where we mostly just hang around at home, visiting, and eating, why do I get so caught up in what I’m wearing, specifically my shoes? The answer is that I need some variety. The idea of sticking to just one specific look featuring one specific pair of shoes (my Vince sneakers) for 5 days kind of scares me. But it shouldn’t, and I’d like to learn how to embrace that. It would come in especially handy for traveling 😉
Do you do that too? or are you able to stick to one look while you’re traveling?
The funny thing is, even if I pack multiple shoes for a trip, I usually end up wearing one pair anyway, because they are the most comfortable and appropriate ones for the situation. Like when I went back east in December–I brought tall boots because I thought they’d be warm, but also my Paul Green sneakers and another pair of shoes. I wore the Paul Green sneakers because the rubber bottoms were the best for preventing slipping on the ice when I was walking. So I didn’t really need the other ones. The problem is sometimes I’m not sure which pair is going to end up being the best ones.
I had also brought every cashmere sweater I own (which is admittedly not that many, since I barely need them at home), which I definitely did not need at my mom’s house, because it’s the opposite of your mom’s–overheated!
When I visited my mom in Vegas, I wore my fave Frye boots and also packed a pair of shoes. I wore boots the entire week, except for when we took a walk. Of course, I always miss my cashmere sweaters and bemoan what I didn’t pack. Maybe we’re all just clothes-crazy?!
I try to pack as lightly as possible, as typically I wear the same things over and over because they are easy, comfortable and look good. I used to overpack and not wear the majority of what I packed, so I learned my lesson! Packing for different climates is always a challenge….layering is the key for sure. I have shoe issues mainly because I always want to bring running shoes for working out, taking walks, etc., but it’s annoying because they’re so bulky. As someone mentioned above, I tend to wear the same shoes while I’m away…
Argh! Sorry to hear about you being cold. Don’t beat yourself up about your packing choices. Just make a note of what worked and what didn’t for next time. Your instinct to bring two pairs of shoes was good. Maybe next time, consider ballet flats instead of clogs? That’s what I usually bring as a second pair. Can wear them in the plane/train, in the hotel room/friend’s/family’s house, and out to dinner. They weigh nothing and pack into nothing. Don’t worry about what you brought–just have fun, it’s only five days, and maybe go shopping for another cheap and cheerful layer.