Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Style Question Wednesday: Packing Light

Hello All!

It is Wednesday (already!) and thus time for me to seek your advice once again!  Today's topic was actually suggested by my friend GetFresh, who knows I need some help!

As you likely know, we are heading to NYC for 4 nights on March 2nd.  While there, we will visit museums, hit a broadway show (or two), do a little shopping and go out for some nice meals.

But here is the rub: we are driving to Maine to catch an early morning flight.  There will six of us travelling in a minivan (children are each taking an adult friend) together to get to the airport and we will not have a car-top carrier.  We have all agreed to take a purse (well the women have!) and a small carry-on bag and that is it!  We won't be able to fit any more in the van!

Typically, this is how I pack:


But since that is not possible, I need some help/advice!  Or as my dad used to say when we would go away: "I tried to pack myself in a suitcase.  I could hardly contain myself."

Right now, I have a nightie and underwear on my list (we plan to buy soap and shampoo/conditioner there).  That's it.  I need some help!  I am contemplating bringing just one pair of boots, since the weather will not be good for shoes anyway the first week of March,

What do you think? 

I need to be minimalist, but chic!


So please, please, please help me!  I need all kind of good advice to fit it all in!  WHat would you pack to take with you to NYC if that's all the space you had???

Have a happy Wednesday and stay safe out there!

81 comments:

  1. I am almost sleeping so I will come back tomorrow but you absolutely need two pair of shoes at least (what do you mean by "the weather will not be good for shoes"??? I am not sure about that! It could snow but it could also be springy and in any case you need to change shoes to give your feet a break, especially if you plan to walk a lot) I would say one pair of boots, one pair of flats and if you can one pair of fancy ones.

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    1. HI Ema - it was probably because the last time I was in NYC the first week of March there was a terrible storm and didn't wear my shoes once! Will keep good eye on weather in advance, as you are right - alternate pair is smart!

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  2. For 4 nights I would take boots and a pair of fancy shoes for night time, I'm a lean packer so don't even listen to me, , you would all think me filthy if you know how little I would take for 4 nights. Let's just say coats hide a multitude of sins in winter.

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    1. Well I was going as minimalist as you maybe, though I am waiting for all the good ideas that will come in. I was thinking of my two black pair of jodphur/stretchy pants, one pair of jeans, a dress, two cardigans and about 4 tshirts. one or two scarves. i don't think I can fit more in as I would like to be able to buy more things. everything is going to have to go together or I am in big trouble!

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  3. I think you should start with the shoes. What pairs of shoes do you own that you can do a lot of walking in?

    Back later... you won't miss me because I am a notoriously heavy packer!

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    1. Cate - I read your comment to quickly and read 'back labour"!

      I think I would take my tall Franco Sarto boots which are good for walking, my black cole haan loafters which are also excellent for walking and maybe my pliner sparkly shoes which are comfortable to walk to the theatre or dinner if there is no snow on the sidewalk!

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  4. WMM: have you seen this? Flight attendant who can fit 10 days of outfits into one carry on?

    http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/business/businessspecial/20100506-pack-ss.html

    I'm not saying you'll need 10 days worth of outfits but some handy packing tips to fit what you do need into the bag!

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    1. wow!!! I am inspired! Rolling, rolling, rolling..Amazing!!!

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    2. I know, I was totally inspired. It's embarrassing because I travel for debate tournaments that are 3 days long and my bag is way bigger than hers and still jam-packed. I am so worried about screwing up the rolling that I do the "drape and flip" method she shows at the end, but I am just not as good at it as she is. Someday...with practice...

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    3. I always roll. Give it a try! I swear by it.

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  5. I love that first photo and your dad's quote!

    Start with footwear. You've been there before, right? Tourist walking in NYC surpassing all walking anywhere else. When I lived there, I'd always ask guests or the guests of friends how their trip was going and the first response was always "I am so tired from walking!"

    I agree with Ema about bringing two pairs of shoes (or shoes and boots). I wouldn't bring anything you can't walk in, even for the evening.

    I don't know about you, but when I'm visiting a city, I leave the hotel in the morning and don't go back until late, so I like to dress for the entire day, evenings out included. You could even bring a small pouch with you in your purse that has a dressier necklace or scarf, lipstick, etc., so you can "transition to evening" as they say.

    I am like Tabitha, I bring as little as I can and repeat wear everything. One pair of pants, a couple of tops, a sweater, and a dress.

