images mostly from here

“My style says ‘Look at me, don’t look at me,’ ” she said, a hint of testiness ruffling her easy composure. “It’s, ‘I don’t care what you think.’ ” via NYTimes

†ess Giberson dress, American Apparel Pouch, tai chi shoes

Nothing noteworthy here. Just what I wore on a casual Saturday to the Hollywood Farmer’s market: a simple black dress with a few good details and what might be my new beat-up shoe: a $6.50 tai chi shoe from Pearl River Mart in New York. I go through flats so quickly that even with resoling I’ve come to realize I just need a cheap shoe that I can easily replace.

Not sure what the ethical implications of buying said shoe are… but as the soles wear away, I see that the entire bottom of the shoe is made from compressed recycled rags. Ah, self justification, you never let me down.

random shirt, The Row wrap skirt, random scarf, Common Projects ankle boots

I lived in L.A. my first year in the USA and hated it. It definitely didn’t help that I couldn’t drive. But whenever I come back, everything looks so familiar and new pockets of scenery to explore are always popping up. Somehow, against my will, I’ve come to love how casual everything is.

Also… I really need to cut my hair.

Length of stay: 3 days, 3 nights
Temperature: 66ºF – 92ºF
Weather: Sunny

L.A. is such a breeze to pack for. Consistent, practical weather and very little walking coupled with a casual dining/everything else scene means you can just bring your tried and true outfits. This time around I brought a two skirts that work with three differently shaped tops as well as shorts and a washable silk blouse fit perfect for near/on water activities… I just make sure there’s a large ziploc for wet clothes if I have to head to the airport straight from the beach, as I plan to do on Monday.

*not pictured
**worn on plane

Dries Van Noten blouse, Rick Owens skirt, Céline asymmetrical duffel, Brooks Brothers booksling bag, Common Projects ankle boots

I have a mild obsession with packing. I love the idea of having exactly what you need and nothing more. While this semi-minimalist mission has proven impossible in my daily life due to sheer variety of activities (I distrust the Thoreau-ism “distrust any enterprise that requires new clothes”), it satisfactorily manifests itself every time I travel.

I usually take a large almost backpack which is broken down into three Baggu zip bags, the first contains clean, non-crumpleable clothes (which I then use as a pillow on the plane), the second contains more fragile clothes (like underwear), and the third contains shoes. By the end of the trip, all my dirtied clothes are transferred into the second zip bag. My Brooks Brothers bag (now on clearance here) has proven to be a perfect travel bag for two weeks or less.

I also bring along a slightly larger purse than I would use for the everyday, where I stash travel documents, a hat (to cover my eyes when I sleep — absolutely necessary), mints, face wipes, my camera, and other usual travel suspects.

Additional travel details: zip ankle boots with a comfortable heel for going through security (but high enough I can wear them to dinner) and a long skirt so I can curl up into a ball in economy seating while preserving my modesty.

More detailed packing list to come. Just because.