RHYS BOWEN: While I am celebrating the release of a Royal Spyness novel (FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE) I am also in the middle of writing the next one. This one is going to be centered on the coronation of King George VI in 1937, a coronation that should have been that of his brother. Lady Georgie has received an invitation to the ceremony at the Abbey.
As the book opens and she realizes she’ll be going to London for the big occasion can you guess what is her biggest worry? What to wear! I bet you guessed, didn’t you. You see she won’t be going as a peeress any more because she is now married to the Hon Darcy O’Mara who is the son of a peer, but not a peer himself. Therefore she won’t be wearing the traditional peeresses robes and coronet. She’ll be wearing smart, ordinary clothes. The big problem is that she doesn’t own any smart clothes, at least not smart enough for a coronation with the eyes of the world on her (and the first television outside broadcast in the world)
Her only dressmaker has a sick child and she doesn’t dare buy off the peg in case other women are wearing the same thing. She certainly can’t afford a designer outfit like her mother. What will she do? You’ll have to read the book next year to find out…
However…
Her dilemma echoes my own. When any event is approaching I agonize about what to wear. I lie in bed staring at my wardrobe. I try on ten outfits, all not quite right. When I have finally decided on an outfit I have last minute doubts. It’s too warm, not warm enough. Is it too fancy? Too casual? I know it’s silly to worry about such a casual thing, but it haunts me.
And too often it’s never quite right. I look at the weather forecasts and go on a trip to England (as I did last month) It was supposed to be cold. I took sweaters. It was mild. I wore the only blouse three times. In Cassis last year it was supposed to be summery in September. It turned cold and daughter Jane and I had to find sweaters in the market (actuallyt the shopping was great and really fun.)
Before every book event I agonize especially. My big dread is when a fan comes to greet me and says “I took a pic of us together last time you were here” and i’M WEARING THE SAME JACKET. Mortification!
I know it shouldn’t matter. But it does.
So how about you, Reds?
Do you obsess about what to wear? Do you have any horror stories?
LUCY BURDETTE: I know that feeling so well Rhys! (Although I don’t think Hayley Snow worries much about clothes.) John says all the time that I look in my closet and wail that I have nothing to wear. How can that be when my closet is STUFFED with clothing. Traveling makes it even harder. I’ve gotten pretty good at figuring out layers. They may not be fashionable but I can titrate the temperature!
JENN McKINLAY: I’m not much of an agonizer. Like Lucy, I’ve become really good at layering. Somehow my personal thermostat has been wonky ever since I hit the mid-fifties and I’m always hot or cold but never just right. Mostly, I try to wear clothes that make me happy whether it’s a pair of boots or a funky jacket. If I focus on the one piece that makes me smile, I don’t care about the rest.
HALLIE EPHRON: Isn’t that one of the delicious things about having a new book out with events at which to strut your stuff? It’s always been my cue to SHOP. But since Covid there are so few places to actually shop… in person. And IMHOP you can’t get something *special* that you haven’t tried on. My go-to boutique in Cambridge has shut down, and the mall is full of fast food. Lord & Taylor and Filene’s caput. :-(
RHYS: Hallie, I totally agree. It's impossible to buy things on line without trying them on. And my local Macy's has closed, so has Talbots, J Jill... all my old standbys. The nearest Chicos is twenty miles away. We do still have a Nordstrom but that's about it.
HANK PHILLIPI RYAN: Guilty, here. It’s really part of me, I have come to admit, and maybe from 40 years on TV and having to be camera-ready at any second. I am pretty good at knowing what will fit in on-line purchases, but of course, free shipping on returns.
And yes, the scourge of social media. I can pack for a two-week book tour with one carryon bag and no checked bags–yay me. But whoa, “Hank in the green jacket” is on repeat on social media, and there’s nothing to do about it. I’d rather repeat clothes than have a suitcase go lost, though.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Hank, you are our packing heroine! Like Rhys, when I've done big book tours I have agonized over choices AND spent a lot of money on new things. From a photo I can tell which book it was immediately by the outfit. Now I think I will just wear black, which is already my wardrobe basic, and not worry about it.