    The trick is to bring just enough to cover a few weather possibilities.

    Packing always makes me realize how much my clothes don't all go together - oh, if I bring this, then I have to bring that to make it work, etc.

    I think the key components to feeling chic and comfortable in a big city are comfy but appropriate shoes, being the right temperature (so, a scarf and gloves), a nice coat, a bag that fits a fair bit but doesn't overwhelm you or kill your shoulder, and doing your hair/make up every day.

    And bring an umbrella! :)

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    1. Great advice! Yes, have been to NYC many times and the walking is one of my favourite things of all. No constricting shoes for sure!!! We likely will go back to the hotel at some point in late afternoon, as we are early risers - we are usually out and about by 9 (well at least Barry and I will be - the teenagers may be different!) - but great idea to have options in case we do not get there! I will definitely need a cross-body bag - I have a couple and will make sure it is good for all! thanks for the good advice!

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  6. Here is some inspiration! http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.ch/2012/12/travel-light-during-winter.html

    Though I never think things out so thoroughly, maybe I should :)

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  7. I lived in NYC for 7 years and have an easy time packing for there when we go back for visits.
    From your list, I'd pack one pair of black pants (doubt you'd need two), one pair of jeans, I'd probably skip the shirts and pack tee shirts and sweaters, boots, and one dress. Unless you're planning on taking taxis to dinner, I'd skip any heels, just not practical for NY. I'd probably bring knee high boots, and short boots with a slight heel to wear with tights and a dress. And yes, a coat for sure, and gloves. I stick to mostly black there as well, maybe some navy and gray, but no color. People don't even dress up for the theatre anymore, so I don't always bring a dress, unless there's a family celebration I need one for. Oh, I do always bring a black or navy blazer as well, one that fits under my coat - that's my dressy outfit.

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    1. thanks Kathy - great advice! I hate that people don't dress up for theatre - I think I am like Dani and belong to another time for things like that!

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    2. Oh I completely agree about the lack of dressing up for the theatre and other events. It is one of the things that bothers me the most about modern day society. It is the 'Slobification of America' (as Tim Gunn says) in true form, IMHO.

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    3. Oh - I love Tim! I think Tim and I would get along like a house on fire!

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  8. I'm with Ema, weather in NYC in March is so unpredictable! HOw nice that you will be in my neck of the woods. My uniform, travel or not, is a tank top(or sleeveless top) and a cardigan . I like to be able to take off my sweater if I am hot, and I don't like the sleeve lines a tee shirt makes under a sweater. A nice cashmere or merino cardigan can be dressed up or down, so I always bring at least one or two silk camis- they take up no room in a suitcase. I love the idea of a small crossbody bag, but in my experience, I need a bigger bag, as I always wind up being the one to tote everyone's i pods, car keys, museum maps,sunglasses, etc. And, I like to carry a bottle of water. My TB Priscilla is rather large, but it is a cross body as well, so I feel as if I have room for the extras, and it still leaves my hands free. When I have a small bag, I wind up carrying everything in my hands, or pockets and I feel like a mess. Children. I have a number of fold up duffle and tote bags that pack down to nothing and they are perfect for filling later with dirty clothes, purchases etc. I also pack a separate bag filled with everyone's gym/swim gear, so that it is all together. It seems to take less room that way. How nice to have something so wonderful to anticipate!

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    1. Key Knityarns! Great points - who would mind one extra duffle bag for goodies afterward? :-)

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  9. JUST IN 'CASE WMM Think it's about being selective enough so you can travel light and shop a bit, smart so you are prepared for a lot of eventualities/ weather and simple, since you have lots to do and it is NYC. Kathy is on the money above! I tend to go with black & grey mixed with an accent colour, like cobalt blue.
    My try looked like:
    - Simple, wrinkle-free/ knit dress (I'd go with black or navy)
    - Black pants
    - Jeans
    - Jacket (that fits under coat/ goes over dress if possible)
    - White shirt
    - Casual/ loose/ long cardigan in a favourite colour
    - Tee shirts/ knit tops
    Then, this is where I actually lay out and LIST all the combinations ex.
    TRAVEL Black pants, tank, jacket, loafers, big scarf to use as plane wrap.
    FRIDAY NIGHT Black pants, jacket, white shirt, boots, long necklaces.
    SATURDAY Jeans, printed tee, cardigan, long scarf, coat.
    SATURDAY NIGHT Dress and jacket, boots.
    My list, outfits at the top, packing checked off below goes in the outside pocket of my case. Make sure to include things like sunglasses, umbrella, gloves, camera, chapstick, anti-bac towelettes... I also like to throw in a clutch with the scarves and belts - to NOT schlep my travel purse to theatre etc.

