Currently. . . this is what I’ve been sketching . . .
Just one of the pages I filled with images of packing as I sketch my way through July with two friends — one local and one in Toronto. We’ve been drawing daily, staying accountable to our 31-days-of-sketching challenge by sharing pages via email — and then meeting up in a weekly video chat. So much fun!
The local friend and I have been managing to meet up at least weekly since the beginning of June. Here’s a photo she took at our last rendez-vous. . .
Since she took this photo, though, t-shirt and overalls have been laundered and folded and squeezed into compression cases. I’ve decided that the clothes that are travelling with me will get enough summer sunshine “over there.” (Way more than enough, I suspect)
Instead, it’s time to wear the clothes that will stay behind. I don’t know about you, but I love the ease and the colour and the fabrics of summer clothes (especially dresses) . . . But to be honest, the season for wearing them is very short and they’re unlikely ever to get worn out. Ditto for summer skirts, summer tops. . . So even if I’ve only bought one or two a summer for the last few years (and I may have, at least), that’s too many clothes languishing.
Trying to remedy that in the time I have left here this summer. I wore this to a dental appointment last week — so cool and breezy on a warm day, and I love the look with sneakers, so the whole OOTD was very practical, even though it might look Garden Party overdressed (insert wryly laughing emoji).
I have reluctantly decided that this linen top (below) will stay behind, although I love the way it looks with this skirt (coming with) and the pair of black washed-silk wide-legged pants I’m bringing (not pictured here). As cool and breathable as linen is, the elbow-length sleeves and the weight of the fabric make it too warm for temperatures in the mid to high 30s. . . and then there’s the White Factor. . . which might not mix well with drippy gelato or red wine. . .
I’m still debating on what bag(s) to bring. Space is at a premium . . .
You can see I was very reluctant to put away ths long teal cotton skirt — which is a good sign, right? I love it enough that I doubt I’ll tire of it (too quickly) while away. The olive top with impractically romantic ruffle-tiered sleeves almost made the carry-on cut, but I’ve tried to be stern with myself. At least, with the newer favourites packed in my suitcase, I’ll flounce around my neighbourhood in these sleeves before folding them away for another year.
In case you think I’m exaggerating about those sleeves. . .
These linen pants (bought on sale, the summer before Covid, I believe) are an example of my occasional coup de coeur estival purchases. . . .I still love them, but they’re a statement, no? And I have to make a bit of an effort to wear them off our private patio . . . Both the pants and (another impractically white) top got an outing last week, and I also used that occasion to test out a sunhat. Still not sure which one of four I should pack. . .
Looking around for something to sketch last Saturday, I settled on the sunhats I was trying to choose between . . . still haven’t decided. One contender above. . .
and one below. . . worn with a very old but much-loved cotton t-shirt and a J Crew skirt whose label dates it from Summer 2016. . . orange sneakers and an expression I cannot explain. . .
This expression’s not much better. Can we call them “candid” shots when I’m the one taking them? I mean, I’m not exactly catching myself unguarded, unposed. . . . Ah well . . .
So those are a few examples of What I’m Wearing as I’m packing for What I Will Be Wearing. . .
And as for the latter, it’s almost all on my sketchbook pages, as represented top of this post in sepia ink, and below in a mix of watercolour, marker, pencil crayon, and pencil.
And finally, an in-progress ink-and-watercolour rendition of me, an unexpected side benefit of having a sketching partner. . .
Isn’t that fun? I was tickled, chuffed even. . .
Now back to the packing — if I can get my case and my little backpack sorted, maybe they can be my sketch subjects for today. My monthly book post will be up in the next couple of days, and then I’ll take a bit of a break while I settle in to new digs and new activities for a bit.
Comments welcome, as always. How’s your summer going? Here’s a wild-card question: What’s the oldest garment or shoe you’ve worn this summer? And what piece of clothing do you reach for most often?
Ciao for now,
xo,
f
I am enjoying this so much. currently packing for our trip to Chincoteague island tomorrow. I was reluctant to pack my two pairs of shorts but my daughter reminded they are the best bet for hot sticky weather and hanging out on the marsh. I have had them for years and really only wear them for this vacation destination. not my best look but I would probably wish I had brought them if I didn’t’. Enjoy your trip!
