[Side note: I get a fair number of emails, and I do reply to them all. If you email me and I don’t respond, then either leave a comment on the post to annoy, I mean remind, me or just email me again. It’s not personal, but I get a lot of junk and some stuff slips through the cracks. Thanks!]

Fleeces are pretty much my favorite item of clothing. You know how some people have too many bags? Too many shoes? I have too many fleeces. I look forward every year to the day when it cools off enough to wear them. I may have even, um, turned the air down in our condo when husband was out of town so I could wear one inside. I fessed up to it when he got home, mainly because it was so amazing I just couldn’t keep it to myself. It’s the little things.

Ok, fleeces. There are different types of fleeces, but don’t worry I own and LOVE them all. But here are the three types I love the very most for travel.

Patagonia Better Sweaters

Yes, these deserve their own category. It looks like a sweater on the outside, but it is fleece on the inside. Now…the thing about this sweater is you’re going to see them ’round town now as a fashion item. But they are so.much.more. I’ve taken my Better Sweater skiing in Wyoming, gorilla trekking in Uganda, and to a conference in Vienna in the middle of winter.  It’s perfect for a cold plane ride (seriously, what is with air conditioning on planes–I had ice crystals falling on me yesterday), it wicks sweat when you are hiking or skiing, and it also works with an oxford for a dinner out with jeans and boots.

You can find a Better Sweater at Nordstrom or Patagonia. They often have sales, so keep an eye out for a good deal (see my list here for where to find a steal)! As for colors, there are so many pretty ones – but I’d suggest going with a neutral so it is easy to mix and match. There are hooded and fullzip versions too, as well as full coats. I find the half-zip most functional most of the time, though the fullzip is a great option. Better yet, they also have a tech version if you are really just going to use it for climbing, skiing, or other outdoor endeavors. This version is definitely a bit tougher, though Patagonia is great for standing behind all their products.

Sherpa Fleeces

So, Sherpa fleeces tend to be a bit more fashion and a little less function. And I avoid Sherpa fleeces if there is any chance–small or large–that they may be exposed to snow. Because, well, Sherpa fleeces are like (for lack of a better term) fur or hair, and if you’ve ever seen snow clump on dog’s legs (or horses) during a snow storm, the same thing happens when you wear Sherpa fleece in the snow. And having snowballs hanging from you is not fun.

But Sherpa fleeces are both fun to wear and great insulation. Many can work as a standalone layer or under a shell. Some Sherpa fleece-types wear better than others–you don’t want to end of looking like a dog that hasn’t been brushed. Though, I love some of my fleeces too much to care. And there are ways to “re-fluff” your fleece (hand washing with a bit of baking soda, for instance, often works). And, when I’m in a grumpy mood or away from my beloved dog, a Sherpa fleece just cheers me up. My favorites are below, from another Patagonia (the Los Gatos, also comes in a pullover and a vest), as well as the most wonderful Wubby from Nordstrom and some other great options from retailers I love (like Backcountry). I asked for the North Face for Christmas, in fact!

Performance Fleece

For those of you who hike, run, bike, ski, or love outdoor activities like me, performance fleece is a great option. Definitely more function than fashion, performance fleece is fantastic at keeping you warm when you need to be and making sure you don’t overheat, too. Nothing worse than drenched in sweat and freezing. Now, I know a lot of wool fans will be asking–why not merino? Yep, merino is a great option for some people. For me, no matter what the merino–whether $30 or $300, I find it so itchy that I can’t wait to get it off after about five minutes. It’s the worst…so I turn to fleece and fleece only when I’m active outside.

Here are some great options–I tend to go for half zips, since they layer well and don’t have a hood which I find often gets in my way or is just never used. These fleeces are great as a single layer, over a tank or thin longsleeve, or under a ski parka or waterproof shell. They keep you warm and all are good at sweat-wicking. Also a huge, huge fan of Lululemon Rulu tops for winter activities, particularly cold weather running. While I love Patagonia underlayers, I also find them to be less fitted than Athleta, Outdoor Research, and other brands, so take that into consideration when shopping. That OR tech fleece I haven’t tried, but it looks amazing…

Happy Fleece Season!!

Since fall is now here, and I have multiple trips coming up in the next few months (Panama, Atlanta, Florida, and lastly Copenhagen!), let’s talk about a closet staple, and one that should almost always be in your carry on.

Blazers. The real reason I like blazers is because I can usually get by with jeans/ponte pants and a blazer for pretty much any occasion. Including work. A blazer helps to cover up otherwise comfy clothing, making you looked more pulled together and maybe less tired than you actually are. Isn’t that something we all need? No? Just me? Whatever. This Ironman training is getting to me.

