This weekend, we had a couple of shoots in Alabama, so Aaron and I decided to make a road trip out of it and visit New Orleans on the way. Neither of us had been before, and we had a blast!
We arrived late Friday night, but since we were staying at the Westin in the heart of the French Quarter, we walked right over to Restaurant R’evolution for bourbon and seafood. It was THE PERFECT way to end a long day (read: 11 hours) spent in the car.
The next morning we brunched at the coolest little place, Stanley. They have a thing called the Mega Mimosa. I mean, amazing. Then we explored all over by foot, taking silly iPhone photos and chatting. We wandered into this cool hat shop where this happened. I know. Then we headed up to our hotel’s roof to swim on the rooftop pool before packing up and heading to Alabama.
We spent the next day in Fairhope, the most adorable little town in America. We explored their downtown square, ate great seafood, and photographed our two shoots. Before we knew it, we were headed back to Austin. Whew–it was a whirlwind!
The weather for our trip was gorgeous (sunny and highs in the 80’s) so I packed breezy pieces and light layers. I knew I had to pack for walking around the French Quarter + nice dinners on the town + shooting two outdoor photo sessions + LOTS of car time. It was a little tricky to get it all down to 8 pieces, but I eventually worked it out. Along with PJ’s, a swimsuit, and my toiletry bag, here’s my packing list.
(Note: A few pieces that I actually took have been subbed out. For example, I actually brought dark jeans instead of light jeans, but once I got there, I realized it would have been better if I had had my light jeans. And I actually brought my Nikes instead of my flat sandals, but…same story.)
If you want to see where any of these items are from + pick them up for yourself, they’re all listed out here, with the rest of my capsule wardrobe.
That sounds like a fun weekend!! Actually my hubby and I are headed to Austin later today :D He’s attending a conference on Thursday and has business meetings tomorrow, soooo as a good and supportive wife, I’m tagging along ;)
I’m a terrible packer! I tend to super overpack and still end up wishing I had this shirt or those shoes once I’m at my destination :/ I can see the purpose in each of the pieces you took with you, so I’m gonna try to take a similar approach and hopefully my packing skills will improve for this trip :) Any specific advise for Austin packing?
Hey Ericka! :) Well, welcome to our city! Pack for warm, windy weather + this is your chance to wear your hipster glasses. :) Pack hipster–it’s fun and you’ll fit right in. xoxo Caroline
So awesome! What items would you pack for the typical ten-day summer vacation?
I NEED those black “flowy” shorts. They would make my whole closet work better… Where are they from?
Thanks!! I love your capsule wardrobe theory !!
where is the flat sandals from?
Going to NOLA for the first time myself next weekend! Excited to explore and romp! Very thankful to have this little packing guide. Was wondering: Did you find it to be… “quirky” enough? I hear NOLA is pretty damn quirky, and I wanna fit in. :)
darn. i wish this post also included the outfits you wore. :)
ox