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packing for memorial day weekend train travel

5/18/2015

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Memorial Day weekend is just about here and like many people, I am heading out of town. To be more specific, I am going to my annual family reunion in Robbers Cave State Park, which in my opinion is just about the prettiest part of Oklahoma. It has rolling hills, glistening lakes, and interesting rock formations. Plus, it once was the hideout of famous outlaws like Belle Starr and Jesse James so you get to explore the place where they once hung out. 

Going on a trip to a state or national park means that your packing list is going be different than if you were spending the weekend at a seaside resort since you will probably need hiking boots (not sparkly high heels) and clothes that can get a little bit dirty. (These 10 tips are a good place to start when you are staring at your suitcase with no idea what to put in it.) But to make my packing list even more complicated, I am taking Amtrak (most of the way) to my destination. I am a huge fan of long distance train travel so my packing list is down to a science and everything I need to comfortably enjoy a train ride can fit into a large tote bag.
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A sunrise view from behind the Belle Starr Lodge at Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton, OK.
First off, what should you wear when you have a 22 hour trip (which is the length it takes on the Texas Eagle train to get from Chicago to Dallas)? Since you will be sitting for long periods, choose pieces that are stretchy, but stylish and make sure to wear layers that can be easily added or removed. It is tempting to just put on yoga pants and a sweatshirt and call it a day, but I have found that I feel much better when I change my clothes partway through the trip instead of trying to make one outfit work for the whole time. I will leave Chicago early in the afternoon on Thursday and not arrive in Dallas until late morning the next day, so I have two daytime outfits and one nighttime outfit for the trip. Although I travel in coach, it is really easy to take a change of clothes to the bathroom and freshen up. 
casual layers for train travel

casual layers for train travel by practicallystylishblog featuring blue jeans
When you are choosing your outfits, make sure that you save your most comfortable outfit for the end of the trip because that is when you will be getting antsy and any discomfort will irritate you more than is strictly reasonable. For the first outfit, start off with denim (of course, choose a style that is loose or a fabric with a decent amount of stretch) paired with a tank and a cozy cardigan. Train cars are kept cool so even if it is sweltering outside, you need to make sure that you have an outer layer handy. When I took the Southwest Chief from LA to Chicago during the summer, the woman sitting across the aisle from me was not prepared for the air conditioning and ended up putting on all the thin t-shirts she had packed in her luggage in an attempt to stay warm! I like to wear a tank top under my sweater so that if I get overheated (which often happens to me when I am in a confined space) I can easily adjust my outfit to reach a better body temperature.

Comfortable shoes are a must because you will want to get up and walk around the train. The western routes have sightseeing cars with big windows where you can enjoy the views and you'll likely want to take a trip to the dining car or snack car to get something to eat or drink. Even if you don't have a destination in mind, it is nice to stretch your legs and you will see many people doing a lap of the train every hour so their legs don't cramp up. I usually wear my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals, but sneakers in a bright color work equally well for melding style with practicality. 

When it gets close to your bedtime, you will want to slip into something more comfortable. If you are riding in coach, you will be surrounded by other people so your nighttime outfit will likely be different than your pajamas at home. I like to wear athletic wear because it is soft and stretchy, but is still appropriate in public. My winning combination includes yoga pants, a long tank top, a sports bra, and a hooded sweatshirt. The key is to avoid zippers, buttons, underwire or anything else that will poke and prod you in the night. Once again, you want to have the option to adjust your temperature easily by adding or removing the outer layer. On this blog I often implore my readers to not wear athletic wear in public unless they are working out, but this is an exception to that rule. Also be sure to bring a pair of socks in your carry-on bag so that cold toes don't disturb your sleep. Tthe ambient noise makes a train a surprisingly soothing place to sleep, so you don't want to stay up fidgeting because your clothes aren't comfortable enough. Plus, the interior lights are dimmed around 10 PM so you don't really have an option to do much else except rest!
loungewear for a long train ride

loungewear for a long train ride by practicallystylishblog featuring a honey comb
stretchy yet stylish train outfit

stretchy yet stylish train outfit by practicallystylishblog featuring genuine leather shoes
The next morning you will probably be tempted to stay in your oh-so-comfortable athletic wear. However, if you plan ahead, you won't even mind putting on "real" clothes for the day. The MVP of your travel wardrobe, especially in summer, is the jersey maxi dress. It looks polished, but it feels like you could still be lounging in bed. Throw on a wrap cardigan to keep your arms warm and slip into a pair of sandals. You will be ready for breakfast in the dining car and for whatever activities await you at your destination.

