Review: Dagne Dover Dakota and Lo & Sons Hanover Backpacks

Marianne and I both recently bought backpacks so we thought we'd do a review together!

Adrien - Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
I have a thing about neoprene. I love the way it looks and this damn Dagne Dover neoprene backpack kept following me all over the Internet. So I did what I always do, I ignored the expensive backpack I loved and ordered a cheaper one instead.

Well, the cheaper one was okay but it was too small to be really useful and I hated that it only had a single zipper. (This doesn't seem like it would be annoying but it really, really is.) Finally, I just went for it and I bought the thing I really wanted: The Dagne Dover Dakota backpack. I got the medium size which looks like this:

It shipped out to me crazy-quick and when it arrived and I pulled it out of the box I was like, "Huh." While I love how minimal it is, it's still a pretty significant bag and I was worried it would be too big and too heavy when packed. I almost returned it! But I decided to live with it a bit and fake-packed it to see what it would hold and was surprised at how comfortable it was to carry. Definitely not too heavy or hot. So, I took the tags off and started to really use it. 

My computer is a 15" laptop which is really too big for the laptop compartment (the large size Dakota will better fit a 15") but it'll fit in the regular compartment without issues. I also love that this backpack comes with fun extras - a shoe bag and a little matching zippered pouch. I've mostly used it as a work tote alternative but it's also great for carrying my yoga gear when I have to trek across campus for lunchtime classes. 

I haven't traveled with it yet (two months until Paris!) but it will easily carry all that I need for travel (I'll do a post about it before my trip.) I do really wish it had a sleeve for attaching to my suitcase handle but I don't travel a ton, so not a big deal for me.

The Best Part: This bag is incredibly well made and no matter how much I stuff in it or throw it around it still looks brand new. The zippers are heavy duty, which I appreciate, because it's always the zipper that goes first. The Dakota also has a ton of zippy pockets including this smart side pocket that fits my phone:

My Only Regret: I obviously bought the onyx color and while I love how sleek and minimal it looks I kinda wish I'd gone for the heather grey color because I looooove it. Why didn't I? Don't be me - go for the heather grey or dark moss. I also really love the matching pouches, especially this grey camo toiletry bag. 

If you're tempted you can go through my link for 10% off your order! (full disclosure: I get a credit if you purchase through my link.) Also! This week only, code GRATITUDE will get you 20% off everything on the site. (I don't know if you can stack these.)


Marianne- Lo & Sons Hanover Backpack 

Okay, my turn! I also needed a backpack, but mostly for business travel, not really for every day use. Unlike Adrien, I have a pretty small computer--a 13 inch Macbook Pro. It's a little baby computer and only weighs 3 pounds. However, it's still expensive and doesn't belong to me, so I needed a backpack that would protect it, plus hold my crap (more on that in a second) and not be hideous. Enter the Lo & Sons Hanover Backpack.

This is a really great backpack, ESPECIALLY for women. So many backpacks geared toward business travel are big and bulky and obviously made for tech bros who wear fleece vests. First off, it's very sleek with no unnecessary labels, pockets, bungee cords, or any of that nonsense. The straps are nicely padded but not over-the-top, and there's one pocket on the outside, but don't count on keeping much in there, it's pretty small.

The inside has a removable insert that is pretty awesome. It has a padded section for a laptop, a place you can tuck a water bottle, and a couple of other sections. There's also a biggish center section big enough for a change of clothes, pair of shoes, and small toiletry bag. I like that the insert is removable, because if you take it out you have a lot more room to just use the backpack as an overnight bag.

The absolute BEST FEATURE is the wide strap across the back that you can use to slide the backpack over the extended handle on a suitcase. Seriously, this seems like such a small thing but it will greatly improve your life and comfort if you spend any amount of time schlepping around airports. If you aren't using a suitcase, you can zip the strap and use it as a protected secret pocket, perfect for cash, passports, or anything you want to keep safe. I had another travel backpack that just had a thin luggage strap and I found that when the backpack was full it stretched out, so this nice wide strap is perfect.

Lastly, I appreciate that the backpack is a nice, lightweight nylon. It's not hot on my back, it doesn't snag, it's not shiny, it's just good and solid. Sure, $130* is a lot to drop on a backpack, but for me it was more than worth it.

*If you sign up for the Lo & Sons email list you get 15% off your first full-priced order.

Adrien: I Make Mistakes.

