So, you might have read in earlier posts that we’ve made plans to head to Europe in a few weeks. I’m not saying much about that here yet, simply because travel is still fraught these days and I’m apprehensive enough on my own without inviting extra concerns, however justifiable.
But you would be correct in guessing that Rome is our main destination. Well, this morning my daughter posted (on Instagram) a photo of the local beach with a caption that the temperature of 26C means she’ll have to wait a bit longer before she can wear her toques and cardigans.
Meanwhile, of course, over the past weeks here, I’ve been extending my summer wardrobe into fall by adding layers rather than putting away all the cotton and linen in favour of wool. But I also notice that I’ve grown increasingly comfortable with repetition, as well as with variations-on-a-theme. Certainly there are dresses, tops, skirts, and pants that I can’t imagine enjoying as much through the fall and winter — bright pink, apple green, anything especially light, loose, and flowy or sleeveless (funny, if it’s sleeveless or flowy but not too light or loose, it passes muster for Fall/Winter, but the combination can relegate a garment to Summer’s ease and indulgence for me). So I’ve tucked quite a few pieces away in a box under the bed; I can see that a few more will end up there before our travels.
But I’m also curious to see what continuity I can pull through the change of seasons. And as I prepare to pack, I’ll be keeping in mind that it’s 26C at our destination today and keeping my options open. Especially important when travelling carry-on only for three weeks.
Before I pull my case down and start making lists, then, I thought I’d review a few OOTDs I’ve enjoyed or experimented with lately . . . and think about how What I Wear in Vancouver might translate to Packing for Euro Cities.
So. . . above, yet again, the same dress and sneakers I wore to dinner at a Wilderness Lodge “restaurant with a view” a few weeks ago — but these days I’m popping a much-worn handknit cropped sweater over top. . . and sometimes carrying an umbrella or adding a scarf. . .
I like the way that the dress, on its own, reads as a dress — so a bit “dress-ier” if I feel the need to skew that direction — but with the cropped sweater takes on a more casual skirt-and-sweater vibe. . . and, of course, if I change out the sweaters and/or scarves, I can break up the repetition with a variation if that’s what I’m craving.
Next, I borrowed a page from my friend Sue’s very organized notebooks and stayed at the mirror a bit longer to test out possibilities for wearing items that have been languishing.
Example: I tried the dress and sweater with a pair of suede ankle boots I bought five or six years ago in France, wondering if this might help me bridge the weeks between now and, well, tights. And honestly, I don’t mind the look at all, but I’m conscious that generally when I head out my front door, I might very well end up walking more than I’d planned, and these boots have never really become comfortable. Not bad, but not great. Perhaps if I make myself wear them more often they’ll have a chance. I’m going to make an effort to wear them a few times in the next week or two, if we get any dry days. But they’ll never make it into my carry-on case, especially not for a trip with lots of urban walking. (This post from a few years ago also features me thinking about boots and bare legs with skirts. Variations on a theme indeed 😉
Still, I wanted to give them a chance, so I tried them with another dress (this one’s linen in a seersucker-like weave, a swingy dress with capacious pockets which I’d consider bringing except that it will be useless if we get days and days of rain. . . In fact, it’s probably going to into that box under my bed soon, and I’ll be happy to pull it out again next spring. . .
Although I haven’t quite decided . . . throw a sweater over it and maybe. . .
See how strongly my feet and legs are still resisting the realities of fall weather? I’d say they’re dragging their heels, but that might be a pun too far. . .
I did put the boots on to try with my new jumpsuit. A classic boiler-suit with one-size-fits-all ease in hemp-cotton denim. I bought this a month ago, and honestly, I could live in it. And if I brought it to Europe with me, I wouldn’t even have to bother with a bag (purse) — the pockets are that numerous and roomy. . .
I also tried it with belts (should have changed footwear though — you can see I’m not as disciplined about this as Sue) . . . both spotted. . .
and not . . . (and also playing with how much cuff to turn)
but so far, I think I prefer leaving it relaxed (yes, some will say “baggy”)
and I really like it with these flat metallic shoes. . . which are almost certainly going to make the trip with me. After all, they’re Italian. . .
