thirteen items I packed for a long weekend in Mexico City

plus, everything in my necessaire and carry-on bag

Dear Reader,

You may not know this, but I was born in Mexico City and lived there until I was ten. I returned a few years later, newly married, for another two-year stint. Safe to say, Mexico City (CDMX) holds a special place in my heart. Many of my family members still live here — notably my fabulous maternal grandmother, Sandy. Her story is epic (Seattle-born to Italian and Norwegian parents, met my Mexican grandfather in Paris, then raised five daughters in Mexico). I’ll have to share it in detail soon.

She recently had some health issues, so I came down to spend a few days with her. This trip was short and sweet, mostly spent with family at home. That means no CDMX recs this round, but if you’re planning a trip and want local spots, send me a message. I’m always happy to share where we go (and have been going for years!).

Below, the thirteen items I packed in a carry-on for four days of outfits, plus everything in my skincare and makeup pouches.

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In my carry-on

August and September in Mexico City are all about weather contrasts: cold mornings, sunny 70s by midday, afternoon downpours, and crisp evenings. Layers are key.

My Mexico City vibe. Images: top left, the Roma neighborhood (via Pinterest) // top right, reminds me of many interiors here (via Pinterest) // bottom right, Casa Luis Barragan (via Pinterest) // bottom left, Casa Luis Barragan (via Pinterest). Objects: vintage book on Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo (via eBay) // pewter pitcher (via TANE). Outfit: LESET boatneck tshirt // Khaite denim + belt // vintage Prada mules // TANE necklace.

This was the packing list:

1. a Sezane suede jacket

2. a Rue Sophie trench coat

3. a Comme Si white button-up

4. a La Ligne black cardigan

5. a LESET white boatneck tshirt

6. Still Here blue jeans

7. AMO Denim white jeans

8. black Chanel ballet flats

9. white/black Chanel ballet flats

10. black The Row ballet flats

11. vintage Prada leopard shoes

12. a Liffner leopard print pouch

13. and a black Khaite belt.

Shoe lineup.

Here’s how I wore everything.

Saturday morning pastry run before heading to my aunt’s house.

Wearing Sezane jacket // LESET boatneck tshirt // Khaite belt // Still Here jeans // Chanel ballet flats.

Back from dinner with my cousins. I kept the same outfit (no time to change), but swapped out my big tote for my Liffner leopard bag.

Sunday morning en route. Liffner bag // DedCool hand cream (this smells so good, and melts into your skin) // Rue Sophie trench coat.

How intense is this bathroom? Haha. Wearing a La Ligne cardigan // Still Here jeans // Liffner bag // Chanel ballet flats.

One of my favorite spots in CDMX is Suntory, a Japanese restaurant that’s been around for fifty+ years. My family has celebrated countless birthdays and Sunday lunches here. The teppanyaki grill is the main event, and in true Mexican hospitality fashion, they’ll bring you a rack for your bag and coat, plus a cover to keep it safe from the smoke!

Monday morning, running out the door. Wearing Rue Sophie trench // LESET boatneck tshirt // AMO denim jeans // Call It By Your Name bag // Prada mules.

Waiting for the car after visiting my Grandma. Like I said, it gets warmer during the day, so I can shed a layer. Also, my clothes get so wrinkly during these visits!!! (maybe from all the hugging? hehe)

I can’t believe I scored these leopard Prada mules on The Real Real. Initially, someone else got them. But then they returned them, and the shoe fairies wanted me to have them!!!

Tuesday morning tea run before heading to see my Grandma. Wearing Rue Sophie trench // Comme Si button-up // Still Here jeans // The Row flats // Call It By Your Name bag.

I schlepped this bag up and down CDMX, and it was so useful. Lots of pockets!!!

We stayed with my in-laws, so I packed my Cozyland pjs, which look less like pjs, and more like loungewear. Especially when I swap the top for a sweatshirt. The exact set I have is sold out, but here are the pants. Both my Mom and I have them and love them.

In my skincare and makeup pouches

Using the pouch that comes with the Oak Essentials Travel Body Routine. It’s the perfect size, and I love that it stands up.

For skincare, I never travel without my Clarins Cry-Flash Face Mask (I’ve bought this 15+ times and even gifted it to my mom and aunts). I put it on first thing in the morning to wake up my face. Lately, I’ve been alternating it with the Oak Essentials Refining Mask — it smells so good and leaves my skin super smooth.

Due to the high altitude in Mexico City, my under-eyes tend to get really puffy, so I always pack eye patches (these bandana print ones from YSE Beauty are a favorite). I finish my daytime skincare by covering every inch of my face and neck in ISDIN SPF 50.

At night, I wash my face with a bar of soap (sorry!!! I forgot my cleanser), and apply a thick layer of the Avène Cicalfate+ cream nightly. I’m a skincare minimalist.

For body care, I packed the travel-size of my Salt & Stone body wash in the scent Bergamont Hinoki, and the travel-size of my Oak Essentials Moisture-Rich Body Balm.

For haircare, I have travel sizes of my Kerastase faves like the Nutritive 8h Magic Night Hair Serum (wear overnight), and the Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil (reapply throughout the day).

Using the pouch that comes with the eye masks from YSE beauty. Can you tell I’m into bandana print?

I am also a makeup minimalist, but I keep a separate necessaire for it in case I need to get ready on the go. Inside: Merit mascara for every day, Jones Road mascara for a night look, Giorgio Armani concealer, Westman Atelier contour stick, Saie blush and highlighter, plus a Westman Atelier brow pencil and brush. No matter what, I’m always in mascara. But, when I’m in Mexico, I usually add a little concealer and a touch of color to my cheekbones.

In my carry-on bag

Packed to the brim. I love this Call It By Your Name bag because it has so many pockets, I can wear it over the shoulder, or carry it. Everything is so easy to find.

Essentials for a flight (and trip):

• A bright red pouch with a double zipper that fits all of my writing and reading things, like a notebook, post-its, and pens. I also throw in wired headphones, a claw clip, gum, hand sanitizer, and Tylenol. Never without hand cream (loving the DedCool one), a travel perfume of some kind (this one from Salt & Stone is so fresh), and a lip product (Aquaphor, always, but I’m using the YSE beauty lip tint non-stop).

• Two books: Finding Grace (Loretta Rothschild), which is honestly fabulous, and I’m completely hooked, and On the Calculation of Volume I (Solvej Balle, translated by Barbara J Haveland).

• A bag of snacks (GoGo Squeez apple pouches, a bar of chocolate, some candy I picked up at the airport). I get a big bottle of water at the airport.

• My computer, plus the computer case. I bought this one from Call It By Your Name, but my computer didn’t fit (haha), so I cut the zipper off, and now it does! I won’t be able to close it, but at least my laptop is protected.