Look, I am not perfect and I'm not an expert. I just buy the stuff I like and when I think it's good, I tell y'all about it and if it's bad? I'll definitely tell y'all about it.  But what about the stuff that's really good but ends up being the wrong thing for me? That is some Blog Science grey area and I never quite know what to do without feeling like a hypocrite. For instance:

A: I...totes bought the wrong backpack.

M: Hahahaha

A: I just bought your Lo & Sons backpack. (It was on sale.) I’m going to sell the Dagne Dover.

M: Oh really?

A: Literally saw [redacted friend’s name)]’s and was like, dammit.

A: And I want to travel with it and the DD doesn't have a suitcase handle sleeve. I'm dumb.

M: Hahaha

M: I do love mine

***

A: Sold my Dagne Dover backpack! I’m such an asshole.

M: Haaaaa

M: I hope you like the new one!

A: It comes tomorrow! I got the dark blue camo.

***

A: It arrived. Laptop fits perfectly!

M: Yay!

A: I’m sold.

M: Oh good. I am glad you like it! I love mine, especially for travel

A: It was dumb of me to buy one without the suitcase handle sleeve. 🙄

M: See, I am just always right

M: That's the thing

A: Uh huh

M: 💁🏻‍♀️

A: 😶

So, yeah. Remember when we reviewed both these backpacks? I really, really wanted the Dagne Dover, was initially hesitant after I got it (pay attention to that instinct, folks) but then decided it was cool and kept it. Gradually I realized that the ways I wanted to use it were not really working. It doesn't really fit my big laptop (at least not in the section meant for laptops) so not super great for work and it doesn't have a suitcase sleeve so not so great for travel. Then why do I have it?

It's a really well made and esthetically pleasing bag but it does me no good if it's not functioning the way I need it to. That said, I do stand by my review! As I said, it's a very nicely made bag with great details/extras and I love the way it looks, it just didn't end up working for me. Marianne's review of the Lo & Sons covers the bases so I won't do another review, but it's a much better fit for me.

So that's my confession. Make me feel better and tell me something you bought and loved and then realized was not the best option for you.

We Discuss: Rage Shopping.

M: I stress shopped at H&M and I need a shopping ban.

A: I’ve been stress shopping for my trip and now I’m convinced I need a raincoat. I def need a shopping ban.

M: Your Madewell jacket will be FINE! And a small umbrella!

A: What did you buy?

M: Oh just two dumb dresses and some definitely stupid pants.

A: It’s not like they don’t sell raincoats in London, right?

M: I was like WTF immediately after.

A: Ha. It’s the dopamine hit.

M: Wait, only one stupid dress and definitely stupid pants and probably mistake jeans.

M: I didn’t even REMEMBER.

A: Ha! I had two Amazon boxes show up last week and I was like...I have no idea what I ordered.

M: Probably too short and unflattering:

A: That’s a cute shirt.

A: H&M never works for me.

M: It works fine on me but THESE WON’T:

A: They call them "ankle length."  Do they not know where ankles are located?

M: I don’t know about you but my ankles are right below my knees. I’m a medical marvel!

A: You really are.

M: And I just don’t need these except my other black jeans are unwearable tight:

A: The jeans look good!

A: I did buy a great new toiletries kit because mine was on it’s last legs:

A: So exciting.

M: Oh damn I need that.

M: I travel so much and my toiletry sitch is sad.

A: It’s really good - I got the medium sized bag.

M: Oh! I also bought a travel backpack in a fit of rage.

A: Ha! Me too!

M: What did you get? I got something basic and simple because I was mad about the Lo & Sons one that’s TWO HUNDRED STUPID DOLLARS FOR A NYLON BACKPACK. Instead, this:

A: I got this one:

A: And haaaa, I was mad at the Dagne Dover $175 backpack which I want. Badly.

M: Oh I am mad about that one TOO.

M: Yours is cuter than mine but I needed something bigger. Basically big enough for my actual purse, laptop, chargers, giant headphones, etc.

A: Mine is small but perfect for a carry-on since I don’t need room for a laptop.

M: It’s cute though! I just have to schlep so much for work or kids.

M: Mine is Not Cute and I’m mad about that too but it was $30.

M: And has a luggage strap.

A: Nice! Fuck $200 backpacks.

M: It literally does all the same shit and has like 2000 positive reviews.

A: Yup

A: I love that we both went on the same backpack rage journey.

M: So much rage.

M: I’m also pretty mad at those Away suitcases.

M: FYI

A: OMG DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THOSE.

