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I am not great about packing in advance of a trip – I’m such a moody dresser; I usually wait until the last minute (i.e., night before) to see how I’m feeling and what I’m gravitating towards – but sharing below what I’ve dog-eared for a trip to Tuscany and then Como. Temps are supposed to be in the 60-70s in the daytime and 50-60s in the evening, so layering will be key. The theme is fifty shades of brown.
I know I will need to whittle this down (traveling for seven days – will share full itinerary and notes when we return), but here’s what I have laid out on my floor:
01. This cashmere toggle coat. Love that it works as a cardigan, over a simple tee with jeans, or as an actual jacket, over a dress or blouse.
02. Trying desperately to only pack two pairs, but want all three of these: brown wide-legs, ecru barrels, and dark-wash-wear-with-anythings.
03. Dinner dresses: this and this.
04. White pointelle long-sleeve, white short-sleeve, white slim fit.
06. Leather maxi skirt.
07. Blazer – thinking this one because it goes well with the brown color theme.
08. Statement blouse — either (both?) this and this. I like the idea of pairing these with either casual jeans and a ballet flat for day exploring, or a heel and blazer for evening.
09. Dressy dress — we have one formal dinner planned. I love this or this.
10. Shoes: a) pointed toe suede or velvet pump (these are a really good buy at $150 – I have in a few colors; I have a camel suede that will probably be perfect, but also how good would a chocolate brown be?); b) comfortable and chic sneaks; c) ballet flats.
11. Athleisure: my Tuckernuck cashmere set for travel days; my Varley set (top, bottoms) to mix in on more casual days; chocolate brown leggings.
12. Striped tee – pair with leggings or jeans. Also cute as a top layer / sweatshirt situation.
13. Jewelry: fun heavy gold earrings to zhush up a daytime tee-and-jeans look; riviere for dinner; glitzy earrings to go with anything, from day to night.
14. Swimsuit — this is Mr. Magpie’s favorite on me. (There is a heated pool at one of the resorts!)
15. Pajamas and loungewear for post-exploring relaxation.
16. New lingerie – this and this, and these.
Already unclear what handbags to bring. Possibly something like this (I have in a brown color) or this (I have in brown leather) that will go day-to-night, but can be worn with a crossbody strap during the day. Definitely throwing this Celine phone sling in my bag — I found it so helpful the last time I was traveling, e.g., you just want to run down to the lobby / grab a drink at the hotel bar / need only phone, card, key.
For day-of travel, I’ll be revisiting all your tips here, but plan to bring my noise canceling headphones and external phone battery, wear my cashmere sweatsuit, and have my Kindle pre-loaded with light, diverting fare. I’m not a big eye mask person but am going to pack one because the flight is overnight. A lot of you recommended the Manta one. I’ll probably carry on this duffle, which is magical. It has a laptop sleeve (critical) plus a little flap you can slip on over your suitcase handle, and it’s very lightweight on its own. (Fits under seat!)
P.S. Magpies weigh in with tips on how to plan a great vacation.
P.P.S. How do you handle skincare while traveling?
P.P.P.S. Around this time last year, we had the most magical time in Napa.