Hmmm, so what have I learned from this little exercise? That I’m good at procrastinating when it comes to packing for a trip? That I know what I’m not going to take with me?
No, if I think about it, I’ve done better than that. . . I’ve identified a dress that will be the core of my packing strategy (although it throws up some questions about outerwear, hmmm. . . ). I know I’ll want one of those sweaters and will even try to decide if I can make room for both. My shoe choices are already pretty clear, and I know I’ll want to bring my jeans and a couple of simple, long-sleeved Ts to wear with those (layered under those sweaters or worn on their own). I have a pair of lightweight black pants, jogging-pant style but in a dressy (midweight synthetic crepe) fabric, and I might thrown in a silk shirt that dresses those up for dinner and layers under a sweater to wear with the jeans.
And I’ve reminded myself that I don’t mind at all the repetition dictated by dressing for three weeks from a carry-on wardrobe. . . But also remembered that if I do weary of constrained “outfit” choices, I’ll be coming back to my new jumpsuit and a cornucopia of other fall and winter sartorial favourites.
Now I’m off to test out the possibilities in my carry-on, checking out what the scales have to say about what stays home and what will be taking on an Italian accent. . .
And what about you, this Sunday morning in the last quarter of the year? Are you feeling that wheel turning? Maybe you’re preparing for travel as well, or perhaps negotiating other changes, small or big. Perhaps you feel some resonance with this idea of repetition, of variations on a theme. For me, at least, this becomes increasingly evident and relevant as I move toward my eighth decade (Oh wow! Can’t believe I just wrote that, but at 68, yep, it’s undeniable).
Let’s chat, if you have a minute or two. . .
xo,
f
Very nice outfits! Is the brown sweater one of your handknitss? Looks lovely over the dress.
Author
Thanks! Yes, I knit that a couple of years ago and wear it often — in real life (i.e. not on the computer screen) it reads as rust-coloured.
Is it a Kate Davies design?
Author
It is! Doocot. . . very wearable. I knit mine in Rowan’s Felted Tweed which has held up very well. Currently knitting a pink one, a blend of two yarns, quince & Co. Finch and Shibui Silk Cloud. . . Hoping I’ll like it as much
I’m thinking that second blue dress would look great with dark-wash jeans under it. I love those boots with bare legs and that dress and rust sweater. Yummy fall colours. Have you tried wearing those (supposedly) invisible socks in the boots? I bought a few pairs last month and they work great in my Stan Smith sneakers and boots which are hard on bare feet. I’m hoping to try the sweater as scarf thing this fall. Over my blazers or trench coat instead of a scarf. Then if I get cold I can pop the sweater on underneath the jacket or coat. Let’s see how brave I am. Probably until someone looks at me oddly and I know they’re saying, “Why is she wearing her sweater on top of her coat?” Photos for the blog are one thing… but going out and about in what is still a fairly conservative city, sartorially speaking, is a whole ‘nother thing. 🙂
P.S. Thanks as always for the mention. xo
Author
I read this and then went immediately to try on that dress with jeans — I think that would work better if I had your height. The dress is mid-calf on me so you really can’t see the jeans much, and the only dark-wash pair I have are cropped to a couple of inches above my ankles.I don’t know anything about the invisible socks and will have to check them out. I’m wearing socks in the boots but just the ones that only come to the heel.
I think you’ve got that sweater as scarf look polished now and you’re definitely ready to move to the next level! And in a fairly conservative city, you carry the torch for others to follow 😉
My style doesn’t lean towards jump suits but it is just so right for you . Looks great . I will cross my fingers for your trip . Not just a holiday but a family reunion. You must be really looking forward to it . We are heading up to Scotland again in a couple of weeks ( I hope ) & to be honest I pack far less clothes now than I used to . I just don’t need a big suitcase anymore .
I remember you saying how much you enjoyed the book The Salt Path which I’m currently reading in audio book form & yes , it’s very good .
Author
Thanks — I’m SO looking forward to it, trying not to think of any interference with plans — nearly two years since I’ve seen my daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law (almost 2 1/2 for my husband)!
Your trips to Scotland really appeal to me — not too much travel but such a change of surroundings.
