What We're Packing for Our February Travels
Cowgirl vibes, midlife reboot, lots of linen and more
Dear friends,
We are on the go this month! Kate just returned from a long weekend in Nashville with friends and Elizabeth is currently traipsing around Thailand on a press trip. Needless to say, we’ve been in packing mode and thought we’d take you along for the ride. Spring Break is just around the corner!
Xoxo,
Kate & Elizabeth
NASHVILLE PACKING LIST
Truth be told I almost didn’t make it out alive. I got taken down by some insidious pathogen just days before my flight so my pre-trip planning was less inspired than I’d hoped. Instead of rolling out a new ‘fit for my first time in Music City, I leaned into closet classics that got the job done. Nashville is a walking town, so I happily left the heels at home and made due without any fancy footwear. Now that I know better, next time I’ll be making room for these.
Day 1: Back in Black
Easy denim
Black muscle tee
Bangles and oversized gold hoops
Day 2: Bell Bottoms Up
(This outfit looked better in my mind. Oh well. The honky tonks didn’t care.)
Sweat skirt with a little shape
Cashmere v-neck for cooler weather
Denim jacket, obvs
I managed to pack very little and still check a bag, much to the irritation of my husband. Had this goodie in my carry-on, but it was such a short flight I opted for naps and Brooklyn Nine-Nines instead. What a whirlwind! –Kate
THAILAND PACKING LIST
Warm weather travel is the easiest to pack for because everything is smaller. I’m gone for 10 days but seeing the same humans for only half of them so plan on wearing repeat outfits. This wouldn’t be a question with family and friends—I’m not that high-maintenance—but work trips are a different story. I normally only carry on because the idea of being without my luggage is a top-five fear, but on a long-haul flight it’s nice to be able to change out of my sweatsuit on board for arrival. So, I’m bringing on an overnight duffle (sold out but someone buy this one!) and checking a small suitcase. Here’s what made the cut:
4 swimsuits, most of them forgivingly ruched
3 cover-ups (I collect these)
2 casual linen dresses like these
3 caftans that can go from day to night — Tuckernuck has so many good ones right now!
2 long-sleeve linen shirts
1 pair pull-on shorts
+ a few tees and tanks, PJs, undies and bras, and fitness kits for yoga and walks on the beach.
Shoes: Slides for casual activities, flip-flops for the pool, canvas sneakers for excursions, and my favorite Loeffler Randall knot sandals (similar) for everything else.
Accessories: Fanny pack, ball cap, cute bandana, straw hat, sunnies, seashell earrings (similar) and to save space, a French market tote instead of a bulky beach bag (hot tip: toss it in your cross-body for anything you pick up on a bop!).
Books: The Wedding People, Ina Garten’s memoir, and a Franzen classic that’s been on my list for way too long! I calculated one book on the way there, one for the return, and one for the pool.
How does this all fit in two small carry-ons? Two words: roll everything, as tightly as possible. Stuff shoes with socks and use every interior and even exterior pocket your suitcase offers. Wear your bulkiest outfit and shoes on the plane. And if you still run out of room, pull out a few of the least comfortable and/or least versatile things in your suitcase—you’ll never wear or miss them! Finally, do NOT overlook the small luxury that is hotel laundry service. That plastic bag hanging in the closet isn’t just for schlepping home your wet swimsuit (ahem), it will give your wardrobe a second life!
–Elizabeth
P.S.
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan is a triumph. Time to learn a little more about Led Zep. Where have these been all of our Manhattan-making lives? The hype about Madewell Harlow pants is real. You should try Momofuku’s take on Marry Me Chicken. Best news of 2025 (so far). While you wait: Severance season two is even more riveting than the first; Taking copious notes on all of the outfits from Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We can’t get enough of thrillers with good character chem. Real cowgirls only. An exquisitely accurate and vulnerable take on starting over in midlife. TLDR; KEEP GOING.