The great thing about train travel is that unlike planes, you can actually keep most of your luggage with you. Amtrak lets you take two pieces of luggage plus a personal item with you on the train and then lets you check up to three more bags. On most trips (train or plane) I fit everything into a single suitcase plus a backpack so this policy is more than generous for me. When you are packing your suitcase, make sure that your nighttime outfit and second daytime outfit are on the top so that you can easily grab them when you need to get changed. 

When travelling by long-distance train, I also like to bring a large tote bag that holds all my "on-board" necessities. Just like you need to prep for a car trip, it is important that you plan ahead for a train trip so that you don't find yourself bored out of your mind three hours into a day or two journey. The woman on my LA to Chicago train that didn't bring a sweater also did not bring a book, magazine, music, or anything else that would serve as entertainment.
Outlets are plentiful on trains and many routes offer free wi-fi, so laptops, tablets, and smartphones all offer something in the way of distraction. Although I generally download a movie or two before the trip, I like to take advantage of the time to get in some quality reading. For this upcoming trip I am bringing two books that I have been itching to read, The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon and The Martian by Andy Weir. I will also pack a perennial favorite, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, so that I know I have something beloved that I can get lost in should I find myself getting a case of cabin fever. Also, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with your seatmates or with people in the sightseeing car! I've had plenty of fascinating conversations on trains.
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Although entertainment options are important, you don't want to completely fill up your tote bag with books and gadgets. I always bring a blanket (especially important now that Amtrak no longer provides them at night), a full-sized pillow, and a pair of slippers.The pillow and blanket might seem like they would only be useful at night, but during the day they can turn your seat into your own personal oasis. I place the pillow vertically between my back and the seat for extra cushion and the blanket is another layer for when I find the air conditioning to be too chilly. When I am sitting at my seat, I also kick off my sandals and wear my slippers instead. Since I always wear slippers in my apartment, it helps me feel like I am somewhere I can relax. I always get lots of envious stares when I pull my slippers out of my tote bag. If you aren't normally a slipper person, then a pair of cozy socks will do the trick just as well.
Since you will be on the train for many hours, your daily routine is going to be upset slightly. This means you will probably be going longer between showers than you would on a regular day so you might feel less than your best. Some of the things that I like to keep close at hand on a long train trip are:
  • deodorant 
  • dry shampoo
  • hand sanitizer
  • tissues
  • lip balm 
  • hand lotion (but stay away from strong fragrances!)
  • face wash
  • painkillers
  • mints
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While there are food and beverage options on the train that I do take advantage of, I also like to keep a few snacks in my bag. A reusable water bottle is a must, but I also like to bring along juice boxes for when I want some variety. Applesauce, apples, and the Five Seed Almond Bars from Trader Joe's are great together for breakfast or separately as an afternoon snack. All of these items are shelf stable so they will last until my return trip without requiring any refrigeration. I know that some people plan ahead and bring all of their meals on the train, but I really enjoy the dining car experience because you get to chat with other passengers. 