Author
Oh, you’ll be there on Chincoteague right now — lovely! Enjoy!
I’m like you, really don’t like shorts, but it’s true that they are good for a few uses. I only have my exercise shorts now, something like bike shorts,
As always, I so adore seeing what you are drawing, and what you are wearing. Thank you for the inspiration!
My sorting and packing of clothes the past few weeks has been all about the move from Tucson to Corvallis, rather than short to medium long travel. We have gone back and forth several times since the end of June, actually. Here is how I did my clothes packing.
First, I did a serious culling in every category of clothing I own, and I gave away many pieces (and pitched a few ratty bits.) Some of the things that were hard to let go of where ones that I got for certain celebratory/family occasions; but many of these items went to the give away pile too.
I gave various garments to specific people I knew would love them, but most went to a charity thrift store. It felt good to divest myself of what was no longer needed. It felt great to do this big purge of things I was done with.
There are pieces that are “forever” ones for me, that even if I rarely wear them, I will always want; a lot of these are ones I made myself, including my handknits and things I designed, sewed and/or embroidered. Still, even in this category, there were things that I was ready to let go of. . .And there will probably be more garments that really won’t work for this climate, or life in a small town instead of a city, and eventually they’ll be given the boot!
But as I unpacked clothing in our temporary rental in Corvallis, the same little cottage we stayed the last two summers, it was obvious that I still could probably let go of other things. I am hoping to cull more items before we succeed in purchasing a new home here. It is not likely I’ll have the same amount of space as I had in Tucson, though there will be more than in this wee cottage!
I am trying to think well AND give myself grace in this process.
Frances, I can’t wait to hear about your upcoming travels!!! And to see what you draw!!!
Author
Oh yes! Those various layers of culling — we did a big purge when we left our island home — yard sale, donations to thrift shops, giving away to whomever. . . and yes, bit by bit we found that our new lifestyle needed even less than we thought and we have continued to divest. . .
I’m glad to read that you’re trying to “give yourself grace in this process.” So much of will be emotional, memories triggered, processed from your current perspective. . . some of it causes us to recognize what may not be part of our future, what parts of our life have changed irrevocably. But this means it is a very rich time for us, given that grace that you cite. Sounds as if you’re on the right track!
How I love a packing post! (IRL, my best friend and I do travel wardrobe ‘viewings’ before we pack for big trips.) And I like seeing some ‘old’ friends here (the white skirt! the spotted top!)
I have a few ‘casual’ summer things from the turn of the century lol…but I seem to be in what I joking called my ‘button down era’ so I’m pulling out a linen shirt for public occasions…sleeves rolled up, buttoned low, tucked in or if not, bottom buttons undone….so soft, so cool…(and of course I include jeans/pants/skirt/shorts depending on weather)
I can see the gist of your timeline from your sketch notes…wow! Buon viaggio, ci sentiamo presto! 🙂
Author
I love that linen shirt look in summer, although I’m not sure how well it suits me and have stopped trying to force it. It really is such a soft, cool look . . . and the linen really does just get better the longer you keep the shirt. . .
Yes, it’s a long timeline which poses some challenges and I have questioned my impetuosity a fair bit these last weeks (short version: there was an opportunity, I grabbed it, we’re working around Schengen, carefully . . . .)
I love your sketches. I wish I knew how to do that. How did you get started?
Author
Thank you!I answered your question the last time you asked it, several posts ago.
What a fun post. First, I need a sketching accountability buddy. Second, I have been having this what to pack conversation with a number of friends who are traveling but are over-packers. How to simplify is a big question.
Author
Thanks you enjoyed the post, Juliann. A sketching buddy really does help. And yes, simplifying for packing is always tough — but once I’ve got it done, I find the capsule wardrobe works quite well. It’s actually a relief to have less choice (until the point where boredom or a huge change of weather hits! 😉
Love all those outfits!!! Tough to decide…but you’ll do well. Since you are a well seasoned travel gal!
Have fun.
Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
Author
Thanks, Leslie!
