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WIW: keeping it real (long)

Cerinda

Veteran

Long and winding. Apologies.

So another YLF aha moment (this one courtesy of Elizabeth P):

I finally realized (finally!) that I
wasn’t happy wearing cast-offs and gear 24/7 when I went to the mountain. I neither looked like my urban self, nor did
I look like the 20YO climbers and boarders up there. I think my clothes were helping make me feel old and worn

So, maybe it's time to purge the entire cabin capsule... not the gear, but everything else. Is this the next step toward embracing my casual lifestyle? Can I learn to just think casual and not location? Does this mean I am a real grown-up and I don't need playclothes?

Functional constraints: I don't have to gut fish (looking at you, Elly)-- just hike, walk dogs, ski, read, write, play board games; need to dress warmly, even in summer; no doing laundry; no closet (and tiny closet in old house). Boots and raingear stay there.

What would you take for 5 - 7 days in transitional weather?

Maybe 3 jeans/trousers/shorts, 7 tanks/tees, 2 sweaters, a hoodie, and a polarfleece? And the first three categories from my REGULAR casual wardrobe, right?

What prompted this realization:

#1: I only wear this Gap olive twill jacket in the summer at the cabin. It is the only olive topper I have, but these pictures suggest it isn't even JFE or current enough to keep. The cotton EF trous are my hot weather favorites, but only for really casual looks. Ancient Naot platinum sandals. Thrifted long slub tee. Vince Camuto white/snake bag (going to consignment next spring).
#2: Sub Lucky denim vest for olive jacket. JFE?? The vest works with a lot of things in my urban wardrobe. Not pictured, sub wine backpack for white bag.
#3: Bonus poodle pic

Looking for honest feedback and helpful planning tips. Purge the jacket? Replace the trous?

You’ll keep me honest, won’t you?

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Rebecca Minkoff 'Line Quilted Julian' Backpack

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Roffe Accessories Ikat Embroidered Scarf

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Cerinda

unfrumped

Veteran

I can so relate to casual capsule issues.

I wonder if you maybe want to be more picky about fit. And maybe some modernization of silhouettes.
I tend to throw fit to the wind in the search for comfort. And certainly, I can't tolerate tight or binding clothes for at-home or for activewear. So that means I sometimes skew sloppy. I am trying to look for fabrications that have better fit and comfort, and that elusive perfect balance of how a garment is styled for action/relaxation but still has some good fit.

donnat

Veteran

I think you look perfect for the mountain. Maybe just get a couple new things to freshen up the capsule.
I love the poodles.. i have a standard too .

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First off, hugs to your gorgeous companions! They are beauties. I love poodles. They are so smart.

Next, what a beautiful lush environment you're inhabiting at your "cabin."

If you would feel happier and more grown up in your regular casual clothes at your cabin vs. older worn or cast-off items, then I say: WEAR THEM.

The only possible wrinkle is this (and it may already have occurred to you): Casual comes in numerous gradations.

My entire life is casual, pretty much (except when I decide to dress up on purpose.) But my work-at-home casual is different from my go-to-the-beach casual is different from my meet-friends-at-pub casual. It helps to be really analytical about your needs.

At home, for me, comfort rules -- and comfort means clothes I can move in and curl up on the sofa in. Yet I also want great colours so I don't feel drained, and I also want to be able to add a "third piece" quickly if I decide to go out. When I do go out, I want more structure in my outfits.

For the kind of cabin life you've described and the length of visit, I would probably take the approximate number of items you mention. I might ditch the polar fleece (or leave at the cabin) in favour of a great pullover or casual jacket. Ditto the hoodie for a terrific cardigan. In transitional weather I might want a pair of leggings or ponte trousers as well as jeans. I would also want one rugged pair of booties (not for serious hikes but for walking around), one decent pair of sneakers or shoes that I could walk and do light hiking in, and (possibly) one sandal. I would bring a couple of lightweight scarves (as you seem to be doing). I would bring a nylon backpack for hiking as well as a fashion bag. (Love the one you pictured!)

I think it is probably time to let go of the olive or sage jacket. The vest is fun if it provides you with enough warmth in the conditions.

