Travel Chicly - Without Sweatpants!

I'm not going to pretend that I always dress up when I travel, especially for extra-long flights.  However, there's a difference between being comfortable and being sloppy, and I think lounge wear in the airport is unnecessary.  There are so many soft, stretchy things you can wear without resorting to yoga pants that say PINK on the butt.

Sadly, we'll be seeing lots of Ugg boots and pajamas in public this week, so I wanted to share a little bit of inspiration for a super comfy travel outfit that's still high on style:

travel chic by cardiganjunkie featuring a yoga activewear

Believe it or not, there are stylish pull-on jeans that are soft and stretchy and not intended for grannies.  If you haven't already, get yourself to Last Call and check out Fade to Blue jeans.  They're under $60 and come in lots of different cuts and washes, including a regular boot cut for those who don't like skinny jeans.  (Pro tip: go up a size)

I'm also a huge fan of structured sweater blazers like this one from Gap.  I checked it out in store, and it's the perfect length and looks like a blazer from afar, but much more comfortable and not likely to wrinkle.

Target has got lots of great drapey tees (like this one, pictured) but I'm intrigued by this one with faux leather trim that would add a little edge to basic jeans.  (I haven't seen the tee with trim in person yet, though)

And finally, if you can get your hands on some Elorie ballet flats, buy them.  They are so well made and comfortable (go up a half size, though) and a great deal on Gilt.com.  Mine are the black metallic suede, which have a really subtle shine, and I am seriously considering buying a brown pair as well.  (Update: For $49, I just did!)

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Safe travels, everyone!!  I will be taking the rest of the week off, so please check back Monday for your regularly schedule fashion, baby rooms, and randomness.  Happy Thanksgiving!

My London Travel Guide

It's no secret that London is my favorite place.  I've been an Anglophile since about 1992, and used to practice my fake accent while on vacation as a child.  Yes, really.  I was an odd little kid.

Anyway, I've been lucky enough to spend a fair amount of time there thanks to an internship in college and subsequent visits, and I know the city fairly well.  Since I am often asked for travel tips, I decided to transform my usual cut/paste email into a post that I can distribute instead.  If any of you have other tips or recommendations, please leave a comment!

[Disclaimer:  I'm familiar with London, but not an expert, and I do not live there.  I'm sharing what has worked for me, and how I save money and time, but you might totally hate it.] 

image by me (as are all of these, unless otherwise noted)

Getting Around
If you're flying from the US, you'll likely end up at either London Heathrow or Gatwick airports.  Both are pretty far from the city center, and unless you've booked in advance for a large group, a taxi is not an economical option.  Seriously, it's about $150 USD for a cab from central London to Heathrow.  

However, the Underground runs all the way out to Heathrow, and you can buy day passes at the terminal and ride all the way to the city center in about an hour, but isn't a great idea if you've got lots of luggage.  You can also take the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station in about 15 minutes, and then transfer from there via Underground or taxi.

You'll probably find the Underground (aka the tube) and bus system easy to use once you take a moment to sit down and study the map.  The Transport for London site has several online tools and maps that you can download, including bus routes that take you to major sites.  To avoid confusion, I recommend buying a multi-day pass (for Zone 1) and paying the small deposit for the plastic card that you scan in/out of stations and on buses.  It's much simpler than keeping single fares on hand, and you can get your deposit back at any station before you go.  I buy mine at the Heathrow terminal before heading downstairs to the trains.

Only take the official black cabs if you are hailing one on the street.  Unmarked "minicabs" can rip you off, unless you book them in advance through a reputable company.   I use a service called UniCab to book taxis, and they have an app for your phone/tablet.  You can put in your start/end destination and then reserve a cab and pay in advance online.   It's safe and the car companies are legit.  This will be cheaper than hailing black cabs, but you need a mobile phone number to confirm everything if you're booking online.


Where to Stay
You will not hurt for choice in London, and you can rent hotel rooms or flats for a huge range of prices.  However, it's worth paying for a central location.  I recommend a place near a Central line station (the red line on the tube map) because it has connections to pretty much every line you would need and makes coming home at night quicker.

Before you book anything, use Google Maps to see how long it will take you to walk to the nearest Underground station and bus stop. You may be doing this in the rain, and with sore feet.

