What I wore on my recent September weekend trip to New York City: daytime, dinner, to the theater, and for a workout at the Peloton Studio.
From Maine To NYC
I am back from a mother-daughter weekend getaway to New York City!
This was a belated Mother’s Day gift from my sweet girls.
We had so much fun!
I wrote about everything we did — our hotel, restaurants, visits to the Peloton Studio, and the Broadway musical Six — in my recent blog post Molly in Maine Visits New York City.
This week, I am stepping outside the framework of my usual content and sharing something a little different: what I wore during our weekend in NY.
From daytime to dinner, the Peloton studio to a Broadway show, here is everything I brought (and wore) for 2 1/2 days and 2 nights in the big city.
Luggage and Packing
But first, a word on luggage and packing
I will state right up front that I am not a big traveler. Now that I have found my happy place in Maine, I am mostly content to stay right here.
But I have been making the effort recently to pull myself away and get out there. Particularly to visit my kids and now grandkids. I am sure many of you understand that strong tug on the heartstrings…
All of this is to say that I am by no means an expert when it comes to packing for a trip.
But I have learned a few things through the years, and I do like to be organized.
My new Béis luggage
Recently I invested in some new coordinating luggage pieces — a significant upgrade to my former hodgepodge collection of bags and suitcases.
The impetus that tipped me over the edge was a Today Show Steals and Deals deeply discounted special on Béis luggage.
Yes, I got hooked, scanned the QR code, and made the purchase.
And I don’t regret it one bit.
I was lucky to get a very good deal, but generally I would say that Béis (pronounced “Base”) sits in the upper-mid price range. Not crazy expensive, but also not cheap. I consider them a good long-term investment, though.
If you are looking for a deal, I believe that they have a Black Friday sale. So keep your eyes peeled in November!
To start, I went with the Carry-on Roller, Mini-Weekender, and set of four packing cubes.
I would like to add at least the makeup case sometime soon.
Note: Béis luggage comes in a wide choice of colors. I, however, was limited due to the special deal I got.
What I think about my Béis luggage
There is so much to love about my Béis luggage!
The carry-on roller is hard-case, nicely compartmented, includes extra storage bags for shoes and dirty items, and has 360* swivel wheels.
The Mini-Weekender has a large separate bottom compartment accessible from the outside, a padded laptop sleeve, and a wide easy-access opening.
Best of all, it has a pass-through pocket that slides over the handle on the roller, so the bag rests securely on top of the roller. No lugging it around on my shoulder!
The packing cubes are sturdy and the set comes with two large compression bags. The set of four fits perfectly in the carry-on roller.
Bonus: Béis pieces are all sleek and stylish!
My one regret: If I were to do it all again, I would pay the extra money for the Convertible Mini-Weekender. With a bottom compartment that zips off completely, it would give me more flexibility.
One last thing: Am I the only one still traveling with my liquids in a tattered ziplock bag?? Well, I just ordered some clear plastic quart-size zippered cosmetic bags from Amazon. Why didn’t I upgrade ages ago??
Shop Béis luggage:
Planning Your Trip Wardrobe
When deciding what clothes to bring on a trip, I find it easiest to choose things in a single colorway. That way you can easily mix and match pieces.
I also find that sticking to a limited palette helps to reduce the number of shoes you need to bring.
I obviously did not need to pack much for just a weekend away.
But we did have a variety of activities planned — out and about during the day followed by dinner at a restaurant; workouts at the Peloton studio and then the theater at night.
And I did want everything to be dressier than what I would normally wear here in Maine. It was, after all, New York City!
Additionally, I needed to pack everything in just my Béis Mini-Weekender Bag.
Challenge on!
What I Wore
Okay, here is what you have been waiting for — what I brought and wore on my weekend trip to NYC!
Since this was a special trip, I wanted to pick up some new pieces to bring with me.
We don’t have a lot of shopping options locally, so I ordered a few things online.
And then one day I popped into TJ Maxx, looking for a pair of comfy but stylish walking shoes.
And unexpectedly hit pay dirt, walking out with two pairs of pants, two tops, and a leather bag!
I had already decided that my color “theme” for the weekend would be black, blue, and white. Simple, timeless, and perfect for this transitional time of year.
Without further ado (for real!), here is what I wore for each part of the weekend.
The trip there
Dress: Banana Republic Factory
Call me old school, but I still believe in not wearing my rattiest clothes on the airplane. When I was young and traveling with my grandparents, we girls would always wear dresses! Air travel is certainly not as glamorous as it used to be, but I still like to look put together.