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    1. Oh No! I don't have a wrinkle free black or navy dress! hmm - maybe my monoprix, now that I think of it, which is navy AND black - does that count??

      A list! Wow - I am so impressed - what a great idea! GF - you are wowing me! I am with you about not schleping travel purse to theatre - a no go for sure!!

      I am going to take a stab at just that this weekend! Thanks!!

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    2. I like to visualize my combinations by making polyvore sets like THIS. You can tell which outfits are meant for the flights by the easy on/off shoes.

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  10. Get Fresh brings up a good point. I put a wristlet in my handbag instead of my wallet . I fill it with essentials, such as lipstick, my license and credit card, phone and some money. This way, if I want to go somewhere and not carry a big bag, I just grab my wristlet- which could go either way-- dressy or not and everything is in one place.

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    1. That's a great idea! I am.always bag-challanged when I travel, too small or too big...

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    2. I always take a clutch inside my handbag for the same reason, good for dressier dinners and all the better if it comes with a strap option to cross body for hands-free shopping.

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  11. You are getting some great advice here. I think your CH loafers and tall boots will be perfect, and well, what everyone else is saying, what could I even add!
    Remember last year when I went to NYC, I was so proud of my little bag. But then my navy blue silk pants, which I was relying on for several outfits, split right across the butt on my first day! I'm laughing just thinking about it.
    So then I bought a new skirt and jacket at JCrew. Returned the split pants to JCrew once I was home!
    Definitely bring a little travel umbrella. :)

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    1. Oh I do recall the split pants episode!! They even made it onto the web before they fell apart, didn't they?

      I will definitely bring a travel umbrella! I have quite a nice one!!!

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    2. I have those same navy silk pants. I was afraid to wear them after Dani's experience and always make sure I have a long jacket or sweater handy when I wear them. I've worn them several times, so far so good ...

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  12. Hi WMM! You must be getting so excited for your trip! Everyone has given such great advice to you this morning! :)

    When I travel I tend to choose my shoes and bag first, then pick my outfits and jewelry according to the shoes/bag I am taking. I also try to keep my outfits in one color family, so that I am able to mix and match, and don't have a lot of 'extras' that never get worn. Plus I like to choose just a couple of jewelry pieces that work with all of my outfits, so that I am not toting along tons of it.

    I know you are planning on shopping while you're there, so will you be taking along an extra empty suitcase to bring back any special finds, or do your new purchases also have to fit in this one bag?

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    1. Sadly, they may have to fit into this same bag. I am checking with old Man Mr. WMM, who advises as to size, etc. We will be a really tight squeeze!

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  13. ahhhh NYC - I am very jealous, I love NYC! Like others have suggested, bring a good coat and a separate pullover or blazer in case the weather is calm, a good pair of walking boots which can be worn for dressier outfits, one pair of nice shoes, jeans/pants, tops, a dress or skirt/blouse combo, a purse for everyday and a clutch at night, jewelry and scarves. Like Kathy said above, pick a neutral and plan your outfits around the neutral colour. I pick scarves and jewelry for pops of colour and to make every outfit look different for photos (even though I mostly wear the same 'uniform' every day when I am there!)

    I agree with the others, unfortunately some people don't dress up for theatre or dinners out anymore but Hubs and I always do. It's fun and you're in NYC, why not dress up?!!

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    1. Hi LR! Like the idea of the scarves! I am already thinking of some combos even as we speak...

      And yes, I love NYC, too!

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  14. p.s. oh yes, I completely agree with the others - bring a travel umbrella! I remember Hubs and I were caught in a downpour one night that just came out of nowhere!

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    1. Me too! I have just the one given to me by a good friend!!

      We once bought umbrellas on the street in NYC - not ideal!

