I’m about to head off on my first family vacation in (what feels like) a million years, but I’m going to be working nonstop until we leave. So… when it comes to packing, I need my bag to be simple, concise - but you know me - I still like to get dressed. I’m going somewhere it’s not blazing hot, near the water and we’ll be doing our fair share of outdoorsy stuff. Temps will vary so I’ll have a jacket & sweater, and I need to be comfortable while we’re on the move. Here are my key components for my no-brainer packing list:
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The Great’s Riding Cardigan
It’ll be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so a sweater is key. This one is distinctive and throws on over everything, but anchors back to black. I don’t care what season it is, I wear black all year because I’m messy and it shows less dirt
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Calleen Cordero’s Valle sandals
My first pair of Calleen Cordero sandals is 15 years old, I treated myself to a new pair this year because I figured I deserve it. For a leather sandal that has a minimalist construction, they are SO comfortable. The leather sole/footbed is molded and feels amazing. I just walked over 100 blocks and my dogs were barking - I threw these sandals on for the evening errands and these babies treat my feet real good - so they are 100% going on vacation with me. I’m taking this pair because the footbed is dark and it pairs back to *black* nicely
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Frank & Eileen’s Tuscany Travel set
First, this linen set is black and we have two easily interchangeable with so many other pieces I”m packing. As a set it’s a chic, put-together combination. But the pants go back to a t-shirt and the Riding Cardigan, a cream cashmere sweater and a scarf. The top of the set is an Eileen, loose and easy and will go back to any other pant or skirt I have packed.
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Some Super Comfy Pants
My Raffaello Rossi Macy pants are my vacation ride or die pants, but I planning to pack my Rene pull-on pants from Apiece Apart. They’re as comfy as exercise pants and look cute with a sneaker or a flat sandal. They’ll be comfortable when I go from work to a long car ride - and they’ll be key for the nights we go out to dinner. They say they’re dry clean only but I wash mine (hand wash cycle) and hang them dry.
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Frank & Eileen Denim Shirting
I usually pack a F&E denim shirt when I travel - because it washes easily and I can usually get multiple wears out of it before it starts to look like it needs to be freshened up. It goes from day to dinner with ease. I usually add a scarf or some necklaces when it’s time to head to dinner.
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A bag, not too big
I prefer a small-ish crossbody when I travel. When we’re out for a long day I will have another tote for more provisions, but I get the essentials in something like a belt bag (from Il Bisonte or Herbert) - but I’ve been loving this minimalist crossbody from Il Bisonte. It looks sleek but I can get a decent amount of stuff in there.
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Shorts, 2 pair
I don’t even know who I am anymore, but I am packing 2 pairs of shorts from Frank & Eileen - both are the Waterford - one in denim (so incredibly comfortable) and one in the green performance linen. I like to wear shorts under my shirt dresses (Mary or Rory, we just have a few options left, including a blue stripe Mary, a green linen Hunter and a red Rory) just because I think it looks a little less precious, more relaxed plus I can ride my bicycle in these when I’m wearing shorts. I love the Waterford’s secure waistline and big pockets - I can stuff the full and they don’t fall down.
What else? Hiking sneakers, an extra button front shirt or two from Frank & Eileen, a bag full of knitting - supplies from wool and grace, a good book (from my friends at little city books in Hoboken) and some waterproof clothing.
What’s not coming? Anything that remotely resembles a heel.
