What I packed: back-to-back work trips to San Francisco and Boston
Travel Specifications
WEATHER
Crisp and windy with an intense day of rain in Boston.
PACKING REQUIREMENTS
Be able to layer for two different cities—Boston was colder than San Francisco
Camera for work + blog photography
2 days of film shoot prep—site scouting, running errands & preparing props
2 days filming at client office in San Francisco—on my feet for 10 hours each day
Host 3-hour marketing workshop in Boston
Marketing conference in Boston—MC first day, attend/network second day
Be able to go to the gym
LOCATIONS
San Francisco & Boston
TIME AWAY FROM HOME
11 days
TIME OF YEAR
Mid October
LAUNDRY
Two loads—one at the friend's house I was staying and one dropped off at the cleaners (24 hour turnaround for $11).
What I packed
Travel gear
DAY BAG
My day bag is the Joshuvela Baja Backpack (use coupon code "THANKS10" to get $10 off) to carry all my gear. It's sturdy as hell, looks great, and is produced ethically in San Francisco. My favorite feature is that it can be carried as a tote bag to look dressy for client meetings, or slung over my shoulders for ergonomic walking without making me look like a college student.
TRAVEL POUCHES
My travel bags are from the Spacepak System:
Flight 001: clothes, toiletries, liquids/makeup
Amazon (exact styles not available): clothes in dots or stripes, toiletries, undies, makeup
CAMERA BAG AND BACKPACK
My camera bag is the Everyday Sling 5L and my backpack is the Everyday Backpack 30L, both from Peak Design. I did tons of research before purchasing because I intend this to be my one and forever bag. I’ve traveled with these bags on five trips and I’m thrilled.
Wardrobe & Accessories
CLOTHES + SHOES
Tops:
Long and lean travel shirt—Athleta
Short-sleeved mockneck top—Madewell
Sheer sleeve paisley top—Madewell
Striped oxford—Everlane
Floral oxford—J.Crew
Cotton V-neck—Everlane
Red turtleneck sweater—Everlane
5 Bottoms:
Black jeans—Everlane
Blue jeans—Everlane
Slim corduroy velvet mini skirt—Anthropologie
Brooklyn ankle pants—Athleta
Gym shorts—Athleta
1 Graham Longline Plaid Blazer—Anthropologie (I like this one too)
1 Japanese GoWeave Essential Jumpsuit—Everlane
Flannel pajamas—L.L. Bean
4 Shoes
Ankle boots—M.Gemi
Day heels in black suede—Everlane
Day gloves in black leather—Everlane
Sneakers—Nike
ACCESSORIES
Umbrella
Skinny black leather belt—J.Crew
Polka dot tights—H&M
Yarn hat—Madewell
Black leather gloves—Nordstrom Rack
TOILETRIES
Makeup (tinted moisturizer with SPF, brows, mascara, eyeliner, cheek tint, lipstick)
Shampoo and hair gloss serum (I didn’t bring a brush and I don’t use conditioner)
In Two Minds face wash, toner and moisturizer—Aesop
Deodorant—Native
Toothbrush and Bite toothpaste bits
What I overpacked
RED TURTLENECK SWEATER
I only ended up wearing the red sweater a couple of times and think I could have lived without it. It was a last minute addition when I checked the weather and was afraid of being cold in Boston, but I wasn’t outside much at night and it took up sooo much space.
TOO MANY SHOES
The jumpsuit I wore several times doesn’t look good with the ankle boots and I didn’t want to wear heels on the film set, thus packing the flats. I had my heart set on wearing the jumpsuit (and I wore the hell out of it this trip) but I think next time I will force myself to stick to fewer shoes and choose my clothing accordingly. While the flats/heels don’t take up much space, every little bit counts!
GREEN VELVET SKIRT
Another piece I had my heart set on. It’s adorable and I love any chance I get to wear polka dot tights. That said, I only wore it twice and it wasn’t suitable for my work events so I should have skipped it.
UMBRELLA
It only rained once during the 11 days I was traveling. And naturally when it did, I didn’t have my umbrella with me. Wouldn’t have mattered much anyway since it was raining sideways.
PAJAMAS
Normally this is an obvious area to trim the packing list, but the pajamas are a must when I’m staying with friends so I have something to wear around the house at night.
GYM CLOTHES
I ended up catching a cold and didn’t have the energy to hit the gym so the sneakers and gym clothes were a waste. I don’t regret packing them since I had great intentions and I usually do exercise when I travel (I have the global access Equinox membership since I travel 1-2 weeks per month).
Street style
OUT AND ABOUT IN BOSTON
I made time for fun too! I strolled Newbury Street, visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and ate chowder at Neptune. Check out all my favorite little gems in my Boston Wander Guide.
ON THE MOVE
On the left: Here I am at 7 am lugging all my stuff to the airport. I definitely overpacked and my bags were heavy—but too heavy for a coffee? Never!
On the right: hotel elevator selfie on my way to the marketing conference with my go-to day bag in tow.
ON THE FILM SET IN SAN FRANCISCO
Being on set is so fun but so exhausting! They usually consist of 6:30 am call times, being on your feet all day running around coordinating talent and getting props, and even having to stand in as the occasional extra. Not to mention this is a corporate film set, not a movie set, so you have to look professional in front of clients!
HOSTING/ATTENDING A CONFERENCE IN BOSTON
Between hosting a 3-hour marketing workshop, MCing the first day of the conference, and attending the second day, I was in the spotlight a lot. I needed to be comfortable moving around on stage and I’m thrilled with my outfit choices.
Most Valuable Pieces
Anthropologie grey duster coat—I wore this almost every day. It’s the perfect balance between casual and professional and kept me warm indoors and out.
Everlane Jumpsuit—it’s so comfortable, looks great with flats or heels, and is surprisingly wrinkle resistant. I wore it on the film set, out to a fancy dinner, and to MC the conference. Sometimes I wear the black printed top over it and put the fabric belt on the outside and then it looks like I’m wearing pants (but with the added bonus of extra warmth). Wash on gentle and hang dry or drop off to dry clean.
Everlane Day Heel—these look great with anything. They can elevate jeans and a button up or pair with a dress. I wore them all day to the work conference when they were practically brand new. The elastic ankle back started to irritate me a bit with it’s tightness, but I suspect that will break in with some wear.
It was a great work trip! Next time I’ll think more carefully about how many shoes I bring 😬
RELATED READING
Boston wander guide
A Modernizing City With Old-World Charm—Little Gems of Boston
What I Packed: 8 Day Business Trip to San Francisco
Packing Criteria: 2 film shoots (camera required), and 1 client onsite.
More like this
Share
Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments and share on social!