M: 

A: I WANT ONE BUT GODDSDMNTTT.

M: Do you know that one time the only reason I made a connecting flight was because a girl was sitting on the jetbridge with three flight attendants and a tool box because the battery was stuck and you have to remove it to check the bag? They had to take her dumbass Away bag apart.

M: But also it was lilac and sooooo cute.

A: UGH

M: Also I know people that have them and guess what it’s just a suitcase.

A: WELL, FUCK YOU TOO, AWAY BAG.

A: It’s the suitcase version of those clear vitamins.

M: OH MY GOD THOSE VITAMINSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

M: maybe I need an Instagram break.

A: THEY HAUNT ME

A: 💊💊💊

M: I blame goddamn Goop.

A: Every single day.

Stuff I Haven't Bought...Yet.

Now that it's suddenly mid-September I am starting to really think about fall and what I might need to fill the holes in my closet. I've realized that my style has shifted quite a bit and that some of what I have in my closet just doesn't work for me anymore. I can't even remember the last time I wore a skirt! Also, who doesn't own a pair of black flats? Me, apparently. SO, here are some things that I'm thinking about:

I keep coming back to this Dagne Dover backpack even though I think the price is stupid. It would be great for travel but I also hope it would replace my super-sad canvas work tote. I love that it will hold my laptop because that tote gets freaking heavy when I take my computer home. Does anyone have this backpack and love it? Also, WHAT COLOR DO I GET? MAYBE BLACK.

Here is why I don't own black flats, because sometimes flats also come in red camo. Ugh, those are cute. I haven't tried Rothy's but I'm seriously considering it because two of my friends swear by them and I like that they're washable. But...they seem expensive for plastic shoes. Hm.

Speaking of shoes, I am still very into the idea of a pair of mules from Madewell because they seem like a great way to bridge the gap between Birkenstocks and boots, you know? I particularly love metallic as a neutral so these might have to happen.

One thing I actually seriously do need to buy is actual work pants because wearing black jeans to work and pretending they're work pants is fooling nobody. Even though I am mad at Banana Republic right now (REALLY MAD) I keep coming back to look at this pair which ARE BASICALLY JEANS. But they're olive green so not really, right?

Hahha just kidding, I already bought this AllSaints jacket. And that grey Veda jacket. I'm insane.

Because I'm all about wearing pants these days I need to step up my fun blouse game. Loft is great for affordable, washable tops and they have 40% off right now, which is tempting. This twist hem top looks so easy - just throw it on with skinny pants and a fun pair of flats (great, now I want those too) and you're good to go. Add a leather jacket and you're basically me!

Where are you going? Come back here.

We Discuss: Crossbody Bags I Do Not Need. (It Doesn't End Well.)

A: Per my blog post, I feel like I need a not-too-expensive crossbody that can get wet.

A: But it should be cute, of course

M: Hmmm, Dagne Dover?

A: Oh! I hadn’t thought of that

M: Seems like a situation for neoprene

A: This one looks okay but more than I want to spend on neoprene:

A: I was also considering that quilted MJ but I don't know:

M: I mean if you’re really talking getting wet yeah I wouldn’t do leather

A: I am always into leather but I feel like Scotland is gonna be wet

M: Or I would take your Cambridge satchel because I swear that leather is bombproof

A: Yes, but no zipper! Not that Scotland is known for it’s pickpockets

M: I’d like to see a pickpocket get a push lock flap open without you being like wtf

A: The Cambridge is def bombproof

M: That leather is so rigid

M: That’s what she said

A: Heh

A: I looooove this Madewell bag with the cool strap but I think it’s too small

M: I love that bag too but don’t you have a similar J.Crew one?

A: sold it

M: Ah rats

A: Eh, I assumed I’d find something slightly bigger to replace it

M: Oh! Get a cute strap on Etsy for your Cambridge bag!

M: That’s my jam

A: My Cambridge strap isn't removable

M: Well poop

M: I am trying to save you money for trip shopping haha

A: Madewell sells the straps separately and has a Salt collab but does me no good

M: That Madewell bag is adorable

A: It is

M: Now I want it so thanks

A: SORRY

M: Way to go

A: With the discount and the extra $10 off I can get that Madewell bag for $92 but I still think it’s probably tiny

M: I don’t know, really depends what you want to cram in it

M: (We’ve moved into to the enabling portion of the evening)

A: Hahha

A: Mostly just my phone, small wallet, bits and pieces

A: I can spend about the same amount and get the MJ bag but it bothers me that the strap isn’t leather

M: I like the Madewell one a lot more

A: I do to tbh

A: I am trying to figure out if the strap comes with it or if I have to pay separately for the camera strap

A: Oh! One of the reviews says it comes with two straps! And this:

“ I carry my phone, lip balm, pen, keys, and small bible as well as a few cards and cash.”