I’ve acquired my fair share of blazers over the years, and I’ve found a few that I just love to travel with.

For the men out there…my husband has 2 Lululemon Non-Stop Blazers (purchased by moi, on sale, for nearly 70% off), that are perfect for travel. They are lightweight, slightly water resistant (but don’t look it), dry quickly, don’t wrinkle horribly, have buttons and a concealed zipper, and are pretty much the coolest thing ever. Hey Lululemon, why not make those for women?! We’d dig them. (You can stalk them on Poshmark or Mercari…no longer in stock, sadly.)

Let’s list the reasons why blazers are great for travel:
1. Not sure of the dress code on a work trip? A blazer can easily be used to dress up or down your outfit, or be thrown on for an impromptu meeting you didn’t know you had.
2. Blazers are perfect for a night out over a dress. Don’t look at me, I never wear that Patagonia fleece when I’m dressed up. Never. Have I told you my favorite season? Fleece season. Fleece…..
3. A blazer quickly pulls an otherwise boring outfit together…white shirt and jeans? Blazer. Shorts and a chambray button up? Blazer. Sheath dress? Blazer. Skirt and tank top? Blazer. You get the point here.

Despite the utility of blazers, they are persnickety little things. Some require so much care…they wrinkle. They don’t hold their shape. They require dry cleaning. These are not the blazers you want to throw in your suitcase for travel.

But I’ve found three blazers that I just adore and would love to replicate, so I’ve tried to find similar versions for you. These blazers are the best. Two of them are machine washable. What?! They look high-quality. They are durable and do not require special care like a live chinchilla. They are multi-functional. They do not break the bank.

The best all-around blazer: This Olivia Moon blazer is not only reasonably priced (and on sale!) it is also a great blazer when you aren’t quite sure what your trip will bring. It’s easy to throw on over almost any outfit, the knit fabric packs well, and it does not require a trip to the dry cleaner!! How exciting is that?! I particularly like this blazer because it is structured enough to look like a suiting blazer, particularly in the darker colors, but with the sleeves rolled up, can easily be thrown over jeans, shorts, or whatever you have on for an evening layer. It is also light and easy to pack. Find it here.  If you are looking for something a bit more “polished” looking, I also have a machine washable TravelSmith blazer (newest similar style here) that is a bit more formal, but is just as multifunctional. Size down at TravelSmith, but its held up so well for quite a few years now.

The best work-trip blazer: I’m a huge fan of J.Crew blazers for the price point, and for their size ranges (petite and tall). As someone with a long torso, the J.Crew tall sizes are fantastic for blazers so you don’t have that awkward gap when you lean over between your pants/skirt and your blazer hem. I have quite a few J.Crew blazers and all have held up really well to lots of wear. They do have to be dry cleaned. For work, my favorite fit remains the Campbell Blazer, though the Regent is a close second. The Campbell is classic, never goes out of style, and works well with pretty much any business or business casual clothes. The Italian wool here is great for all 4 seasons, too. I also have a cotton version that works well most of the year, though I think the Italian wool looks a bit more polished.

The best vacation blazer: Ah, I love a fun, printed blazer! These Lilly Pulitzer blazers (here) just hit the mark for a vacation (and sometimes are available in great solids like white and blue, too). The print is fun, and perfect to throw over a dress or skirt for dinner. They call it the “Mindy Shawl Cardigan”, but with pockets and a collar, I’ll call it a blazer. It’s machine washable as well, which is awesome! It’s also a great weight for packing and for tropical locations. I know printed blazers can be a bit limiting, so be sure to choose a print you absolutely love or a solid color that is easier to mix and match. I love this one too, with a bit more structure.

Because my search for blazers is never complete, I also included a few blazers I’ve had my eye on, but haven’t purchased. If you have these, I’d love to know what you think…

• Athleta blazer very much like the Lululemon Men’s blazers I talked about (here)
• I love Ponte blazers so much (usually no wrinkles and super comfortable to wear), and don’t usually look at Talbot’s, but these look fantastic! (here)

Happy packing!

On principle, I don’t carry department store (or retail store) credit cards. It’s probably a stupid principle, considering how much I may spend at certain retail outlets…and the fact that I agree, though it took me a few years to come around, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pretty much is the best sale of the year…

(The Nordstrom Card gets you early access to the sale. ‘Nough said. For those mere mortals that have to wait until the sale opens to the public, this post is for you!)

The Nordstrom sale has lots of goodies. Lots and lots and lots. And a lot of fashion and lifestyle bloggers have done wonderful wrap-ups of good buys. But a lot of these things are items that I’d wear for work, or out to a nice dinner in the city. So I’ve wrapped up some items here that are just perfect for travel and exploring. Because $300 heels don’t work on safari.

