And We’re Off!
So, we (yes we, Andrew is coming on the whole tour with me) are hopping on a train this morning heading to Manhattan to kick things off! Yesterday was an exercise in packing smartly as I’ll be gone for 11 days straight and can only bring one bag (albeit a BIG bag). So I had to choose my outfits smartly, both for travel time and events.
This is what my bedroom looked like yesterday… (click on hotspots for item info- I’ll be posting specific outfits while on tour too…)
So here are my packing tips for long trips:
– Pack in one palette- or as close as possible. The majority of items in my suitcase are black, white, grey or leopard. :) I have a couple items of color mixed in but I wanted to be able to mix and match items if need be!
– Packing with one palette makes your shoe needs significantly easier. I actually cut back a pair after this pic was taken. You don’t want to have specific shoe needs for each outfit, rather many outfits that go with a single pair shoes since they take up SO much room!
– A really good pair of flats is essential- for me that would be the insanely perfect SJP black flats I picked up (amazing, truly). They take up little room and go with everything I packed for running through airports or popping on tired feet at the end of the night.
– Accessories make a difference when you pack simple outfits- a bevy of necklace and earring options takes up less room than seven top options.
– Plan ahead- lay out your outfits for each day and night and be ruthless! Take only what you need to plan to wear certain things like jeans, black leggings and sweaters more than once!
A few statement necklaces, pearls, stud earrings and some dangles along with the gorgeous Temple St. Clair amulet pendant my parents gave me for my book release will get me through this trip. And look, it all fit!!!
So, please bear with me with blogging while we are on this whirlwind trip! I am going to do my best to mix in some normal posts about decor with the tour coverage ( see dates and locations here if you haven’t yet). :) But this is a once in a lifetime experience so I’m going to do my best to soak it all in and share it with you!
See you tonight NYC!
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Where is the black and white check shirt in your suitcase from? What a perfect casual piece! Congrats on the book–it’s been so fun following your tour on the blog!
I’m seriously laughing out loud reading your “Making Pretty Pictures” in your book. Day 9 had me howling so hard my husband came in to check on me. Brilliant writing. Can’t wait to meet you this week in Houston!
Xoxo,
Lane from Blush and Boots
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Quite impressive packing job! Thanks for all the ideas……good luck and safe travels! Congratulations!!
Your book is already getting rave reviews from several of “my” blogs!! Luv your choices of clothing…bet Andrew packed in under one hour… :) Safe travels!! franki
When I got home from work today there was an Amazon package waiting for me. I opened it and as soon as t was just barely opened I could see the black and white stripes. My first thought was “Crap – I’ve been drunk online shopping again!” but it turns out my sister ordered it for me as a thank you for introducing her to your blog. Now you just need to make your way to No. California on your world tour so I can have you sign it. I can’t WAIT to dive into it this weekend.
The book is delightful! Congratulations!
Very pleased about the upcoming fashion posts. … I guess I’ll have to start following on Instagram. Have fun on this memorable journey. We wish you well (and lots of book sales).
Please blog about the book tour as much as you want. What a dream and as we do with your blog, we can live vicariously through you! Will Andrew sign the books too? I need to plan my outfit! Good luck tonight!
WOW! The outfits you packed look amazing!!
-Sayeh, The Office Stylist
http://www.TheOfficeStylist.com
Congratulations on your success! Love the blog and the book! I would love seeing the style blogs!
It is so much fun following along with this wonderful chapter in your life. So glad Andrew gets to go with you, what a wonderful journey. LOVE your outfits, classic all the way!!! The jewelry and the shoes really pump it all up a notch. My book should arrive today. Can not wait to read it and display it in my family room on my ottoman. Enjoy the ride ERIN!!!
Good luck! I am coming to the Raleigh stop on Monday. Can’t wait!
Congrats Erin! I got my book from Amazon two days ago and have already devoured it!! Can’t wait to meet you at your stop in SF. I’m dragging my husband along with me…we’re the ones who sent you the Educated Guess wine! Excited to meet Andrew too. I loved his forward in the book.
“Dream it! Live it! Share it!” That’s the slogan for the 2015 World Cup Alpine Skiing Championships in Beaver Creek Colo.
That’s just what you are doing Erin. Congratulations!
Everything looks great! I am so excited that you posted a link to the Ann Taylor moto jacket. It’s fantastic! Very excited to see you at Hudson on the 30th! Right in my neck of the woods! Time to pick my outfit!
I JUST opened THE book this morning. I may be calling out of work today. It is amazing and it is already a must and will be my new shower, housewarming and birthday gift. Congratulations Erin, and thank you for sharing your journey with us. So proud and happy for you. All the best!
I’m so so excited for you – you totally deserve it! Enjoy the ride!
In Dramatic Fashion
Oh too bad I can’t make it in to the city today! Best of luck and congratulations!
Shelley
Congrats Erin! My husband asked me last night if I needed anything from Amazon (he was trying to get free shipping) and I was like yes actually “elements of style”. I can’t wait to get it! Love these fashion posts too!
Erin!! I am seriously as excited as if I were going on this whirlwind trip! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read all about it through your posts and travel vicariously. You’ll be a smashing success and that suitcase will not let you down ;) Bravo!
P.S. When is the international tour for us overseas? Paris is waiting ;)
I am so sad I will miss you in Atlanta while you are here this weekend but I can’t wait to get my hands on the book (pre-ordered so I’m sure it’s coming!). Congrats on everything and enjoy the book tour. You are such an inspiration!
Erin, Congrats to you! I’m halfway through your book. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy reading it. Most design books I own, I just look through the pretty pages. But, with yours, I’m reading it page by page and staring at all the little details in the pictures (lol). The book is so thoughtfully put together and organized; I love it!
Can’t wait to meet you at the book signing tonight in NYC! !
Erin, Very excited for you!!! I got halfway through your book last night – it’s truly amazing, inspiring, beautiful, etc. I’m looking forward to the second half tonight. You are so incredibly talented and genuine!! Have fun on the tour (and how great that Andrew can be with you!!) Susan
Excited and Happy for YOU! However my eyes wandered past your outfits to your room it looks amazing!!!!
Excellent packing for the trip Erin, which I know will be a huge success for your new book!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Erin…so sad that I missed you in Boston! I will look forward to every post along your tour…so genuinely happy for you!! Lisabeth
I’m so excited for you! Enjoy every minute. I have no doubt you’ll look fabulous. Now, I’ve got to start planning my ‘meet Erin Gates’ outfit. I’ll be at your signing in SF – can’t wait!
Kate, you are so cute:)