TRIPPIN' - Barcelona and Egypt

Title Picture Bag: Jack Spade Boat Canvas Duffle - $245

My apologies for my inactivity of late. I've had a crazy couple of weeks finishing up school and preparing for winter break and the holiday season. I will be celebrating Christmas tomorrow as I am leaving for vacation early this year. While I am a little bummed that I'm missing Christmas in NYC, I am pumped for my impending trip, which as you may have gleaned from the title, is an excursion to Barcelona and then a cruise down the Nile in Egypt.

If the combination seems a little strange to you, it is. After planning an epic trip to Egypt, I convinced the crew that we had to hit at least one major city. After we all agreed upon Barcelona, it was decided to depart a few days earlier and spend the holidays in España. I've heard great things about both places, so I am beyond excited, but at the same time, I'm facing a little bit of a dilemma: How do I pack?!

While Egypt will be scorching hot deserts, Barcelona is going to be a bit cooler with temperatures around 40-50. To top off this little "climate crisis," I'm only allowed to bring a small carry-on (see picture above) for the entire 10 days!

Of course, I have taken the necessarily steps and made my Christmas wishes with this trip in mind, and I will now share with you what I have devised. Please, if anyone has any recommendations or insight, let me know. Enjoy!

J. Crew, Vintage Slim Fit Jeans - $98

Though a little stiff at first, I'm sure these faded slim jeans will break in quite nicely after a couple days wear in Barcelona.

James Perse, Cargo Pant - $295

(This is just an idea of what they look like because the slim, green pair I bought at their store in the West Village is not available online)

These pants have a superior fit, and the cargo pockets will be great for holding guide books and cameras while we're strolling across the Egyptian sands.

NUMBER: Lab, Henley - $39 (on Gilt.com)

Great for chilly days in Barcelona over a t-shirt or under a blazer, and sans t-shirt in Egypt with white Jeans.

Elizabeth & James, Pocket Printed Sweater - $115 (on Gilt.com)

To cover up on a windy day on the boat in Egypt.

Theory, Xylo Sportcoat - $595

Picked this up at the Theory Sample sale (at about 70% off) for Christmas dinner in Barcelona.

Superga, Classic - $69

This timeless shoe is versatile and comfortable, both for strolling around the city and hanging on the boat.

Steven Alan, Reverse Seam Shirt - $168

Steven Alan's famous rinkle-and-wear shirts will be suited for the overall casual style of both destinations.

Super, Peoples Sunglasses - $174

A pair of shades are a must for this trip in particular, and these are damn cool. That said, I do usually pack more than one pair...

J. Crew, Sun Faded Stanton Short - $59.90

You can't find a better fitting short than this pair from J.Crew. Trust me, I've tried. Since I probably won't have room for more than one pair, I'm opting for the faded blue over the usual khaki, which looks great with a white t-shirt or a striped button down.

SCP, Cashmere Hoodie - $255

This hoodie will be great for layering under a blazer at night for warmth, or over a t-shirt during the day.

Theory, Stripe Polo - $75

This polo is classic and branding free, which is surprisingly hard to find in a nice polo shirt these days.

Etro, Gauze Scarf - $235

Very European and chic.

Velvetmen, Crew neck T-Shirt - $41 (on sale)

Of course I'm throwing in a few of my favorite Velvetmen T-Shirts for layering.

SPLURGE - James Perse Parachute Pants - $225

This Christmas break I will be heading to Egypt with a few family and friends for a boat trip down the Nile. This means that I have been searching for the perfect pair of drawstring pants to come along with me. My criteria: lightweight, good looking, versatile, slim fit, and cheap. These James Perse Parachute Pants meet all but one of those standards (can you guess which one?).

The color is a beautiful faded green with contrasting black ties at the waist, the parachute material is incredibly lightweight and comfortable (great for those long days in the hot desert sun), and the cargo pockets will be handy for cameras, wallets, and sunglasses (among many other things I'm sure). Also, the fit stellar with a comfortable waste and a slim fit throughout the leg. I'm convinced I'll wear them all summer long, but if not, at least they'll have a great run over my 10 days in Egypt. Splurge.

SAVE - Spring Sales - up to 60% off

Ah, yes. It is that wonderful time of year. The time for spring sales. It seems so ridiculous, though, that spring/summer is on sale when the season hasn't even ended, right? Well it is. How can stores manage to sell through when seasonal merchandise is only in stores for three months before new merchandise arrives? They can't, that is if they place a normal sized order. To compensate for the ever shortening selling period for each season, and the economic downturn's effect on consumer spending, stores are condensing their orders, effecting designers who rely on the store orders to make make money as well as get their product in the public eye.

The only group that this wacky schedule benefits is the consumer. Not only do we get a rotation of new goods every three months, but we get deep discounts on those items we didn't feel like paying full price for, and we don't even have to wait for the season to end. This means I can buy a chic Steven Alan plaid shirt from Barneys that is meant for spring/summer in July for $99, down from $205, and still get another two months of wear out of it, and if I purchase wisely, maybe even carry it into fall (all of which I did!).

I took a few pictures (taken secretly) of my favorite items on sale this season from Barneys and Bloomingdales. I was mostly on the look out for modern basics that were seasonless. Hope you like. Save.

BARNEYS:

Frank & Eileen Plain Button Down - $79

Chimala Grey Jeans - $169

Chimala Green and Navy Stripe Tee - $59

James Perse Khakis - $129

BLOOMINGDALES:

Ernest Sewn Ripped Jeans - $170 (Modeled by me)

Richard Chai Parka - $250

Acne Plaid Button Down - $135

* All prices listed are sale prices
** Confession: I purchased the Frank & Eileen shirt, as well as a Barneys Co-Op cashmere sweater ($99 people!), the Steven Alan Plaid shirt, and a Save Khaki Green Military Jacket (not on sale, unfortunately), all of which are not pictured. And I'm going back for those Ernest Sewn ripped jeans. Don't Judge me, I still have half of my second pay check.

TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Finding the Perfect T-Shirt

Yes, I acknowledge that T-shirt dressing is more L.A. than New York, but with the summer months ahead, its imperative that one finds a great white (or really any light color) tee to fight the heat. Another challenge is finding a T-shirt that, without being incredibly overpriced, doesn't look like something you would wear to bead.

Below I have compiled a list of my four favorite places to pick up a great white tee.

Numbers Lab ($35-$95) --> Find at Bloomingdales and Saks locations
Numbers Lab makes great tees that feel as if they are draped onto your body. They are tight and loose exactly where they should be, and have the perfect length in the sleeve and in the body.

Acne Jeans ($69-$110) --> Find at their store - 10 Green St., New York, NY
When you are wearing a Acne tee it is easy to forget that you are wearing a shirt at all. Does that sound weird? Well it's true. They are slightly oversized, which I think creates a great silhouette, and although pricey, are easily comparable to say, a Dolce & Gabbana tee that you could easily cost you upwards of $200. So depending which way you look at it, its either a save or a splurge!

James Perse ($45-$95) --> Find at his store - 361 Bleeker St., New York, NY
James Perse is world renowned for his mastery of the T-shirt. He has a series of stores on Bleeker street, each offering a copious selection of tees in different fabrics, textures, and styles.

Uniqlo ($5-$20) --> Find at their store on Broadway btw. Spring and Prince
Despite its international standing as a power chain store, Uniqlo manages to retain quality in its clothing, a fact that is evident in its most basic offering: the tee. You can either opt for a T-shirt pack (better for layering), a fine cotton tee, or one of their anime and manga printed graphic tees, all of which are extremely comfortable and look even better with time.