Just click above for any of the pieces–in order here:

The Bobeau Cardigan. Reasonably priced and exceptionally soft, this cardigan is warm and cozy. It’s perfect for plane rides but isn’t too nice that you are worried about snagging it, spilling on it, etc. It’s also a bit longer in the back for those of us who sometimes wear leggings/tights on flights (sheepishly raises hand). It washes like a charm.

Patagonia Re-Tool Pullover. I’ve shouted my love for Patagonia far and wide (see here and here). I swear by their gear and this pullover is one that 1) usually travels with me and 2) is worn most at home, on the couch. It’s the softest and warmest (though not windproof). I love it and of course would never own more than one If they are out of stock on Nordstrom, Patagonia also usually has past-season colors on sale.

Halogen No-Closure Blazer: This blazer is perfect for travel – it is hard to wrinkle and packs easily. With its no closure open front, it can be dressed up – or over a dress for a night out or with jeans and a white tee.

Gibson Fleece: There are a very wide variety of styles, but Gibson fleece ‘sweaters’ are the pretty much the best thing ever. They are so comfortable, put they pass for a sweater. Like a real sweater. I wear mine to work (I was accused by a coworker of having on something “I would wear on an airplane”). Yep, I wear it on airplanes all the time. I would probably sleep in it if it wasn’t so damn hot in Washington right now. I’ve linked one style, but there are others if the bell sleeves aren’t your thing.

Bauble Bar Earrings: I get really weary of taking expensive jewelry on trips usually – it just isn’t worth it if I’m going to be headed to the beach or out hiking. But sometimes it is nice to throw on something fun–Bauble Bar is perfect for those pieces. These earrings are great for dressing up for a nice dinner or a fun brunch. Lots of good Bauble Bar finds on the Nordstrom sale if these aren’t your thing.

Madewell Stripe Tote: This tote is the perfect size for carry on baggage! Why? Because it holds a whole lot of stuff, which is what a carry-on is for! Plus, it looks nice enough to carry to work, a conference, or just exploring a new European city. I haven’t purchased this yet but it is in my cart. I have a bag problem…

*I received a pair of FlipSlips + a pair to give away to blog readers. As always, all opinions are my own.

The most popular post I’ve ever written was on finding the perfect travel flat, with my reviews of the Tory Burch Minnie, the Cole Haan Avery, and Tieks (read that here). I was contacted about a month ago by FlipSlips, a new travel shoe brand/company and when they offered me a pair to try (and a pair to give away to readers–see below!), of course I said yes. Because, well, I wear flats pretty much all the time. And I like shoes. And getting packages in the mail.  Have I mentioned that I wear heels probably twice a year? Yep. True statement.

I’m certainly an old hand on the travel shoe circuit, so FlipSlips had a lot to live up to. A lot. I’m particular at best and extraordinarily picky at worst. I want comfort and style. Shoes must work for travel, for work, and for life. While FlipSlips aren’t perfect (no shoe is!) they are pretty great and a really, really good budget friendly alternative in the travel ballet flat market.

I picked the navy, despite the fact that the bright yellow ones look awesome (www.flipslips.com). I’m a bit short on navy shoes right now, so was hoping these could fill an actual need for work as well as for travel. While yellow is cool, I also have a hard time matching bright colors with lots of outfits and they aren’t quite….as….work appropriate. I mean, I have a relatively casual office but I’m not sure I’d be rocking those at conferences.

Shoes c/o FlipSlips, Navy // J. Crew Pixie Pant // Land’s End Lofty Turtleneck Tunic Sweater

Here’s my rundown on this new shoe:
Pros:
– Upper is not leather (though the insole is). They hold up/work significantly better in wet conditions than any of the other shoes. In fact, I’ve had some significant issues with my Tieks that got wet (errr bright freaking colored feet), and the Tory Minnie’s also hate water and droop like a sad tulip. So FlipSlips are my absolute go to for rainy climates.
– Exceedingly light and packable. These are as lightweight as the Tory Minnie’s, but they don’t feel like they are going to crack when you fold them.
– Cushy, cushy footbed. I’m all about fluff: from my pillowtop mattress to my puffy down vest, more is (almost) always better. This footbed is super cushy, much more so than any of the other shoes. By far the most comfortable insole for long periods of standing or walking.
– Exchangeable straps in 2 different lengths gives a different look/style to a single shoe. I find I wear the the most without the straps and with pants, but this is a really nice option particularly with skirts/dresses. I received Navy straps (with a reflective back for you bikers out there) as well as a gold/silver reversible strap, so lots of color options means that I will always match. Matching makes me happy and soothes my Type A personality.
– Pricepoint is very reasonable. At $78, these don’t break the bank like Tieks and you can actually stomach the thought of buying them in more than one color.