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I just did the agonizing-over-what-to-bring thing for my (ongoing) book tour. I had to go from Maine (high of 40) to Arizona (65) to Houston (85) and then to NY’s North Country (high of 40, chance of snow.) I need my outfits to be professional, hopefully flattering, and NOT the same as ones I’ve been photographed in at previous events!
For in-person special events, I tend to spend an hour or more going through my closet, trying on this and that, and wondering why I own so many useless clothes. I try to come up with a new mix and match based on what I already have, because, like the rest of you, my things fill up my bedroom closet and overflow into a now-empty child’s closet. And that’s not counting the off-season items in the attic!
RHYS: Sometimes we do coordinate!
So now it's confession time, Reddies. Do you find yourself agonizing over what to wear?
Sometimes I fret over what to wear, especially if I'm getting ready for something special. But most of the time I opt for comfortable . . . .
ReplyDeleteYes, I fret over what to wear. I always take a light jacket or sweater along because one never knows what the indoor temp will be. I can’t stand to be cold. My husband rarely care about what he is going to wear, but I do notice that sometimes he waits to see what I have laid out and take his cue from there.
ReplyDeleteDon’t remember when I last fretted about what to wear from the “how it looks to others” standpoint. Nor do I remember judging another’s look. If it’s clean and comfortable, that’s enough. Also, from mid-1970s have shifted from in-store clothes buying to mail order to on-line. The joy of retirement and not judging books and people by their covers. Much to be thankful for. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteI find on-line so frustrating as things that look good seldom fit and have to be returned!
DeleteAmen, Rhys!
DeleteI use a tape measure and individual size charts, and do not have a problem with online order clothing fitting.
DeleteI am amazed that most of you agonize over what to wear to author events, because you all unfailingly look stylish and professional AND comfortable!
ReplyDeleteI agonize a LOT. I'm already worrying about Left Coast Crime in SF at the end of February, which will also include a visit to family before or after the conf. Like Hank, I don't care about repeating outfits in photos. I have my two author blazers. Those with a black shirt and black pants make repeat appearances, and that's fine. But...then there's the banquet, and the trekking around outside, and what if the sun comes out, and...
What if it rains really hard?????
DeleteExactly!
DeleteNot anymore. I dress for comfort.
ReplyDeleteHell, no. Because of the Y chromosome.
ReplyDeleteJerry, this made me laugh. (Selden)
DeleteNot always. My husband used to make sure he was dressed for the occasion. Ascot at his neck or whatever was appropriate for the day. Now he wears a cashmere cardigan with holes in the sleeves!
DeleteAny chance Hank would post her packing list (generics, not specifics)? AND I love Jenn McKinlay's philosophy of one fun item--I will take that along, too.
ReplyDeleteThat would be good. But she centers around black which I don’t wear
DeleteI read that too and think Jenn is right on!
DeleteRhys center your wardrobe around navy, which works well for you!
DeleteIt is a problem, sometimes even for date night. I wear knits almost exclusively. Changes to my shape (eh-hem) over the years make blouses impossible. Even my dresses are all knits. The issue is what shoes to pair them with because that has also changed and you can't wear your Merrills with a cocktail dress.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, before a date or special event or even packing for a trip, I try things on in combination from head to toe, accepting and discarding, including scarves and shawls.
For a trip, no matter what time of year, I pack a variety of weights, from cotton to wool. Let me recommend Woolx for exceptional layers that swing both ways. You can believe their ads. If you choose very simple jackets, a colorful scarf totally changes the look. Packing 10 scarves takes no room in your suitcase and is effective at giving your outfit a fresh look. Bringing shawls along can add color and warmth. Done.
I’m not very good with scarves! French women drape them fabulously. My fall off and fly away!
