• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • FASHION
  • TRAVEL
  • LIFESTYLE
  • About
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Search

A Note on Style

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

I Packed These Basics for My Road Trip

I Packed These Basics for My Road Trip

I was never really planning on warm weather for any part of the 11 day road trip I took in March, but I certainly hadn’t anticipated snow. I’m glad I was prepared for anything and packed what I consider the essentials for unpredictable temps. Layers are key and I’m not adverse to traveling with several jackets, as long as they pack well and serve a purpose.

I found a short puffer jacket, that can go from hiking trails to dinner, to be the most indispensable piece for travel. Bonus points if the jacket is clean lined without a bunch of bells and whistles. If it doesn’t lean too much towards athletic gear, it looks perfectly chic layered over a slim sweater or blouse with jeans for dinner. Mine is an older style from Lululemon, and I wish they would continue with this exact design, year-round, and in a variety of colors.

A longer, hooded coat served me well when it got really chilly. It snowed in Santa Fe, and being warm and comfortable allowed me to continue my walking tour all over the city without even considering to retreat back to the hotel. A thin down vest is also handy to have not only for warmer days but to layer under a coat if it got seriously cold. A lightweight denim jacket added variety to my looks and was perfect when the days warmed to the 70’s.

I packed several jeans, both dark and light denim to rotate for daytime, and then black and white to save for evenings. Keeping the denim designated for days felt right since I’d often be hiking and on dusty trails. Plus, black and white jeans are easy to dress up, although that wasn’t needed at all on this type of trip.

There was no question I needed hiking boots and a pair of Merrell’s I bought right before we left was one of my best buys. Comfortable right out of the box and stylish (for hiking boots) too. I got tons of compliments on them. The throw-back eighties vibe and bright red laces made them appealing. I wore them with striped wool socks.

I’ve mentioned before how I like to have a slipper style loafer when I travel. In small inns, where you meander down to breakfast, it’s nice to have a comfortable flat to slip on quickly. I bypass anything with hard soles or too much structure since I want to be able to flatten them in my suitcase.

Lastly are the essential layers that make it on every trip, varying weight by destination. Several tank tops, short and long sleeved t-shirts, and 1-2 thin turtlenecks provide comfort in a wide range of settings. A floppy hat to block the sun (that can fold into a bag), a cashmere beanie, a cashmere wrap (especially for evenings) and a small neck scarf will often each be packed in a couple of colors for variety.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

PACKING, TRAVEL
Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on Twitter Share on Email
9 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kim

    April 26, 2018

    Karima, I happened upon your blog recently, bookmarked it and have been loving it ever since. This is such a great post. My husband and I traveled to Sedona around Easter a couple of years ago and we saw every type of weather possible…including snow. I love your choices and will save it as a reference for my next trip out West.

    • Karima

      April 27, 2018

      I thought all the weather changes made the trip even better! Sedona in the spring is a fabulous time to go and I hope to return soon. Thank you for the nice comments and I’m glad you’re enjoying A Note on Style!

  2. MP Allegaert

    April 26, 2018

    As always, great style and great advice. Thanks, Karima!

    • Karima

      April 27, 2018

      Thank you!!!

    • Karima

      April 27, 2018

      Thank you. Well, there’s more to come! I want to do a highlight of each spot, so stay tuned…

  3. gpc

    April 26, 2018

    Another great post. I am still thinking about your photos from your trip. They were beyond gorgeous!

  4. JC

    April 30, 2018

    You mentioned, I think on IG walking 10 miles a day during your recent NYC trip. I would love to know what shoes you wore. I’m going to Italy in a couple weeks and I’m not sure what shoes to bring. Ballet flats don’t give me enough support on cobblestones. I’m considering sneakers and loafers. Wondering about a well-cushioned sandal. I’d love your suggestions. Thanks!

    • Karima

      April 30, 2018

      I would never be able to walk on cobblestones all day in ballet flats either! I wear a combination of sneakers, boots and sandals depending on where I’m going. They ALL have extremely sturdy soles. Italy in May could still be cool so closed toe shoes are still a viable option. There are so many cute sneakers out there, I would suggest getting a pair now and wearing them in. I wouldn’t settle for a fashion sneaker without support either. I wore THESE Hogan sneakers in NY, and lug sole boots (old Prada). Good socks are also crucial. I’ll do a post on walking shoes this week to help out you and others who have messaged me recently.

      • Janet

        May 2, 2018

        Thanks Karima! Preston Davis recommended that I ask you too. Both of you are invaluable resources with the best taste.

« Good Genes – A Post Worth Repeating
Mother’s Day Inspired Favorite Finds This Week 4.28.18 »

MY FAVORITE FINDS

WHAT'S NEW
BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE
JEWELRY

Primary Sidebar

Fashion

JACKET DETAILS – BOXY BUT SOFT

Relaxed Nautical For Spring

Shadow Play

The Edit

This Week’s Items: White Pieces I Want

Lifestyle

Sharing My Favorites…Our Food Stories

Travel

An Insider’s Amsterdam

Karima Hunter, A Note On Style

Karima Hunter

Based in Southern California,
A NOTE ON STYLE edits fashion, beauty, and interior design through a luxe lens anchored in classic, timeless style.

