Eat & Explore London (and packing light for tourism)

striped blazer red pants

J.Crew blazer (30% off w/SUMMERTIME), Coach court bag (review),
Ann Taylor pants (similar at J.Crew for $35+, similar at LOFT w/ extra 40% off), old H&M; linen scarf

While in London, I admired the tall, put-together locals, donning late-May “uniforms” of mostly dark jeans, ankle-height flat booties, and dark leather jackets or trench coats. I wore my bright touristy fare with chagrin, so would recommend packing the aforementioned pieces for visiting if you own them & can pull off the booties. Unlike in this last suitcase series, I packed this time with the primary goal of all-day comfort. The nice part about dressing during travels (for lazy ones like myself, anyways) is that no one will notice when you wear similar outfits daily, or items on repeat. I wore this with heels to the office, onto a red-eye flight, then straight into a day of tourism.
striped blazer red pants2
For longer trips, I use this Samsonite hard shell spinner (use FRIENDS for an extra 25% off) and love it. The 20″ size is pretty small, but on the plus side, it limits packing to a weight that I can lift. This has been key, ever since one of my travel fears came true when a few bystanders refused my requests for help with the overhead bin (resulting in a shaky, embarrassing struggle standing on top of a seat & almost chipping a tooth).

london packing
When trying to pack compactly, I start planning with the largest items (and wear the pieces that take up the most room)…

I looked for easily-washable, wrinkle-resistant jackets that could sustain inclement weather and wear & tear, and decided on 1) a denim jacket (the best travel companion) from H&M; kids, 2) this knit striped blazer, and 3) a dark Theory trench to wear over everything and in the rain. Since the theme was very blue, I continued from there with pieces in either fellow primary colors (red and yellow), monochromatic, or neighboring colors (ie. teal). These schemes from the trusty color wheel allow for easy mixing and matching using a small number of items. A ancient Old Navy kids white tee served as my basic layering piece, and accessories were limited to functional items like cross-body bags and large scarves. I’ve found that rolling up garments helps prevent wrinkles, and also lets you see more items in one glance (without uprooting your entire suitcase) when getting dressed.

packing outfits
For sizing reference: 20″ suitcase & the durable Longchamp plantes tote against ~5 feet tall frame
samsonite

Walking shoes were the item I struggled with the most. Ideally I would’ve loved to find a sleek leather slip-on shoe with ample arch support, that’s comfortable right off the rack (and not too costly since it’d be taking a beating). Recommendations for such a shoe would be more than appreciated. Instead, a last-minute scour of the mall landed me with a pair of canvas Toms. Out of the few shoes I found in-store in sz 5, these were the most comfortable and lightweight option by far. I’m not a big fan of the canvas slip-on look for myself, but these (with a small embedded arch cushion) were comfy after 5-6 miles a day of walking. The soles are thin, so adding an insert would definitely improve comfort. Fit is true to size but I hear the canvas stretches out with wear, so I plan on adding inserts when mine get looser.
striped blazer red pants1

Unintentional coordination with Nick – now if only I can get him to smile

striped blazer red pants3
Our first stop off the plane was a little shop called Champagne and Fromage, which served mouth-watering cheese & charcuterie platters, tartines (toasted sourdough with toppings), and some small plates like escargo alongside a variety of bubblies. The deal at the time for online bookings was 6.50GBP for cheese or meat boards (typically 8GBP).
champagne fromageWe then crossed the river to catch a ride on the tourist-favorite London Eye. View from below the Eye, while waiting in line:london eye from below
You can buy tickets online to avoid waiting in the ticket lines, but please note that there’s a long delay to receive the tickets electronically for printing (mine took about 5 hours). They aren’t strict at all about the t
ime slot the tickets are bought for, so no need to pay extra for the “flexible” time ticket. View from the top:
view from london eye
After a whirl on the Eye, we walked along the river Thames to the free-admission Tate Modern art museum, then crossed back over the river to see St. Paul’s Cathedral. I heard the views are beautiful from the top, but we were too jet lagged to climb.

