boarding call

The Steele Maiden: Boarding Call
If you caught yesterday’s post you already know I’ve got a serious formula when it comes to packing.  The same goes for what I wear when I travel.  A careful mix of comfort, efficiency, and (stay with me here) stylishness.  I stand by the fact that no matter how comfortably you dress you will never sleep as well on a plane as you do in your own bed.  So go ahead and leave the pajamas at home.  Instead, a well fitted pair of jeans with a bit of stretch, lightweight t-shirt or blouse, and cozy sweater are easy without being sloppy.  And why the knee high boots? Because they are the bulkiest shoe I wanted to pack so by wearing them I saved tons of space in my carry on (which I wouldn’t if I insisted on wearing ballet flats just because I could slip them off quickly in the security line – honestly it only takes 2 extra seconds to unzip these).  A simple side braid and a purse large enough to hold your in flight essentials, and I’m reclining my seat before you know it.  See you all on East Coast time.
 
Forever 21 Sweater // Built by Wendy Top – similar here // J.Crew Jeans // Olivia & Joy Bag via TJ Maxx // Olukai Boots c/o
  
The Steele Maiden: Boarding Call
The Steele Maiden: Boarding Call
The Steele Maiden: Boarding Call
The Steele Maiden: Boarding Call
The Steele Maiden: Boarding Call
The Steele Maiden: Boarding Call

packing for a weekend getaway

The Steele Maiden: Packing for a Weekend Getaway

I’ve been fortunate enough to do my fair share of travel over the years, and I like to pride myself on the fact that I’m a pretty good packer.  I most likely have inherited this from my Dad who used to review the things my sister and I were thinking of packing, show us what was completely frivolous in taking, and then methodically place it all into our suitcases.  I am now that person.  Thanks Dad.  As I head out to Lucky FABB today I thought I’d share below a few words of wisdom on how to fit everything you need for a long weekend city getaway into one carry on and still have room to spare.

1. Choose a common color palette.  I went with neutrals, pops of mustard yellow and a few easy blues so that nearly everything I brought can be mixed and matched.

2. Stick to Separates.  While I always toss in at least one dress in case I head someplace fancier, for the most part I pack separates for short trips.  That way one skirt can easily look like 2 different outfits just by changing out a blouse for a sweater or switching up accessories.

3. Practical shoes.  Of course I wanted to bring along my vintage silver pumps – but they would have matched with one outfit at the most.  Instead, I stuck to neutral shoes in walkable heights.  

4. Pack it In.  Jewelry and accessories get stored inside of extra purses.  A clutch securely holds my jewelry while an extra purse is the perfect place to store socks and tights.  

5. Roll it Up.  T-shirts and blouses take up less space and get fewer wrinkles if they are rolled into soft bundles.  I promise this is one of my best tricks.  

For the most part, if I know what I have planned for the weekend (which in this case I do!) I try and pick out outfits in advance which again reduces the chances of my packing lots that won’t even end up getting worn.  And from there, edit, edit, edit.  It takes some self control but for years now I’ve rarely checked a bag and always still felt I had plenty of options when I’ve arrived.  I’d love to hear your packing style! Plus, check back tomorrow when I share exactly what I’m wearing on the plane.


parks and rec

The Steele Maiden: Parks and Rec
 
One of the things I’ve come to love most about living in Los Angeles is the access we have to so much beautiful open space.  Between the beach, the mountains and just these little local parks I’ve had the chance to spend so many weekends outdoors here.  This particular park is only 2 blocks away and you can often find me running it’s perimeter or strolling along it’s outskirts with the boy.  And while I like to complain lately that we’re not getting true “Fall” weather (it was barely cool enough for me to need these layers), I know how lucky I am to be able to spend so much time outside while I’m on this coast.  Also, my pumpkin obsession has reached fever pitch.  Not only have I added these mini versions to shelves throughout the house, I also cooked up a pumpkin tortellini recipe last night that was so full of the stuff it bordered on overload.  Stop me when I turn orange. 
 
Tulle Cargo Coat // J.Crew Factory Shirt – similar here // Free People Dress – similar here // DV by Dolce Vita Wedges via Marshalls 
 
The Steele Maiden: Parks and Rec
The Steele Maiden: Parks and Rec
The Steele Maiden: Parks and Rec
The Steele Maiden: Parks and Rec
The Steele Maiden: Parks and Rec
The Steele Maiden: Parks and Rec

 

  

study break

The Steele Maiden: Study Break
Between freelance work, prepping for New York, and blog happenings, I was pretty busy with work this weekend.  But because it was, after all, the weekend, on Sunday the boy and I took a break to grab a drink at Starbucks and spend a quiet moment or two in one of our favorite nearby parks.  Since time spent at home on the weekends usually means I’m in my favorite worn in t-shirt, I like to dress up a bit when we go out somewhere.  This outfit has a whole 70’s collegiate campus thing going on that is a mood I’m pretty fond of in the Fall.  And if you remember last week when I talked about giving in to my love of polka dots, this billowy dotted blouse is one I’ve had since high school.  Meaning in the past 8 odd years, a lot has changed, but some things will always stay the same.  
 
Vintage Sweater // Delia’s Blouse – cute option here // F21 Skirt – similar here // Vintage Bag // K.Bell Socks c/0 // Restricted Oxford Heels c/ o
The Steele Maiden: Study Break
The Steele Maiden: Study Break
The Steele Maiden: Study Break
The Steele Maiden: Study Break
The Steele Maiden: Study Break
The Steele Maiden: Study Break
The Steele Maiden: Study Break

 

weekend flashback

The Steele Maiden: Weekend FlashbackCan you believe we’re more than halfway through October? This month has already been a good one, but I can’t even tell you how excited I am for the next few weeks.  For starters I leave for New York on Wednesday for a whirlwind 4 days that includes the Lucky FABB bloggers conference, invites to a few events that I’m still pinching myself over, and spending a bit of time with my best friend and sister.  And because I wouldn’t want to hog all this happiness for myself, I’ve got some really exciting things planned for the blog these next couple of weeks – including some big news that I’m nearly bursting to share with you.  So sit tight.  Let’s send October off with a bang.