Sveta's Blog

Another travel capsule post ! (VERY pic heavy)

February 19, 2013

Time is not standing still and it is one week before we leave for Portugal ( OMG! I am not ready!) Just to remind you: this is 17 day vacation trip and I want to fit everything into carryon because we will be moving between 6 different cities during this trip using public transport. It will be mostly sight-seeing during the day and hopefully some evening entertainment: music in the restaurants and bars, maybe a couple of concerts in Lisbon, nothing too fancy. The weather can be rainy or sunny and temps between 12 - 19 C during the day and cooler at night and i the morning.
I did the last major rehearsal last night with pictures to sort out what I am taking with me and there is a result:
Bottoms:
1. slouchy micro-houndtooth trousers
2. straight leg dark wash Paige jeans
3. stretchy jersey polka dot sheath dress

Long sleeve tops:
1. B/W striped shirt
2. Animal print shirt
3. Denim shirt
4. Navy / white cat print shirt
5. Black t-neck
6. Fuchsia t-neck
7. B/W striped sweater

Short sleeve tops:
1. AT black sleeveless top
2. B/w polka dot sleeveless top
3. Black sequin short sleeve tunic

Toppers:
1. Black tuxedo jacket
2. Taupe leather jacket
3. Purple trench with removable liner

Footwear:
1. Brown combat boots
2. Grey flat oxfords
3. Nude MJ Fidji pumps.

Here are the outfits (excuse my dark glasses as I was looking pretty bad w/o makeup):
1-4: with straight leg jeans
3 of my shirts are long enough to war with straight jeans (I am very sensitive to proportions!) I did not include pictures for all toppers but both jackets work wit them. Question: in pic 2 I tried jeans tucked in and worn over the boots: which do you prefer?
BTW, navy / white cat print shirt is a new one from Gap, I hope it does not look to young for me. I really like to add this new print to my collection and I just love navy / white color combo! What do you think of this shirt?
5-11: slouchy trousers
by the sheer number of these pictures you can guess what is my favorite trouser silhouette now :-) Tried them with all 3 footwear options, I think they work with all of them.
Questions:
I am not sure about pic 10: wearing AT black top as a vest over this shirt: does it work or just looks silly? If I cannot wear it over the shirts I will not take it with me.
Pic 3 and 7: sleeveless polka dot top. I think it works with both jackets but I am debating if I need to take it. I am sure it will not be hot enough to go sleeveless, maybe I should take a sleeved top instead so I can remove the jacket if it is warm?
Pic 11: does this t-neck looks good with a black jacket and lighter trousers? I also plan on taking a black tneck , did not take any pictures with it as it is very easy to style and a good canvas for my scarves.
12-13: dress
Works with both jackets, striped sweater on top and AT top as a vest. I also can layer a shirt over it with a striped sweater or vest on top to look as a skirt if I need another layer. I prefer pumps with nude hose and boots with dark hose. I am afraid my feet look ginormous in flat oxfords with this dress (well, they ARE ginormous at size 12 but especially in these pictures) - or am I just too sensitive here?
I think I could style more outfits with these options but don't want to burden your eyes.
I think I can wear #4, 8 and 13 for the evening with nude pumps or oxfords - what do you think? Nothing fancy, just restaurants and maybe concerts.
So at this time I have doubts about the following items:
1. AT sleeveless top as a vest (pic 10 , 13)
2. Sleeveless polka dot top (pic 3,7)
3. Denim shirt - I like it in #5 but not sure I can wear it with jeans and the dress so it goes with one bottom only.
I would appreciate your feedback on these 3 items as well as on anything else!
I also plan to take my purple trench - pic 14 - it should work over all bottoms.

Thanks for reading my novel!

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Posted in the Dressing category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

32 Comments

  • Vildy replied 11 years ago

    #1 is the cat print shirt? I'd like to see that hemmed like the leopard one, that seems to be a little shorter and maybe has a curve. I like the print on you a lot.

    How come the denim shirt won't "go" with anything else? Just read a savvy remark about denim: it goes with everything because it goes with nothing. I think that's its unique quality.

    I'll tell ya, in that dress you look very Ciao Bambino as they used to say about Italian women living the high life in the 50's. What a smashing look.

  • Adelfa replied 11 years ago

    Hi Sveta, love this travel capsule! It is quite varied as well as chic!

    To answer your questions: With your leg length I love the jeans tucked into the boots. Of course both look great. I love the cat print shirt! And navy/white prints are SO useful.

    I think the black top as vest looks great. I can see why you want to take the polka dot sleeveless top. If it were me I'd say it doesn't take much room, so throw it in! I love the bright turtleneck. You may start longing for color and this will fit the bill.

    I don't think your feet look big in the oxfords. I don't have any oxfords because I always feel that way when I look down at them. I think the view is different when it's not you.