A: Um, totally same

M: Haaaaa

M: Bible room

A: Hahahha. It me.

A: I might have to get it

A: Forget what I said about wanting a bigger bag that is waterproof

M: I mean if you’re going to buy something I like that one

A: I do too

A: That strap is killing me

A: I could also use it on my red Longchamp, maybe?

A: Under $100 with expedited shipping

M: I would do it

M: And might THANKS

A: Haha

A: It is done

M: Ugh I won’t

M: Only because Kathleen wants to take me shopping in Seattle

A: There you go

A: Plus, will always be Madewell deals

M: Yup and I already bought jeans

A: I will see if it’s worth keeping when it arrives (Which is tonight! Keep an eye on our IG for an update.)

I'm Back! An Update, Some Gifts, Some Purchases.

Hi all! I had surgery on my foot last week and now I'm facing five more weeks of non-weight-bearing before I can graduate to the boot. So, no outfits for quite a while. A quick update on the J.Crew Cocoon coat - I returned the one I reviewed and ordered the next size up which was too big. So I'm giving up on that one. It's a very specific shape that didn't quite work for me. Now, a few things I was gifted and a few I've bought in the last few weeks:

If you follow my personal IG account, you might have seen that my amazing small gym chose me to be the recipient of an outfit from a local partnering Lululemon store. I'd just found out that week that I'd be needing surgery and was feeling pretty despondent, so this was an incredibly nice treat. I was allowed to chose a top, bottom and a pair of shoes to keep. (They have shoes now!) Here's what I got:

This is the perfectly oversized cropped crew sweatshirt and it's a delight. Weighty, soft as kittens, and the colors are beautiful. I bought it in my usual size and it's perfect - just the right amount of oversized and cropped without being extreme. The only issue with this fabric is that it shows moisture, so it's not for wearing in the rain or sweating! Great for everything else. 

I wanted another pair of lounge-y joggers so I immediately gravitated to this pair of Align joggers. I tried on both my usual size and a size up and they both fit but I went with the size up for extra comfort over a slim-cut look. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to wear them pre-surgery and now I have a huge splint on my leg, but they'll be waiting for me in February.

Lululemon has sneakers now! I got this pair, which I like quite a bit, though I have only been able to wear one so far. They're pretty minimalist in design which really appeals though I do wish they'd had the cassis colorway available in my size. If I end up loving this pair, I can always get another color, right? Right. 

So, a giant splint/cast on your leg really limits what you can wear. I am currently looking mad stylish in a pair of my guy's pajama pants but I had some Quince credits to spend so I bought two pairs of these cropped fleece sweatpants. They have good pockets and a really wide leg, so should be perfect. I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. 

Another recent Quince credits purchase! I was really curious about this Dagne Dover-esque neoprene backpack so I ordered it. It's good quality and looks/feels nearly identical to the medium DD version (minus a few pockets) and it'll fit a 13" laptop but not anything bigger. I am currently using it to transport things up and down stairs (crutches are the actual worst, y'all) but eventually will take it traveling and see how it performs. 

Finally, I've been stalking the parka-length version of the Athleta Whisper Featherless jacket (reviewed here) in this rustic beige color and it keeps popping in and out of stock. I finally was able to buy it in my size on sale and I got an even better deal with codes ATHSOCAL and  30OFF. (Note: I've been using Capital One Shopping which searches out codes for you! It's fantastic.) Anyway, I will review it when it arrives! Also, just FYI, if you like the jacket length but not the price, Quince just came out with a version in some good colors because of course they did.

BUY THIS (Because I Did): Travel Favorites.

Quick story: I've always wanted to travel and a few years ago I met a great guy who also wanted to travel and we've spent the last couple of years making up for lost time together. In a couple of weeks we'll be on our way to Ireland (for ThanksGuinness!) so I've been pulling out my travel stuff and thinking about what to bring with me. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned all this on the blog before, but what the hell, here are my favorite travel items:

This is my Calpak 24" suitcase I bought from TJ Maxx because Marianne has one and really likes it. That's good enough for me. It's sturdy and the wheels are very spin-y and it's pretty lightweight. Mine is the checked luggage size and it's perfect for a week's trip. Also, it comes in odd colors that are easy to spot on the carousel. It won't charge your phone but it is under $60! 

