Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Beach Blanket Babylonia

When family comes to town you tend to do all those tacky but fun touristy things. Which is how we found ourselves at Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco - a risque and very silly revue with huge hats. I did feel sorry for "Hilary Clinton" portrayed in a fitted pantsuit with ginormous thighs...maybe better than the cankles? It's interesting to ponder who would play us in a movie, but more worryingly - which bit of you would be lambasted in a revue?

Beach Blanket Babylon

The star of Babylon was of course "Madonna" who sang "Defying Gravity" with all the botox, fillers, boob jobs and tight bits that money can buy. Good for her.

Mum arrived from New Zealand on Sunday which was lovely - she's looking after the kids while we fly off to New York for four days. We're going to see my sister, Pietra's doco, Maori Boy Genius screen at the Natural History Museum as part of the Margaret Mead Film Festival. Can't wait.

Me, Teddy, Tallulah, Cy, Jackson and Mum

We're leaving tomorrow morning and I'm determined not to check luggage. Usually I have so many ancillary bags and my carry-on bulging so badly, the airline makes me check it.

But I'm changing my ways, friends.  Let's face it - I never end up wearing all those going-out outfits I usually take. So ta-da! here is my designated day-to-night City Break travel uniform ....supplemented with a two other pairs of jeans and tops so I don't get too whiffy. The boots from Jenny B are proven - one day I walked around San Francisco in them for five hours straight.

Me in my City Break Travel Uniform with carry-on only
Detail of my Alice and Olivia sweater (last year's)

Now I see photos of my outfit, it's not that exciting despite the sparkly sweater. Just as I zip up my bag I think - maybe I should take something more dressy? What do you think? What shoes? What tights? Arrgh! See how bad I am at small decisions?

Old DVF dress and Theory jacket: stay or go?

Teddy likes the black Zac Posens over the YSL goldies

Do you have an official City-Break Travel Uniform? Are you happy with it?


56 comments:

  1. Always comfortable! Jeans Sweater scarf jacket & comfortable shoes or boots. Wear jewelry that will go with your other pieces!

    Have fun!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. Just going with boring fake pearl earings - can you think of alternative that might be nice?

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    Replies
    1. I'm a big fan of lightweight gold hoops on teh bigger side - a little blingy, but fun. I love BBB - haven't seen that in years, sounds like a fun holiday activity.

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  3. So smart of you to have proven footwear, absolutely no fun at all when all you want to do is rip your shoes off and sit for a long, long time. I always bring a blingy top. Your sweater with jeans and boots or with (the holy grail of) white trousers and goldie shoes would work for so many occasions.

    I never check bags unless I'm serving as a camel to haul the company's stuff. Once I went around the world for five weeks with just two carry-on totes.

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    Replies
    1. Tiffany Rose - five weeks with two carry on totes? that is book worthy!

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  4. That's why it was such a joy to have our last holiday just a few hours drive away. I secreted extra shoes in the boot of the car and could take as many outfits as I wanted. Still brought lots back unworn!

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  5. I'd take a lightweight LBD and sparkly jacket that you wear under a coat. Isn't it a tad chilly in NYC at the mo?

    Hope you have a lovely time, anyway. You must be so proud of your sis.

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    Replies
    1. Yes chilly warnings, which is why I had to leave DVF behind...

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  6. For short trips I dress according to the weather.Mostly casual. You do not look your age and you have fab hair - that alone would be enough for me. I like what you're wearing, and I LOVE your little pup.So cute.

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    Replies
    1. Full disclosure SK, I had just returned from the hairdresser, mostly it looks as dry as a horses tail. My hairdresser told me to get a "blow out" just as soon as I got to NY - seems like a luxury but was worth it, only $25 and I immediately felt better

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  7. Don't ask me! I'm the world's worst packer .. a great believer in 'just in case' packing, half of which is never worn. When forced to do carry-on only, I go into a mild panic!! But you look lovely, your sweater is gorgeous and looking at your photos, I'm tempted to grow my hair long again. Have a fabulous time in NY

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  8. It looks great - your first economical idea - and as long as there is no risk of whiffiness I should stick to it. Think how proud you will feel AND then you can always buy something if the urge comes.
    How lucky to have your mum to take charge and you shoud feel very proud of your sister. What an extraordinary young man - I hope the film is a great success.