DeleteThanks for the recommendation, Judy. I've been seeing ads for Woolx and wondered if their stuff was as good as they say.
DeleteAnd, Rhys, I can never make a scarf look good! It's so frustrating.
From Celia; I agree with Judy, scarves are the answer to a million fashion needs. I am collecting long but narrow right now. But talking about people remembering what one wore. In my book it's rude to bring that up unless one's paying a compliment.
DeleteLooking back I know I wore about what to wear when I went to my Happy Hour arranged by Julia so I could finally meet some of you in person.
This is what stuck out clothes wise. Everybody nearly had a scarf and the contrasts were good. Julia and I wore the same color sweaters. The only reason I remember that is the photo and Youngest's comment. But what I remember is how great Edith and Judy looked dressed in black, ready for the banquet with Edith literally sparking under the bar lights. Not to forget Paula Munier's gorgeous cowboy boots all glitter. I think those would make all of us very happy.
I do worry but with a drawerful of lovely silk scarves collected since teenage years I know one of them will improve most anything I wear not to mention covering up all sorts of small faults. And I love Eileen Fishers clothes which I buy on sale.
I've noticed lots of Brit authors are wearing trainers with everything--even cocktail dresses!
DeleteOnce I read that Cybill Shepherd wore tennis shoes with everything--and I thought if she can, I can! Annette
DeleteScarves used to be my go-to, but since menopause I am a furnace and can’t wear them. Hanging on to them in the hope that someday . . .
DeleteI really dislike shopping and especially for clothes. I am more and more reminded of my grandmother who was a 16 ½, short – vert short, but well-endowed in the front – familiarly known as ‘the MacLeod Trait”. It missed most of our generation!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, she would always shop at the elegant Ladies Shop in town, where the owner Mrs Jacobson would meet her at the door, walk her around the store, and then take her into a spacious dressing room, with a chair for sitting, and proceed to dress and undress Gran. If she did not like something, she would say, and often Mrs Jacobson would just say as an outfit was put on, “Oh, Mrs Lewis, that is just not for you. Let me get you another dress that I think will suit you better.” She knew Gran would not try on anything green – my grandfather did not like that colour, but catered to her every wish. She would often bring in a green dress, let Gran try it on for the look and feel, and then order the same dress in another colour just for her. Need taking in – no problem. come back on Tuesday and it will be ready, and hemmed to your perfection.
That is almost what I would like as I hate trying to scrunch around in a too-small-changing room, with no seat to take off or put back on your shoes, no room to stretch to get to the zipper, and what? I have to parade outside to find a mirror to see what I look like! Argghhhh!
Hence my outfit is currently but one (actually two) for dress-up where it took a while for me to realize that I bought a navy blue top, and then in a fit of stupidity bought the same one in wine. They both require a chemise (sounds better than t-shirt) underneath as the pokey little lace holes show through – oops.
Winter is when I wear out and throw out everyday clothes since they are usually under a sweatshirt anyway. Today I noticed that I had thrown out one too many to carry through to the next wash (5-day cycle, therefore 5 t-shirts, 5 socks, 5 underwear, etc). I am today wearing one of my best ‘chemises’. Guess I will have to go shopping soon…
Margo, I really miss those days of personal attention in a store. Our Nordstrom had saleswomen who knew their stock until recently. Now that’s gone.
DeleteNot many events or much agonizing here! I try not to wear the same outfit to church two weeks in a row. Next week starts Advent so my purple sweater is coming out.
ReplyDeleteI do miss shopping in a real store. Our Lloyd Center mall is dead and hopefully in the process of resurrecting into something different. I drove out to Clackamas to REI recently and tried on a pair of clearance shorts before I bought them. What a wonderful feeling, to know that something fit before taking it home! Ordering on line seems like such a crapshoot. Oh and I bought a lighted arm band from Foot Traffic, a local athletic gear chain (one in my neighborhood) because my other light had died. That's the big shopping report from rainy other Portland.