Cons:
– Does not come in half sizes. As a true 9.5, the 9’s are just a touch snug on me but have stretched out just a bit since I received them. For me, I usually think that sizing down is a better option so my shoe doesn’t fall off while running across a DC street. It’s happened before and it not only sucks because you lost your shoe, it sucks more because the streets here are gross with a capital G.
– Straps not for the spatially and directionally challenged (cough, me). Ok, so this is really dumb, but it took me a while to figure out how to put them on. I have issues. They are also just a bit long for me. Not a deal breaker as I usually wear them strapless anyway.
– Not leather, and maybe slightly less dressy than alternatives.  Certainly fine to use when you are switching out of heels, but for me, these aren’t going to work as shoes to wear to a dinner out with a little black dress (code: when you should be wearing heels and aren’t). And for me, that’s ok, because I have other less packable, less comfortable shoes to wear for such occasions.

Overall, these are a huge win. I honestly was a bit skeptical, even after wearing them around the house, but they are very comfortable after a day walking around at work. I’m excited to have them in my closet!

Now, do you want to try a pair of FlipSlips?!  Comment below and I’ll draw a winner on 11/26! 
– Leave a comment about why you’d like a pair of FlipSlips.
– I’ll use a random number generator to select a winner.
– Be sure your email is correct! If you win, you’ll be contacted by email.
– U.S. addresses only (sorry international readers).

As I’ve mentioned or alluded to, I found China to be…China. I’ve traveled a lot, but the sheer number of people in China, the language barrier, and cultural norms definitely make China a fascinating place, but not one I would consider “easy”. So I figured it might be helpful to list some things which helped us navigate the Great Wall experience and make it more enjoyable.

We went to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is closest to Beijing and one of the well-restored pieces of the Great Wall. There are different ways to get up to the Great Wall, including a cable car. You can always walk, too, if you are feeling up to it!

Don’t Be in a Hurry Getting There

Driving is really the only way to reach the Great Wall in China. I live in Washington DC, which is second only to Los Angeles in terms of crappy traffic in the United States. But traffic in Beijing is unbelievable. Just freaking unbelievable.  In 2011, it was estimated that there were 5 million cars on the road, which our guide thought was probably a very low estimate. Despite the insanely high cost of owning/registering a car, restrictions on when you can drive, and the fact that’s impossible to drive because traffic is awful–traffic is still just terrible. So leave early from Beijing, try to choose a weekday when Beijingers are likely to be working not driving to the country, but be patient. Our traffic was not bad after getting out of the city.

Wear Comfortable Shoes and Clothes

This seems obvious, but wow did we see all sorts of things at the Great Wall. Stilettos, prom-like dresses, crop tops, leather pants, etc. It was decently warm and humid when we were there (May), so choose something that wicks/doesn’t show sweat and is comfortable for long periods of walking and standing. Choose shoes that don’t rub…I think that’s the key, regardless of the type of shoes you prefer. Depending on much you want to walk, you might consider more athletic type clothing instead of jeans, etc.

I wore a GapFit V Neck Tee (my favorite casual tee), with my awesome Anatomie pants, and Cole Haan ZeroGrand Wing Oxford shoes. Super, super comfortable. Everything wicks sweat and is comfortable in warm weather.

Don’t Be Obsessed with Taking Selfies

I want to walk up and throw ever single selfie stick over the Great Wall. Selfie sticks should be considered weapons, and people who only visit places to take selfies should be thrown over the Great Wall too. Do I need to say more? Be considerate of other visitors.

Read Ahead/Go With a Guide

In general, I found that many informative signs and exhibits in China are not in English. So if you are really interested in a place, including the Great Wall, either do your homework and read ahead or go with a guide if you want further information. We had a guide, and she was great at explaining the basics. Usually I like to go home (or to the hotel) and then read up/remind myself later of the history of the site.

Don’t Have a Plan

The Great Wall should be a place to have fun and explore! You can literally walk for as far as the eye can see if you want. Or you can stand and look around and marvel at the amazing feat. Or you can walk from viewpoint to viewpoint in either direction. I think one of the best things about the Great Wall experience was not saying “I have to walk as far as possible” or “we only have 30 minutes”.  We had quite a few hours to explore, and it was great to feel no pressure. We literally looked in a direction and said “let’s walk that way until we feel like not walking anymore”. Some people feel like they have to say “I walked to X point on the Great Wall!”, but don’t consider the horrific air conditions or heat, etc. Enjoy your experience however makes it the most meaningful and interesting for you.

