NYC Bound: Here’s What I Packed.

This week, I’m headed to the Big Apple to host another Thirtyish event, visit a couple of museums, and catch up with a few old friends.  And there’s just something about traveling to New York, you always want to look your best.  So when I needed to freshen up a few outfits, my first, and only, stop was Nordstrom.

Usually for a long, dinnertime plane flight, I would just wear faux-leather leggings and a long sweater. But I’m going straight from the plane to a casual event so I needed something with more style to it.  I wanted an outfit that was comfortable and relaxed, but still chic.

How fun are these Boden Windsor Wide Leg Jeans? I love the red piping and wide-leg fit. I chose Boden’s balloon-sleeve striped for a unique basic, and added this Argento Vivo necklace for a pop of metallic.  These red Caslon shoes are generously cushioned for walking, but give me the pointed toe and longer leg line that I’m looking for with a wide-leg jean.

Because New York in the fall usually feels chillier than the thermometer indicates (thanks, humidity), I grabbed this lovely Topshop coat.  I adore the red accent under the collar.  But the coat does run a bit big, so size down for a better fit.

In addition the fun part of my visit, I have one serious business meeting to attend.  A friend set up an informational meeting with a lawyer who has the kind of career you only dream of, so I wanted to look professional but not wear a suit.

I decided to freshen up these NYDJ stretch knit trousers and Sam Edelman Hazel pumps with this affordable, dramatically printed Rachel Roy blouse.  The black-and-white abstract print pairs well with so many colors that it’s perfect in any season.  For fall, I paired it with this belted Padova jacket, from a fantastic brand that I just discovered, B&SH.

B&SH’s pieces are modern and sleek, but with a hint of something special.  I adore how wearable all their pieces are without being boring.  I needed the jacket sleeves shortened to fit me, and my local Nordstrom was able to alter the jacket for no charge.

If there was ever a city to wear dramatic, Jackie Kennedy-esque sunglasses in, it’s New York. So I picked up these Gucci oversized sunnies. I feel so glamorous when I wear them.

Add an affordable bag with a cool handle, like this Chelsea 28 tote, and a pair of interesting Kate Spade stud earrings, and this outfit is done. I’ll probably wear my hair up, just because New York humidity is a cruel mistress and I’d rather be thinking about our conversation than my quickly deflating blowout.

Nordstrom’s beauty department is always filled with racks of travel-sizes of your beauty and skincare favorites.  But I was in a rush prepping for this trip, so I picked out some essentials online and asked Kyle to grab them using Nordstrom’s Curbside Pickup.  He was so impressed by how easy it was that he asked the gentleman if, next time, he could add an E-Bar double espresso to the order.  Always looking for more perks, that one.

For my trip, I snapped up this wonderful Kopari Beauty Besties gift set featuring their natural Coconut Oil Deodorant and their Coconut Melt makeup remover, which is my all time favorite. I also grabbed Drybar’s Detox Dry Shampoo and their Hot Toddy heat protectant.  And I never travel without my Atelier Cologne (Pomelo Paradis is my favorite).

And how cute are these Dagne Dover toiletry bags?  I have resisted buying leather makeup bags, because let’s be real, I’m going to spill things.  These fantastic toiletry bags are made of durable neoprene, so no worrying about spills or damage.  And they come in a selection of unisex colors.

If you need some thing carry-on friendly, I love this Truffle makeup case with the clear, plastic windows to keep everything where you can see it.  It and its smaller clutch cousin are both TSA-approved.

After four years out of the city, the lights, the noise, the time difference, it can all be too much. So I have to have a relaxing nighttime routine when I travel, or else I can’t sleep.  That’s why I always pack what I need for a cozy and relaxing end-of-day regimen.

1) Comfortable pajamas, like these Nordstrom Lingerie Moonlight Pajamas.  2) My Ugg Ansley Slippers, to keep my feet warm in chilly hotel rooms. 3) A relaxing coconut milk bath soak from Herbivore.  And 4) great skincare products like SK-II’s Overnight Miracle Mask and Wander Beauty’s Gold Foil Eye Masks.

Add a good book, and you have everything you need for a relaxing night of eating room service and chilling out.

So that’s what I packed for my quick trip to New York.  Thanks to Nordstrom and Shopstyle for sponsoring this post.  I don’t usually participate in sponsorships, but when they let you pick what you want and write about what you want with no strings attached, it’s hard not to say yes.

{image is mine; this post is sponsored by Nordstrom and Shopstyle}