We couldn’t go the first day without having some of the spectacular Indian food that London is known for. Dinner was at Roti Chai, which is split into an Indian Street Kitchen downstairs with smaller dishes (similar to tapas or dim sum), and a fancier upstairs dining room. The atmosphere downstairs was very lively with lots of good aromas, so we didn’t go any further.
roti chai dinnerAt Indian restaurants, I’m sad to admit I almost never stray from my chicken tikka masala or saag paneer. The lamb stew and fried chicken lollipops here were yummy, but my taste buds were most surprised by the tender fish curry and tantalizingly spicy “hakka chilli paneer” salad of sorts – so good!
roti chai desserts We cooled our burning mouths with a kettle of chai lychee martini, and creamy pistachio and mango (the better of the 2 flavors) ice cream sticks. The prices aren’t exactly “street kitchen” levels (bill was ~70 GBP for four), but each of us left full and very satisfied.

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104 Comments

  1. Rachel wrote:

    I love the whole look! Very nautical and stylish.

    Posted 6.21.13 Reply
  2. Joanna @ Caravan parks in Wales wrote:

    Seem to be a great trip love the shots. you look gorgeous in red 🙂

    Posted 6.20.13 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    I really like the Tieks flats. It's one of Oprah's favorite things. 🙂

    Posted 6.20.13 Reply
  4. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    Love that you can pack light, dress casually, and still look very put together. Glad you had a great trip and that indian food looked yum!

    Posted 6.19.13 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    Thanks for your travel advice. I'm planning to travel to Spain next month and this blog will be very helpful. I'm shopping for a carry-on (20") and 26" luggages. How's your Samsonite Winfield hardcase holding up?

    Posted 6.18.13 Reply
  6. Manon wrote:

    I can't believe no-one helped you with your bag! 🙁
    As far as air stewards go… aren't they supposed to be over a certain height to reach the overhead compartments? THEY LIE!

    Posted 6.18.13 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    So sorry you could not get someone to lift your bag for you. For the folks who think that asking someone to lift a bag into the overhead compartment for you is some kind of moral issue, that's just nuts. I travel on business both domestically and overseas and have found that most people are quite happy to help me lift my bag. When someone asks my husband to help, he will do it quite happily. Actually, if he sees someone smaller than him trying to lift his or her bag, he always helps even without being asked. That is just what nice people do. Sure, it is possible that some people decline because they have physical disabilities or injuries that are not apparent, but it is also possible that some of the people who decline are jerks. It always amazes me when I see little old ladies or men struggling with their bags and nobody helps them except for 5'2" me.

    Posted 6.16.13 Reply
  8. Jennifer Tang wrote:

    Thank you so much for your help! :)

    Posted 6.16.13 Reply
  9. Thanh Luu wrote:

    …and by "walked at least 3 miles," I meant walked at least that much DAILY!

    Posted 6.15.13 Reply
  10. Thanh Luu wrote:

    Hi! I studied abroad in London one summer and walked at least 3 miles–jumping on and off tube trains, dodging puddles, climbing stairs, walking on cobblestone–and I luckily invested in a pair of AGL shoes before I went over. AGL are initials for some long Italian name I can never pronounce. Regardless, I will swear by these shoes. They're a little on the pricier/designer end at $300 a pair, but are definitely worth it!!! They are available at Nordstrom and I'm sure any Salon shoes associate there would have amazing things to say about it too. They've got just the right amount of cushion, they're made of the finest leather in Italy so there's no long period of "breaking in" time, and they're not too mod, which makes them suitable for lots to outfits. During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, certain styles of the AGL shoes go on sale for around $190. Definitely a good tourist shoe, whether you're in London or NYC.

    Posted 6.15.13 Reply
  11. chloe wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    Love the preppy look! I also bought the same pants at J Crew (size P0) but the waist was so big (the rest kinda fit ok) …. was wondering, what size did you get? There is size P00 left in the Bright Berry … i am hoping that would fit better.

    cheers
    Chloe

    Posted 6.14.13 Reply
  12. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Lol, I guess he wants to keep me on my toes. Thank you for reading along over the years : )

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  13. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    It's amazing how time flies, no? I feel like an old lady in my rocking chair reminiscing about the days of discovering alterations needed & the community : )

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  14. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks for the tip! It's definitely on my list to visit due to its proximity to the Northeast.

