Every couple of years, my dear friends from college and I get together for a weekend away. It’s a few days to reconnect, recharge and relax. And each time we all get together, we pick a new city to explore. A couple of years ago we went to Charleston, South Carolina and this time we are headed to New Orleans. I couldn’t be more excited as I have never been but have heard amazing things. Today I am dishing on what to pack. I am certainly no expert, but I am queen of the carry on and like to make mix and match my pieces so I don’t have to take very much. I am sharing my favorites and similar items to the ones that will be traveling with me to The Big Easy. Oh, and if you have any tips on what to do or see PLEASE leave them in the comment section. via Taking a nod from the gorgeous New Orleans image above, I am going with some green this time around. A blazer is always key for me because if you buy one that is a really soft cotton jersey, it not only packs well, but it looks less business like and is super comfy to throw over a tank or sundress. You can even pair it with a maxi. The maxi is the world’s best traveler. Fold your favorite white t-shirt and then roll your maxi around it. Compact and no wrinkles. A white lace dress works for day or night. I like brining along a plain colored dress so that I can use a blazer, scarf, or jewelry to add color. 
tank top | shorts | blazer | dress | t-shirt | skirt | flip flops | wedges | accessories exact blazer found here {UK} | well priced wedges found here My other go to items are wedges and flip flops. Wedges work with shorts or dresses and are comfy for cruising around. I always travel in flip flops and like to have them in the hotel room. Lastly, I like to toss a few fun jewelry pieces in my bag. I figure I can pull off frumpy and wrinkled as long as I have a cute necklace on. So there you have it. Those are my tips for packing for a weekend away. 
I am off tomorrow. After an emotional and busy few weeks, quality time with amazing friends is just what I need. These are the girls you can be your true self with, laugh until it hurts, and reminisce about the same college stories for days. They are good people and I am blessed to be hanging out with them. I will snap some photos to share. Oh, and you can follow me on instagram {@athoughtfulplace}. Although I dropped my phone last night and it is toast. Rather poor timing as one needs a phone for travel. Will try and fit that in today! Wish me luck. And I am actually taking the next couple of days off from blogging. I almost never do that but am signing off until Monday! Have a wonderful rest of the week and see you back here after the weekend. I will be sharing one of my favorite summer dessert ideas. off to new orleans. . . *affiliate links used on my favorite pieces
I think I'm jealous. Not only do I not have the mix and match to take, I can't get pass the "must wear something new everyday and have an extra just in case" mindset.
Have a fabulous time!
You must go to hanson's sno bliz at 4810 tchopitoullas street. The line is long, but worth it. They have a triple something snowball that is lime, ginger and I think coconut and I had them add vanilla with it! It was a party in my mouth! Also recommend the almond joy snowball. Cafe di monde is a must (sorry autocorrect is messing w my typing), if you like chargrilled oysters, do either Drago's, Felix or acme. If you are looking for antique shopping, hit royal street in the quarter. Magazine street in uptown is a good place to do shopping. Lots of upscale shopping and antiques and locally owned shops. If you need any other recommendations, let me know, I will be glad to dish!
hit Cafe Du Monde ( a french market coffee stand) and bring stretchy waisted pants. All I can say is yum!
So happy for you. Hope you have safe travels and a fun time. Love all the cute outfits you packed. The white lace dress is sooooo pretty!
Have a great trip. You have to try the shrimp and grits at Mr. B's Bistro. It was one of my favorite meals. I love the outfits you put together. Could you be my stylist 🙂
Have fun girlie! I've never been so I'll be living vicariously through you! Don't do anything I wouldn't do. 😉
Have a great trip Courtney! Great sytle finds ~ especially loving that green maxi skirt!
Royal Street, the French Quarter, Cafe Du Monde .. so many great spots! Try to tour one of the plantations. It's been a while since I've been there but Notaway (not sure if I spelled this correctly) was my favorite. My dad grew up in New Orleans and I still have family there. My cousins (Paula, Pam, Pat, Penny.. Lol!) How fun to travel with the girls ~ enjoy your stay!
New to your blog and following via email and google!
xxleslie
http://www.4aroundthetable.com
Packing is always my biggest challenge! I end up with way too much because I want options when I get there. We went to New Orleans last summer and loved it! Of course you'll want to stroll down Magazine street and visit the wonderful shops, ride the St. Charles streetcar to take in the sights, and you must visit a show at Preservation Hall. Here's a link to some of the fun things we enjoyed,
http://dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com/2012/06/toto-were-not-in-kansas-anymore-new.html
and another link for some of the gorgeous homes we spotted! The variety is amazing. Have fun!
http://dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-orleans-homes.html
I'll give another shout out for Cafe du Monde…delish! Another spot to have a great New Orleans meal is Mother's. it's a hole in the wall, but fantastic po' boys, jambalaya, and such.