And of course comfortable too.
I didn’t know if I would have room in my bag to wear a separate outfit for the trip down. But I was able to cram everything in, thanks to my compression packing cube.
My black dress was both stylish and comfy! And I felt ready to go when I arrived in New York.
Note: This dress is very roomy. I am wearing a small, but that size is no longer available in black. It does come in some fun bright colors, though!
Shop black shirt dresses:
Friday dinner
Pants: Eileen Fisher
Top: Vince (old)
I channeled my mom for our first night, and wore two items that were hers.
My mom loved clothes and had so many beautiful pieces. I am lucky to be about the same size as she was!
Eileen Fishers’s slim-fit ankle-length stretch crepe pants are a staple. I have them in navy blue too. My mom was shorter than I am, so these black ones are a petit and hit a little shorter on me.
I have also linked something that seems similar, at a lower price point, from Lands End.
Shop black pants:
Saturday and Sunday Peloton Studio
Leggings: Sweaty Betty
Workout tops: Lulu Lemon and Amazon
Sweatshirt: All in Motion
I have plenty of solid workout leggings, but wanted something with a fun pattern for these special classes at the Peloton Studio.
I sized up to a Medium.
Lulu Lemon workout tops are great, but I have also found a good Amazon dupe for much less.
I have had this loose slightly cropped black sweatshirt for a while. I have linked a few that look similar below.
Shop my workout wear:
Saturday lunch and shopping
Pants: Joie/ TJ Maxx
Possibly my favorite outfit from the weekend!
These wide-legged linen pants with a toile pattern are so fun!
I usually wear a size 6, but they only had an 8. The looser slouchy look works for this style, though!
I have found a few of these from various sources on the internet, linked below!
The black tee was also a TJ Maxx Find. It has a fun little twist detail at the waist.
Shop my Joie toile pants:
Saturday night dinner and theater
Dress: Sue Sartor
I was surprised to see that most people don’t dress up for the theater anymore.
Leah, Zoë, and I wore dresses. And I am happy we did!
I have been admiring Sue Sartor dresses for a few years now. They are pricey, though. When I saw an additional 30% discount on already-reduced prices, I finally made the purchase!
This dress is beautifully made, and I love the block print.
I ordered a small, and it is fitted through the bodice. (My back is broad.) I think the medium would have been a bit big, though. If you have a large chest, you might want to order up a size.
Shop my Sue Sartor dress:
Sunday Day
Jeans: Oat/TJ Maxx
Top: Jennifer and Grace/TJ Maxx
Another favorite outfit!
I couldn’t find these exact wide leg high-waisted cropped jeans, but I have linked some with a similar cut below.
Similarly, I am sharing links to other black eyelet tops.
Shop similar jeans and eyelet tops:
Shoes
Sneakers: Sydney by Shu Shop
Flats: Aerin
I was looking for some fun and comfy sneaks to wear with both dresses and pants. Check and check!
I have a thing for pointy-toed flats. They are probably way out of style now, but I still love them. I bought these black and white shoes years ago at a store in Maryland. I waited and waited until they went on sale! Sorry, but I am not even going to try to find something similar to link…
Bag
Tote: Margot/TJ Maxx
My everyday purse is very small. Probably too small.
The Casey Essential Tote is a sleek roomy tote. Not too big, though, so I think it can be carried every day as a large purse.
The leather is buttery soft, and the striped webbed shoulder strap gives it a fresh look.
Margot does not make this bag anymore, but you can find them for sale on sites such as Poshmark and EBay.
This Week Into Next
I spent the week settling back in after my weekend away.
And getting ready for my last visitors of the summer — my dad, his friend, and my sisters — who arrive on Monday.
I have a fun week planned!
After reading my blog post Lunch, A Lighthouse, Antiques, and Art | A Day in Bristol, Maine, my sisters both want to recreate it. So we will be headed there one day.
Thursday evening we will hit the Camden Art Walk before dinner at Long Grain.
And Friday is the start of the Common Ground Fair in Unity. This uniquely Maine event put on by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s (MOFGA) is a celebration of rural life and highlights sustainable living, local economies, and organic agriculture.Â
I will share the week with you after their visit!
And then I will finally turn my focus back to home decor, as I start the transition to fall.
I hope you enjoyed this post that was different from my usual!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and week!
Be well!
