Ask Angie: Packing for Italy and ect.

Debbie

Any ideas on what I should pack? I will be there 6 days. Hope to do some sightseeing and shopping after I get my daughter settled. I'm looking for a pant option besides jeans. Any suggestions?

Also is a belt on an apple figure a total no-no?

Edit to add: I think I'm having trouble packing for this trip because I'm worried about leaving my daughter in Italy. I know it's silly and she needs to go for her but I'm still her Mom.

16 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Debbie

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Facing an Empty Nest is hard Debbie, and you are not silly at all. Just a loving and caring Mum who will miss her daughter and wants her to be safe. Big hug!

This is what you’ll need:

o Trench
o Jeans
o Pinstripe or checked slacks
o Boots
o Loafers
o New red leather jacket!
o Knit tops
o Lightweight knitwear
o Scarves
o A fabulous dress!
o Fab travelling tote
o Small evening bag
o Sunglass
o GREAT watch!
o Camera
o Pretty fragrance

And possibly an umbrella.

16 years ago

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

As a daughter who is living overseas can I reassure you that it is an opportunity of a life time! London is fun, but the opportunity to learn or improve on another language would be amazing. Plus rail travel is really cheap in Italy, so I am sure she will have the opportunity for some fabulous side trips.

I would definitely say a travel umbrella, I wouldn't travel anywhere without one.

16 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

Thank you for the liist Angie. I'm definitely using it. I'm starting to get myself together.

16 years ago

Carole

Veteran

We were there almost 2 years ago- 7 days in Italy, and 7 in Paris, and I packed everything in a carry on! Still can't believe I did it. Definitely bring a travel umbrella, two pair of comfortable yet stylish walking shoes (wear the heaviest pair for travel) lots of scarves that co-ordinate with all your outfits. I packed mostly black and khaki or tan pants and skirts and used red, white, black, cream for tops, sweaters etc. with scarves that could dress up and co-ordinate with everything. I had a black trench, wore it on the plane, it was a life saver. It was fun to pack light and necessary, as we were traveling by train from city to city! Take lots of pictures and have a great time!

16 years ago

Ele

(website)

Active Member

Debbie, can you remind me again when/where you're going? I've been to Italy in March and it can be very cold and wet- similar to the UK, really. I think Angie's given you a great list, and I especially back a trench, great jeans (they'll be what you wear the most- just wait!), a versatile dress (don't forget the tights/leggings to wear with it!) and scarves.

As for not wanting to leave your daughter, I totally understand. I'm not a mum, but I have one, and every time she has to say goodbye to me at the airport (I've lived abroad for 3+ years) she cries. Every time, without fail- but she says that as soon as I'm out of sight, she's fine. It's just the goodbye that gets her! Remember that this is going to be an INCREDIBLE experience for your daughter, and will likely bring you two even closer in the end (I appreciate my Mum more, now that I get limited time with her). In fact, I'm completely jealous of your daughter- Italy is one of my favourite places on earth!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good point, Ele! Check the weather report before you go and lets discuss this again.

16 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

Just checked the weather the average low is 37 and the average high is 57. There is a 20% chance of rain every day. I found a trench yesterday that I'm in love with if I can find my size. I have one but my oldest daughter took it home with her. Kids (lol)

16 years ago

Anonymous

I envy you your trip to Italy. Just a note not to take athletic shoes, especially white, or you will be a walking target for the gypsy children who can spot you as an American tourist from four blocks away!
If your daughter is going to Florence, there are more American students there than Italians, or so it seems. We often rode with them in the train compartments and they usually say that they only interact with other Americans in Italy, which seems sad.
Italy around Florence and Venice was quite damp and chilly in March. I also packed everything in a carry-on which made train travel easy. A cashmere sweater was valuable as it was warm but not bulky or heavy. I take a dress, two pairs of pants, and tops that can be layered depending on the weather. Plan to buy some scarves there. You will see lots of leather coats! Can you layer your red leather coat under your trench?

16 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

She is going to Rome. She will be living in an apt with 3 girls from Europe. If I buy the new trench I think I can layer the jacket under. I will take my cashmere sweater too. Thanks for all of the advice. I need it.

16 years ago

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