I love the’ festival pants’ outfit, indeed with your white top they look elegant not festival at all. My best summer hat is linen and packs flat which keeps it in a good shape and is now over ten years old which probably makes it my oldest summer wardrobe item. It’s a pale line green, I wear a lot of bright colours alongside a ‘uniform’ of black and navy which is probably why I liked your rose coloured trousers! However like you the short summer season this side of the pond means that summer clothes last a very long time and new purchases can’t be justified too often unless an event calls for a new dress.
I honestly don’t enjoy summer dressing all that much, yes it’s easy but I’m far more comfortable in winter fabrics, I love cashmere and corduroy and velvet. Indeed the items I reach for most often are my linen jumpers/sweaters which I enjoy wearing at the beginning and end of the season and this year all through the middle!
Author
Oooh, I covert that hat!
I will definitely be ready for those rich fall and winter fabrics by the time they’re needed, but this trip will keep me in summer gear for a while. I’ve been washing and packing away all the woolens against some moth action we’ve had in our building lately. . .
I don’t enjoy summer dressing either! I’m neither comfortable enough nor warm enough with bare skin these days, especially sandals. And I don’t suit pale colors. Fall is my favorite season for clothes.
Your holiday wardrobe has integrity. You don’t turn into a different person whilst away for a couple of weeks . Plus you are a good advert for the beauty of crumpled linen , which I love . My summer wardrobe is very small now that we don’t holiday in hot places . The UK climate is very temperate with the odd short heatwave to get us overheated & complaining , especially me . Have a lovely time with your Italian family . I expect that little girl will be quite the sophisticated young ( Italian) lady now !
Author
I love this comment, Wendy! I do feel that very much, that I should be able to bring my everyday sartorial self along, with a nod to the local culture, of course, if necessary.
Our climate here on Canada’s southwest coast has been very similar to yours for most of my life, but we are getting longer periods of heat and drought these last few years. I don’t love that.
She’ll be Ten, but not so sophisticated. . . confident, quite fearless, bilingual, and charismatic, though, yes she is! Can’t wait to hug her! Thank you!
A fun post indeed! I would also have really swithered about the white linen top, especially as it goes so well with both trousers and skirts. Like you, our season for summer clothes is so short that my summer wardrobe is unlikely ever to wear out, and I’ll see the fashion cycle come back round again several times. I love the bright pink trousers on you. They remind me of a lipstick I was persuaded into buying in Galeries Lafayette in Bordeaux. The sales assistant selected a much brighter shade than I would ever wear at home, saying that in the very bright sunshine of summer we need to go bolder, Madame. I tried explaining about Scotland, but I don’t think she got it…
Oldest item worn so far this summer? A pair of hillwalking trousers that were my son’s when he did his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition age 14, so 2005. They’re now my summer gardening trousers. Oldest item I will wear, if it ever warms up enough: a pair of shorts bought in LA in 1984, when I was 25. What do I reach for most often? An olive green Uniqlo ultra light down jacket, worn indoors most of the year. Excellent warm layer to stave off having to put the heating on!
Author
I love this verb “swither” — it sounds just like what it describes, although not at all in an onomatopeiac way, if that makes sense. . .
Ha! I might have bought the same lipstick in a Sephora shop in Palermo after my bag (with my more Vancouver-weather-appropriate lipstick inside) was stolen. . . 😉
1984 shorts — those definitely qualify as vintage, and those hillwalking trousers that used to be your son’s are great as well.
Those ultralight Uniqlo down pieces are so useful, aren’t they?!
Hi Frances – I love your style and faves from the will they make the cut are the gorgeous olive green flouncy sleeved top and your white skirt with the bobbly detail ( reckon I would not make it as a fashion writer haha) Also really enjoying your sketching – and your own 31 day challenge – I am amid way through a 100 day drawing challenge and regretting it a bit. It’s kind of taken the joy out of drawing for me – partly becauseI a tight scope to the project and also just life ( self imposed).
Currently torn between giving up – at the half way mark or more likely sticking it out to the end . This has turned into a bit of a moaning me me post ( apologies ) I always love your posts Frances and your style.
Bon voyage !
Author
I, too, have a silly fondness for those two impractical pieces — clothing with character and a story?! I’m in!
I’m much admiring your 100-day commitment and you’re very clearly going from strength to strength over the 3+ months — Brava!
How lovely to sketch your packing list!