Where are your Memorial Day weekend plans taking you this year? Share your favorite travelling outfits and tips for making a long trip more bearable in the comments!
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how to pack for a transatlantic trip in one suitcase

10/8/2013

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    At the end of this week my parents are heading to Austria for a friend's retirement party and my mom is worried that she is going to over pack. Although she read through my tips for packing the perfect suitcase, she got stuck on tip #2: lay out all the items you are planning to bring as outfits. Her goal is to bring a limited number of pieces while still having options if she finds out a last minute amendment to the dress code. So for five days (including 2 dressier evening events) I have curated a portable wardrobe of 11 pieces and 6 accessories that create 26 outfit options.
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    When you have a long flight you don't want to wear the pieces that are going to be integral to your vacation wardrobe. Jane isn't planning on wearing jeans during her time in Vienna, but since it is a good backup to have, it is perfect for a plane outfit. By wearing a pair of dark wash jeans, a long sleeve printed tee and cute sneakers for the travel leg, she gives herself casual options without taking up valuable space in her suitcase. Just like it is important to plan for the possibility of a dressy occasion, you should always pack something that can be dressed down in the event you go for a hike through the hills or end up at a dive bar. Plus, no matter how comfy you think your ballet flats and heels are, you will want a sneaker in case of blisters.
    In addition to the plane outfit, my packing list includes a blue patterned wrap dress, a blue wrap cardigan, a white lace long sleeve tee, a long taupe cardigan, a teal silk shell, a grey ruffle cardigan, wool trousers, a grey silk shell with beaded detailing, and ivory dot ankle pants. I kept accessories to a minimum with a reversible metallic belt, a teal patterned scarf, a single necklace to be chosen by Jane, one pair of ballet flats for day, and one pair of heels for night. Since the photos in this post were taken previously, many of the outfits show alternate accessories, but in the interest of suitcase space, I have limited the options.
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    Although there are many options for mixing and matching these pieces, it is always helpful to have an idea of your daily outfits so that you don't waste your trip trying to get dressed each morning. You can change your mind later, but start with a plan.
    The key for a short trip is to have every able to mix and match. This means that you will want to stay within a single color palette. Although I am utilizing lots of neutrals, the color pops are all cool. Since the weather will be in the high 50s for most of the visit and nearly every outfit will require an extra layer, I have added a third cardigan to the rotation even though it is not completely necessary. A way to avoid the extra cardigan would be to pack tops with longer sleeves instead of silk shells but it is difficult to find cute long sleeve tops that are not tees. However, your outer layers are also most likely to get dirt or food on them, so it is better to be prepared with an extra piece than to try to locate a washing machine in a foreign country.
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    When using neutrals as the bulk of your wardrobe it is important that you still maintain visual interest. The grey cardigan has three dimensional movement as a result of the the ruffles so even though it is a single dark color, it feels light and fun. The lace front on the white tee adds a subtle texture, the tie on the blue wrap cardigan can be manipulated into various bows and knots and the ankle pants have an unobtrusive pattern that prevents the color from looking flat. All of the cardigans I chose are variations of the norm. The unexpected twist (wrap, long, or ruffle) add an extra pop even if the color is neutral.
    I have chosen my favorites combinations not just from a style point perspective, but so that the collection as a whole is interesting and diverse. There is no point in packing a versatile wardrobe if it looks like you are wearing the same thing everyday!

Day 1: Wool trousers with grey silk shell, blue wrap cardigan, teal patterned scarf and ballet flats

Day 2: Dot ankle pants with teal silk shell tucked in, grey ruffle cardigan, metallic belt and ballet flats
Evening 2: Blue patterned wrap dress with metallic belt, necklace and heels (photo below the break)

Day 3: Jeans with printed tee, blue wrap cardigan, teal patterned scarf and ballet flats
Evening 3: Wool trousers with teal silk shell, grey ruffle cardigan, metallic belt, necklace, and heels (photo above right)

Day 4: Blue patterned wrap dress with long taupe cardigan, metallic belt and ballet flats
Evening 4: Dot ankle pants with white lace tee, long taupe cardigan, necklace, metallic belt and heels (photo to right)