MORE

Sign Up
and never miss a post from
A Note on Style
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe and get new posts from A NOTE ON STYLE delivered to your inbox!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow A NOTE ON STYLE on Instagram

Hanging in the shade and working on my tan. #satur Hanging in the shade and working on my tan. #saturdayvibes #tanluxe
Personalizing a self tan with Tan-Luxe products. A Personalizing a self tan with Tan-Luxe products. Adding the drops to my lotion, using their hyaluronic serum for a quick tan and the water mist for maintenance. Odorless, quick drying and produces a natural looking color. Will be my new tanning go-to.❤️ Got all of my summer beauty needs from Nordstrom.
.
@Nordstrom @nordstrombeauty #nordstrom #ad

Follow my shop @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKSeasonal #LTKstyletip #LTKbeauty
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3EYGM
The vintage Patricia von Musulin earrings styled b The vintage Patricia von Musulin earrings styled by Roberto Johnson in this story from The Cut take me straight back to the 1980s. I'm sure we carried the exact pair at Lina Lee during my years employed at the Beverly Hills store. If I dig deep, I might still have them!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
photo: Bella Newman / The Cut
I get my @hoganbrand sneakers on @mytheresa.com an I get my @hoganbrand sneakers on @mytheresa.com and today my new favorite pair are on sale…❤️
.

Link to style in my @anoteonstyle shop in the @shop.LTK

#liketkit #LTKSeasonal #LTKstyletip #LTKshoecrush
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3DSw7
I adore these chunky Sophie Buhai sterling hoops. I adore these chunky Sophie Buhai sterling hoops. They're so good, and sadly long gone. I'm sorry I missed them.​​​​​​​​
.​​​​​​​​
photo: Henrik Purienne #sophiebuhai
I like pieces with versatility. Easy styles that c I like pieces with versatility. Easy styles that can go from day to night without missing a beat. Two of my new favorites are a pair of Sophie Bille Brahe pearl earrings and a black linen Ascenso dress - both from @mytheresa.com 
.
#mytheresa @mytheresa @mytheresa.com #ad #pearls #mothersdaygift 

Follow @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal #LTKMothersDay
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3DHO4
I can’t wait for warmer weather to wear easy sum I can’t wait for warmer weather to wear easy summer looks like this. This #ASCENO would be so simple to dress up or down with jewelry, flats or heels. And these #LOROPIANA brown sandals are fabulous classics. Both pieces would be the starting point for several outfits. 
.
My must have summer accessories will always include stylish sunglasses. The @saltoptics x @amareesnewport frames are my current go-tos checking all the right boxes. Add my new petite Bottega bag and I’ll be good to go.
.
Meanwhile, I discovered the instagram account of @cauvarjao highlighting gorgeous properties in Brasil and Portugal like the home pictured here. So beautiful! Take a look!
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC: @archiandbeyond 
@ascenolondon dress, Bottega Veneta bag, @loropianaofficial sandals, @saltoptics x @amareesnewport sunglasses
New beauty favorites I picked up at Nordstrom from New beauty favorites I picked up at Nordstrom from ILIA and BYREDO. Plus, the 2 face toning devices I love.
#nordstrom @nordstrom @nordstrombeauty #ad

Follow my shop @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKbeauty #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3CRQ4
I like the mood of the palette used in this room f I like the mood of the palette used in this room from Freifrau.  The soft colors combined with a mix of old world detailing and contemporary furnishings is a theory I'd replicate in my home and closet.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
top and skirt: #Co
decor image: #Freifrau 
#Chanel Pre-Fall 22 pump
pearl earrings #sophiebillebrahe
Just returned from a road trip to Napa with stops Just returned from a road trip to Napa with stops in Paso Robles and Sonoma on the way up and a visit to Big Sur and Los Olivos on the way home. The beauty of California is over the top.
.
Scroll through my story for pics and a look at a few of my favorites. 
.
@postranchinn 
#bigsur #postranchinn #hwy1 #california #napa #fourseasonsnapa #losolivos #bellslosalamos
I don't think I'll ever tire of an all white bathr I don't think I'll ever tire of an all white bathroom. Details make all the difference. Let's start with the gorgeous lighting from Urban Electric. Mirrors hung in front of the windows is so pretty and unique too. 
@dakotawillimon 
@marymacwilson @urbanelectricco #dakotawillimoninteriors
Since I’ve edited the contents of what I carry i Since I’ve edited the contents of what I carry in my bag, I’ve been able to downsize. And, with fewer items to transfer from one bag to another, I’m less reluctant to frequently change styles. This has inspired me to curate a collection of small handbags in a variety of colors and shapes. 
.
I’m covering the spectrum – from metallics to brights and pastels. My newest addition is beige. I selected this beautiful chamois hued Bottega Veneta and love how it looks with so many things in my closet. 
.
The obvious pairing is white, black, brown and other neutrals but contrasted with a color, it takes on a very modern note. I also think it plays beautifully with other textures, especially raffia. 
.

#mytheresa.com #mytheresa #springpicks #bottegaveneta
#ad
.
Follow @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content.

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3B0Xi

By visiting A Note on Style you are consenting to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Content may contain affiliate links, whereby at no additional cost to you, we may receive commissions if a purchase is made through them.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

© 2022 A Note on Style LLC. Site Design + Development by Allyssa Barnes. Disclaimer.

A Note on Style uses cookies on this site to improve performance, for analytics & for advertising. By browsing this site you are agreeing to this usage. Learn more. OK
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Scroll Up
Looking for something?

Thanks for subscribing!