I’m pleased you’re enjoying The Salt Path — they’ve just finished yet another extraordinary walk (extraordinary considering his health). So inspiring.
You made me laugh with that box of summer clothes under your bed – that is exactly where my sleeveless tops and cotton skirts are, too. Oh, and thanks for mentioning that eighth decade – I am going to turn 70 in january ;). Always good to face up to the facts.
Author
Limited space in the condo — that real estate under the bed has to work! 😉
It’s a funny old number, 70, isn’t it? Who’d have thought?!
Don’t take this the wrong way, but you dress remarkably similarly to my mom (who lives on Vancouver Island, coincidentally, and is in her mid-70s)! She has always had nice style and it has evolved over the years to something loose and layered, with lots of natural fibres like linen. She also favours loose dresses and cropped sweaters and stripes and bare legs, etc.
I particularly like the boiler suit with the sparkly Oxford shoes, as I love the work wear and menswear- inspired stuff. I remember sitting at a bar in Paris a number of years ago and admiring a workman at the bar with his friends, in his blue coveralls and his kerchief sticking out from his back pocket! I sometimes go back to that photo. There are a great many sewing patterns floating around for boiler suits right now, as it is a bit of a trend. I have been thinking of making one.
How exciting that you have made plans to go to Europe. I hope it goes off without a hitch. I am currently en route to Italy myself. The last few days have been a nightmare with all of the mysterious flight rebooking (by the airline), and one cancelled flight (I am guessing for economic model reasons….still a little angry about that!) getting my PCR test and then meeting the requirements of the Italian and Swiss governments while running into AC check-in issues, which meant two trips to the airport and some panicking and redoing of documentation once I had the final seat assignments. Yesterday involved a lot of hair pulling but fingers crossed all will go well from now on! When I arrive in Italy, I will self-isolate for five days in a separate apartment and do another PCR test (tampone) although not required by the Italian government, simply to protect my partner and family after travel. It is a long and wearying road. That said, I teared up when the wheels went up on the tarmac for Mtl and I started to feel that tingling of happiness and excitement that comes with going somewhere. I am still working and busy but managed to take a month off, fortunately. The situation in ON and QC is quite well-controlled at the moment, fortunately, so the moment seemed like a good one to go. It is still shocking to see how many people there are at the airport.
PS I also like to travel light but can never do it for Italy as my Italian family will never let me leave without a suitcase full of goodies! I love the idea of traveling Europe with only a carry-on. It is fun to think of how to arrange different and exciting outfits with few choices. I always start with the shoes (comfortable but beautiful of course) and something warm and build from there, with a specific colour palette for the set. This time for me it’s a deep vinaccia (wine, obviously!), pale blue and dark grey mostly, with a couple of surprise blouses in harmonious patterns thrown in.
Author
Of course I won’t take it the wrong way — your mother’s clearly in my demographic, and/but I’m pleased that you find room here too, despite us being of different generations.
Yes! Those blue coveralls — I’ve thought over the years that I should pop into BHV and pick one up . . .
I hope you jump the hurdles and avoid the hitches from now on — I have several friends who have flown to England or Europe over the last couple of weeks, and their trips seem to have gone well. Wishing you good luck and Buon Viaggio!
We’ve traveled this light often but I hear you on the loading up on the way home and sometimes will check a bag for the return flight — we do a fair bit of travel within Europe by train and I need to be able to heft my bag.
Thanks. Once I was in the air, things went well. My significant disappointment was with variable compliance with masking rules. There was an egregious case with an American in my row who kept pulling his mask down below his chin so I asked to be moved (after trying to get him to keep his mask up, twice). Sad and frustrating after two years of this. If it hadn’t been critical to rejoin my partner and family I wouldn’t be traveling now, but everyone has a different take on this and the climate angle, too.
