Holiday Style: Long Weekend Packing

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had fun this weekend, and that this short work week flies by for all of us.  Since this is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, I put together a bit of Thanksgiving weekend packing inspiration for those of you who will be away from home.

Here are some outfit ideas that will fit in a carry-on, and take you from airport to eating to shopping to watching The Family Stone while drinking hot chocolate on a sofa (everyone does that, right?)

thanksgiving packing 2013 by cardiganjunkie featuring pave jewelry

Have safe travels, ladies!  Let's try not to over pack...

P.S. I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to my mom.  I love you!

Reader Request: Theme Park (Casual) Style

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend, and were able to avoid the terrible heat that's overtaking Texas these days.  However, sometimes going inside isn't an option, like if you're planning a trip to Disney World like my friend Jo Anna.

She asked me to help her plan a few outfits, and I was happy to put some thought into it because I think so many people either give up entirely and wear as little as possible, or go too far in trying to be stylish and end up with painful feet and impractical outfits.

I approached this request a few different ways:

1. All-American summer style: Think red, white and navy blue with classic accessories

2. If Taylor Swift went to a theme park:  There will be Keds, of course, and a ladylike peplum top and glam sunglasses

3. Sporty chic: A quirky t-shirt and bright patterned shorts goes nicely with comfortable tennis shoes

theme park (casual) style by cardiganjunkie featuring shoulder strap purses

You'll notice that all three outfits feature breathable fabrics, and the shorts are long enough to be comfortable and keep your parts covered while you sit in plastic chairs recently vacated by lord knows who.  I only picked shoes with a good thick sole, and all can be worn with no show socks to avoid blisters.  Honestly, this is the most important part of the outfit.  It all depends on your feet, of course, but most people cannot stand around for hours in a shoe with no arch support and do it again the next day.

I also recommend a small cross-body bag to hold your money and sunscreen, and you can carry it on to most rides.  Seriously - don't forget the sunscreen!

Hopefully this was helpful!  If you have any suggestions for Jo Anna, leave a comment!

Reader Request: Packing for a Packed Schedule

Good morning!  Today I'm excited to help our Valentina, who is about to embark on a pretty hectic trip where she'll be attending a retirement barbeque, a Mother's Day gathering, two days of work, and a baseball game.  Wow, that makes me tired just thinking about it!

She doesn't want to bring her whole closet to Michigan with her, so I had a good time putting together an illustrative scenario that would allow her to only bring a carry-on bag:

packed schedule packing by cardiganjunkie featuring a liz claiborne necklace

Although she may need to wash/Febreze some clothes, it's possible to dress for varied occasions with the same pieces.  At the barbeque, a great pair of dark slim-cut jeans will look casual but classy with a ruffled blouse.  Then, the same blouse can be paired with black slacks (or a skirt) and blazer for work.  A basic black dress can go casual or church-appropriate for Mother's Day depending on the jewelry and (optional) cardigan, then make a second appearance at work with a blazer on top and serious heels.  Finally, some casual pieces that are perfect for the baseball game can be remixed with jeans and other layers for the plane ride home.  Add some pajamas and 1-2 more shirts just in case, and you'll be set!

Traveling Light: Spring Packing List

I am an over-packer.  It's surprising since I'm pretty good at telling people how not to do it, but I tend to bring lots of options wherever I go.  Although I don't have a trip lined up at the moment, I'm dying for a weekend away somewhere where I have no obligations except to finish the books I brought and try out the best restaurants in town.  I would also pack lightly and make myself fit everything in my smallest bag.  Definitely.  Maybe.

Here's what I'd take if I were leaving this week:

spring 2013 long weekend packing by cardiganjunkie featuring liz claiborne

What's your favorite (domestic) long weekend destination?  I need a vacation!

Reader Request: Packing for a Beach Vacation

It's Monday and I'm not thrilled about another week of work, but as the days pass, it means we're closer to warm weather and the vacations that we look forward to all year.  Last week I talked about crossbody bags, and this week I'm excited to address a request from Anne, a reader who is planning a Hawaiian vacation and wants some easy looks that will take her from the beach to outdoor activities to luaus.

She also wants to be able to wear a regular bra most of the time (a requirement that I seek from clothing as well) and not pack multiple bags.  It's not an easy feat, but I think I've put together some good ideas:

Tropical Packing - In 1 Suitcase by cardiganjunkie featuring loose tank tops

What you'll need:

• A selection shorts (patterned and solid) that will look easy and stylish around the resort and during activities
• Colorful tanks that aren't too tight, and offer plenty of coverage for whatever bra you want to wear (I want to try this $9.90 version from Uniqlo) and a lacy one for dressing up
• A swimsuit for laying on the beach, and one for actual swimming.  I have this vintage inspired style and LOVE it.  It's worth every penny, and is the first suit I've ever been comfortable walking around in.  I wish it had come in leopard when I bought mine three years ago!
• Shoes for hiking around, walking to shops, a fancier flat pair for wearing with dresses and cute shorts, and flip flops for the beach
• An easy jersey maxi dress (I'm curious about this convertible one from Target) and a girly eyelet sundress (that you can get for $20 at Old Navy right now!)
• A statement necklace (or three) that will dress up any tank top and shorts ensemble as well as the aforementioned dresses

Add some magazines and a great novel, and you'll be set for a tropical vacation! 


P.S. To see similar sets from previous reader requests, keep reading after the jump...

Reader Request: 3 Week Packing List

Good morning!  Hopefully everyone is having a good week so far.  Mine is kicking my butt, and I'm looking forward to my family coming to visit this weekend (for a fun-filled day at the shooting range, because we're Texan).  I'm also counting the weeks until our 12 day Italian vacation, and this week's reader request email was really timely.

Maryam, of the awesome blog Pamplemousse 1983, is about to spend three weeks traveling through Belgium and Israel!  I'm really excited for her, and was happy to help out with some packing ideas since the weather will range from cold to warm and she doesn't want to bring 10 pairs of pants and 21 shirts.

Here's what I'd pack, based on the items Maryam already plans to bring and enjoys wearing:

Packing for Maryam by cardiganjunkie featuring a jean jacket

I stuck to a palette of black, blues, pinks, leopard, and stripes since it allows almost every piece to be worn with 2+ others, alone or in layers.  I also took a realistic approach to shoes and only included 4 pairs - one pair of boots Maryam already loves, some sneakers for touristing all day, and 2 pairs of cute flats.  The scarves will also mix things up a bit without adding bulk to her suitcase, and a versatile statement necklace will dress things up as well.

Hopefully I can restrain myself this much when my own vacation comes around!  If you'd like so submit a request, send me an email.  I have openings starting late next month.

Happy Wednesday!