It is very difficult to leave behind so many lovely outfits,isn’t it?
This summer is so over the top warm,so I wear only dresses,even my linen beach dresses in the city (very modest,elbow sleeves,knees covered…..). It is wear-wash-iron-repeat type of weather.
Though-in places like restaurants,banks,post offices….air-condition (if it works!)is brutal, so,you never know what to expect!
Dottoressa
Author
It is difficult, yes! I mean, compared with true difficulty, it obviously pales, but still . . .
I’m very much wondering how much A/C I will find and have made sure to include a light cardigan, just in case. But it’s been a pretty persistent 38-ish heat wave, so I imagine I won’t mind the chill should I come across it.
Fellow Canadian posting for the first time but I’ve been enjoying your blog for several years, especially for book recommendations. Now I feel compelled to note for posterity that I am still wearing a white linen collarless button-up shirt that I bought at least 40 years ago; I’m certain that it’s that old because that’s when we moved from the city in which I bought it. It’s by Mexx, which obviously was making higher quality items in the 80s —- and fortunately for me, eighties oversizing has kept it wearable despite my body being drastically different in both size and shape! It’s the perfect thing over a tank or t-shirt on a hot day, of which we’re having too many for this East Coaster’s constitution.
Author
Thank you for having followed for these years, Isa — glad to know you find the book recommendations useful.
And thanks for joining the conversation — 40 years old, that’s an achievement for a white shirt!! Mexx, Esprit, I can see how you’d mix those up. . . Those two names, and also Benetton, were very much in circulation in that decade or so . . .
The crisp white linen top with the red pants are wonderful – perfect proportions, and such a pop of color. Like strawberries and whipped cream! Summer colors suit you! XO
Author
Thanks, Donna! That top is actually cotton, a fairly crisp poplin . . . I do like the colours of summer 😉
p.s. linen shirt is by Esprit! My brain worked better 40 years ago too!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post, so thank you! My summer wardrobe is mostly a couple of striped seersucker button-ups added to my regular wardrobe. I’m already thinking that next summer, hopefully in a new town, will be much warmer and I’m going to need to add some lighter or skimpier pieces. You do make linen look very appealing….I guess I need to give it another try. Hope your trip is lovely!
Author
Striped seersucker — is there, really, any fabric that says Summer more clearly?
Hi. Just wondering if the 90 day Schengen limit will affect your length of allowable visit?
Author
Oh yes! Sigh . . .
Complicated calculations are being made, and we will be foraying out of Schengen from our base, keeping a very careful eye on our numbers (there’s actually an app for that, but really, a calendar and an ability to count will do 🙂
Hi Frances, just doing some catching up of your posts as we’re on the VF so that’s where all my energy is going!
My husband just showed me a photo of me in a dress in Italy in 2008…and that’s the one dress that I packed this time! Back home I have some even older items.
Love your sketching!
Author
Oh wow! You’re on the VF now! How’s the heat where you are? How much have you walked and how much yet to go?
Isn’t it satisfying to enjoy wearing — still! — a dress you were happy to be photographed in 16 years ago!
Enjoy your Via!
Hi back!
we’re going really well so far 🤞
We started at Grand St Bernard Pass and are now at Pontremoli. Weather for first section was beautiful. It was quite hot and humid from Ivrea to Pavia (around 33 degrees C) and we struggled with the heat and with walking with no shade. Since then it’s been much better for us (high 20s).
Tomorrow we begin our next section (Pontremoli to Lucca).
Yes, wearing something you still love is satisfying…although I am thoroughly sick of the clothes I’ve been wearing on repeat. 😉
I’m finally back after a bit of a hiatus and it is wonderful to see that you are sketching, sketching, sketching away. What a nice project you have with your two drawing partners.
I’m going to look carefully at your packed items. I’m very challenged when it comes to packing light, especially for shoulder seasons. I went to Paris for three weeks in the spring and my suitcase was too heavy. I’m going to Greece in Sept. for six weeks and I cannot carry around a heavy suitcase. How to cover beach, walking, warm weather, cool weather shoes? I want something on my feet if the beach is rocky, so that I can easily enter the water, but I also want shoes to go out in the evening (not fancy, but not always sneakers). Sneakers are a must for hikes and long walks. Sigh. Please do a post on light packing for spring and fall trips — although I may find your advice if I search your previous posts.
