On this post- my final packing list for my fall trip to the UK, and what I took home from the Rails event last Saturday.
It’s time for the weekend meander with Juliet and Elizabeth!
I’ve been busy getting ready to leave on our trip to the UK. I’m excited I am finally getting to Europe. This is my first since fall 2019, before it all shut down..
Max and I had planned to go last fall, but then he was unexpectedly laid off with his whole team…We could have gone anyway, but being here and available to interview for jobs was a priority. So we are finally going!
Thank you to all the lovely friends who sent so many great suggestions! I have saved every one of them, and will try to see what I can get to.
I’m in the lounge at SFO right now as I type this after the most horrific Uber ride. Max even said it was like the guy couldn’t stay on the road and was erratic..Plus loud music. Gosh why are these rides like rolling the dice every time? DO I sound like an old lady?
Here I was in the lounge soothing myself with chocolate pudding and champagne before I pressed publish on this!
My Rails Event
Thanks to all those who came by Rails for the event last Saturday. I may have missed a few of you, but I hope you had a chance to see the beautiful store and meet the lovely people who work there.. I still think there is nothing like seeing beautiful clothes in person and trying them on, so get to the Rails store at Stanford next time you are up there! They also have a branch in SF in Hayes Valley and all the store addresses here.
We had so much fun and I felt lucky to try on many beautiful pieces from the fall collection. My friend Jeanne came by and tried a few things and let me snap pics.
I was wearing the Sunset Crop Jeans, a silky Dorian stripe blouse and this adorable Geneva cardigan. The cardigan is a bit oversized, but is great over a longer top or dress too. Its super soft so I had to get it. Jeanne has on this super cute North trench jacket. I love the sleeves and all the pretty details.
Other standout pieces..
Can I just mention their outerwear, coats and jackets? They constantly are coming up with more coats and jackets to love… As a coat lover, they are killing me. As soon as I decide on a new piece I have to have, they create more beauties. If you are a coat/ jacket person, don’t miss the new jackets and coats here.
We loved this light and warm sherpa longer Connie shacket which is perfect for a cool California day. ..
I was crazy about these Sunset jeans ( come in regular or cropped), here in cropped, but look full length on 5’4 me. They are comfy and have a raw edge and not super high waist. Cute cardi sweater and this stretchy cotton leopard top were fun options with them.
Sweater Dresses
Rails has some fantastic sweater dresses..I bought this black Lorraine sweater dress which is like butter and forgiving.. Felt amazing on. I thought I wasn’t a sweater dress fan, but after trying the Rails versions which have nice stretch, I changed my mind. I think I need to wear with my boy shorts for a smoother look. The black dress is coming on my trip and can roll it in the suitcase, so these are perfect for travel. It also is thin enough I can layer it under a jacket.
Both these styles come in variations an other colors and Rails has at least 12 more styles in knit dresses here. ( By the way, if you don’t see you size online- contact the Stanford store 650-681-8662 or email them railspaloalto@rails.com and they can see about shipping to you from the store or another, which often have things that are sold out online )
I also got this super soft Gisella cashmere sweater. It may be the nicest cashmere I have ever owned and -love this neutral color with the jeans….Now if we could just get some cooler weather. It was 90’s this week in Northern California!
You can browse all the fall looks from Rails here.
I’m and bringing the jeans, sweater, dress and cardi on my trip to the UK..
What I packed for a week in the UK ( London to Edinburgh.)
Guys I actually packed on Monday, four days before I left. I promised myself I would do this to eliminate stress and really see what I had and I did it! My dear mom, (always prepped) would be proud if she were here. I am reading this book about overthinking, and stressing and it also recommended doing everything before you need to, to remove stress from your life. It is helping!
So I have a carry-on size TUMI I have had for a long time and decided on my new carry-on (wrote about here), is the MZ Wallace Nik bag. It had great reviews and a few others wrote me and said it’s the best, including my pal Martha who is a flight attendant that has been all over and checks out all the bags. She says it’s the best she’s ever had!
Pros of this bag are very lightweight, many many pockets including for your water bottle and a trolley slip.. and more inside.. This bag holds: an umbrella, small cashmere shawl, sweater, extra top and pants rolled, a zip pouch bag with extra underwear and socks, my makeup, my toiletries, a light jacket rolled and my laptop and a magazine. In the other pockets I have my charging cord, chargers, AirPods, hand lotion, brush, masks, hair bands and clip, readers, and on the side water bottle. It also has a hidden pocket on both outer sides for passport and phone. I also have my small crossbody bag in this. The trolley slide is wide and helps this bag stay stable over the suitcase.
I stayed with a color theme packing which is black and tan.. Kind of good for the UK don’t you think?
I will share the more details list next week I hope..
- 3 sweaters
- 3 t-shirts to layer
- 2 jeans
- 1 black pull on pant ( daytime to dressy)
- 1 track pant to travel
- 2 dresses
- a pull on skirt
- trench
- puffer jacket
- black knit blazer
- scarves
- booties
- sneakers
- ballet flat
- pjs
- one white blouse
- socks and underwear
SO here is my entire world ( felt like it at least), crammed into my very full suitcase and the Nik carry-on. I am wearing track pants, booties, a black t-shirt, and a soft blazer- and carrying my J. Crew Factory trench coat ( that I love). I manages to cram my puffer and sneakers into the suitcase.. Let’s hope it doesn’t explode on me.. I am serious! I do carry-on for the trains and for the way there. On the way back I’ll check my luggage and another folded down duffle for purchases.
I need to leave the house more.. I just had a lot going on with my cat changing her meds, cat sitter situated, and of course there is the usual getting the house, plants, and everything cleaned up like we don’t live there! Anyone else relate?
We change the sheets, leave no laundry and clean out the frig, empty the trash, and water every living thing.. It’s a lot isn’t it? I am fortunate to have next door neighbors who are twins taking care of Marlo, and dispensing her meds.. I have my son and his girlfriend coming to give loves to her, so I’m hoping she doesn’t fall apart when we are gone!
Hoping to be able to do a small post next week and just share a few pics with you all! but if not I’ll be back in two weeks and you can follow along on my Instagram where I’ll post photos…and of course Elizabeth and Juliet will be blogging…
Thank you for stopping by,
Kim
Please visit Elizabeth and Juliet’s lovely blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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