Travelling for the Holiday(s): What to Pack?

We are lucky enough to travel home over Thanksgiving to see my family in Youngstown, Ohio. My sister (and her baby bump), my brother-in-law, their dog, Cooper, my husband and I will be taking off (road trip!) for Ohio Tuesday after work.  When it comes to winter travel, packing is often the most arduous part, particularly if it's unseasonably cold (or warm!).

Above: Cooper on our road trip last Christmas.

In order to make packing for your trip a little easier, consider these hints:

First, decide what your main events will be, and choose the outfits for those.

For our Thanksgiving trip, I know on Wednesday I will be meeting my best friend's new baby, Miura. One of my favorite "dressier" sweatshirts is this J. Crew crewneck sweatshirt with the ruffle hem (below).  The best part is you can layer any color underneath the gray. J. Crew Factory just came out with a sequin hem crewneck sweatshirt (picture below) that is equally adorable (mine is last year's).

At my first dress fitting in February with Mandy, Beth and Anna!

We will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's on Thursday. I am going to incorporate some sparkle into my outfit because to me, when is a BAD time to wear sequins? ;-)

Above: at Penrose Brewery with my girls Mandy and Kelly. 

My shirt is old J.Crew Factory; however, you can find similar ones here and here. 

Friday is my 10-year high school class reunion. I will be wearing this black lace Lilly Pulitzer dress. (Below). Here is a great alternative (mine is a few years old).

Saturday we are celebrating Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family in Findlay, Ohio. I plan on wearing my new tartan scarf from The Initial Co. and styling it something like Courtney did on her website!

They are all sold out of this fabulous scarf at the Initial Co., but here it is on Tuckernuck's website! The best part of this tartan scarf is that I can wear it with so many different colors. 

Once you know the main components of your itinerary, you can pack with much more ease.

Also, pack shoes or boots that are multi-purpose; it's better if your shoes you bring can be worn dressy or casual.

Similar Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats here.

Sofft brown booties, here. 

After you've compiled the "main" events' clothing, decide if you'll be working out on your trip. If so, you'll need the appropriate shoes and work-out garb.

We are going to Pure Barre in Youngstown (taught by one of my former dance teachers!) on Wednesday, pre-Turkey.  I'll try to hit up my mom's Pilates Reformer a few times in the basement, too (the operative word being TRY-- hehe).  Similar capris: here. Tank top here! Sticky socks: found here.


Finally, think about your down time and what you'd like to wear during those hours. When I am home at my mom's, my best times are sat snuggling on the couch in comfy pajamas with a glass of wine in hand. I love my mom and step-dad's fireplace. To me, their fireplace indicates home, holidays and family (and the fact that my mom keeps her house at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit-- haha!).

Furthermore, consider the drive or flight to your destination. On Tuesday, I will be leaving directly from work to scoop up the hubs and head down to Chicago to meet Anna and Shawn.  Typically, my travelling uniform is Lululemon Wunder Under pants and a Saint Mary's tee shirt.

Loving this adorable new SMC tee-- there's a sale on the Saint Mary's College bookstore site: $10 off any $50 purchase and $25 off $100! 

Don't forget your festive jammies!

There's a 50% sale going on currently on J. Crew Factory online. Time to stock up! 

These are my favorite buffalo plaid jammie pants from J. Crew Factory-- and they are on sale for $21!


And the best "short trip" bag I've ever owned is my Vera Bradley large duffel bag. It is the perfect size for 3-5 days and traveling by car.

Where are you headed this Thanksgiving? May your travels be safe and your Thanksgiving meal be filled with family and love.

xxoo
Mary