The Great Wall is definitely an amazing sight. I know there is lots of discussion about whether to go to a well-preserved section of the wall or one of the sections that remains more undisturbed/has eroded/been destroyed. I liked the preserved Mutianyu section, since you could truly see the wonder of such a feat. However, I can definitely see the appeal of an un-preserved section as well. It’s up to you and what you are interested in. If you are shorter on time, the Mutianyu section is really accessible from Beijing.

We are two travelers that pack light, and had plenty of clothes for every day of a 10 day trip–even with some important extras tucked in. DH and I both took our Patagonia Black Hole duffel bags (raved about here), which were perfect for storing on the boat. Depending on the type of boat, storage can be tight and a soft-sided duffel is easily smushed and stuffed wherever it needs to go.

Here we go Part 1 of 2: the first 5 items you have to bring to the Galapagos.

1. Two times as much sunscreen as you think you need.

We had just enough sunscreen to get us both through about 7 days on the boat. Remember–you are on the equator and going to be in the water usually multiple times per day, which increases the number of times you need to apply sunscreen significantly, even if you are wearing protective clothing. I would estimate I fully coated in sunscreen at least 4 times a day, and rarely made it through an on-island hike without doing some reapplication. Use at least SPF 40+. SPF 20 is a joke in the Galapagos.

Now, sunscreen is known to have ingredients that aren’t so good for sea life, particularly coral reefs. In addition to our usual batch of sunscreen, we also carried “reef-friendly” sunscreen: we used Badger, available on Amazon. This stuff was really thick and a mess to get on…I pretty much despised applying it, it never absorbed and was hard to reapply if you were even the least bit damp. And it was only SPF 35, so it didn’t last nearly long enough. But I did use it when I knew we were snorkeling in a place with lots of coral. Next time I’d try Tropical Sands.

2. More than one bathing suit.

I know that it’s common to think “I’ll just get by on one suit” but let’s be real for a second–swimsuits take up zero space in your luggage and what is worse than putting on a wet suit in the morning? This goes for guys, too! Do not just have one pair of swim trunks. Not only is it nice to have more than one suit, it’s kind of gross not to, considering how much you live in your swimsuit on the boat. You can try to wash things, but washing is 1) not always recommended, considering your boat has limited fresh water, and most people would much prefer to shower than do laundry, 2) not so much fun in a tiny boat bathroom, and 3) not the best option because things rarely dry in the tropics (and when they do dry, they usually smell). Also, for women, don’t take those skimpy little bikinis if you are thinking about jumping off the boat or swimming. They don’t stay on and holding up your suit while playing in the water, well, sucks. The Galapagos is really about more function than fashion, so choose something that won’t fall off.

3. Wetsuit/rashguard/swim tights.

I freeze in a nanosecond in the ocean, so bringing a wetsuit was a no-brainer for me. Most boats have wetsuits for use on board, but I’m a total germaphobe and even if cleaned thoroughly, I’d just rather be in my own wetsuit. I used a Patagonia R1 Spring Jane, recommended for 60-65 degrees. If you have a wetsuit from scuba diving, that would work too.

Side note: who makes up these degree ranges? They are insane. It was definitely between 70-74 degrees in the Galapagos, and I barely stayed warm in the Spring Jane. Granted, I’m a good swimmer and snorkeling requires pretty much zero effort, so floating around is not how you stay warm. If you a person that runs warm, well, you’ll be just fine. DH never put on a wetsuit, never got cold, and was always the last out of the water.

Now, even if you don’t have a wetsuit, do yourself a favor and bring a rashguard–short or longsleeve, even better if it has a collar to cover the back of your neck in the water. A UPF tech shirt can definitely work in place of an actual rashguard. When you spend 60-90 minutes in the water, with the sun just glaring on your back, you don’t want to figure out you missed a spot in your sunscreen application, and it’s pretty iffy to rely purely on sunscreen for 90 minutes in salt water. And what is worse than being in pain and uncomfortable on vacation?

No Shame: Wetsuit, Rashguard, Swim Tights

I also took swim tights, so I didn’t have to worry about sunburning my legs on long snorkels. They added a touch of warmth, too. Plus, there are the occasional jellyfish in the Galapagos–rashguards and swim tights definitely help protect against those too. I got my swim tights from Athleta, but there are a lot of athletic tights with UPF protection that will work just fine.

4. Lightweight, sun-protective shirts and neck protection.

More sun protection. Bring those UPF shirts. If they don’t have a collar, it’s worth wearing a bandanna or a “cool towel” (like this) around your neck to avoid being burnt. I guess the Galapagos Islands are really awesome at teaching us all how crappy we are with sunscreen application. These are great for on the boat, hiking on the islands, as well as kayaking.