    4, 8, and 13 definitely look dinnerable. I like the denim shirt so much!

    For me it's okay to take one or two not totally multifunctional items as long as my wardrobe needs are met on the whole, and as long as I have room. Sometimes those pieces add a lot of delight to a capsule.

    In short I would not change a single thing!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    The dress in #13 is perfect for your evening plans and I love how the scarf punches up the outfit with that bit of vibrant green. I must admit however I'm not really feeling the AT sleeveless top as a vest - the shape doesn't quite work to my eye.

    I really like the denim shirt - are you saying you don't want to take it if it only goes with one bottom?

  • Vildy replied 11 years ago

    I also think that your feet look just right in oxfords. There are some women (and men) who are quite tall who have smallish feet and they can look like they're going to tip over. :)

    ETA: I know a woman who's almost 6 feet and wears maybe an 11 and will wear thong
    sandals, toe rings! and the latest toenail polish color. She looks great - if you've got it,
    flaunt it.

  • replied 11 years ago

    I like everything minus the pairing of the trousers with the brown lace up boots. perhaps I am not fashion forward enough but I don't think they go together.

    I am not a fan of the tee as a vest, I think Angie's work because it is somewhat see thru, and the polka dot top needs some black or darker shoes to anchor, but you are not bringing any black shoes. So, they both can stay.

    I like the denim blouse, I would take that.
    have a great vacation! I think you are more than ready!

  • replied 11 years ago

    I love your travel outfits! I think you look great. I hope you have a fantastic time!

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Sveta!!! We are slouchy, fuchsia, taupe leather, leopard (and other cat) print, sleeveless top, polka dot, BR stripe sweater, sparkly top travel TWINS!!!

    And wow, you don't know how honoured I am to say that. You are one of my YLF idols. To see our travel capsules turn out so similarly literally brings tears to my eyes. ANGIE -- look what I have learned!!!!!! THANK you both.

    Oh - and if it is not too boastful to say it, since by extension I must also be saying it to me: YOU LOOK FAB!!!

    Onto your questions.

    First, LOVE the cat print shirt. NOT too young, and a nice change up from the stripes and dots yet still your style. Perfect for the trip. (And I want one).

    2. AT sleeveless top looks fab as a vest! You are clever! I had not thought of that option with my sparkly tank but I love it.

    Also, although it might not be warm enough to go sleeveless outdoors, it might be warm enough indoors that a sleeveless top plus topper is exactly right. I found that on some days in China. So I think the polka dot top deserves its place.

    #11 - fuchsia T neck is PERFECT (of course I would say that...) but yes - it works with black and taupe jackets and is good with the lighter bottoms (or denim). Could also go over the polka dot dress on a cooler day. With a scarf if you like to tie together (so to speak).

    Your feet look FAB in the oxfords - no worries there. I understand about the desire for nude hose. Me, too.

    Love your evening options and see other possiblities as well - depending on venue. You will look elegant and dramatic.

    Denim shirt: I like it (the looks) but knowing how my own feels, I will tell you I took it to China/ Vancouver and WORE it, but wasn't particularly happy with it. So I am leaving it behind this trip. And I might just be donating it and searching for a better one. For some reason this one isn't it, for me.

    Thanks for the inspiration - and have a wonderful time if you don't pop back here!!

  • Sarah A replied 11 years ago

    I am taking lessons! This is how travel is done. I am not really keen on #10 but EVERY SINGLE other outfit is fantastic. I hope you will have an excellent holiday :)

  • Vicki replied 11 years ago

    What is this! Everybody's going somewhere and, Sveta, you are ready! I love what you've done here and would agree with Zap on the darker shoes with the very cool dark polkadot top. I like the layered vest idea even if it didn't have many fans here. Your tops, trousers, the fuchsia turtleneck are all fabulous and trip-worthy. I love your purple trench coat, which is luscious icing on the cake! Have fun and enjoy! :)

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Vildy, I am not big into 'denim on denim' trend when denim colors are close to each other - as is the case with this shirt and jeans. It is also a bit short for my liking to wear with skinny jeans, I feel that proportions are not exactly right. As for the dress I guess I can wear it on top of the dress for de-bombshelling effect as with a pencil skirt...
    Thanks for the confidence boost with flat oxfords!:-) It is a good point on adding a curve on the cat print shirt, I will definitely consider it!
    Adelfa, thanks for the feedback. You see, if I decide that vest and polka dot top should stay I can take something else instead to get my total of 15 items of clothing!:-)
    Shannon, I think I have the same reservation about the vest - hence the question... Yes, this was my reservation about denim shirt: if it goes with trousers only it may be not the best item for my small travel capsule: I need a lot of mix&match variety for 17 days! I guess I will see about the shirt...if only it was longer!!!
    Zap, this is exactly the same top Angie wore as a vest in Japan. Good point about the black tops, maybe I should look for lighter ones instead. Thanks for the opinion on trousers and boots: I have never worn them together so it is a new thing for me.
    Ceit - thanks!

