Update to this post:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....d-guessing
Sorry no pics but I wanted to post an update for my own reference and anyone else planning such a trip in the future!
I successfully got everything smashed into the spinner bag, but in retrospect, could have/should have packed lighter and not have second guessed myself last-minute. I did not wear everything, although I did make a concerted effort to try to wear everything at least once, so I was very close. However I could have easily been happy with less.
Let's start with what I *didn't* wear:
1. Jeans.
Lesson learned: when I travel I prefer the comfort of ponte knit pants, tights, dresses -- anything rather than denim.
2. Cashmere pullover.
I almost wore this a couple of times, but ultimately wasn't feeling it. The reason is pretty basic -- it's seen better days and has developed some pills. I have this on my list for an update, as this pullover used to be a travel favorite. Which is why it's got pills now....
3. Cotton pullover.
Another favorite for travel, but it was too cold, even with a layer underneath.
What I only wore once:
1. Dress.
This was needed for theater, so wasn't useless. And I could have worn it more than once, I just opted not to.
2. Rain trench.
When we landed in London, it was warm and humid. Then the temps just kept dropping. So I barely wore this and could have left it at home. Meanwhile, the wool Burberry was absolutely perfect. Astrid, you were right!
3. Sneakers AND booties.
I wound up living in my tall boots. Why? Because somehow, on the second day in London, I did something to my ankle. Re-injured an older injury from last year. You'd think that the flatter shoes would have been ideal but for some reason having just a bit of a wedge was less painful for walking, so the tall boots were just the ticket, and also provided much more ankle stability to keep the injury from worsening. That said, if it hadn't been for the ankle problem (not caused by the shoes), I packed just the right footwear.
4. White linen tee.
I love this - it's really comfortable and fits and layers well, and is great for temp regulation when you are perimenopausal. But something about linen tees... I don't know. After a few hours, I just don't feel fresh and crisp. Even if there aren't any wrinkles... the top just seems to ... sag? Is this just me?
What I wore the most - the workhorses:
1. Wool burberry trench (as noted above already).
2. All three scarves got even amounts of wear.
3. The three cardigans -- lighter weight long cascading; mid weight short cascading; heavier cozier hip length -- I rotated them depending on weather. They were great because I could layer short or long sleeve underneath, and peel them off if I got too warm. And if you are reading closely, yes, at the very last minute, I tossed in a third cardigan. And I'm glad I did.
4. EF skirted leggings -- I wound up wearing these MORE often than the ponte knit pants. They were just soooo comfy. I put fleece leggings underneath for warmth. Also, FYI, I spotted a lot of women in skirted leggings in London, so I was "on trend." Also FYI, it seemed like 90% of the women in London were wearing black leggings, skirted or not.
5. 66 North gear -- In Iceland I stocked up and bought a new sporty zip hoodie, a merino wool top, and tights. I then wound up wearing the hoodie quite a bit, in Iceland and on our weekend jaunt outside of London. With the merino wool top, the hoodie, the tights under my EF leggings, and my wool trench I was plenty warm... even when our rental car broke down and we had to sit on the side of the highway for 4 hours awaiting a tow. I also found the merino top handy to sleep in. From now on, whenever I travel someplace cold, these items are going with me!
6. LL Bean Silk Pajamas -- I invested in these a few months ago, for travel purposes since they are lightweight, pack up small, wash & dry quickly. I don't know how I ever lived without them. I am probably duplicating so I can sleep only in these. Great for hot flashes/menopausal temperature regulation. And of course, layering.
7. White leather Minkoff backpack -- wore this everywhere for the whole trip. It worked fantastic, and my back appreciated it. Kept me hands free. Roomy enough to carry a hat, gloves, ibuprofen, water bottle, passports, scarf, etc, etc. The white may not be all that practical for traveling (had a panic when DH's pen exploded inches near it - yikes!), but it nicely broke up all the black I was wearing. (My color scheme was black, grey, white, and light blue).
What I wish I had brought:
Only one item: a better hat. The one I brought was okay for most days except the windiest ones. It stayed on my head, but the wind would cut right through.
Otherwise, I didn't miss anything else. Which means I did good.