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  15. I definitely agree with Emma. Two pair of shoes. Wear the boots on the plane and pack a comfortable (with comparable heel height) pair of loafers. You will not have a heat wave the first week of March. Wear your coat on the plane. I would take two cashmere sweaters (dark colors), one button down shirt to wear under sweaters if warmth is needed or by itself, dark jeans, another pair of complimentary pants, and then change them up with two scarves, a statement necklace. Please bring long underwear also. This includes the outfit you wear on the plane! I swear by the packing bags, especially toiletry kit from Flight001. Pricey, but worth it. Store in NYC. I also agree with Tabitha, the coat will be on most of the time.

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    1. I am not sure I own a pair of long underwear - I am going to have to go look BB! I will definitely wear coat on plane! I will check into flight001 for sure!

      on other hand, if I have a heatwave in NYC first thing in March it will be quite delightful!

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    2. If you don't own long underwear, then you don't need it :). From the south, I always get cold,cold,cold when I go up north. Forgot to mention, hubby carries the toiletry kit, the electronic necessities, the medicine, and your jewelry in his bag.

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    3. Bb - forgot a girl from Tennessee would need her long johns.

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    4. Now I am curious, what's long underwear????!!

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    5. Ema, thermals, sort of like tights, made of silk or a very thin wicking synthetic material that you wear under winter clothes when it is very cold - as a "base layer". Where you are from you are probably used to them for skiing. IMO NYC streets are not cold enough bar far (at least most of time) but we Canadians are generally used to deep freeze.

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    6. OMG, I cannot survive the winters without my thermal underwear. I wear the tops almost everyday, even in SoCal. ;)

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  16. Hi WMM, this is very exciting, only a month or so to go! You have some great advice here. I am terrible at this, I always take too much, so no great pearls of wisdom from me!

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    1. YOu are making me feel better Patricia! I am learning so much today. Last summer when I went to Boston I thought I was doing better but I still had too much stuff!!

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  17. Hi, Wendy, I'm staring at my suitcase at this very minute.
    The past few years have seen some awful bedbug problems in NYC, sorry to say. I pack my undies in a plastic bag, socks as well. In addition to the health & safety issues, this really speeds up unpacking.

    I live in twinsets for city travel, the bottom layer is a tank or shell, with a v. thin silk cami underneath for comfort. Each set goes in a bag as well. I like a change of clothes at the end of the day just to feel fresh and ready to go again. Scarves go in their own plastic bag.

    And shooooz - I know you've seen my travel posts with the shoes lined up and ready for work. Those posts are not jokes. I am a Beast of the Foot.

    Our March weather is v. changeable, I'd suggest a pair of black or dark straight jeans with a tailored blazer and tee/sweater/t-neck for one of your mainstays.The jeans can hang dry overnight if they get splashed.

    On this trip, we stopped in Seattle for a few days on the way out, and will stop again on the way back. That JC down vest is at the bottom of my suitcase!

    You might also want to try getting professionally made up - freee! - at a nice make-up counter at the beginning of the day, go in with a bare face, 10 minutes later you're ready for anything. I like the Trish McEvoy counter at Bloomingdales for this. They understand that you're no longer 12. This isn't really a packing tip, but I don't know where else to put it.

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    1. Okay Fred - a stupid question - do you leave your stuff in the plastic in their drawers the whole time? Now I am getting itchy! Anyone know how to check for bedbugs when you arrive at a hotel?

      I like the idea of being professionally made up - we are a block down from Sephora as well - I will try that one of those days, too - I definitely want to hit Bloomies this time and try the Trish McEvoy as you have suggested!!!

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    2. Yes, everything stays in plastic. Prevents snags and you don't know what kind of slob had the room before you.

      before you let one of the Sephora ladies have at you, check out her work on a previous customer. Great variations in talent & approach .

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    3. I hear you - there are some I avoid like the plague!

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  18. WMM, just borrow a roof carrier from a friend and take it all!

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    1. heehee! No go there - there is a method to his madness and I have to agree. Although i might be sitting on something from Williams Sonoma in Portland Maine one the drive home afterwards!

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  19. Hi WMM,
    I travel every week. I take precautions that you may find odd, but they make me feel better. I never, ever, use the drawers in the hotel. I hang anything that might wrinkle. If the hangers look grungy, I wipe them down with cleaning wipe (hot water on a washcloth also works). While I'm at it, I do quick swipe of the light switch and door knobs. I never place luggage on the bed, floor or anything upholstered. I keep my rollaboard on the luggage rack or other flat smooth surface.
    When packing I roll clothing and place items in bags as Fred has described. Bags stay sealed until I need to wear/use the item. I bring extra bags to store laundry & dry cleaning on the trip home. This also protects your items in the event of a hand search at the airport. (The screeners do not change gloves between passengers/searches...)
    I have two other hotel stay quirks. I place the TV remote control in a baggie and I never walk around the hotel room barefoot. I bring a pair of inexpensive socks that I throw away at the end of the trip.