Same experience here. Our local mall is dying and will be replaced by multi use. But buying online rarely works for me
DeleteI'm already stressing over my wardrobe for Malice Domestic, and it isn't until April!
ReplyDeleteI discovered Stitch Fix a few years ago, and while the stuff costs more than I would usually spend, in looking at my closet, I realize some of my favorite pieces are those I bought from them. And they're things I would never have considered if left to my own devices. So, I may very well place an order when the spring designs come out.
My youngest used to buy from Stitch Fix, and still, every time I compliment her on a garment, "Thanks, it's from Stitch Fix" is the response. They do have interesting choices. She is hard to fit, too.
DeleteClare used Stitch Fix and got some lovely outfits
DeleteI had Stitch Fix for a while, years ago, but nothing ever seemed to fit quite right. Maybe I should try again as I much thinner these days! But there is still the problem of being short...
DeleteI agree the short thing is a problem for buying off the rack. The hem which should be reasonable on 'some' person is so low and dowdy that I look like a dragged out old spinster. To get my correct length, all clothing needs to come as a mini - yup, short!
DeleteWell, I gave you all an insight into how much I stress about what to wear as I was packing for my pilgrimage to Rome and sought advice here. (The trip went well, by the way. I packed a total of 15 pieces (not counting underwear, bras, socks/tights) in black and shades of light blue and layered them happily. I also had one of the smallest bags of anyone on the tour, which felt like a private win.
ReplyDeleteI always did stress about what to wear, but I find the nature of my stress is changing a bit with age. I was always a person drawn to bold color -- bring on the sunshine yellow, cobalt blue, fiery red. But as I move ever more firmly into older years, I find myself at times fearing I will become THAT old woman -- the one who looks silly, as though she hasn't noticed her own aging. Also, more pragmatically, I am trying to gradually winnow down to a smaller wardrobe for a variety of reasons, and I have realized one can wear a black or navy or taupe layer often and no one will notice, but repeating a sunshine yellow sweater is pretty noticeable. And yet... those bright colors still reflect who I am, I think. Sigh.
Go for them! Whatever color makes you happy!
DeleteYes, be bright, Susan!! I love bright colors, too.
DeleteIt is such a compliment to hear, “Is that ALL of your luggage?”
DeleteThis reminds me of when I was little and we went on vacation. Mom would buy us all new clothes to wear on vacation. I never understood that concept. We knew no one where we were vacationing so why did we spend money on new clothes to impress folks we didn't know? I tend to still feel that way. I layer because I am usually cold. After living in my car for a year, I learned which clothes don't wrinkle when you sleep in them, so they get priority in my wearables. Currently only have one pair of shoes. I love purple, so all my clothes are either in the purple family, direct contrasts or neutrals. The shoes, I must admit, have purple and lilac in them which just seals the deal. No thinking. Everything goes together regardless of what I choose. Also, if folks are so hung up on what I'm wearing then they truly aren't interested in me so why sweat it. -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteI hope you have safer living arrangements now, Victoria. And keep wearing the purple!
DeleteAh, the eternal dilemma! Rhys, Talbot's is one retailer I depend on for online buying. Their fit is almost always exactly the same from one pant or shirt or sweater to another. I ordered jeans and dress pants during the pandemic, and never had to send anything back. Suits me to the ground to buy this way, since I hate shopping. And all their colors coordinate, and carry over into the next year or two. By the way, Loft and Ann Taylor are owned by the same company. They don't have the same fit or focus, but their quality is similar.
ReplyDeleteFor 15 years I traveled for business, to 8-12 consumer shows that each lasted 2-4 days. Every year I would choose a "show wardrobe" of three outfits, with an additional coordinating piece or two thrown in. It's just like traveling for fun, except with a bit nicer clothing. Basically, you just have to look different from the waist up, unless you have a fancy occasion.