I don't own this adorable set of packing cubes but isn't it CUTE. I might have to buy them anyway. Listen, there are two schools when it comes to packing - the cubers and the haters. Marianne thinks they're dumb but she's more organized than I am. I, personally, really like them (especially the smaller ones) because it keeps me organized and my suitcase doesn't turn into a free-for-all mess. But seriously, do I need pink leopard cubes? I might. 

Last year I bought this Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry bag in the large size to use as my travel makeup bag. I love it so much I want to buy the small size too! The large comes with two removable pouches so you can keep your stuff organized and it's roomy without being dramatic about it. It squishes well into a suitcase but you can unsnap the end bits to really open it up and see all your stuff. It's not inexpensive but it is excellent quality and really well-designed. Plus, you can get 10% off your purchase through my link. (Full disclosure: I get a shopping credit if you make a purchase.) 

Okay, now onto one of the best travel purchases I've ever made. This is my toiletries bag from LL Bean and I love it until the end of time. I have the medium which, with careful planning, is plenty big enough for a week's trip. It fits all my skincare and shower crap and I love the removable shower caddy which I have, so far, managed to not leave behind in a hotel shower. Amazing, really. It's a well-made bag that doesn't take up a ton of suitcase real estate and it has a spot for all your shit. It even has a waterproof plastic zip compartment that's great for those mini serum bottles that always leak. Ask me how I know. Ha. 

That's it! I would love to know your travel MVPs, especially if you have a travel pillow you love. I have one of those Trtl things (the first gen, not the new version) and it's fine, I guess. If you have a pillow you like better, let me know! (And if I asked this before and you left a comment, forgive me and lay it on me again.)

Black Friday Deals (In Which You Can Sleep In)

Happy Thanksgiving, nerds! As I said last year, I like shopping but as a general rule I don't do Black Friday. I just don't need bargains badly enough to get up at 3am and camp out in front of some store. EXCEPT, I really love Black Friday online shopping. Shopping from my cozy bed? Hells yes. Plus, I don't have to wait until Friday. That I can get behind. So with that in mind, here's a roundup of some of the deals (I'll edit as sales appear):

Aerie — 40% off the Aerie Collection and free shipping

AllSaints - 30% off everything! (I recommend the Dalby jacket)

Ann Taylor  — 50% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY

Anthropologie — 30% off everything

Asos — 25% off everything with code EPIC25

Athleta — is 20% off with code BLISS

Banana Republic  — 50% off regular priced merchandise, no exclusions (no code needed)

Bombas Socks — 20% off everything with code BIGHOLIDAY20

Dagne Dover  — 20% off with code GRATITUDE

Dermstore — 30% off with code FRIDAY (works on Sunday Riley!) 

Everlane —  The Black Friday Fund (All profits are donated to Surfrider Foundation)

Frame Denim – Up to 25% off site wide with code FRAME25

Farfetch — Take 20% off sale items with code x20BF

Gap - 50% off (no exclusions) code BLKFRIDAY

J. Crew — Take 50% off your entire purchase

J. Crew Factory — Take 40-50% off sitewide, up to 80% off clearance with code ADD2CART

LOFT — Flash Sale! 50% off with code THANKS

Macy's — 20% Off Black Friday Sale with code BLKFRI

Madewell —  Enjoy 25% off your purchase with code DEALWITHIT

Neiman Marcus – Receive $50 off your $200+ regular priced purchase with code THANKFUL

NM Last Call – Shop 40-80% off everything

Nordstrom — Up to 60% through Cyber Monday

Nordstrom Rack — Receive an extra 30% off clearance plus free shipping sitewide

Old Navy  — 50% off entire purchase, no exclusions (no code needed)

Saks — Thanksgiving sale - up to 60% off. Plus earn a $75 gift card with $150 purchase- code THANKFUL

Saks Off Fifth– Up to 90% off with code AMAZING

Shopbop — 15% Off $200+, 20% Off $500+, 25% Off $800+ with code MORE18

Uniqlo — free shipping on all orders and discounts on best-sellers (my jacket is now $59.90)

YOOX — 25% off sale, 30% off full price, no code needed

Packing Report: Two Weeks In Ireland in November.