You are wise to try on things in anticipation of your trip. I’ve been doing similar outfit mix/match try-ons for my upcoming trip while keeping an eye on the projected weather. That has been quite funny given the wildly differing temps provided in long term forecasting (which we know is simply a guess). However, I’m now in the 10 day window, so getting a bit more certain for each of the locations. I mentioned on Sue’s blog a couple of posts ago about having had a packing list already put together, only to discover after trying some things on, I didn’t like them! My packing list undergoes almost daily (small) changes. Like you, I will only have a carry-on for a couple of weeks travel, since in addition to the overnight flight, there is also long distance train travel and ferry crossings involved. I’m going solo, so must be able to schlep my own stuff. Doing a trial packing run this week which will probably cause me to reduce my fairly concise packing list once again. Wish me luck–as I do you.
Author
It’s funny how changeable the list can be that last week or two as we winnow and learn more about the weather.
So much easier, isn’t it, when travelling solo, to have a bag you can manage independently, especially on trains.
Not much more than a week of waiting then, for you — exciting!
Well, there’s always Jack Reacher, the ultimate minimalist traveler…! I’m new here and like your posts a lot. And I’m another one whose summer skirts and t-shirts hibernate in a box under the bed.
Author
Thanks for the positive feedback, Mary — Yes! Jack Reacher’s approach has a certain appeal, although it’s not particularly green/eco — that said, his overall environmental footprint is fairly minimal, isn’t it? 😉
Love your edgy style. There’s not much in your wardrobe that I would not wear. I keep wanting to ask which product for curly hair do you use, if you don’t mind sharing??
As for the travel plans, oh, I want to be going, but will have to travel vicariously with you this year. Sigh….
Ali
Author
Thanks, Ali!
As for the hair product, my daughter got me using Curls Rock Amplifier (by Catwalk, a Toni & Guy line). Can’t manage without it now and usually stock up when I buy — I buy mine at Zennkai Salon on Granville, but I see there’s a Zennkai in Victoria and I’m guessing you get to Victoria more often than Vancouver.
If I weren’t going to see my g’daughter, I’d stick to vicarious and armchair travel myself. . .
Thanks, will check it out…
Ali
I have found myself standing in front of my wardrobe and contemplating the idea that you can, actually, have too much black to wear. I feel I have monochromed myself out of all existence recently. Not that I want to get rid of anything but I am beginning to bore myself. Sometimes I look up and find that my bedroom decor and my clothes match. I may have gone too far.
Author
Ha! I used to be all about the black as well. It’s practical and generally looks chic. And if your bedroom decor and your clothes match well enough, no one will notice you’re taking a nap, right? (you’re probably not as much an afficionado of a nap as I am, so that might not be a benefit 😉
Oh yes. 1.30pm, up I go. On with radio and tune out world…already looking forward to mine later. Keeps me sane and has done ever since I had babies.
Author
All the best people acknowledge the benefits of a nap, imho 😉
My mom, with our very large crew, had a sacrosanct time each afternoon, often reading straight through. So I found it a natural habit to pick up when mine were babies–as you say, helps with sanity. . .
You are queen of carry-on indeed! I am not,but am learning….I’ve written here about my trip for the 1. November in Rome,years ago, with only one shirt (all other things were for much colder weather) to wear in veeeery warm weather ..I have absolutely nothing against repeating my outfits,but this shirt was crispy white,so…..
It seems that I had the same things travel after travel after travel,but the only way is layers,layers,layers….short sleeves,long sleeves,sweather,jacket/ trenchcoat /coat….on repeat,depends on the season…so,it always ends with same combinations,same bags and outerwear that could be worn both in rain and sun. I always wanted to be stylish and have a little piece of my usual wardrobe-how many times I’ve wanted to have white jeans and camel leather jacket in Vienna in April or October,but my choices had to be sensible and the weather forecast was unpredictable
I love italian fashion very much,so,leave some place for new purchases!
Btw.,like the play with your beautiful dresses and sweaters
Dottoressa
Author
Yes! this is the kind of situation I’m wary of — it can be surprisingly warm (from my perspective, at least) in Rome in November. . . so at least I would have my navy cotton dress. I might get bored of it but it won’t show the dirt or wilt as your crisp white shirt must have. Layers are the answer, always, and sometimes we just have to wait ’til we’re back home to wear our camel leather jackets with our white jeans (sadly, I have neither) — you would have impressed Vienna though, I know!