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    Replies
    1. Ooo yes - leave a bit of room to bring something new home!

      I also agree with DaniBP about wearing the DVF under your black coat. Our last trip to NYC I had items in my carryon that I didn't wear - we were there 6 days! That must be an example of poor packing also.

      Congrats to your sis - have a wonderful time - the kidlets look to be in good hands.

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  9. Have a great trip. I always pack a lot of dressy stuff and never wear it. Your strategy is right on.

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  10. I totally agree, it's when we have visitors we go to tourist "attractions". Crazy.

    As for travel. With 2 young ones, I dress comfy, but always bring something for later, when I want to feel like an adult and not just a Mom.

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  11. I ALWAYS check a bag. I cannot help it! I don't travel near enough and when I do get out of my hobbit hole I want to done every sparkly outfit I own. And so I go crazy and do things like take an entire bag of jackets and another bag with tops and bottoms and shoes. Crazy! My daughter and I head to NYC on the 26th. We will undoubtedly check 2 bags. Good for you, though - much more sensible to skip bagage claiml!

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    Replies
    1. My sisters and I joke that we take tennis rackets ( I don't even play tennis) and ballgowns just in case

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  12. I think your outfit is perfect and chic and appropriately laid back! I hope you have a fantastic time in NY!!!

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    Replies
    1. Alexis just spent a good half hour on your blog - congratulations on beautiful little Salem! (And returning to your hometown Atlanta)

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  13. You look stylish whatever you wear and it is such a good idea to only have a carry-on......layering up is a good idea too...your top and boots are perfect and one slinky little dress that doesn't crease is always a winner....but hey don't listen to me ... I always pack a 'just in case' and end up carrying so much. Your mum looks great and you must be so happy to see her...hope she has fun with the kids.

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  14. I would be thrilled to look so good!! Have a fabulous time and travel light. That way if you really need something you have an excuse to go shopping:)

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  15. lol Beach Blanket Babylon looks right up my alley

    I still haven't been to San Francisco.....and I'm as camp as christmas...one day....

    also, fanfare of heavenly trumpets - I've nominated you for a Liebster Award!! Look forward to reading your answers!

    http://www.mommyhasaheadache.blogspot.com/2012/11/liebster-award_28.html

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  16. Bring a dress but you don't have to check the bag. Oh these are topics close to my heart. I went to NYC for 5 days with only a checked bag and okay I had to buy a new outfit but only because my dress ripped and so did the complete bottom of my pants. Perhaps fault of the wearer?
    Bring the DVF dress and wear it with your fab jacket in your fist photo. Also Zac Posen shoes and some tights, sneak them into hubs bag. Those dresses roll up and store quite easily, they are brilliant. Your other outfits are all planned and you can wear the dress twice. Don't worry about fussy accessories just bring a nice scarf or buy one there!
    Have a great time, what a lovely Mum to stay with your children, that's like a gold ticket!

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    Replies
    1. I left it behind as there was warnings of very low temps. In the end it was temperate and I could have worn it. (Yes the hubs bag thing, had not thought of that...)

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  17. check out http://www.classygirlswearpearls.com
    She has some very good styling suggestions.

    Mostly casual, some sporty and occasionally very dressy.
    Susan

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  18. I can feel your agony through my computer. I don't have a uniform per say, but I definitely stick to one color palette when I travel and make sure everything mixes and matches well. It definitely cuts down on accessories... though how could you leave those delightful YSLs at home!? xo style, she wrote

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  19. That is such a sweet picture of all of you and how kind of your mom to keep your children so you can go on your trip! Hope you have an awesome time!!

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  20. Dark suit, light coat, awesome bag. All very fetching, m'lady!

    Uniform. Since I live in the city all the time, it's whatever I have on. I would prefer an emerald green tuxedo, but don't want to spend the money. (And I haven't seen any for sale, now that I mention it.) Casual pants and nice shirt are the best I can offer. Oh, and a vest. Always a vest. With pocket watch on chain. (Iconic, or what?)