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Suz <waving to my travel capsule twin> - I said it yesterday on your thread, didn't I? :-)
    You know, your words mean so much to me, thank you!
    (I think we really HAVE to go to that NAS together now)
    Good point about sleeveless top + topper feeling better on a warm day or indoors than a long sleeve top ad topper. As for the denim shirt - I quite liked the outfits I posted here...I really want to make it work so maybe I will risk it.
    I think I know what is the problem with the AT top as a vest for me: it is quite fitted and it feels weird on top of not-fitted shirt. I don't know if it makes sense or not...
    Sarah A, thanks!
    Vicki, unfortunately I don't have any black footwer which is 12+ hour workhorse for me to bookend a black top. Maybe I should look for a different short sleeve top to take with me...

  • sarah replied 11 years ago

    Sveta, I think your capsule is fabulous! You could pack it all up right now and having a super stylish time. My only tweaks might be to leave off the scarf with the cat print (I love it under the striped sweater), and maybe to consider taking dark/black booties instead of one of the pair of lighter shoes, which seem to serve the same purpose. For example, in 3/4, I think I'd like to see a black shoe/bootie. But honestly, that is splitting hairs - you should just pack and be happy!

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Sarah, unfortunately I don't have any dark footwear capable of long walking in Europe :-(
    This goes on my list of wardrobe holes now...

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    Ok, I have to admit I have only skimmed the responses, but first of all I love your hair! Did you just get it cut? I think you can skip the black AT top as vest but yes bring the sleeveless polka dot - that looks super on you. Denim shirt - does it wrinkle easily? The slouchy trousers look incredible with everything. Hope those random thoughts help!

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Thanks Shevia. I had a haircut 3 weeks ago but I cut it shorter than usual: it grew up a bit now. Your random thoughts did help!

  • Abby_B replied 11 years ago

    Sveta, I am overwhelmed by what you put together. This is so impressive and the outfits are stunning. You look wonderful. The travel capsules that both you and Suz have posted are inspiring.

    Oh, and as a newbie, I have a question: What is "AT"? (As in AT black top or Suz's AT trousers)?

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Thanks, Abby! AT is Ann Taylor brand :-)

  • Joy replied 11 years ago

    Sveta, without reading the other comments, I think you have a fabulous, well thought out travel capsule. The only piece I don't care for is the AT sleeveless top as worn in 10, but you should take at least one or two sleeveless tops (although that may be something easily picked up on your travels.) I like the denim shirt but would probably leave it home too.
    I love love love your dotted scarf! I'm having trouble finding one or two scarves that will go with most things in my travel capsule. The dress is perfect!

  • carolbee replied 11 years ago

    What a brilliant travel capsule. You and Suz will be able NATO hire yourselves,out as consultants. BTW, love the sleeveless polka dot top.

  • Runcarla replied 11 years ago

    All good, Sveta, and lots of variety. Loving #3, #5, #11 and your body is smokin' in the polka dot dress in #12.

  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

    Sveta: I vote yeah for the sleeveless in case you have some warmer weather.

    As for the denim --- I vote for taking it IF you enjoy wearing it. Is it something you reach for at home?

    Oxfords --- I think the nude color keeps the leg line going. I think I saw these IRL and I liked them on you. I've been looking for a pair on my very substantial feet ever since!

    Your vacation sounds magnificent! And you'll look amazing!

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Joy, I am leaning towards leaving AT top at home: I just don't feel it layered anymore.
    I will think about a denim shirt, I quite like it with slouchy trousers on its own or layered under. It is more substantial than my 2 very light shirts so it can come handy if the weather is too warm for a topper but too cool for a very light shirt...
    As for the scarf I find that polka dot, animal print and stripes in neutral colors are very versatile.
    Carolbee and Runcarla - thanks!
    Beth Ann, you are right, I wore these oxfords in Chicago last year. Good to know you liked them IRL, you are encouraging me!

  • Lisa replied 11 years ago

    Great travel capsule. I find it interesting that you have primarily neutral colors here mixed with patterns. I also find when I travel, I tend not to bring lots of colors as they are harder to remix into lots of combinations.

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    I hear you on the feeling of a layered tank over a not-fitted shirt. That is why I hated one of my blogger copycat looks in the fall. It LOOKS okay visually but I disliked the feeling of bunchiness. Well, discovery made!!

    NAS to the rescue for the dark 12 hour booties....

