I visited Manhattan for the weekend and feel like I am back home in the blink of an eye.  Such a whirlwind – four hours driving both ways (not to mention stopping at the outlets both ways).  I love to visit the city, but I’m so not a city girl…I’m happy to be home with my big closet and backyard (I realize they have no relation to one another, but they are two things I appreciate about my house in the suburbs).  BUT, it’s fun to shop and people watch and see the latest trends walking the streets of Manhattan.

Normally, I would say the key to looking fabulous in NYC would be to look really put together without looking like you spent anytime on yourself.  In reality, that hardly relates to the fashion trends that I’m seeing right now.  So much is haute-hippy – people are spending so much money trying to look like they don’t care – oxymoron because they obviously do!  It was really warm on Saturday, and I met a great friend for lunch and shopping in SoHo…I saw lots of jean shorts with little shorty boots and baggy tops with cross-body bags.  Very California-esque.  Today the weather was much cooler, so I saw a few scarves.  I actually picked one up -  a black, chunky knit cowl loop.  Easy way to keep warm while looking chic with only a long-sleeve tee under.

I will post more of my weekend and my NYC fashion finds, but I am beat!  Even a Shopaholic gets tired…not from shopping, but from walking!  I’m used to doing everything from the convenience of my chair on my laptop.

Don’t forget, I’m announcing my first Giveaway winner on Monday evening!!!!!  Tune in to see who’s won the beautiful lia sophia necklace!!!!

shops love!

We’ve already established two ground rules for traveling to the city: layering and accessorizing.  The next big thing which will make or break your trip is your shoes!  It’s so easy to look into your closet and throw all of your favorite shoes in the suitcase, but don’t do it!  Pack them carefully and think about only bringing the most versatile shoes.  It’s always nice if you can pack in somewhat of a theme – for instance, I try to pack only things that I wear with my black shoes so that I don’t have to worry about bringing two pairs of pumps, etc.

Forecast this weekend in NYC – 80s in the daytime and 60s in the evening.  Sounds perfect to me!  I’m skeptical though and I think the city always feels cooler because the buildings keep the street covered in shadows.  Lots of walking, too, so I have to pick only my most comfortable shoes – I’ll save my heels for dinner only.  Based on all of the *shoe criteria* that I must follow, I’ll most likely wear my Frye boots to shop.  The great thing about them is that I can wear them with skinny jeans or pair them with a cute skirt!  Regardless of the temperature, a riding/walking boot will serve your purpose.

Here are two that I like: the first is my Veronica Slouch Frye Boot $328 (you’ve seen them before, I know, but they are appropriate today as well).  Second is the Steve Madden Smyrna $149 in black – I love this boot on so many levels – it goes with everything, can be dressed up or down (PERFECT for the city) and the solid colored wedge heel is going to make your legs appear even longer (a HUGE bonus for a shortie like me).

Most of the time when we travel for a weekend, we have dinner out.  This is your time to kick it up a notch!  For me, heels are a must for dinner, so I always make room for one *special* pair of pumps to wear for dinner.  I can sacrifice in the clothing department to make room for one extra pair of shoes (no more than 3 for the whole weekend).

Michael Kors, how did you do it?  Perfection in a ($195) Pump with your metallic glitter shoe.  I heart you.  If you want a similar *wow* effect, but need more cash for weekend activities, check out Nine West’s Red Hot Studit ($98).  Red is such a great fall color, and studs are all over the place these days!  If you just don’t have the room in your luggage, you can’t go wrong with this Nine West “Rocha” pump in a neutral shade.  Neutral, leather, pump…what’s not to love?

So in sum – I love shoes, but have to be mindful when packing for a trip.  I pack shoes that can go with multiple outfits and then break the rule for one evening out!

shops love!

ps…don’t forget about The Shopaholic’s giveaway!!!  Please continue to refer your friends until Monday, September 27th!