I'm back home now. I know it is too soon to truly process all that I have done and seen...
but I do already know exactly how
my packed wardrobe performed...
Never having traveled abroad before...
I spent much time planning and choosing what would make it into my suitcase.
I had my travel wardrobe chosen at least a week before we left...
all I can say about my preplanning...
it truly payed off
for the most part my wardrobe worked perfectly....
My travel outfit never let me down...
chosen for a sharp put together look that would allow me to enter new situations with confidence...
as well as be comfortable for plane rides that were 11 hours plus...and resulting in 24 hours of travel in a day....
my jeans were a stretch skinny with flat front by JAG JEANS
I of cours packed others, but by the end of the trip
I realized I preferred the cut, line and comfort of this pair,
I also found with a quick wash in the hotel sink...they dried easily by morning.
One of my favorite pieces I brought...
and almost constant companion
and my strong travel accessory recommendation...
my fedora.
I am a hat person...
but even if I wasn't...
this hat just kept on giving....
It is a soft felted fedora....so comfortable it was...
(and an inexpensive purchase from Target... I didn't want to worry about damaging my others)
The soft construction made it easy to wear on the plane.,,
and with an aisle seat...pulling it way down provided for a little more private space in which to rest and tune out.
Another benefit...I just pulled my damp hair up into the hat...
so after a days travel
I could just take my hair down in the evening...and have full hair full of body...in an instant!
Pulling on the fedora always provided a finishing look to any outfit....
My hat also cut down dramatically on the time it took to get ready!
There were so very many things I wanted to do while in Europe...
spending time primping just wasn't one!
I packed my some of my nautical stripes...
one tunic length for travel days...which provide the comfort ofPJs.
a shorter Breton stripe and I picked up a new red stripe SAINT JAMES in Paris.
this meant I could easily layer depending on weather and destination.
Adding on my accessories...and I could be out all day exploring...
and confident to end up just about anywhere in the day!
My black riding boots
have now walked end to end in Paris...
as well taken me across beaches in Scotland...
making black boots another one of my top accessory recommendations!
My other favorite shoe choice..
.my leopard flat.
Before we left I realized how much wear and tear this shoe would endure...
so
I bought these inexpensive versions at Target...
and got to come home to my good ones still in tact.
I was so glad of this choice many times on our trip....
city walking for days tends to bring some scuffs along the way...
Luckily this version was even more comfortable!
During my final packing I swapped out my short black jacket for this
longer navy jacket .... it had the warmth of a peacoat mixed with the polish of a navy blazer...
making it my favorite Zara find this season!
Pairing it with my chosen basics of
jeans
nautical T's
fedora
leopard flats
and
adding the panache of an oversized scarf
I was ready for a day full of touring Paris!
We set out each day in a direction to a chosen destination...never knowing what the day would bring...
always wanting to be dressed for what ever we might find.
This scarf is by 'Epice is a light weight wool
which makes it perfect to join with all types of fabrics and weather...
A traveler's dream choice...big impact for such a little packing space!
As far as outer jackets...I brought two.
I heeded the advice of my very international and artistic neighbor Gwen
She has a mother from Argentina...
and a father from Denmark who spent his career in the UN.
Travel she has!
Her recommendation...
a coat for everyday warmth
.and
a dressy coat for cities.
Thank you Gwen!
Your advice was absolutely on target!
Between the two coats
I was able to walk anywhere...
from Scotland's beaches....
and by adding my Burberry collar....
city Streets the likes of
London, Torino and Paris.
Even exploring castle ruins in the Scottish mist.
Fur collars
are another accessory I loved while traveling (and even now at home).
With most of my pieces sporty in nature due to the touring needs I had...
simply adding the collars and my necklace layers...
I was again ready for what ever night or day might bring!
My jewelry choices were (for me) minimal as well...
and they served me well everyday!
I choice to bring
4 pearl necklaces all in the same wardrobe family.
With jewelry as well as clothes...
I prefer pieces that make up a 'wardrobe'...
this maximizes investment and wearability.
My pearl layers served me well...
again adding glamour and polish and confidence with such ease!
I always, especially when traveling want the biggest style impact...for the least amount of effort.
My antique silk shawl made it into my suitcase...
as well as a lot of romantic notions of 'dressing'...
What I found out on the this trip...
I was more interested in maximizing what I could see and experience...not so much putting together new concept outfits....
That being said...
my shawl did get a night out in Italy...
but it was worth bringing....for the romantic promise I had for any destination....
my faux fur vest was another....
glad to have it....
pairing it with my cashmere tunic length sweater...
made for other very efficient and stylish options.
My oxblood purse
was another less expensive addition I made to my wardrobe before I left...
not wanting to damage my good leather bags.
My choice was a bag by London Fog...
I was attracted not only by it's size and shape and ability to stay organized...
but it's claim to be water resistant... most faux leather is :)
But I must say...within several days of carrying it... I wanted to find a chic backpack...
alas I did not...but I realized I only really needed to be carrying a few things inside...
so I just lightened my load...and it functioned very well.
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The things I packed...but didn't use...
my Instyler...I barely do my hair at home...I certainly din't need to bring it traveling.
high heels.... I did once use a mid heel...but a high heel was never an option for this trip.
my sequin pants... I never wore them, but like the shawl, I was still glad I had the option...
you never know :)
white jeans-3 pairs - my timing just didn't work, and they obviously dirtied too easily. Next time I will leave my Southern California staple at home :)
So there you have it...my Europe wardrobe recap....
as always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life
t