    As others have commented I'm a big fan of folding totes. I have Longchamps in every size and color. Anytime shopping is on the agenda, I bring one of the larger totes. If needed, it becomes my carry-on and I check the rollaboard.

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    1. Thanks Muffy - great advice. Had never thought to much about all of that before, but I know that more and more hotels are having cleanliness issues!

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    2. Honestly! If you ever use an ATM or open a door to go into the mall you're getting more germs than any hotel room. Airport searchers aren't going to leave your baggies closed either. You can't go around living in a bubble to avoid the germs of the great unwashed.

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  20. I'm not much help since my years of biz travel taught me to pack everything in a carry-on, but I always have an extra pair of shoes, underwear for the # of days +1 just in case, and then 2 bottoms, 4-5 tops and a blazer. That's all.

    I might stash a nice dress in there in case you decide to go out to a fancy dinner.

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    1. Oh, and have a great time and don't forget to write! :)

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  21. Rose - you are too funny! My fancy nougat dress might get taken out a couple of times! I am going to be so disciplined, it will be shocking! Thanks for the tips!

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  22. I also carry little alcohol swabs and wipe down esp the remote. This may be crazy. Otherwise, keep your feet happy and the rest will follow. I adore walking in NYC.

    Next time, you'll have to come here and stay before your flight-- I am 30minutes from the Jetport( LOVE that name, as opposed to the Prop Plane Port??)

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    1. I know! Jet port is so romantic! Would never impose 6 of us on anyone! But maybe this summer - I want to go back to Ogunquit!

      Okay, alcohol swabs - check!

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  23. Don't roll your garments unless you want them to be all wrinkled. Folding doesn't take more room if you do it properly. Wear your burgundy boots, pack a pair of walking shoes and plan the theatre outfit to go with your boots, a dress with boots can be very chic.

    Make your travel outfit with some of these items, pack the rest: A pair of jeans or chinos and a trouser or skirt in dark wool; a couple of tees or turtles; a cardigan; a pullover; a blazer; a scarf; sunglasses and a pair of gloves. Add your socks, skivvies, pjs and toiletries and you're done.

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  24. I don't think you need a blazer, you are on vacation and you are only going out for family dinners, a nice dress will be enough. Are your boots easy to get on and off? They could be a hassle at the airport.
    I think that for city walking there is nothing better than a pair of Revas, they are so comfortable and they look polished with everything. The only down side is that they are a bit of a uniform in NYC but if you don't take flats and you happen to go to Bloomi or Saks on the first day of your visit I would try a pair! JCAs swear for the Ceces but personally they hit me in the wrong spot (as all the JCrew flats that are not ballet flats.

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    1. Thanks Ema! Will check them out!

      Not sure whether I will take blazer or not - will likely depend on weather as much as anything!

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    2. I like the idea of a blazer as an alternative to a thick wool coat that you probably want on the drive but not to wear all day long. I don't see a blazer as a dressy piece, especially with jeans but it works more ways than a dress will.

      How about your Toni tassel loafers for walking shoes? I have them and they are super comfortable, even walking all day.

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    3. Sorry, I think I didn't explain myself well or omitted an important point: it is going to be too cold to wear a blazer instead of a coat, we wear coats well into April here (sometimes even early May). So it would be only to wear in the evening at restaurants and I think it is unnecessary. But then I think I never took a blazer on vacation so maybe it is just me.

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    4. For me it will depend on how much I want to squish in and how much room I want for those special extras I hope to buy!

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  25. I didn't have time to read all the posts so this may be a total repeat. I can't believe my little miss overpacker self would dare to offer advice but here it is: pick a color story and stick with it. Focus on accessories scarves and jewelry so it doesn't look like you are wearing the sane thing over and over. The only thing that worries me about the one bag rule: how are you going to shop and have room to get your packages home ?

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    1. Hey Shopping Celle there may be another bag bought in NYC! Or I can always mail home... Thanks for advice - scarves ESP are great idea!