Bring fabric that is lightweight, breathes easily, and dries quickly. Patagonia, Ex Officio, Mountain Hardwear all have great UPF collared shirts that are perfect for travel (need a great deal? here are my go to sites). For more athletic-wear type UPF shirts, I’m a huge fan of both Athleta and Lululemon. Athleta usually has more UPF selections year-round, but Lululemon’s sun shirts are really lightweight and pretty. Athleta also has the best return policy in the business. (Yes, I should be paid to advertise for them, but no I’m not!). Below is the Wick-It Wader Coverup from Athleta, complete with a hood and pockets.

Do not plan on washing these shirts, for the reasons noted above–better to have one per day or one for every two days, depending on how smelly you are. Kidding. Not really. I kept one for wearing on the boat were I wouldn’t be sweating quite so much, so it definitely could go a few wears before it got pitched in the dirty-clothes bag. For your fellow travelers, don’t underestimate how mildewy and sweaty things smell after a day or two. No one likes the smelly person. No one.

5. Sunglasses (+ extra or repair kit)/croakies.

I never take two pairs of sunglasses anywhere–in fact, I often forget a pair, but one of my pairs actually broke in the Galapagos and I was so lucky to have a backup set. We were 3 days from the island with a store, and I would have had to try to bum an extra pair off another friendly guest, if anyone had one. Do yourself a favor and take an extra pair or grab one of those quick glass repair kits with extra screws and tiny screwdrivers.

Additionally, I love my croakies, and put a pair on both pairs of glasses. You are on a boat, and it only takes a split second to be staring at the shark under the boat when your glasses…fall…off…in…to…the….deep. Plus, for kayaking they are an absolute must in the event your roll your kayak. You don’t want to be in the Galapagos without a pair of sunglasses.

There you go, Part 1. Part 2 coming soon!

Any comments on these items or what you had to have in the Galapagos? Leave a message!

I blame growing up in Wyoming for a lot of things, but particularly for my love of good outerwear and gear. I think my parents’ love for the same hasn’t helped much, either.

I particularly have a strong affinity for Patagonia gear, it lasts literally forever (and if it doesn’t they’ll repair or replace it for life). I liked Patagonia decades before Patagonia was cool, and subsequently became known as “Patagucci”. Their tech gear is, simply, often the best. And not just that pullover that everyone (including me) and their dog has. Even though I don’t do any mountaineering, I wear their clothes hiking, biking, running, and traveling. And to work on Fridays.

And no, my dog does not have a Patagonia pullover, but it has been a topic of conversation…never say never (and, hey Patagonia, ever thought about dog wear?).

But alas, Patagonia is not inexpensive. Which results in one of my most important tenets of outerwear shopping: never buy Patagonia at full price. So where can you find great deals on technical outerwear? Not just Patagonia, but technical North Face pieces, Arc’teryx, Marmot, Cloudveil, and Mountain Hardware too.

Moosejaw

Moosejaw has a really wide selection of apparel and gear. Free shipping for +$49, and they offer a rewards program though I’ve never really taken advantage of that. They usually have past season colors and styles at a decent discount, along with their outlet section. Moosejaw tends to be the last place I look for something when I’m on the hunt for a good deal, but there is no good reason for that! Sometimes you can really get great deals here.

Backcountry

Similar to Moosejaw, they almost always have nearly all last season colors and styles on sale. They also have an “outlet” section with really deep discounts. Backcountry also seems to have some trendier items (e.g., I saw a Free People cardigan on there). I find that Backcountry has a bit faster shipping (free 2-day shipping for +$50) than Moosejaw, but popular items get sold out much, much faster. Their website is definitely the easiest to navigate and browse.

Sierra Trading Post

Sierra Trading Post doesn’t often have much Patagonia, but they have a wealth of other technical gear, including great deals on bike and triathlon stuff. While neither Backcountry or Moosejaw have frequent coupon codes (I notice them a few times a year), Sierra Trading Post has at least a coupon a week, sometimes coupled with free or discount shipping. Sierra Trading Post also has all kinds of stuff for the home, too.

In addition to these three sites, which are my “go-to” sites, Patagonia also has some great online sales about 2-3 times per year. They usually start with 30% off and then eventually there is an increase to 50%. Unfortunately, stuff gets picked over pretty quickly so if you are really looking for something, snag it when you can. If you have the “that would be nice to have but I don’t need it item” it’s worth waiting to see if you can get that additional discount. Because Patagonia at 50% off is even better.

So if you are looking for that new piece of insulation (which you may or may not need), or a new fleece for a hiking trip (one can never have enough fleeces), check out these sites to see if you can snag a great piece for less!

[Nope, not affiliate links, I just like outwear and particularly fleece jackets a little too much and thought I’d pass on my favorite sites].

ETA: Head over to a new post to enter to win a great pair of travel flats of your very own!! Just leave a comment on the last blog post to be entered to win a pair of awesome, packable travel flats!

