A long weekend in Mexico City is a near-perfect antidote to the icy winter blues. The only catch is you have to go home.
As a dedicated carry-on-only packer, (even for international travel, actually, especially for international travel), I brought only the essentials. Two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, and a couple of button-downs did the trick — still with plenty of room to bring home treasures. And that extra room came in clutch when I stumbled upon the most perfect pair of oddly shaped pants…
Day 1
Ok, I will admit this isn’t the first outfit I wore. But the plane outfit doesn’t count in my book. This was the first outfit I wore with intention, so we’ll begin here. Come along!
A little clown collar never hurt anyone, and vintage Levi’s are a deceptively breezy pant. I was elated to feel some sun on my face and ditch the puffer for a single-layered outfit. The tops of my feet haven’t seen the light of day for months.
I strolled, ate a V-Day dinner of Mexican-Chinese fusion, and crashed early after a piping hot hotel shower. Paradise.
Day 2
I woke up bright and early Saturday morning for an architectural tour (don’t say I never party!). We had the honor and pleasure of taking a guided tour through two of Mexican architect Javier Senosiain’s projects, Conjunto Satélite and Parque Quetzalcoatl, both stunning works that celebrate color and organic design.
To this, a day wandering under the toasty sun, I opted for a button-down and a linen skirt. (And plenty of sunscreen.)
Post life-changing walk through the rainbow room, I spent the rest of the afternoon eating and exploring the San Angel Saturday Bazaar. This market is a practice in self-restraint — there’s enough tempting jewelry to last several lifetimes.
If you’re visiting in the area or live elsewhere in Mexico, Maches Joyería ships these unreal brass and bronze pieces countrywide. (Schiaparelli who?)
After a quick siesta, I changed into a dinner fit better suited for a chillier evening. I’m wearing my sleep shirt under the sweater (don’t tell) and was thrilled to don a hemline above my ankles for the first time since last year.
I’ll be dreaming about the sesame edamame from Hiya Wine Bar for the foreseeable future…
Day 3
Does it count as a point against my expertly efficient packing that I stole this shirt from my boyfriend’s suitcase?
This day started in a central city food market with the guidance of a chef who brought us home for a cooking class. I learned so much about indigenous diet and culture and colonial influence on cuisine — I can’t recommend the experience enough. And I will talk your ear off about it if you’ll let me. (Did you know that tomatoes originated in South America, not anywhere in Europe?)
My outfit of the day was vastly improved with the help of our guide, who offered me an adorable apron and slides for the afternoon of cooking. Unfortunately the molcajete was far too heavy to bring home in the carry-on.
Day 4
(Aka the day of the new pants…)
A mid-afternoon flight afforded us the opportunity to wander a bit before heading to the airport — so it was necessary to break out the pants I’d scored the evening before.
I was entranced by these bad boys in the Cihuah store right off of Calle Marsella. Interwoven red and blue blend together to create a purple effect in the duo-chrome-esque fabric — and they are the most perfect answer to my prayers regarding these sheets I was obsessed with last fall but couldn’t stomach the price of. The funky silhouette, a sort of wide leg kick flare that’s been sliced at an angle like in a game of Fruit Ninja, sealed the deal.
Of course I had to wear them immediately, if only for a couple of hours, as it might be a while until New York City warms up enough to give me the option. You bet your ass I’ll be breaking them out on the first day of spring.
And just in case you needed a little reminder…
Where are your favorite spots in Mexico City? What’s your dream long weekend destination at the moment? What item are you chomping at the bit to wear on the first warm day of the year? Let’s chat in the comments…
that lucky patchwork bag looks sooo much like betty’s in ugly betty! love!
Can’t wait to bust out my own Mary Jane’s. The Mexican sun looked dreamy!