Ride the streetcar down St Charles, hop off at one of the stops, and walk around the garden district for an afternoon. Check out the houses and the cemeteries! It is beautiful there this time of year.
Soo excited!! Safe travels my friend. See you friday! And you might have to take me shopping to find some of those stylish travel pieces that you so expertly blog about!! xxxoxoxoxoxxoo
The accessories link reverts back to the blog and not an outside website? Can you tell me where that gorgeous jade necklace is from?
Love that you do this with your girls. Such an incredible idea and tradition. I hope you get to snag a new phone, because I am guessing you will have some great instagram moments to share. I am excited to live vicariously through you! 😀
Have an amazing time girly! You deserve it!
xo,
Jen
New Orleans! My favortie city! Take COMFORTABLE shoes!
Me an y MY girlfriends are meeting up in May in the Big Easy! I can't wait!
You are heading to my hometown, so jealous!! You are going to love it here, so much history and the nicest people ever. All of the above posts lists our favorites with the exception of Stanley in the French quarter, yummy spot for breakfast. If you like seafood, you have to go to Acme for charbroiled oysters, I crave them !! So many great places to eat and visit, one of our favorite cities ever !! Cant wait to see all your pictures, have a blast friend xoxox
Oops, above post is from me :o) Leslie Moore
What a fun time you will have in New Orleans. Such a great city. Cafe Du Monde is always our first stop. Enjoy your weekend Courtney. I love the tradition you and your girlfriends have started.
Have a wonderful weekend and fantastic time off! You will look absolutely lovely in New Orleans! 🙂
~Abby =)
I live in New Orleans and the weather is HOT here…its suppose to rain on Friday and temp is suppose to be in the 60's but Saturday and Sunday is suppose to be in the 70's…I f I were u ..pack shorts/maxi dress/capri…and bring like a jean jacket or sweater/cardigan
WEAR comfy shoes if u plan on walking the french quarter etc…I LOVE NEW ORLEANS!!!
Have fun!!!
Felicia
http://www.whatrwehavingfordinner.blogspot.com
New Orleans is a great place! Make sure you visit Uptown and the Garden District…and Freret Street is making a huge comeback with lots of new restaurants. Our favorite place to out was the Bridge Lounge!
PLACES to eat:
Katies–crawfish beignets
Drago's–the charbroiled oysters (there is one across from Harrah's casino..by the french quarter)
Cafe Du Monde—BEIGNETS and cafe au late
Port of Call–burgers
FRENCH QUARTER—Pat O'Brien
Parkway Tavern—poboys
Harrah's Casino—Masquarade (if u want to do the clubbing)
shopping by the locals—MAGAZINE STREET
if u need more suggestions…email me
felicialetran@yahoo.com
I also follow u on instagram—feliciale1
http://www.whatrwehavingfordinner.blogspot.com
I dated a guy from New Orleans for a long time, and I travelled there with him. there was a place he took me for breakfast, he said it was a famous place. The only seating was a big bar that wrapped around the restaurant and you watched them cooking up your food, and you had a chocolate shake, for breakfast! It was quite yummy and I wish I could remember the name of it. Maybe if you asked someone there could tell you. Also, the zoo was good, but that is probably more for you if you have kids with you. Oviously the French Quarter is awesome,a nd you can actually go get daquari's at drive by places! Ha!
Sounds so fun! Can't wait to see the pix on IG!
We live in Mobile so we go to N.O. all the time. You need a pair of good walking shoes. You should wear some that can get a little dirty…the streets can be very dirty. I highly recommend the Haunted Walking Tours. You learn a lot about the history. You need to plan to EAT. The food is the reason we go every year. You should make reservations now if you plan at eating at any of the fine dining places such as Commander's Palace, Brennan's, Court of Two Sisters, etc. If you go to Pat O'Briens, only drink one HURRICANE!! Have fun and Dance in the street.
@ Nicki Parrish its Carmine Grill at eh end of St Charles Street by the riverbend..across from La Maideleine
(cash only)
Have the most wonderful time, you deserve it!!! Janell
Gah! How did I miss this?! Hope you have an AMAZING time!! Love all the fashion inspiration here…natch! Love you! xo
Decompress and have a rocking good time……it is always amazing to be with girlfriends….and you are going to look great while you are there:)
Ah! Have a blast 🙂 I went a few years ago and it was grew! Such a colorful city!!
Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
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