If you know me at all, you’ll also know the last time I slipped on a pair of heels was for a wedding in May. I actually like wearing them, but I definitely don’t work in an environment that needs them and they bother my knees when I’m running a lot. Wedges, maybe, on a good day.

Obviously I don’t travel with heels if I don’t wear that at home. I’m into comfort (+ a bit of style), not high fashion. And being taller in generally, I never feel the need to make myself “taller” for any particular reason. Plus, being able to walk with ease on all terrains is pretty high on my list. Props to those of you that can toddle around in high boots at Machu Picchu and pumps in Italy, but that is not me.

So while I have no expertise in heels, I have a ton of flats. There are a ton of “travel flats” on the market, and a lot of flats that work just fine for travel but aren’t “travel flats” per se.  For those of you shopping for new flats or wondering if that price is really worth it, here’s how three of my frequently worn pairs shape up.

I paid for all of these (over the course of a few years, I swear); none were provided as compensation.

Side by Side Comparison

Side by side, you’ll see how similar the soles are of all of these shoes. They all have additional padding/traction on heel and ball of foot, as well as a break in the middle over the arch. None of them are slick on wet services, all have leather under the rubber.

The insoles of the Tieks, on the far left, are stitched into the sole so there is no movement at all. But on the Tory’s in the middle, you can essentially remove in the insole. The Tory’s are also pretty wide (I don’t have narrow feet, but these do gap when you walk much more than the Tieks). The Cole Haan’s (black) are essentially a blend of the other two–slightly wider than the Tieks and insole firmly attached.  All have leather insoles, so not great options for truly wet walking.

So what about packability?

In terms of weight, the Tory’s are definitely the lightest, followed by the Tieks. But in terms of space, the Tieks take the cake, big time. They fold into each other very neatly. I know the Tory’s are advertised as travel shoes than bend like this, but I’d be shocked if bending them like this and packing for 5 times doesn’t crack the leather or cause more gapping in the shoe–considering how much the sides stick out above. The Cole Haans don’t fold as well as the Tieks, but feel like they’d hold up to whatever you put them through. I love Tory Burch shoes, but they sacrificed weight for durability on this particular style.

What else do I like/dislike about each of these shoes?

Cole Haan (Avery Ballet)

Pros: Can get a great deal on these, super duper cushioning. Feel really durable.

Cons: Take a bit more space than Tieks. Run just a bit wide.

Tieks (Classics, Burgundy)

Pros: So many colors! Crazy comfortable, once worn in. Bendable = packable.

Cons: Cha-ching! Do take some time to break in and stretch out (ouch for the first few days).

Tory Burch (Minnie Travel Ballet Flat, Embossed Leather)

Pros: A bit dressier. Super lightweight.

Cons: Also expensive, feel less durable than either the Cole Haan or Tieks. Much less cushioning.

Verdict?

For comfort, durability, packability, and style, go with the Tieks. Yes, I got suckered in to the Tieks phenomenon.  Though I feel like a lot of bloggers get them for free. It took me a long time to buy a pair, after months of staring at their website, but I now own a pair. Well, maybe two pairs….  I can tell you I would sure like them a lot more if they were free, but I like them quite a bit even though they weren’t. So far, they’ve held up well.

If you are looking for something less expensive, the Cole Haans are definitely the way to go. They feel really durable, fit well, and are super comfortable. Probably the most well cushioned of the bunch.

I have a number of Tory Burch flats, and all feel more durable than these–while they may not make your carry-on overweight, I don’t wear them as much because I worry about their well-being. And it’s a shoe, for goodness sake, I shouldn’t have to worry.

Do you have a favorite pair of travel flats?

I initially was going to do a post on what you should wear to a conference, but there are lots of blogger posts on that. Instead, I’m going to do a post on what you shouldn’t wear. And I saw nearly all these items in the first hour I was at the conference in Chicago, and the day just got more interesting from there.  I work in a field with lots of doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, as well as hippie humanitarians. So there isn’t a single style or dress code. You don’t have to wear a suit, personal style is appreciated, and you can get away with classy jeans and an appropriate shirt (both men and women) if that’s what floats your boat. It really shouldn’t be that hard, though it apparently is…

Sky High Heels

I know you think you look great in those heels, and you do. But not when you are walking barefoot by noon or toddling in obvious agony when giving your presentation. If you have to wear heels, either 1) be sure you can walk in them all day…particularly to meeting rooms nearly a mile away, 2) carry them until your presentation and slip them on, or 3) carry flats to change in to when your feet get sore. Walking barefoot at a public health conference makes you look like an idiot, and let’s face it, is disgusting.