Rhys, Julia, Debs, Hallie, Jenn, and Lucy, I've seen all of you wearing scarves. That is my go-to with a plain top or jacket or sweater, and they take up no room in a suitcase, so you can take several. They can work as an extra layer, too.
Karen, you always look fabulous! And I do always travel with a pashmina in case it’s cold on the plane. ( so does Hank, by the way)
DeleteMy daughter gave me a gray cashmere wrap for Christmas a couple of years ago and I do not get on a plane without it!
DeleteOh, yes, pashminas are endlessly useful---as a shawl, a blanket and a bathrobe!
DeleteAw, thank you, Rhys.
DeleteA few years ago I found an ultralight cashmere pashmina that is huge, but folds small enough into a pouch that it fits into an evening bag. It is indispensable for traveling, and each daughter got on we for Christmas that year.
Ah....Life's cruel joke of what can happen to us as we grow older often makes me crazy. Let's just say that two surgeries have forever removed the Wherever line from J Jill from my preferred choice of clothing selection. And since Chicos and Talbots have been gobbled up by new ownership their clothing choices as well as quality have changed...and not for the better. And just when did my feet turn "fugally" forcing me out of my favorite Hotter boots into the comfort of slip-on Sketchers?!! Arggh! It's enough to make a grown woman cry and turn to her only alternative left in reserve....Accessories....of which I use in abundance. Handbags and jewelry never deceive in the size department. I often wonder if women are born with a special gender gene that causes them to stand in front of a closet full of clothing and declare they have nothing to wear. In nearly 50 years of marriage I have never witnessed a single instance of my husband standing in our master closet struggling to decide what he should put on that day.:-) I will admit, however, his choice of color consistently has never wavered...black, black and more black. Me, too. I always choose black over primary colors. I never realized that we looked like twins in our color choices until one day our dermatologist made note of it. You just never know who's observing.
ReplyDeleteToday was a fun blog. The clothing dilemma continues from generation to generation and we universally share the same insecurities as well as decision making. My hat's off to each and every one of these successful Jungle Reds authors who are willing to discuss these shared human traits but who are also experts in travel, packing, interacting with their readers and public speaking. Especially the last one...public speaking. Accomplished women with lots of confidence. You ladies rock!
Thank you! I have to say that when we meet up, in spite of agonizing, we do look the part. And your stores are also my go tops. But J Jill and Talbots have vanished from my mall. Snd no Chicos for twenty miles!
DeleteRhys ~ Ever since the same company acquired Ann Taylor (& The Loft), Lane Bryant, Talbots, J Jill and Chicos many of their locations unfortunately also closed :-( along with change of store policies and quality. Both J Jill and Talbots originated in Massachusetts as independent clothing companies...one in 1959 and the other in 1947. Talbots was the late Former First Lady Barbara Bush's go-to choice of clothing. She was a no nonsense and often casual dresser. She also made the classic Talbots blazer famous and her triple strand of faux pearls that she loved to wear with everything was eventually donated to the Smithsonian. It was rather refreshing to see a First Lady in the White House "buy off the peg", a British expression you mentioned in your above narrative, Rhys. What a great way of saying an item was purchased in the store! A similar American expression is "off the rack" but I like yours better.
DeleteThis was something I worried about when attending professional conferences where I was presenting a paper. Or had to attend project meetings with important clients. Not anymore! When I have local author events to attend, I pair a long-sleeved or short-sleeved tee with a jacket or shirt, black pants or even jeans on the bottom--it's all very casual. And it's definitely me, so I'm comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThat is the key, isn’t it, Flora. A look that is You!
