It's All in the Travel Bag

When I am preparing for a trip, I try to acknowledge that working with a limited closet requires being cognizant of how separate garments will match and how they'll keep after living in luggage for extended periods of time. This applies to my accessories and bags as much as it does my outfits. Some items are automatically out of contention due to their impracticality or travel unfriendliness. For example heavier handbags, like this old favorite- the Marc Jacobs Stam hobo, have never left the city by plane.

Even when I've brought it with me on short journeys (to DC for example), it ended up getting very little use because of its heft.

For the last half dozen or so extended trips that involved plane rides, I've brought with me my two lightest and most versatile handbags to use during the days and evenings: Balencaiga Day and City. They're so easy to fold/roll, and take up such little carryon space.

The black and gray match just about everything I would bring with me. Making any additional bags, unnecessary. They're also very lightweight which is good when you're saddled with cameras, maps, scarves, bonus layers, and sundry souvenirs.

En route to my final destination, I pack the bbags into bags. I usually stuff one into my beloved, lightweight, sleek, and incredibly mobile (thanks to its inline skate wheels) Heys XCase 20" Carry-On. This fits very easily into overhead bins AND in a pinch I've even stuffed it under my seat.

I bought two of them (in grey and black) for a song at the closing sale of Pittsburgh's now-deceased Filene's Basement.

The other purse goes with me into my durable Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Folding Tote. 

It has a secure zip closure and is so sturdy and lightweight, it is kind of ridiculous. I got the above one (which was a seasonal offering) from the Great Fall 2008 Saks Sale. This fits very easily underneath the seats. The heavy nylon keeps everything safe (since I am fussy about putting anything leather onto the floor). It also holds a TON of stuff. I fit my leather bag (with purse contents), laptop, spare pair of ballerina flats, quart bag of liquids, snacks, jewelry pouch, cosmetic pouch, pashmina scarf (to double as a blanket if I get cold on the plane), magazines, book, and a spare outfit, easily.

I've often considered bringing more formal looking or uniquely colored bags with me on my travels but I always force myself to reevaluate the impulse to overpack prior to departure of my home. I remind myself gently that the more I bring, the more I'll have to hulk around airport(s), onto mass transit, into taxis, etc. And the less space I'll have to bring home new, exciting finds!

How do you travel your belongings? Do you have a beloved duffle? A system of emergency Baggus? Do you go the Rachel Zoe route and Fed Ex everything to your hotel so you don't have to think about it? I'd love to know your strategy.

Mad for Plaids: More New Orleans dressing room photos

It was pretty cold while I was down south. With highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, it barely felt like a break from the bitter cold of SWPA. And in my silliness, I actually thought I might get to swim in the unheated pool at the W New Orleans, where I stayed.

View from my room on the 22nd floor. I could see the casino, the Mississippi River, and the World Trade Center.

The sun made everything more bearable, at least. And compared to 2+feet of snow and highs in the high 20s, 50 did feel almost tropical. 

But spring fashions were ubiquitous on racks of boutiques and local outposts of familiar shopping haunts. I did manage to find a few warmer flannel options to layer for when I'd return to Pittsburgh.

 

This dress is a size medium and it was snug around my hips and thighs. I didn't buy it but I really liked the dark colors. 

This blue flannel dress had a flattering shape and was marked down to $19.99. I took a medium and have worn it many times since!

I also bought this foofy lace skirt from Urban Outfitters sale section and have worn it a few times already. If I wear it with too much black it can look a little more goth and witchy than I want. So I try to soften it with colored tights or a lighter cardigan.

Dressing Room Report

One thing I like about traveling is how easy it becomes to rationalize otherwise indulgent luxuries only reserved for bad days or special occasions. For example, I wouldn't usually eat a plate of beignets for breakfast at home, but while traveling, it becomes an entirely reasonable meal.

Beignets from Cafe du Monde

And meandering around a fairly empty department store, opting to try on full price stuff with little intent to buy becomes a way to kill an hour of spare time.

 

I've always been drawn to polka dots, even though I can't recall the last time I wore them. But when I saw this silk and ruffled dress by Nanette Lepore I decided to move from being the customer who was "just browsing" into one who, "would love to start a fitting room." This is a size 8 or 10. I can't recall which. But it fit loosely on top. This dress also had substantial shoulder pads which was an alarming surprise. Although I liked it, it didn't wow me.

Nautical sails and seagulls enticed me to grab this silk Tibi dress. The size 10 was ill fitting on me.

The next few dresses were from the Urban Outfitters sale racks in New Orleans. This dress was cute but a little more body conscious than I wear.

This heavy corduroy dress by Lark and Wolf by Steven Alan reminded me of an APC dress. But I didn't buy it because it was a little big on top (particularly when I turned to the side, the back bloused strangely).

I'll post the remainder, including things I actually purchased, tomorrow.