Happy Friday! We just arrived in Skagway, for a day exploring the countryside by rail, and yesterday was spent dog-sledding on a glacier! Amazing, to say the least. So it was certainly tricky packing for this Alaskan cruise, with so many different scenarios…glacier hiking, dog-sledding, formal dinners, lounging days at sea. I did a pretty good job, but would make some tweaks if I did it all over again. I’ll be sure to share with you once we’re back home.
Packing for a long Spring weekend in New York City wasn’t quite as challenging, and even though we lucked out with some really lovely weather, I brought layering options. These mild temperatures are the easiest to pack for, since the lightweight clothes take so little space in your suitcase. But to stick with my ‘pack it all in a carry-on’ mantra, I chose items that easily played Day to Night duty.
We’ll start with my travel uniform…always a combination of a maxi skirt or dress, paired with a jean jacket, and easy-to-remove shoes. The striped bag doubles as my purse and carry-on, and contains everything I need for a comfortable and entertaining flight. (See what I pack for the flight here.) Once I arrive, I switch to a compact cross body bag for hands-free exploring.
When packing, I lay everything out on the bed, and create full outfits with the jacket, bag, shoes and jewelry. Then I narrow down the shoes and accessories by those that work with the most outfits. That method means you won’t always have the ‘perfect’ shoe for an outfit, but it insures you won’t sacrifice precious bag real estate for a pair of shoes that will only be worn once. Consider your activities too, and choose based on comfortabilty.
It also allows you the freedom to mix-and-match shoes and accessories depending on your mood, itinerary, and weather, once you arrive. Then, it sounds a little geeky, but I take a quick pic of each combination with my phone…it’s nice to refer back to those options once you’re actually on your trip.
Of course my go-to dresses came with me…they take up next to no space, and always arrive unwrinkled. Not to mention, they easily transition from day to night. They also allow me to eat freely without having to worry about getting too tight around the middle. #gluttonoustraveler
Rompers are my latest obsession…some are more comfortable than dresses, and more stylish than shorts…perfect for when you want to be comfortable, but still look pulled-together. Remember, it takes just as much effort to dress like a schlep…so why not look cute?!
You’ve seen this dress in Day to Night action here, and it was perfect again for this trip.
Remember this dress from my Dressing Room Diaries day with Mr. SP? It worked great for day and night, and packed easily, as well.
This outfit was good for lounging around the apartment, or quick morning coffee runs, and the tank and scarf coordinated well with other outfits when an extra layer was needed.
Normally I travel home in the same outfit as I arrive in, but this maxi packs so compactly, and the other items were already in my bag.
It seems like a lot of clothes, but I used this method for packing, and everything fit easily in a single carry-on sized rolling bag. Many of these outfits came with me to Alaska, too…it makes packing simpler when you have set combinations you know work and travel well. Which is your favorite of the bunch? Happy weekend, lovebugs!
See more Packing Tips posts here. And our {Trip Report} with tips and favorite NYC spots here.
I'm totally in love with how you broke down this post! Have the best day at sea!
Um, yeah. I'm going to need you to come live with me. Each time before I go anywhere, including the ranch, you are going to need to teach me your ways. You looked SO DANG CUTE in every single outfit! And I can't believe all of that fit into a carry-on! #wp
I'm completely obsessed with rompers right now too. I feel like I'm wearing PJs! And that red and purple one – holy cow, I am so sad it's only left in L!! There's another one on that site that is super cute too though. Did you find the size pretty TTS?
So many cute outfits – love the last dress and the rompers…adorable!!
Love your style as always. Some of these were taken right outside my office – I would have come said hi 🙂
I would have loved that!!! next time, for sure!
Such cute outfits! I need to start selecting outfits for a trip to California, but I'm clueless about what will work for Cali weather in early June! If any ladies have suggestions please let me know!
Becca
http://www.lexiandlady.blogspot.com
Hi Becca! I would think Cali weather would be similar…maybe a bit cooler in the evenings. I'd pack similar outfits, maybe throwing in a cardigan for evenings. Have so much fun! xo
You are infinitely more fashionable than me! Also, I think I need more dresses. And that flamingo scarf.
I really like the white distressed jeans with the pink tank and flamingo scarf,but your travel home outfit is also a great look.
Super Cute style
-xoxo Kacey
Hi Cassie! You're just sooooo darn cute & I love your fashion posts!!
I purchased that same blue maxi dress, but it seems a little thin on the bottom. (yikes!) I've been awfully paranoid of see-through dresses/pants this year – and am trying to find the perfect slip or slip-shorts. Did you find this to be true of this dress & do you have any recommendations for protection!? I just want to be comfortable & confident! HA! Thank you!
Hi Mae! The dress isn't sheer, in that you can see through it, but the material is fairly lightweight, so I understand what you mean about feeling a little exposed back there. I just make sure to wear undergarments that hold my backend in place, so there's not a lot of jiggle! 😉 Usually boyshorts or hipster undies. And if you really want to hold it all in, try a boyshort spanx. xoxo
Always love these posts where you lay the outfits out and then show them on you! So adorable. The lining in my fringe bag tore and I've been lost! You look super hot momma….hope you are having a blast on your cruise!
That is a bummer about your bag, but girl, you know Nordstrom will exchange it for you!!!
You're a super star packer! I am notorious for over packing, even on overnight trips. After seeing all your cute outfits, I now think I need more dresses. Hope you're having a blast!
Great packing advice and all super cute outfits! That black racer back dress looks fabulous on you. You have such a cute figure. Hope you and your hubby are having a wonderful cruise.
Love love all the outfits! The idea of taking pictures of your outfits is just perfect. 🙂 Thanks for the great tips.
Yet again another great blog post …Always love all your fashion tips !!!!
Every time I see one of your style posts I'm like, " Gah! I've gotta step up my style already!" I so wanna try a romper now. They look so great on you!
I absolutely love your packing posts! They have really helped me so much. I decided to be a lot more organized and prepared ahead of time for our Memorial Day weekend trip and it helped so much! The blue bucket bag is so cute!! And I've finally given in and ordered the racer back dress…. You've given me so many options on how to wear it. Thank you for these posts! 🙂
Yay, I'm thrilled they are helpful!
The way you organize this post is genius! Love it!
I've always wanted to go to NYC.. now I can't stop thinking about what I would wear if I did go!
Dani
http://www.DaniDearest.com/
what do you wear under those short dresses? bike shorts? afraid the wind blows my way and I am in trouble 😀 thanks
lilly
Hi Anon! I wear my usual undies…typically boyshorts or hipster style. The dresses are more of a shift shape, so they don't blow up. Also, I'm about 5'4" and the dresses hit just above my knees, so I'm pretty covered! 🙂 xo
I was wondering what you wear under the Tildon dresses as well. I have the black one, and it is a bit sheer. Do you wear a slip? Or bike shorts? Thanks! Every outfit is adorable!!!
I haven't found them to be sheer…I wear my usual undies. But if you're concerned, just stick with a nude color, and boyshorts or hipster styles. That'll keep you covered! xo
Thanks for the prompt reply, Cassie! And so soon after returning from your trip!! :))) I shall rock the dress this weekend in nude undies! 🙂