DeleteMorning All. Paula B here ~ the only caveat I’ve made to not being under 60, um, 70 (oh my) is that comfort rules everything. Especially shoes. If it isn’t comfortable it stays in the store. I’ve never been a bright color person except for red, purple, green and cobalt. Hmm, anyway, I don’t do much in pastels. I fret over Sunday church outfit bc apparently I don’t consider memorizing what I wore last week necessary. Well, that’s the excuse I use when I don’t recall it. Just came back from a short vacation. It took more time than I’ll admit to just to pick the right everything,. I fret overmuch when it’s a special event. I’ve tried to pare down to ease the fretting. Bad idea. Then I fret over the “I’ve nothing to wear” syndrome. How many of you fret over wearing the right thing to blend into the type of store you’re going to shop in? Luckily in the desert, jean rule the choice. Then there’s the top … It’s endless.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don’t care what I wear to shop unless it’s Nordstrom and I want the help of an assistant.
DeleteI don’t often have to dress up but when I do I rarely feel like my outfit is on point. Recently my husband Ken & I were invited to a formal wedding. I wore an all black pants and top from Nordstrom that I’ve had for years. It’s the one outfit that I have that is really just right. So after the cocktail hour and then the seated dinner a friend came over to our table to tell me that my zipper was open and my bottom was completely exposed ! Horrors Above !! My gallant husband took off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders which covered my broken zipper and helped soothe my embarrassment. ( Mary E. )
ReplyDeleteOh no! Poor you. I’d have been mortified!
DeleteThank goodness your friend saw it and told you and that your hubby's jacket was available. Yikes!
DeleteThe only time I agonize over clothing choices is when to officially switch from shorts to long pants due to the weather. And back again.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, I have no interest in dressing to impress. Give me a T-shirt supporting a rock band, sports team or has a funny or sarcastic saying on it and I'm good.
I have a death shroud long sleeve shirt with a tie that only comes out for funerals (though the tie only gets worn if I really liked the deceased).
And I have a couple of collared shirts from back when I used to waste time on the idea of dating someone. Now those serve as shirts if I go on job interviews.
T-shirt, shorts/pants, sneakers. A sweatshirt if it is colder. DONE.
Though I guess being a guy, I don't have to worry about clothes anywhere near as much as any of the women here. Thankfully.
It respect shirts say who you are and that’s the important thing.
DeleteI’m not sure what I intended to say here. It represents I think! Who knows
DeleteThis is so interesting Rhys - I love when we know more about you and the other Reds.
ReplyDeleteI used to worry about what to wear, but now that I am retired I happily wear what is comfortable. I realized that when I go to events, at the end of the day or evening, I can't tell you what someone wore. I've noticed in our casual, anything goes, southern California vibe that everyone pretty much wears very casual t-shirts, jeans/yoga pants, tennis shoes or flip flops, of course, our weather is pretty warm year round.
I’ve given up high heels!
DeleteOf yes - high heels! I loved high heels and wore them to work when I was younger (in my 20's and 30's) until I developed corns and bunions and had to stop wearing them. It seems that the younger set doesn't wear the traditional heels as much but wear trendier (sometimes weirder haha) shoes.
DeleteIn general I don't. To things like conferences or book events I wear what is comfortable, which is some combination of pants/dark-wash jeans, a t-shirt or turtle-neck (depending on season) and sweater or jacket. Shoes are always flats (pity - I loved funky shoes).
ReplyDeleteI do need more formal clothes, though. I have a pair of black velvet wide-legged pants and one long skirt. Despite being in better shape, I had to give away all my dresses because they are tight in areas that no amount of exercise will ever fix (you can't make your bone structure smaller). Some might think yay shopping! But I hate it. The problem for me is finding something I like and that doesn't make me look old. The Hubby used to think I was exaggerating. Then he came on a shopping trip with me. Now he knows the struggle is real.
I haven't shopped in a department store in I don't know how long. Ages. For in person, I stop in my local Chico's (a mile from my house) or go to Anthropologie. Both have nice dressing rooms and really good sales assistants. At Chico's I try to avoid their more blingy excesses, but their basic clothes tend to fit me and are good quality. Their no-iron stretch- cotton button down shirts are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteLately I've had to seriously contemplate my wardrobe as about 90 % of my clothes no longer fit me. I've lost a lot of weight in the last five or so years, which I suppose is a yay for lots of reasons, but it's also very inconvenient--and expensive--to have to replace so much stuff. I am really trying to stick to basics. So many of the clothes in my closet were never worn.