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  15. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Juliana – it's from Old Navy petites last year.

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  16. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    They are from Gap a few months ago…I haven't seen them in-stores for a while : /

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  17. Anonymous wrote:

    Where are the polka dot flats from?

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  18. Annapurna wrote:

    Camper Kim Low-heeled Maryjanes. Item 21241.
    http://www.amazon.com/Camper-Womens-Kim-21241-Mary/dp/B0090IPXFU/?tag=polyvore006-20

    Have worn the same pair nonstop for 4 years on Boston cobblestones – not to mention for trips in Europe, Thailand, Mexico, India, and Japan. Indestructible sole, don't get super-wet in rain. Look brand new with a little polish. You can wear them with jeans, pants, skirts, – anything – and the little heel keeps your feet from getting tired.

    The only con is that they leave little marks on wood floors so I take them off as soon as I get home.

    The Toms my husband bought me last year – which I wear occasionally – are already coming apart in the back 🙁

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  19. JULIANA wrote:

    Hi Jean, love the long blue skirt you're wearing. Would you mind telling me where it's from? Thanks!!!

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  20. Kallan wrote:

    Hi! You should check out the Integrity Amie by Fluevog shoes – he makes comfortable, walkable (and sometimes wacky!) shoes. They are $$ but are beautifully made and designed in Canada. I do not have these particular shoes but have been coveting them for awhile and they have great reviews from travellers. The next time I am in a store and if they have my size, I will be tempted to buy.

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    I forgot to mention that you should visit Bermuda if you get the chance. I love London during the Christmas season because it's very festive. For summer beach vacation, I love Bermuda because it's very English, but you also get awesome beaches and food. The people are unbelievably nice, helpful, and very polite.

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  22. Anonymous wrote:

    London is my favorite city out of all the places I've been. Still go back there a few times a year, and it never gets boring. I have a long list of favorite places to eat, but I always find new places to add to my long list as well. If you go back again, it's nice to spend a weekend outside of London, like Oxford or Cambridge.

    Posted 6.13.13 Reply
  23. a rose wrote:

    Haha I remembered these old days when I read your blog and thought "Why didn't she smile in the pictures" lol. But I kept going back because the useful information and the conversational tone carried in the blog and finally you smiled. But to be honest, it's kinda hot not to smile in the pictures sometime. (Not that I am trying to say Nick trying to be hot haha. I think the more people are used to pose in front of the camera, the more relaxing they will be, which eventually leads to smile more.)

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  24. LF wrote:

    Sam Edelman Julia Flats have some great support and super comfy! runs small too… I am usually 6.5 and their 6.5 for this shoes was so tight i probably have to go a whole size up..

    I am eyeing Sam Edelman Jones Flats as well..

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  25. Ale wrote:

    Don't you love going to Europe and enjoy their more daring sense of style? Americans tend to be more "uniform".

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  26. Adventures Along The Way wrote:

    I just said something similar above about putting my bag under the seat. My legs are short too, so I don't mind.

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  27. Chocolate Cookies & Candies wrote:

    Jean, many thanks again for the review on the Coach Court bag. Still utterly in love with it. I couldn't help but laugh when you mentioned about how Londoners dress. I live just outside of London and you're right. We're all about skinny AND dark pants/jeans, ankle boots (a must) or riding boots), parka and some dark top. It's all very monochromatic. If you're ever back in London again, give Dishoom (awesome Bombay style cafe) and Nopi (incredible tapas style fusion cuisine from co-owned by Ottolenghi).

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  28. Adventures Along The Way wrote:

    I totally agree. Being able to lift or carry a bag is way different than being able to lift that bag well over your head with your arms fully extended up. I'm short too and have the same problem. But my carry-on bag is small and more like a little duffel bag, so i just put it under the seat in front of me, and sometimes put my personal bag (back pack) above in the compartments, because it is much easier to lift up and get back down.