  • cjh replied 11 years ago

    I love everything and think you could put the denim shirt under anything that you have the chiffon blouses under, or even over the dress with a belt or tied - but I am ambivalent about denim tops myself since they are not nearly as dressed up as I generally want to be, even on a casual day.

    That ultra long sentence being said, I would leave the chiffon blouses (leopard print and black/white horizontal stripe) home and take a couple of dark colored knits instead. My reasoning is the knits would be warmer if it's cool, or more adaptable to layering. Either plum, teal or even turquoise. They would go under the jackets, perhaps over the dotty dress (which is totally fab, BTW), under the denim shirt AND a jacket if very cold, etc. They would mix and match with scarves, even the emerald green one. But my personal preference is knit tops instead of blouses, so I admit I'm biased.

    Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    I am not a light packer, Sveta - so my opinion here will not be of much use. Just chiming in to say that you look SPECTACULAR!! A very stylish traveler :)

    Hope that hub's trench is working out.

  • Parsley replied 11 years ago

    Wow, Sveta, your travel capsule has come together so well!
    It's amazing how many fabulous outfits you can put together with so few pieces.

    I agree with some of the others here in not loving the AT top as a vest. I think it's the neckline that makes it not work to my eye. I really like the cat print shirt, especially under the striped sweater. Not crazy about the print scarf with it. A solid bright-colored scarf (fuchsia?) would go nicely with this capsule.

    Your footwear choices look good, and versatile. I would sort of prefer a dark pair with some of the darker outfits, but that's minor, and the important thing is that the ones you have are comfortable for lots of walking. Maybe a dark pair of walkable shoes can be on your search list for future travel capsules.

    I vote yes for taking the denim shirt and the polka dot top.

    I love the sequined top, both your jackets, your polka dot dress- well, really everything!

    You are going to look so sophisticated, fashionable, and well put together on this trip, Sveta. I am filled with admiration.

    I'm going to Paris in a few weeks and have wanted to post my travel capsule, but honestly I feel intimidated after yours and Suz's. Yours are great examples and inspiration, though.

    Have a wonderful trip, and I hope you will share pictures afterward.

    Marcy

  • Greek Goddess replied 11 years ago

    The outfits look great and you never know what the weather will do for certain so layers are a possibility as well. I only take one scarf (I usually wear it to travel) and I buy nice scarves and necklaces or earrings at the places I travel to. They are very light to carry and can be used to give even more variety to the outfits. I bought silk scarves in Italy and beautiful silk and cashmere pashminas in Prague that folded up to nothing in my luggage.

  • Tina.b replied 11 years ago

    I'm amazed at the beautiful outfits you've put together. You are going to look beyond fabulous on your vacation. Can't wait to see some photos!

  • rachylou replied 11 years ago

    Every outfit is fab fab fab!! I really like #10.

    10 tops do seem like a lot to me, tho. I'm a minimalist packer.

  • moira replied 11 years ago

    The sequined top over the polka dot dress might work as another dressy option.
    I think the denim shirt should go with. That is a perfect thing to wear in the room as a "robe" when you are just relaxing and it really looks great with the grey pants.
    I think you have put together a fabulous and very sophisticated travel wardrobe and you will have just the right thing to wear for any and all occasions.
    They have beautiful textiles in Portugal, so you will probably pick up a scarf or two or ten in your travels.

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Lisa, I really like neutrals lately with patterns and textures so I guess it is a natural choice - but you are right, it is also easier to mix and match.
    Suz, we are so in sync these days! Yes, this year NAS has a goal and it better delivers!
    cjh, I don't really own many knit tops aside from t-necks and sweaters, so it is shirts and blouses for me all the way. I agree that knit tops are comfortable but I never feel myself in them.
    Angie, thanks for chiming in even if light packing is not your thing :-) Unfortunately we decided to return his trench: the fabric was too thick and made it too heavy for the purpose we need it for. We decided to go with one of his current bombers: it cannot be layered over the blazer but it is ok, if it will be cool he can layer a sweater or two under any of them - blazer for dry weather, bomber for the rain. I want to buy a trench for him without a pressure of getting ready for a trip so we can make the right choice. Maybe we get lucky at NAS this year...

    Parsley, Paris again? I am so envious! Yes, I also see that I need another pair of dark stylish and comfortable shoes or booties for my travel capsule but they are so hard to find, especially in my size. I have decided that AT top stays home this time - I just don't feel it. As for the solid colored scarves I hope to find some in Portugal!
    Greek Goddess, this is a nice idea about scarves but I am not sure I will find what I like right away and I need something to wear meanwhile ;-)
    Tina - thanks!
    Rachy, you think 10 tops are too many for 17 days? Mmm, maybe you are right, need to get back to the drawing board...
    Moira, denim shirt definitely goes, I am just trying to decide which one...

You need to be logged in to comment

Categories

Blogroll

Archives