The shoes I wear a lot during the summer are about four years old. They are pale blue suede Birkenstocks that needed no breaking in. They are soft as can be. Unfortunately, the pale blue is very dirty. They remain favorites in spite of being very discolored.
Author
I bought a pair of red Salt Water Sandals (the “original” model) — the leather uppers are “water-friendly” and I’m happy wearing them with a skirt or dress or jeans as well, although I wouldn’t want to walk a long distance in them.
Thanks for the tip. They look appealing and would be very cute with a dress. I need arch support and they don’t seem to have it, which may be the reason you said you wouldn’t want to walk in them for long. I settled on a pair of Keen Rose Sandals in black. I have an old pair of Keen’s that I can walk in forever. They are heavy and I don’t want to pack them. The pair I ordered are lighter. They have toe protection, so I should be able to do some light hiking (I’ll probably use sneakers most of the time), lots of walking, entering the water on rocky beaches, and wearing them with casual dresses and skirts. If they are as comfortable as my old ones, they need no breaking in.
Sneakers are a must. Maybe I’ll throw in my pair of silver Mary Janes. They are flat and have little support, but they are comfortable for short walks and they are very light. They might work for cooler nights when I want a closed shoe.
So fun to have sketched memories of what you packed, as well as the photos, and the memories themselves.
I think that Francis should do sketched packing guides for various types of trips. I would enjoy and benefit from them. I think that others would too. They would be a very fun alternative to typed lists or photographs.
Dear Frances—You live an impressive life. I love that you express much of your daily life in sketches. Very expressive!
As for packing for months of travel, you’re a better woman than I! I’d be utterly flummoxed at the prospect; would have to arrange one if not two shipments to punctuate my travel itinerary.
What do you do about skin and hair care products? Cleansing, day and night routine serums/lotions, sunscreens… and not to mention hand and foot care (I’m weird about exposure to mani-pedi on the fly.)
Good grief, it’s a wonder I ever left the house! The older I get, the more elaborate maintenance gets. The Check Engine light is always on. 😉
That’s a really interesting question, Deborah, and one to which we might all have very different answers. Worth a separate post, Frances?
Author
Yes, it is a good question, and I will think about a separate post — I will have some days to myself in a much-too-warm city very soon and perhaps the long hours hunkered down inside by the A/C, I’ll think of something to write and see if that generates a convo. Short answer right now would be that I’m quite low-maintenance when it comes to hair and skin, but it’s true that I do have some products I don’t like to be without.. .
Okay, resolved, I’ll write a separate post, in the not-too-distant future.
Check Engine Light — this is a very good analogy, Deborah! Made me chuckle!
Very different answers indeed. I’d like to say that once upon a time I mastered the art of travel but I never have. Precious little makeup, but Vitamin C and partner serum, moisturizer, sunscreens (more than one) in the morning, blah blah blah … and on it goes. And I’m serious about needing FedEx/DHL drops of updated togs along the route.
Hi Frances,
Just popped in to say have a great trip. And that I’ve always loved that white skirt with the bobbles on it. I seem to remember your styling it with a sweatshirt once. Or maybe I’m dreaming.
Sorry to be so mia on your blog these days. 🙁
Sue xox
I love your posts! I keep lists of books you recommend and I’m inspired by both your travel and sketching. I have traveled a lot, and in a very minimalist way, but I seemed to lose my momentum over the pandemic. I booked a solo trip to a writing retreat in Italy in 2023 but my husband had a cardiac incident and I had to cancel (and, of course, my travel insurance refused to pay out so I lost all the money). This adds to my trepidation about leaving the local area again! However, I keep making plans hopefully.
Can you tell us what kind of bags you are choosing between? One looks to have a shoulder strap and one looks to fasten round the waist. Which one makes the cut? As my role model, you surely have found the most chic and comfortable gear for travel!
Author
So sorry to hear about your cancelled trip — that must have been so disappointing, especially on top of the worry about your husband’s health.
I’ve ended up bringing my small (very light leather) backpack/bag — those might be the shoulder straps you’re referring to?
I’ve also brought one that can be worn cross-body or as a belt bag (Both are by M0851).