The Abstract Life: Minimal Style

Shop Small: Fewer, Better Gift Guide with Cuyana

November 29, 2018

Perfectly Composed Gift Guide

The holidays are a study in composition: notes, gifts, celebrations. There is an art to composing the perfect gift. For Holiday 2018, Cuyana has assembled an array of colorful cases, cozy knits and quintessential pieces for everyone near and dear to you. Each feels thoughtful, special and personal.

Below is a collection of my favorite picks from their Gift Guide. I already have their Luggage Tag, Structured Tote (in black), and the camel colored Cashmere Sweater that I love! I am keeping a close eye on the Mini Jewelry Case* though, as I travel often and would love that addition for keeping my baubles organized and untangled. What do you want from their gift guide?

1. Mini Jewelry Case - $105

2. Luggage Tag - $55 (Just Sold Out!) Alternative Personalized Leather Luggage Tag - $14+

3. Cami Sleep Set - $85

4. Triangle Pouch - $50

5. Classic Structured Leather Tote - $195

6. Wool Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater - $155

Tonight I am attending Cuyana's newest pop-up store's opening celebration in Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. Not only am I thrilled their store will be closer to me for the time being (the other nearest being in Downtown San Francisco), but I am overjoyed to support tonight's party host, Jessica Doll of Hej Doll. Not only is she a dear friend but she really encapsulates Cuyana's Fewer Better motto and is the queen of quality minimalism.

Palo Alto Pop Up

Visit Cuyana's newest space located in Palo Alto's Stanford Shopping Center and experience fewer, better firsthand with their collection of curated essentials.

CUYANA POP-UP
660 STANFORD SHOPPING CENTERSPACE 122APALO ALTO, CA 94304
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 10AM - 9PMSATURDAY: 10AM - 7PMSUNDAY: 11AM - 6PM
Opening Party
NOVEMBER 29th . 6 - 8PM
660 Stanford Shopping Center, Space 122A , Palo Alto, CA 94304
Join us to celebrate Cuyana's official opening of their newest pop-up at the Stanford Shopping Center featuring complimentary beverages and bites from True Food Kitchen.

*Update: The Mini Travel Case came home with me!

Packing for Chicago - Fall

November 09, 2018

Trip Destination: Chicago, IL

Trip Duration: 10 Days

Packing Light During Cold Weather:

Pick a Color Scheme to Mix & Match: I like neutrals like black, white, and tan with 1-2 pops of color (such as burgundy here). That way I know I can mix and match pieces to create several outfits. Stay away from too many (or any at all) prints if you can. It makes it so much easier to interchange all your pieces.
Plan Ahead: I plan an outfit for each day I'm on my trip-including what I'm wearing on the days I travel there and back. I also try on my outfits ahead of time to make sure they all fit still (my weight fluctuates regularly) and that the different "looks" work together. That way I know I won't over pack and bring extras I won't wear.
Layers, Layers, Layers: One of the easiest ways to pack light for colder weather is to wear layers. My leggings are perfect for lounging around our AirBnB or wearing as PJs on cold nights as well as a comfy under layer that I don't mind having to wear for those long jet-lagged travel days.
Choose High Quality Material, Over Bulk: I like high quality materials like cashmere, leather, wool, tight knits, and silks as they are great for layering and keeping things cozy and warm, all the while packing well and not taking up a lot of precious space in your bag.
Pack Hard Working Clothes: Pack pieces that are versatile and you can wear several ways. When we traveled to Chicago I was going to a friend's wedding and needed to have two dress outfits for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. Rather than pack two dresses that were only getting 1 nights wear each I chose pieces that I could also use for daywear as I toured the city on our extended stay. I layered leggings or tights under and scarves and jackets over the dresses, finally pairing them off with my comfy suede boots. The jewelry was also hardworking as it could be worn both for formal and casual occasions.
Rent: If you have the option to rent clothes in the city you're touring it makes for very light travel and a fun alternative to your usual wardrobe. I rented my two toned Hunter Bell dress from Rent the Runway and was able to easily drop it off at a nearby UPS store before I flew home. I didn't have to worry about a dress getting wrinkled in my carry on and felt like I was borrowing from a friend's designer closet. You can also rent heavier items like coats or pieces that don't typically travel as well-like velvet.