I too should be diligent about clothes I no longer wear! I took 3 garbage bags full to Goodwill this morning!
DeleteWow!! That's a lot. Good for you. I think it feels great to downsize.
DeleteI don't agonize about clothes, even when I'm going to be in public. I have one very dressy outfit and a couple of somewhat dressy (professional) trousers, blouse, and blazer combinations. I've had almost all these clothes for 10 or even 20 years, but they still fit, so I wear them when the occasion calls for them. I never think I look great, but I usually think I look good enough. My attitude is shaped by my dislike of shopping for clothes. I'd always rather make do with what I have than shop. I've never worried about wearing the same clothes I wore last time to an event, even if pictures are taken — I mean, who in the world is going to remember or care?
ReplyDeleteKim I also have outfits that are still good after twenty years. Why should I buy a black skirt when I have a black skirt? A dilemma!
DeleteI hate shopping for clothing, and do it only when my clothing is beginning to look too worn out. I travel as light as possible, and I try to pack items that mix and match. I am mainly interested in comfort. (And I need to leave room in my bag for books!)
ReplyDeleteDebRo
That is the problem. Books are heavy!
DeleteWho cares what any of you wear, we come to see and hear you, not your clothes.
ReplyDeleteRhys, I know you like scarves, as do I. A variety of them cover a multitude of jackets, dresses and blouses. Switch out the scarf and no one knows that you wore what is beneath a dozen times. I have worn the same ones to work and been seen by the same people many times. I am always surprised when someone compliments me on one I have been wearing for years and asks me if it’s new. I don’t think people are as observant as we think they are. Whenever I have seen your picture. you always have a sense of style and color that look good on you. I particularly notice the scarves because of my
own collection. It also makes it easier for gift giving. I have received many from other countries. They don’t take up a lot of room are relatively inexpensive and offer unique designs representing other cultures. They are also made of different materials and weights so can accommodate a variety of weather conditions.
I agree, scarves make any outfit look new I just wish I had the knack of tossing a pashmina over my shoulders
DeleteOh, my packing list for two weeks? Three blazers, two black dresses (that can be worn with or without a jacket) , one black skirt, one lacy camisole (for the skirt and jacket combos), three big silk scarves, 2 belts, three pairs of event shoes, one foldable flats. On the plane, wear my sneakers, drawstring pants, black t-shirt and cardigan and pashmina and short black trench coat. Bring one extra black t-shirt. Jersey nightgown. Pray the hotel has bathrobe and even slippers. Done. xx
ReplyDeleteCan you get all that into a carry on?
DeleteAbsolutely! With tissue paper.
DeleteWhat to wear, what to wear.... Alas, a lack, I hate shopping. I haven't been in a dressing room in years. I have been using Stitch Fit with some success, not a lot but some.
ReplyDeleteI love my jeans and don't really care if others don't. At least I don't care anymore. I do have black jeans, blue jeans and a pair of burgundy colored. If I feel I need to be more dressed up I have a couple pair of slacks that don't fit well but I make do. I do tend to stay with the colors that go with blue because I always wore blue and I always wear blue but I do like to mix it up, as long as it goes with blue, sort of. And I am sorry to say that I am not really a scarf wearing person which is a shame because my mother had a beautiful collection of scarves and she could knot them and twist them and drape them and...She was so good at it. I unfortunately am not. Of course she had these beautiful broad shoulders that were not attached to a thick barrel chest which is what I have so I guess that's why I don't have the scarf thingy down. I do like my necklaces I have some beautiful long chains that have lovely Thingy. I do like my necklaces I have some beautiful long chains that have lovely pendants and I accent with a very nice earrings. I will say I am already wondering about next October and what should I wear to Bouchercon.
It will be chilly in Calgary, right?