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  26. This may be something you have, but did you notice that the car clutch you wanted is on a sale(last day today!) at Kate Spade. Go to the wonderful Shopping with M blog for the link. I thought of you right away!

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    1. HI KNityarns! I did see, it sadly, and dithered over it. In the end, I decided to wait to see what I would see in NYC. I probably need some nice spring basic in my style, not a clutch, but oh my gosh, I was tempted!

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    2. If you are still interested, you should call an outlet. I find they always have % off sales, and maybe they will let you know when they are having one. BTW, AJC and I live right over the GWB sorry George Washington Bridge-- many malls and buses from NYC- no tax on clothing! Keep it in mind if you are bored!

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  27. Hi WMM, Even though I have only found your blogs within the last month, I have become a faithful reader. I am probably a little late to today's advice party but I do have an apartment in NYC where I usually spend part of my week. Personally I am an absolutely horrible packer and want to bring at least three times as much as I really need. I do,however,understand the dire packing constraints you are dealing with. As a woman of a similar age, I can't stress enough the importance of shoes that are meant for walking. I would wear the boots and pack a pair of very comfortable flats. In the city you need to walk in order to take in all of the sights, sounds and most of all the energy! As many others have stated a dress code is no longer in effect except in the most high end restaurants such as Daniel which was mentioned by Wellfedfred. Even then you could get by with black minnies ,pretty cami, cardigan, and a lovely scarf with your flats. Of course try to wear your bulkier items, thereby more room in your one precious bag. If by any chance your flats fail you I can suggest a shop called French Sole which is on 3rd Ave at 71st, a mere half mile up the road from our wonderful Bloomies. Speaking of Bloomies, I am totally addicted to their fat free frozen yogurt which is found on the 7th floor in a restaurant called Forty Carrots. If you wish to indulge be forwarned their small serving is huge!!! I would be more than happy to respond to any other questions if I can help. I wish you wonderful weather and an awesome trip.

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    1. One quick correction, the French Sole store is actually on Lexington Ave at 71st. I have many comfy shoes from there. One of my favorites is named Heros. They are probably somewhat of a Chanel look-alike but I find I can wear them with jeans, minnies and skirts. They do cost $150 but I have found them to be very comfortable and to wear well. Another alternative can be found right across Lexington, from Bloomies, at Banana Republic. They are called Ashley ballet flats, come in many colors, are very comfy and are $98 full price but they always seem to run a promotion. Sorry about my shoe obsession but I know all too well what it feels like to hobble around on the hard city pavements with shoes that have always served well at home.

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    2. I agree on French Sole, I don't own any of their shoes but I tried a wedge once and it was the most comfy thing ever. I also think that they would be very much your style. Brace yourself though, they are quite expensive!

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    3. WMM, would also vouch for French Sole flats as well as the TB Revas if you are thinking about picking up shoes. They are like Brora to JC cashmere, much more flexible, better construction, padding than other similar looking shoes. Then again, flats are very dependant on how your arches and instep are, so very much a personal fit.

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    4. There's another flat-shoe store across the street, which I think is a French Sole outlet!

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    5. As GetFresh has pointed out shoe fit is very personal. I have logged many NYC miles in TB Revas and have acquired unsightly bumps which remain on my feet as a result. I like the look but not city shoes for me. Wellfedfred is indeed correct that there is a French Sole outlet directly across Lexington. They are connected. Some of the styles are exactly the same and are the same price. In addition the outlet offers some sale and discontinued styles at reduced prices. I have bought shoes in both locations and have been able to wear them all day long even on the first day, something which I unfortunately can't say about any of my JC shoes.

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    6. I have always wanted to go to French Sole, but had never run across it in my travels! I am puttin it on the list right now! Thank you so much Teacup - I am so glad you are here!

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    7. thank you all for that great advice - definitely on the list!!! DO you recommend a stop at Century 21?

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  28. I think you got some great advice here from many seasoned travelers. I agree with everybody, 2 pairs of comfortable shoes, stick to one color story, pants, jeans, 3-4 t-shirts, 2 sweaters and one dress, pajamas, coat, scarves, hat and gloves. I would bring one crossbody medium size bag but I don't mind logging bigger bag to restaurants and theaters. I also always bring flip flops for showers and a necklace or two. make sure everything is comfortable and nothing is too tight. I am sure you will have fabulous time!

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    1. Oh good idea on flip flops! We usually have luck , but you never know....

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Kindness is a virtue...