Hi! I am still jet-lagged because an eight-hour time difference will fuck. you. right. up. I don't know that I really realized how much longer it would take from the West Coast but from doorstep to doorstep it was close to 24 hours of travel each way with absolutely no sleep because I just can't ever sleep on a plane. (I tried to catch a nap during our layover in Amsterdam but a bunch of bros sitting on the other side of the bench started having a loud, braggy conversation and let's just say it was touch and go on my ending up in an Amsterdam prison.)

I've never taken a two week trip anywhere (seriously!) so packing was more of a challenge than normal. Two weeks is a long damn time to be away from my closet and I'm definitely not a minimalist but I managed to pack just the right amount of things and I wore everything I brought which has never happened. I took my Calpak 24" suitcase (similar to this one) which I checked and my Lo & Sons Hanover Deluxe backpack was my carry-on item.

Just a note: I bought the Hanover Deluxe backpack right before the pandemic started so I'd never traveled with it before. It's big, but if you take out the insert it's surprisingly lightweight and holds a ton. I also love the little top zip pocket which was great for holding my phone and my passport. Best of all, it has a suitcase sleeve and fits under an airplane seat. It was SUCH a good travel bag. Five stars. 

Another note: Please don't come at me for checking my bag. It was just impossible to pack a carry-on for a two week trip in November, especially knowing I wanted to buy things while I was there. Don't be afraid to check a bag! 

Now, here's what I brought: 

- Three cashmere sweaters (Everlane and Quince)
- Vuori Halo sweatshirt  (a new purchase - super comfy and cute as hell.)
- Five long-sleeve layers for underneath sweaters (these are great and easy to hand-wash!)

- Two pairs of jeans (Madewell grey skinny and blue Perfect Vintage)
- Two pairs of Athleta pants (Lined Chelsea Cargo and Headlands Hybrid legging)

- All my Eby underwear, two bras
- This hideous but comfy wireless bra from Bobbie & Evelyn (the best to wear on a long flight)
- A bunch of socks, mostly Bombas (the Performance calf sock are great with boots!)
- Pajamas (aka Quince joggers, sweatshirt and an old Everlane tee. Sexy.) 

- Cole Haan Chelsea boots
- Blundstone Chelsea boots (reviewed here)
- AllBirds Tree Runner sneakers

- Helly Hansen Long Belfast coat (worn here)
- Uniqlo packable ultra light down jacket
- Mountain Hardwear Hybrid Hoodie (confession: I only wore this once.) 

- Hammitt VIP crossbody bag
- Two scarves and my Quince cashmere beanie (which I lost immediately.)

This was basically perfect for two weeks, though we did do laundry halfway through because I didn't have enough tees, underwear and socks to get me through two weeks. I also hand-wash a few things towards the end of the trip.

A few items that out-performed: 

My Blundstone boots were THE BEST. They kept my feet warm and dry and were super comfortable. I'm already considering another pair, perhaps something a bit dressier like this heeled version. 

My AirPods Pro. OMG you guys. These are what you need on an airplane when you just need the noise level to be... less. When I wanted to check out, I put these in on the noise-canceling setting and it was like floating on a quiet cloud. Just get them. You won't be sorry.

My Helly Hansen jacket was great. It's warm and mostly waterproof, but not in the way a proper raincoat is. Instead of shedding rain the top layer kind of...dries fast? Hard to explain. It stayed dry on the inside but the outside layer definitely got soaked at one point:

Hi. It's raining sideways. Other than this particular outing, we didn't get a ton of rain and the weather was pretty mild until the last few days, so I wore my Uniqlo down jacket quite a bit. It's also a good one - light but warm and packs down into a little bag. 

Oh, and my Athleta Chelsea Cargo lined pants were great for the long flights - super comfy and warm but not bulky.

Stuff and stuff: 

For my "stuff" I used my trusty old LL Bean hanging toiletry bag and also brought my little travel flat iron but left my mini hair dryer at home. (I missed it - hotel dryers are the worst.) I keep my makeup in this Dagne Dover bag which I've had for years! My new lighted travel mirror was a great purchase - it's a bit clunky but was so great for putting on makeup in under-lit hotel rooms. 

Finally, I know travel cubes are polarizing but I freaking love them. I love them so much I'm thinking about buying a nicer set because I am a mess when it comes to keeping a suitcase tidy and cubes are a game-changer. Does anyone have the Away cubes? I want those. 

That's it for the packing report! Next up I'll post about what we saw and did in Dublin and Cork. (And also what I bought!)