11 Items I Packed With Me For A Month Away

A nod to a little pre-fall dressing... in San Francisco's microclimate

How do you even pack for a month away?!

If you’re a paid subscriber here then you already know we’re spending most of July in San Francisco. And when thinking about packing for weeks (out of a suitcase) I had grand packing plans to really think out my looks for the various outings / dinners / work / activities we have on the calendar… BUT it turns out mom life got the best of me and I ended up packing very quickly the night before. Actually, this is rather unlike me, but such is that summer easy breezy… and busy life mode! Instead, I threw in a bunch of those tried-and-true staples of mine (denim and leather), a nod to pre-fall transitional dressing, for SF’s microclimate 60* degree forecast! Since I always love to hear what people pack / and actually live in / wear when traveling I thought I’d share... so here we go, in random order! And the beauty essentials that I brought large sizes along of because I can’t go weeks without them!!

Packing List | Black Wide Leg Denim. Silky Skirt or Pants. Leather Jacket. De-Puffing Mask. Gold Lariat Necklace. Khaite Jeans. Sunglasses. VB Lipgloss. Beaded Bag. WA Blush Stick. Gold Bracelet. Suede Sandals. Red Makeup Pouch.

1. First things first, in beauty: 111Skin masks*! I’ve shared these a few times but I like these for de-puffing after say a night out eating pasta and Little Original Joe’s fried brussels sprouts!! Also, this sheet mask has been an absolute favorite of mine for a quick boost of hydration. They’re brightening and instantly bring my skin back to life (targeting dullness, dryness, and irritation). I can’t get enough! (I packed 4). Along with my Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream which I actually ran out of on week one here and ran out to buy another. *my code for 111Skin is: ALICIA15SM

2. Hair stuff!: I brought full bottles of Rōz shampoo and conditioner and Rōz Hair Milk. Also, a bottle of this body wash to stock our apt shower. And a large size of my Oak Essentials Body Balm.

3. Flats. San Francisco is a sneaker / flats wearing city and since I’m with my kids most of the time I didn’t pack any heels. So besides sneakers, I also brought my jellies (which honestly have been great for taking me from a park hang to lunch)… my A.Emery Sandals (for the pockets of sunshine ~ I also find that these are an easy minimal style to wear with everything and don’t take up a lot of room for travel in general)… my Alaïa flats (more sizes here) that I’ve been wearing the most for dinners out. Also, these sandals (more sizes)… I really love the mix of suede in the summer.

4. Blue denim. SF is also a denim city ~ and I’m a denim girl… so my vintage Levi’s were the first pairs I tossed into my bag along with this pair for a dressier denim.

5. Black denim. Easy cropped black washed denim for on-the-go during the day, a more casual wide leg full length and a classic true black straight leg… are all closet musts for me.

6. Leather Jacket. Besides being a year-round denim city, SF is a year-round leather jacket city… which as you know, is my go-to for adding that edge. I brought along an older Khaite jacket of mine but here’s a chic collarless under $1K leather jacket option I’m loving (also in suede). It feels modern and I just love that cropped silhouette. And another really good option and this one too for a more oversized style. In fact, if you’re in the market for a leather jacket for fall ~ I’d check out Nour Hammour. Gorgeous, really cool styles, buttery soft, and the price points feel reasonable for the quality. The Bleeker is a cool minimalist style, similar to my Khaite jacket,… and I own this Clint leather jacket in brown and it’s a good one!! (And also on sale right now).

   

7. Jewelry: my Dorsey Paracord necklaces came with me which have been fun accessory additions this summer. I have both the James Bezel Noir Necklace (in gold, above) and the Yves Paracord Necklace (in beige). My everyday jewelry from Jane Pope, box chain necklace (the annual JP 20% off sale is currently running with code: JPJULY2025 ~ which is huge!!). And my Adina Reyter charm necklace.

8. A comfy t-shirt bra!! This sheer one came with me too.

9. Sweatshirt weather… living in my Suzie Kondi sweatshirt and lighter weight knits for layering (30% off is happening right now on this v-neck and this cashmere crew… I wear both of these all the time ~ since they’re nice lighter weight styles).

   

10. Chic windbreaker for that breezy July weather. I was obsessed with this jacket at first sight and instantly knew it would be ideal for San Francisco. And a cool one to style with skirts or just wear casually with denim. Here’s a nice sporty save option ~ and I’m also into this chocolate brown windbreaker.

11. A bag that doesn’t necessarily go. I brought this raffia bag which adds a bit of texture to otherwise fall-weather leaning looks. And is handsfree for days on-the-go with my two. I love any woven bags in the summer and popped into Rachel Comey on Fillmore yesterday to see this beaded bag in person I’d been crushing on. The brown feels like one I’d get so much use out of but the red is also funnn when you’re craving a color pop.

    Okay I’m off to the De Young! So this is bye for now!! xx Alicia