DeleteI used to bring new clothes when traveling. But, they often didn’t fit as expected or coordinate with other things. I now pack what I know fits, looks nice enough, and is comfortable. I don’t think anyone notices if I wear the same thing multiple times. At 72, I’m caring for myself, not worrying about what others think.
ReplyDeleteI also bring mix and match washable and simple when I travel unless I have to speak in public. Then it’s a good jacket!
DeleteWhat to wear is a good question to ponder. With so many world problems out there, it is a luxury to worry about what to wear. I ask myself "why do I rarely worry about what to wear?" Perhaps it is a genetic thing - my mom and my grandmother knew their colors and styles. They know what to wear.
ReplyDeleteNordstrom's is one of my favorites because I always find something to fit there. I am a hard to fit too. Speaking of online orders, Nordstrom is good about accepting returns. So is LLBean. The Vermont Company once made a mistake and they remedied it. I loved Pharmaca where you could buy clean makeup and other necessities. I used to buy my underwear there. And sometimes long sleeved shirts. It went out of business during the pandemic.
I miss Pharmaca too!
DeleteLove this! As for me, I'm like Jenn. Give me something that makes me happy - then I add a jacket and voila - good to go.
ReplyDeleteLucky you!
DeleteI still fret about what to wear if I am going to appear in public. In the privacy of my home I can loll around in jeans and sweatshirts or tee shirts or whatever. But going to the grocery or the pharmacy or anything public makes me take a second or third look at my choices. Shirt too snug, lose it. Looser top but looks dumb with those pants. Lose the pants. New pants on. Better. Have to change shoes now. And on and on. When I worked, I went through some of this agony, but had more choices and could mix and match.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading The Designer Who Set Women Free by Claire McCardell--she's the talented lady who brought us separates. She said that women should dress for themselves, not everyone else. I wish I had read this book back in my corporate wife days! So many outfits for so many occasions. None of which suit my lifestyle now (unless I'm going to a retro costume party.). My husband says I'm too dressy for my book events, but I don't really feel good unless I"m pulled together. I tried those cute wide legged pants for my panel at Thrillerfest and I felt like an imposter--not me--I'm only 5'3 1/2 and I looked like I was trying to be my 5'8" daughter. (I did say hello to Hank on behalf of my son who has met her through Strand Magazine and she always looks put together.) So, my NEW focus is to wear something that's me and not worry about the fashion trends or if I"m a little too dressed. Fortunately, black stays in style!!
ReplyDeleteAwwwwe thank you!
ReplyDeleteA career in the fashion industry for over 50 years set me up to be aware of what really works and what doesn't. Design, manufacturing, retail, buying and consulting in fashion fine tuned what I personally wear. When I have worked as a consultant I moved from my personal love of high fashion to helping real people dress for comfort and success. Basics for ladies are what Hank does when she travels. I suggest black pants, skirt, a top and an interesting jacket for day and evening. Eileen Fisher garments are beautifully made and wear extremely well & they also have a resale site online. You can depend on Lands End, LL Bean, and Vermont Country Store for well made solid basics. These stores have excellent customer service. Macy's online is good if you know your size and the brands that work for you. Their customer service is excellent too. When I look for my basic slacks, skirts, and top I get 100% wool, cotton, linen, and silk. Real fibers are easiest to clean and are comfortable to wear. When I travelled as a buyer for Nordstrom I had to look sharp and stay that way for 12 hours or more. I do depend on scarves, great shoes, bag and other accessories for a personal look. When I see you ladies I am most interested in what you have to say rather than what you look like. Keep it simple and you will be comfortable and happy. Happy shows!
ReplyDeleteGretchen, Will you come and shop for me please? Please?
DeleteWhen I worked, the $69 suit rack at Macy’s was my friend. And because I loved colorful suits, some of them worked for weddings.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about what I would do if I could time travel (as one does), it’s going back to change what I wore to certain events. I figure that change won’t lead to any butterfly effects, but would make me happier.