Spandex Body Hugging Dresses

Sure, you may get some attention. But do you really want to be known as the girl that wore that dress? You don’t. I know some of you are still in your early 20’s with great legs, but it is not appropriate for a work conference, especially one where you have to sit. Buy a dress (it can even be tight), so you can sit down without squirming and climb the stairs into the bus shuttles without flashing everyone. Otherwise, you draw exactly the kind of attention you don’t want. And, yes, that is a true story.  She was looking for a job, too.

Men’s Sandals

Okay, so maybe this is a personal taste thing, but do you really need to bring your old, ratty sandals with open toes to a professional conference? If you have foot issues, even sneakers would be better.  Your fungus nails (untrimmed, I may add) are distracting and just kind of gross. Additionally, it is November. In Chicago. Don’t you think you are gambling just a bit with the weather? For what it’s worth, this person was a faculty member from a stateside university, so I’m not being culturally insensitive.

Workout Clothes

I get it, it’s a public health conference where we are all worried about public health. But men–and women–workout clothes should be saved for working out (or at least walking outside of the hotel). Strolling in to a talk in yoga pants or gym shorts is just weird. Am I alone here? I love my yoga pants, and trust me, I totally think it’s ok to wear them in the airport. But to a work conference? Ehhhhhh.

Anything Showing a Midriff

Does this require further explanation? Really? Men–buy shirts that cover that belly (and probably tuck in). Women–showing a midriff/your belly button ring really, really, doesn’t do you any favors. I think some women wear it as a “because I can and people shouldn’t judge” kind of thing, but I maintain, if it’s not a beach (or if you aren’t running somewhere humid when it’s above 90 degrees), there really isn’t any reason for it. At all. Call me conservative…

What have you seen people wear to work or at work conferences?

In fact, pretty much the only useful thing I could find (beyond pictures of girls in heels in the ruins…the last time I wore heels was May, and that was for a wedding, so, well, NO), was this post from Travel Fashion Girl. Those general recommendations are on point, and I thought it would be helpful to show some of the things I wore, given the time of year that we went (early August).

Don’t Wear Hiking Boots

If you are NOT trekking, hiking boots are heavy, cumbersome, and seriously not necessary. Machu Picchu is mostly stairs and fine gravel paths. There is no strenuous hiking involved if you are just going to the ruins. Flip flops would have been fine (I’m young, fit, and consider flip flops pretty much the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, so take that into consideration). As long as it didn’t rain–the stone does get a touch slippery. I was glad to have light trail running shoes for the hike to the Sun Gate.

Even If It’s Chilly in Cusco, Machu Picchu Gets Warm Quickly

Machu Picchu is a good 4,000 feet lower than Cusco, and even if it’s brisk in the morning, down is truly overkill in August. The coldest place–seriously–was the dining room in the restaurant in the evening. When the sun comes up, it gets warm, and it gets warm fast. Light, sun protective layers are great, but don’t expect to be cold. I wore my Patagonia Better Sweater for probably 40 minutes the morning we got up early to see the sun rise.

I Own Four Better Sweaters Because They ROCK

Sun, Sun, Sun

Beware of the sun–either wear UPF items or lots of sunscreen. The first afternoon we were there, I lathered up my arms and through a SPF shirt around my shoulders for extra protection. For the morning we were out until about 11am, I wore a UPF shirt (seen under my Better Sweater above, from Lululemon) so I didn’t have to worry about it. The altitude + the exposure means that there is a lot of sun, powerful rays, and lobster-esque visitors.

Sunglasses + Hat + SPF

Bugs + Bugs = More Bugs

I’m usually like the biggest bug attractor ever, yet I didn’t have issues in Peru. Granted, though, I didn’t give the pesky things much of a chance: long pants, bug spray with deet, and often a long-sleeved shirt. However, given the lovely welted legs we observed at Machu Picchu, and the myriad of forum posts on how bad the bugs are at Machu Picchu, I’d error on the side of caution. Bug gear may be in order, depending on the time of year you visit, and always wear long pants that they can’t really bite through.

Athleisure Items Are Fantastic

As much as that word sort of makes me want to vomit (can’t wait till THAT one goes in the Oxford English Dictionary), they are really awesome for Machu Picchu. I wore a pair of Anatomie travel pants (yup, I have multiple pairs due to an amazing giveaway win), and a cute longsleeve with a tank top every day (usually Lululemon or Athleta). Mixed and matched appropriately, many of these items can be dressed up (lose the hat, switch out the UPF top for an oxford over a tank, and gain a scarf or long necklace), and were perfect for Machu Picchu and Peru more generally.

My Fave Pair of Anatomie Skyler Pants

All photos again courtsey of my mom, who likes to take photos of me when I don’t notice because I’m a total grump about people taking photos of me.