Sightseeing
Here are my thoughts on the main sites in the city (in no particular order):

Going Places? My Travel Tips

As you know (if you scroll down), I've just returned from a week in Europe and every time I go, I think I get a little better at packing.  Although I'm no jet setter, I've learned a lot from past mistakes and wanted to share some tips that you can totally ignore, but I hope they'll be helpful.

On blending in...
The way I see it, the person spending 10 hours on her feet going to museums and exploring a city with a map and camera can only blend in so much.  Locals go to and from work, meet up with friends at cafes, and run errands - their outfits and footwear are serving a different purpose.  I think a lot of people get so caught up in looking like a local that they wear something they'd never consider for an active day stateside.  I've had to make the shameful trip back to the hotel for different shoes and clothes, and now I follow a few guidelines:

• Consider how casual the local culture is, and let it be a guide but not a mandate.  By avoiding uber American styles like khaki pants, athletic clothes, and t-shirts with college or sports team logos, you'll automatically look less obvious than most of the other tourists.  So wear your comfortable shoes with some cropped slim pants or jeans and a fashionable tee, and enjoy your day!  Then, if you need to dress up a little, swap out the tennis shoes for some foldable ballet flats when you go to dinner.

sightseeing sensibly by cardiganjunkie featuring michael kors handbags

On luggage...

Judging from the way my bag is manhandled by airports, I will never spend big money on luggage.  However, I highly recommend a visit to your local Ross or TJ Maxx, where I spent $32 on a Samsonite suitcase with 4 spinning wheels that's currently selling for about $150 at Macy's.  The ability to roll your suitcase through the airport without supporting the weight is totally worth it.  

On packing light...
Furthermore, you should do everything you can to avoid bringing more than one bag in addition to your suitcase.  Walking through train stations and airports trying to juggle a tote, carry-on, and suitcase is just crazy, and it gets worse when you encounter the spiral stairs to your fourth floor walk-up in Amsterdam.  Pack light!!

The best way to do that is to plan to wear your clothes more than once (admit it, you do it anyway) and rely on fun scarves and necklaces to add style to basic dark jeans, black pants, and tees.  I swear, it works!  You will get no funny looks, and if your tops get smelly you can hand wash them in the tub.

On saving money...

Even if you stay in a hotel, you don't need to eat out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Upon arrival, make a trip to a grocery store for some granola bars, fruit, nuts, and other snacks that you can enjoy for breakfast and keep in your purse during the day.  

This past trip, we rented apartments in both cities, and were able to pick up some steam and serve meals for dinner and limit pricey restaurant meals where a glass of water is 2 Euro.  Had we been in Paris, it would have been fresh baguettes and cheese!  In addition to the amenities, we saved lots of money compared to local hotels without scary reviews. 

our flat in London (courtesy of Google)

Do you have any travel tips to share?  How do you navigate a different city/country without going overboard on packing  and spending?

I'm back! Here are some pictures...

As I'm sure you've noticed, I've been MIA lately due to a pretty wonderful vacation to London and Amsterdam.  I had a couple of great bloggers holding down the fort in my absence (thanks Erin and Jaime!) but I'm not quite ready to jump all the way back into my internet obligations yet.

So, in case you're interested, here are some of the highlights of my week.  I'll be following up with some recommendations, and packing/travel tips later this week.  Cheers!


We spent Thursday through Saturday in London, my favorite city.

 The courtyard of the V&A

 Buckingham Palace

 Painting to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

 The most iconic views are in Westminster

 Westminster Abbey is one of my favorite places in the world - the history is overwhelming and you can literally touch it.

  

Big Ben is a bell, not a clock tower.

 Trafalgar Square

 Tower Bridge from a boat

Then, on Sunday, we took a day tour to Stonehenge and Bath...

 So impressive!

 Bath Abbey

 The Roman Baths - part ancient, part Edwardian

 The Bath parade gardens

Then, we spent Monday night until Thursday morning in Amsterdam.  

 

I've been to a lot of museums in a lot of cities in the US and Europe - believe me when I say that the Rijskmuseum is in the top three.  Go to there!

Dollhouses were en vogue for rich 17th century Dutch housewives

 To see a Vermeer in person is a treat...

 Canal side views

 Dam Square

The Rembrandtplein

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!

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!