Day 5: Wool trousers with white lace tee, teal patterned scarf and ballet flats

    Changing the way that you style an outfit can make a big difference when you are limited by your wardrobe options. If you wear a blouse untucked one day, then the next try tucking in your top and add a belt through the loops; alternate each day between a scarf and a necklace; and if you have the option to skip a cardigan or outer layer one day, do it! The key is to keep any one piece from looking too familiar and to prevent your outfits from looking formulaic.
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Curious what all 26 outfit options are? Keep on reading:

Read More
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vacation ready

5/22/2013

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Can you believe it is almost Memorial Day weekend? After a crazy couple weeks at work, I am leaving Chicago for a much needed vacation. It is only ten hours until my mom picks me up for our road trip to the family reunion, but my suitcase is still sad and empty (and up on a high shelf in my closet)! Since I am such a packing procrastinator, I am always worried that I will end up far away from my closet only to realize that I brought a ton of t-shirts and no pants or only packed cardigans and have no tanks to go underneath! However, all that worrying has created a pretty solid system to follow to ensure that I am ready for most occasions, without having to lug around twenty tons. So, without further ado, here are my top ten vacation wardrobe tips:

1. Check the weather a couple days before you plan to begin packing. Most of us start thinking generally about our packing list in the days before our trip so make sure that you are working with the correct weather report. You don't want to plan out a week's worth of cute shorts outfits only to find out that your normally warm vacation locale is experiencing a cold front during your visit.

2. Before you fold anything into your suitcase, lay out all the items you are planning to bring as outfits. This way you will be able to quickly see if there are pieces you don't need or if you need to add a coordinating piece to something you'd really like to wear.

3. Try to pack knits whenever possible so that you will not have to deal with the hotel room iron. You are supposed to be relaxing so choose pieces that will be easy to grab and go. Plus, most knits are more comfortable than their woven counterparts so it is a win-win!

4. Use the distance to try out something new! Is there a new trend you've been wanting to try? Maybe you really want to try out a pattern-on-pattern outfit but don't want your neighbors to make snarky remarks about you at the grocery store. Vacation is a great time to try something outside of your box because you will be surrounded by strangers who won't gossip about you. Sometimes it just takes wearing a trend outside for a bit to decide whether or not it is your cup of tea. My Memorial Day vacation "new piece" is a neon pink nail polish- I'll let you know how it works out!

5. Keep your layering pieces neutral. Since it is summertime you probably do not want to bring an outerwear piece to coordinate with every outfit just in case it happens to get cool that night. My go-to piece is a grey, crewneck cardigan. It can be paired back to navy, black or any color so I don't have to rework my entire look just to accommodate the weather.

6. Bring a dress. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but make sure you have something if the restaurant you've been dying to try has a dress code or if some "can't miss" event presents itself. The easiest option is a black jersey knit wrap dress. You can put a brightly colored tank underneath for a peek of color, add a necklace and you'll be ready to go.

7. Make sure to bring some accessories to jazz up your outfits. The bare minimum should be a statement necklace, a colorful or sparkly bracelet, a pair of earrings and a colorful or metallic skinny belt. This will let you adjust your outfits for any unexpected events and won't take up much room in your suitcase!

8. Pack two pairs of shoes. I am very wary of anyone who says they can get away with only one pair of shoes for a trip. If nothing else, you will want a second pair in case you get a blister and need to avoid contact with the area. I generally bring a pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers. If you are planning on dress-up occasions during your vacation, you might want to substitute one of those for a heel or wedge.

9. No matter how perfectly you think you have packed, bring one back-up outfit. You might get stuck in a rainstorm and need a dry outfit, your waiter might spill a tray of food on you at lunch or you might just decide that you aren't quite feeling any of the outfits you brought on that particular day. Your backup outfit should be a comfortable favorite, something that you would grab from your closet when you're running late for lunch. Then you know that if you wake up one morning feeling off-kilter that you have something in your suitcase that you can feel good in.

10. Wear something stretchy to travel in. You'll want to start off your vacation on the right foot and arrive comfortably. Depending on your mode of transportation and your schedule, your "something stretchy" can be anything from a great ponte dress to a pair of yoga pants.

I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday weekend, whether you are traveling or not!
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