Welcome back Original! ♥️✨💌,

There is nothing harder than going from skyscrapers to stunted buildings — and from my perspective, going from public transit to driving the highway. This was my second visit to New York (I’d spent the last eleven months vehemently waiting for it), and I’m always in love with how the city is never the same when you visit. There’s always something new happening; a different exhibit at the museums, new vendors, new businesses, new people, new… snow?

Admittedly, three weeks ago now, I was among the New Yorkers grateful to finally be able to see the sidewalk. A gift that very quickly passed as soon as the sky welcomed a blizzard that nearly left me stranded in Laguardia for four days. Alas, I was able to take an early flight, and wave goodbye to my fellow New Yorkers left behind in the inches (can we believe how quickly the streets were cleaned though?).

When it comes to traveling, I am, most proudly, the itinerary friend. I adore having fifty tabs open on the best restaurants, hotels, activities, and most importably — the outfits! — to wear in the city streets. For there is an art to style and comfort when traipsing the 20k steps a day it takes to be a New York tourist.

In today’s first edition of my new publication — soon to be separated from this one — I’m sharing my New York travel guide. From outfits, to packing (of which is always a hassle!), to where we stayed, to where we adventured, ate, and were merry. I am excited to welcome you to Traveling in Fashion!

1. Packing For Winter As A Carry-On Warrior

To begin, the carry-on simply would not do… and as a notorious carry-on warrior, I initially felt shame. Slight backstory: I’m a travel writer for weddings and travel magazines. Oftentimes, I travel to warmer climates where utilizing a carry-on is easier than deciding between bikinis. But winter is always a tad different for me, especially for this particular trip. We had evening wear, and day wear… and truly, when layering, it can feel nearly impossible to fit everything into that teeny-tiny carry on I love so dearly.

So I… gasp! checked a bag this time. Over the past two years, I’d like to pride myself on my packing abilities. I’ve learned most tricks in the book, and developed a few of my own. When it comes to packing for New York winter — though it may be too late to give you these tips, you can always use them this year when the snow inevitably returns — here are my essentials:

1. Packing Cubes: Now this may seem basic, but I can truly say packing cubes are vital to my packing process. I especially love these from Pasteal because they include compression zippers to ensure your clothes are even more compact. On this particular trip, I find it easiest to compress pajamas together, then separate the clothing by outfit formula. If you have a sweater you know you want to wear with a pair of jeans, pack them together. And always pack in order of day. This way, you’re just picking off the suitcase one by one in order.

2. Socks in Shoes: I always line my shoes on the back of the suitcase to ensure more room, but I also place socks in them to keep the form of boots and sneakers. The same goes for bags. If I have a purse — and a swimsuit — I place the swimsuits in the purse for maximum space.

   1. I recommend truly only packing two pairs of shoes for a four day trip. Sneakers — I love these from New Balance — and a nice evening wear pair. Sneakers are key for the walking you’ll be doing, so ensure maximum comfort.

3. Layers: This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s truly important. Layers are everything when it comes to New York winter, so make sure you have enough thermal tops and bottoms. I also love these skin thermal tights from Amazon. They helped me tremendously on days I wore a skirt, and wanted to maintain warmth. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of using style as layering. For example, I used a button down shirt beneath a sweater to create an outfit.

4. Accessories & Hats: I always keep these in the back of my suitcase as well, but these are vital in New York. I carried a winter fluffy headband, a newsboy hat, beanies, and additional claw clips and accessories for each outfit. These also fit great in purses.

5. Jewelry: I have a specific jewelry travel organizer that helps me keep everything in place. I usually set it up in my personal item backpack, which carries my Kindle, and other miscellaneous items.

6. THE Coat: Obviously, in New York winter, you need a coat. And I’m not just talking a light jacket, I mean a coat to keep you warm through rain, snow, and overcast. My THE coat was a Calvin Klein I purchased for $6 at Goodwill, and I wore that thing everywhere! A heavy wool coat is the perfect attire for New York, especially if it’s black as it pairs well with everything. I highly recommend packing one jacket, and wearing it on the plane to maximize suitcase space.

2. Where To Stay For A Girls’ Trip Of Four

The two times I’ve been to New York, I’ve stayed in the same hotel — and will most likely stay there again.

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