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  29. Anonymous wrote:

    Try arche ballet flats. I purchased them in black for a trip to Italy and I was so happy with them. They are pricey ($200ish) but they are made in France and the quality is amazing. I searched high and low for the perfect shoe for walking all over Europe and these did not disappoint!

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    I agree. If you can't lift it… then you shouldn't try to fit it.

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  31. Julie wrote:

    I do really love that scarf, especially with how you have it tied.

    I'm still searching for the right shoes for my trip to Italy this fall. I have to somehow figure out how to pair a super supportive pair of shoes with nice outfits. Still trying to figure that one out.

    Style by Joules

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  32. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    Such beautiful pics as per usual! My favorite thing to order at Indian restaurants is also chicken tikka masala 🙂

    Thanks for asking the question about comfy travel shoes! Will be bookmarking this and harvesting for info!

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  33. sirilovise wrote:

    Off to London tonight, so will defo vheck out those spots – if I can find 'em. Great pics 🙂

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  34. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – I use a small (~4-5 inch long?) one for daily use, but used to have a long one that I loved. It was hard to down-size everything and the small wallet now is always stuffed to the brink. Both of the cross-body bags here fit a long wallet, but unfortunately like you said it doesn't fit in most clutches!

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  35. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I learned it from WendysLookbook's video and have loved using it over the years! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU The "braid" at around 3:27

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  36. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Jennifer – It's from JC Penney's in-house mens line. He has a few items from there and has been surprisingly impressed. That stripe color scheme is sold out online (may still be in stores) http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/men/shop-sale-clearance/sale/jcp%25e2%2584%25a2-striped-french-terry-crew-sweater/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002351401&catId;=cat1001520004&deptId;=dept20000014&Nao;=72&pN;=4&dimCombo;=null&dimComboVal;=null but it also comes in a ton of solid colors.

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  37. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I have not – thank you for the local tip!

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  38. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Just some fabric for myself and some vintage finds at Portobello market for friends : )

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  39. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Cat : ) had a makeup bag in my Longchamp but no haircare other than the curling iron shown (forgot a brush…eep). I definitely need to learn how to tame frizzies when using damaging heat tools!

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  40. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Jennifer – I'm wearing the XXS here. For reference, I'm about 43kg and 152cm tall, so I think the same size may work for you (will be shorter on you than shown here, of course). Please note that the inside is mostly unlined.

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  41. Anonymous wrote:

    It was unseasonably cold in Europe. Was in Northern Italy and people were wearing down coats in late May. I'm sure if the weather was warmer Londoners will be breaking out their more colorful clothes. I advise to just pack for the weather, but in cooler temps, the default attire in major European cities will be skinny jeans, boots and lots of black.

    Posted 6.12.13 Reply
  42. ....... wrote:

    thanks for sharing your packing tips! looks like you had an amazing trip! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
  43. mai wrote:

    i've been wearing these: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=33938&vid;=1&pid;=230422092

    i did have to break them in at first, but they are definitely comfy!

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
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    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
  45. Jennifer Tang wrote:

    Hi,what size do you wear for the J.Crew Blazer in this post?
    I am 163cm high and 45kg, shall I choose the xxs or xs?
    Any help will be highly appreciated!

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
  46. lavidalaura.com wrote:

    I'm visiting London in August, and you've just given me some great ideas. Also, I loved reading about your packing strategy.

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
  47. AlexisB wrote:

    I refuse to check baggage. I hate asking for help getting my bag in/out of the overhead bin. I also hate standing on the seat to retrieve my bag. So I always take a bag small enough to fit under the seat in front of me. My legs are super short, so I don't miss the leg room (score one for the shorties!). If I do feel the need to stretch out, I just pull the bag out and rest my ankles on the bag/dangle feet off the end.

    Also, being petite means our clothing is small and we can get all we need into smaller bags. My larger friends are always so jealous when they see my bag!

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
  48. LaLaaLove wrote:

    They make size 4's too!

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
  49. michelle wrote:

    love your outfit! since i'm only 5'2 i usually try to wear wedges on the plane and pack light. best solution to getting your bag in the overhead bin.

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply

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