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  21. Oh my goodness, how exciting NY must be (must've been?) I'm so sorry it's been the busy time of the year for work and I have been mia from the blog world, but I love your outfit and am so proud of your sister--can't wait to finally see her film!

    xo Mary Jo

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  22. Sounds wonderful...I would be tempted to take the dressier stuff as well, just because I never know where I'm going to go and I change my mind so often. It looks amazing!! I hope it's a wonderful trip for you. I love NY!! xx

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  23. Love the look of Beach Blanket Babylon almost as much as I love your mirror!

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  24. Wow, I saw the Art Star by your sister and I loved it!!! I did not know that was your sister's I now am totally psyched by it. How exciting to go to the screening, I watched the trailer and it looks good!!! I wish I could go see it on Saturday.
    You look fantastic, it does not matter what you bring with you. I used to be obsessed with packing into carry on, because my mom would always bring embarrassing amount of clothes. Now I just pack whatever I feel I need and if it means checking in, let's be it, it is not worth stressing over either way. I do stick with the same color palette, mostly black/camel in the winter and navy/white for summer, it is just easier. Comfort is a key and most of the time I will not wear anything fancy unless I have an outfit for the specific occasion.
    Have fun!!!

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    Replies
    1. AJC - will pass this onto my sister - she will be thrilled!!! I hope I'm not going to give anything away but looks like there might be a sequel to Art Star which should be fascinating. Pietra is currently in the Middle East working and doing a doco about a place in Afghanistan...
      I am a horrendous packer because I usually end up with loads of bits and pieces and no proper outfits and the jewels to go with. Mind you - do you ever sometimes realise two things go together because they have to?
      In the end I didn't take the dress and it was fine, just wore sparkly sweater everywhere.

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  25. What a talented sister you have! I love your jumper - it's perfect for such a trip - versatile and adds a touch of glamour. I would be very happy with it as part of my city travel uniform to add to my mix and match items.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. Miss B: this year they have it in white and a wine colour...am terribly tempted by the latter

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  26. Hey your in New York if you did not pack correctly I am sure you will find a shop that fits the bill. Maybe take more out of the case .

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Inge I suspect there are a few stores in New York!

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  27. NYC is beautiful this time of year...enjoy the east coast!!

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  28. I love how you end up hinting at the possibility of checked luggage...

    You looked fab, by the way. I'm usually in a version of blazer, jeans, comfy Church's shoes (not the uncomfy ones), maybe a scarf, and strappy top or jumper depending on weather. Usual city unifrom, then!

    Hope it's a great weekend!

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  29. Jody, I still find it hard to believe you're actually 50. Up until you mentioned it, I thought you were in your early 40s! Your city break uniform is spot on. Comfy & chic. Your mom's a gem for looking after the kids.

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  30. Just wanted to stop by and say hello and happy weekend and wow your daughter is growing up and looks so beautiful with her hair so long!! Beautiful family!!

    You look so chic in your airport style!! Have fun in NYC!! That's not too far from me...Im closer to Philadelphia though!! xoxo So nice of your mom to fly in and watch the kids!

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  31. I tend to buy everything new when I arrive somewhere, given my rather simple dress sense its easier and cheaper than it sounds.

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  32. Hope you have a blast! Your trip kit looks smart and I just love your hair. I don't know if it's a bit darker, but it's gorgeous.

    Can't wait to hear all about the trip!
    xo
    Kim

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    1. Kim - good spot - It is darker, and even more ombre. Its hard getting used to not being so block blond2 - I feel as though more blonde diverts attention from the wrinkles. But my sister and mother like it.

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  33. travelling lite is one of my specialised subjects!!!

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  34. I hope you had a wonderful time in NYC. That show in San Francisco looks so much fun. I"m glad you had a wonderful holiday, Jody!

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  35. You know after 15 years in SF, I never once saw BBB ... we'll be visiting in Feb ... perhaps? hmm, I'll have a think on that as I always did want to see it. Hope your NYC trip was fantastic!

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  36. Lucky you - have a great time in new York - I'm so jealous!

    Melissah

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  37. You look lovely! I hope you had a really nice vacation!

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  38. Replies
    1. I knew there was something missing - plus the Adidas tracky pants

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    2. I'm glad to see you've kept your Kiwi sense of style.
      Don't forget the koru broach.

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  39. You look so chic! And I'm loving that sweater, even if it doesn't seem exciting to you ;)

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