You’re a bad influence, but yes, I will make sure there’s room in my case. . . 😉
I hope your plans for travel work out. I would love to see Rome again, I was there in 1985, Rome as well as several other destinations in Italy. In Florence I bought a gold ring which I never take off. You have given me ideas as to how I might wear a dress I purchased last year. I had other items from this company and thought the sizing would be fine. However, they seem to be cutting their garments larger. The dress was on sale, I dithered about returning it , thought shortening it might do the trick , which I did but the neckline still wasn’t right. But now there was no returning it. I had not thought of layering a pullover sweater over it, which I think might do the trick. Cardigans still wouldn’t solve the neckline issue. Also, I am liking the idea of short boots with skirts and dresses. Years ago I would not have liked the proportions of this but now I think it’s a bit edgy. I am starting to collect the travel booklets I get in the mail, looking on line, thinking maybe 2023 I might be ready to go abroad again.
Author
I love that — you carry Florence with you every day! Happy memories!
I’d love to hear if that layering redeems your dress for you.
Interesting, isn’t it, the way our eye adjusts to different proportions as styles change. I really like short boots with skirts, but not sure I’ll ever accustom myself to bare legs with that combo.
This is more than a vacation for you – it’s seeing your beloved Italian family after what has been a difficult 18 months (is that all it is – feels like years). Traveling with just carry-on luggage is simultaneously freeing and constraining. I love your layering of sweaters over dresses to extend their wear and can think of similar things in my closet.
I am envious of your travel plans. We had planned to take another group of students to Barcelona and Paris this November (I was included in the trip even though I’ve retired), but prudence prevailed and the trip was cancelled last spring.
Tim and I are planning for summer of 2023 now.
Author
So true, Lorrie! By the time we see the crew in Italy, it will have been almost two years for me, 2 1/2 for Paul. I never would have thought I could go that long not seeing one of my kids, and especially not a grandchild in these precious, passing-too-quickly years. If it weren’t for needing so desperately to see them, I’d be waiting at least until next year to travel again, and waiting ’til 2023 probably means far less anxiety. And between your boat and your camper and the big beautiful BC backyard. . .
How wonderful that you will be reunited with your family! I really like the layering of the sweaters over dresses. Dark blue could work with layering for any season. It’s so much fun to plan travel wardrobes.
Author
I’m really looking forward to seeing them — and yes, planning the wardrobe is a fun distraction from worrying about vaccination passports and flight delays 😉
Such happy anticipation – seeing your family after so long! We’ve just had a houseguest for 6 days – a friend I’ve known since 6th grade – and his travel couldn’t have gone smoother. While the situation here in Portugal is very good right now, we still masked up on trains and indoors (still required) and anywhere else where there were any sort of crowds (not required, but it felt sensible). I see that Italy is closing in on 70% vaccinated, which is about where we turned a corner here, and things just *felt* better. By the time you get there, I imagine it will be closer to 75%.
I’m in love with your rust sweater – it’s great with your coloring, and a fabulous layering piece.
Author
I’m so pleased when I hear stories of recent travel that’s gone or is going well. Portugal has done brilliantly with its vaccination program, managing not to politicize. I’m probably most nervous about Paris, but we’re vaccinated and healthy and will wear masks and watch our distances.
It’s a good sweater, isn’t it? Kate Davies’ Doocot design, if you’re tempted, and I knit it in Rowan Felted Tweed. . .
My houseguest was in Paris for a week before he was with us, and reported that mask usage is very good, and while people have relaxed some about distancing, it’s still easy to maintain space.
Author
Good to know — thank you!
I am also trying to figure out what to wear on my upcoming trip to Italy. We will be in Turin (for the book fair) and Venice. I have family in Venice, so I know it well. Comfortable shoes are essential. I have been hesitant about short boots – which are definitely the most practical – with skirts and dresses. Your pictures have made me reconsider. I am also “presenting” the Italian edition of one of my books, a memoir, at a big deal festival in Venice in early November – a time of fog and acqua alta. So I need to take clothes that I would never take on a usual vacation. And perhaps a pair of heels.
