Food, Fashion and a Fuddy Duddy (#17)

Tomorrow morning – at way too early of an hour, I head to one of my favorite cities, New York.  It is a favorite for many of the reasons you might suspect.  Great food and great fashion.  And the Fuddy Duddy in the title?  Well, that’s me.

The first time I went to NYC was in December, several years ago.  I was excited to hit some of the major brand stores like Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Prada, etc., in addition to the major department stores like Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman’s and Barney’s.  We planned on being all over the city that day, so I dressed sensibly to ensure I stayed warm and comfortable.

We started walking Fifth Ave and the surrounding area and decided to check out Barney’s.  We walked around one floor, then another.  Wow.  Did I feel out of place.  So many of the native shoppers (you know, those that actually live in NYC and shop Barney’s like I do Target) were dressed like they walked straight out of Vogue.  And here I was, dressed sensibly.  I’ve spent most of my life living in Minneapolis…and I realize that the mini apple is worlds apart from the big apple…but in that moment at Barney’s, I felt like I just walked off the farm from milking cows or something.

Ever since then, if I’m traveling to New York, I feel this extra pressure to ‘dress the part’ and ensure I’m fashion worthy.  This makes packing incredibly difficult and more time consuming than it should be.  When I head out on one night business trip, my packing is easy.  Throw in a dress, a sweater, some heels and toiletries and I’m good go go.  But any trip beyond one evening – and specifically one to NYC – well, it becomes a real challenge.

Trouble is this – I’m in NYC for four days and want to look like I belong there, but I will also be working all day and on my feet the majority of it – so I need to wear sensible shoes.  But what fun are sensible shoes?  I mean seriously?

I’ve been stressing about packing for this trip all week and it has taken me all evening to do it.  Multiple outfits tried on, shoes to determine and jewelry to match it all.  And really, who the heck cares?  Who is really going to be paying that much attention to me anyway, in a city with millions of people?

This is when I wish I was a dude.  Their packing is so much easier.  Throw in a few dark pants, a few button up shirts, a tie or two, one pair of shoes, a toothbrush and some deodorant and…done!  They can pack in 10 minutes.  Me?  All.  Night.  Long.  And I over packed.  Because that’s what I do.  A few more shoes than I need and at least one to two extra outfits.  Because ya just never know…never know what?  I don’t know, but it makes me feel better to have more clothes than I need.  This is called preparation, right?  Yep.  Thaaaat’s it.  Preparation.

So while I’m in New York, I’ll enjoy the food, admire the fashion and own  my fuddy duddy-ness.  Because if I don’t, who will?  Isn’t that what getting older and turning 40 is all about?  Owning and accepting who you are?  I’m on a journey and NYC is just one stop along the way.