Extra special that you can finally see your family. We met our new grandson in San Francisco this summer. The inability to travel has been so frustrating. We also met that daughter and baby for a week in Hawaii last month. We had flights cancelled twice and have spent around $1200 in Covid tests. with more to come for the Italy trip. Also the flight back from Venice was cancelled. AC put us on a route that would have taken around 24 hours. I changed it, so we go through Vancouver, instead of Toronto – and had to pay change fees. And I am nervous the trip there will be cancelled. I am scheduled to speak in Turin the day after we land.
I hope your trip and ours is smooth.
Author
Ooh, you’ll be leaving soon to be there for the book fair — what an exciting reason for travelling — congratulations on the Italian edition of your memoir being published! But yes, a presentation like that would complicate the packing.
What a wonderful meeting that must have been with your new grandson, but all those travel challenges sound really frustrating. Crossing my fingers for both our trips (yours and ours).
Thank you, I bought the short boots – and I never would have without seeing your pictures. (And they are delightfully comfortable.) I love how you talk about the logic behind your decisions about what to wear. Also I never would have thought to wear a sweater over a dress, but again your pictures are convincing.
Author
Yay! Enjoy your trip, enjoy your new boots! And thank you for the kind words about what I write here.
Oh Frances, I love that boilersuit, especially with the brogues. I also think the cropped sweaters over the fuller skirts is a fun proportion and suits you. I like it worn loose best too.
You must be so excited about getting back to Rome and family! We’re leaving for Italy at the end of the week. We’ll mostly be bouncing around in the north (Milan, Tuscany, Bologna). Perhaps some truffle hunting in the Piedmont, and a chocolate festival in Perugia. If you’ll be anywhere in those areas before the end of this month, let me know. Would love to meet up with you and Paul!
Author
Thanks, Sue! I’m loving the boilersuit — feels like Attitude! 😉 And I never would have thought I could like the proportions of boxy cropped over a fuller skirt, but I really do now. Funny how our eyes adjust. . .
I’m so excited (and a bit anxious) about seeing our ex-pats. Sadly, we won’t be in the north except for train stops in Turin. Would have been fun to meet up (was it 2018 in Lyon?)
I’m short too, and definitely leggings under the skirt. I’d look like an appeal for refugees with jeans underneath.
I’m reading some of your posts on artistic mending. I have a beautiful red pullover my late mum had made for me, but there is a hole at one of the elbows.
… Turin and Lyon are a pleasant rail journey apart, and have more than a few similarities. I have longstanding friends in both those sub-Alpine cities.
Boilersuits would have me always checking out the location of the closest loo…
Author
Elbows are fun to mend — stitch away! Especially on red, so many possibilities. Enjoy!
Yes, I very much like the train journey from Paris to Turin, although have only been once in Lyon, only for a few days, and once I broke the journey from Rome to Paris in Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux. . . Would happily spend more time in those hills.
Ha! The boilersuit might take a few more seconds to open/undo, but it won’t actually have you needing to use a loo more often 😉 . . . but rest assured, I’ve practiced and have the moves down now.
little confession: when I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall asleep–I pack a suitcase for Paris. It always works. By the time I get a few pieces in, I fall asleep.
I am missing travel. Busy fall. Can’t wait to start planning–maybe in the spring, I’ll be packing a real suitcase. I’ll be watching this space enjoy your Italian trip vicariously.
Author
You’re not the only one who packs instead of counting sheep. Do you ever go for a walk down Paris streets as well? For a while I was walking down the stairs from R’s Rome apartment, then down the street and around the corner. . .
I know travel calls, but given you’re so busy with work right now, this is a pretty good time to be staying home. Each step seems so much more complicated than normal . . . will be well worth it, though, if I can hug my girls!
Yes. I can now imagine the longing you must feel to hug that little one
I am so happy you can get to Italy again. <3
Author
Me too, I say, knocking on wood and crossing my fingers. . .
It is wonderful to see the world returning to something like normal. I am so glad to hear you are able to travel once more to spend time with those you have missed and love xx have a great time
PS although I’ve read your blog for many years, this is the first time I’ve commented here-why did I think it would be so difficult ?🙃
Author
Thanks so much for Carolyn — I’m happy to have your voice here, and pleased to hear you found it easier than you thought to join in 😉