It just occurred to me -- I've often packed for artists' retreats in transitional weather in the mountains at Banff. I have a few packing posts on that somewhere in the archives. Mostly I go there in May, where you can get anything from snow to 25C days and hot sun. I do have laundry facilities there; also, I go for up to a month at a time. And I have a few varied activities since I also usually have to present and visit with city friends. My usual staples:

2 to 3 jeans (one white -- to look "spring" like).
1 ponte pant
1 wool turtleneck
1 cashmere hoodie to wear as lounge and regular wear
2 to 3 cotton or cotton blend sweaters to be layered or worn alone
2 to 3 long sleeve shirts/ blouses that I can layer or not
3 or 4 3/4 length sleeve linen tees with layering tanks for under
1 wool blazer
1 dressy bootie
1 dress (for events that I have to attend/ present at)
scarves (usually 3)
1 rugged boot
1 sneaker
1 casual flat shoe that can be used to walk into town
1 dress bootie
1 bag
1 leather jacket

Plus gear -- exercise, swim, rain jacket, sleepwear, undies.

Some examples of the kinds of things I'd wear below.

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Blundstone BL1301

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Merino turtle-neck sweater

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French Sailor's Shirt, Three-Quarter-Sleeve Boatneck

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Slim cotton-cashmere crewneck sweater

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Belmonte Dark Navy Tuxedo Jacket

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KUT from the Kloth 'Diana' Skinny Jeans (White)

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Citizens of Humanity 'Racer' Whiskered Skinny Jeans (Patina)

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The Dre Skinny Boyfriend Jeans

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Banana Republic

Sloan-Fit Slim Ankle-Zip Pant

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E

Veteran

Poodles! I actually really like #1, because you blend into the woods so well, and that scarf is gorgeous, and the whole outfit has a kind of slouchy insouciance, but I am not picky about fit, so I'll leave that to others.

I find it interesting how *differently* people approach the same tasks! For instance, I walk in the woods near my house almost every day, and I'm happy wearing everyday clothes to do so (including a lot of full skirts & fit and flare dresses). However, even in the height of summer, I have to wear closed-toed shoes, because I *hate* dirt and wood chips and leaves and everything else getting all over in my feet. So my two pairs of Aurora loafers get a lot of wear, since they're closed toed shoes I can wear comfortably wear barefoot in the heat (I'm actually planning to add another pair next year, so that I'll have them in navy, brown, and burgundy). And my closet doesn't have a spec of gear, other than my vintage leather hiking boots; I use wool cardigans instead of fleeces, hand knit berets in place of hoodies, and lace-up oxfords/ankle boots (or the aforementioned Aurora flats) instead of sneakers, simply because I feel much more psychologically comfortable in those styles.

Anyway, I suppose my point is, I think you can definitely use your casual city clothes at the cabin, as long as they're comfortable for the weather & you don't feel out of place with the colours. Wearing my regular clothes to the woods doesn't really seem to affect their wear; I don't get any sweatier than in regular life (since my pup prefers the 'sauntering' pace & I'm usually too distracted by looking at plants & animals anyway...this is not a power walk situation, lol) and can just brush off my bum after I've sat on a log. Dirty paw prints tend to either brush off or wash out too. My blush skinnies even survived me having to scootch down a very steep hill in an awkward squat/hovering maneuver when I first moved last year & hadn't discovered the switchback trial yet. hehe If your city clothes make you feel better, wear them instead!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm really glad that E brought this up -- my regular casual clothes don't get any more "worn out" in the mountain than they do in my city life.

Mind you, I have to admit that when I do a serious hike up the mountain I do wear my gear -- trail runners, usually my gear shorts, etc. That's more for comfort than concern about wear, though.

Cerinda

Veteran

modernization of silhouettes: I think you nailed it, Unfrumped. There’s too much volume in both these looks. Yes, I’m happy doing a lot of volume over slim, but maybe these trousers need something shorter and more fitted?

Casual comes in numerous gradations. OMG, Suz, don’t it just??? WAH for me is straight leg denim with a fluid --often fairly voluminous—top. Add accessories and a third piece, and I’m ready for running around, going to the university, seeing my adult children, meeting the ladies for happy hour. Then it gets tricky: date night and performance events – I always want to up the ante, but environmental norms around here are so incredibly casual that I fear being OTT.

Wearing my regular clothes to the woods doesn't really seem to affect their wear. This is exactly the encouragement I need, E! Maybe not the white jeans, but everything else can double: the cabin capsule can be just a subset of the WAH items! << major light bulb moment>> And if they wear out faster, so be it: I will have had twice the pleasure and twice the wears!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yup, white jeans are kind of OTT for a real cabin, LOL.

And I totally hear you on that fear of being OTT. There's a certain amount that seems okay and then suddenly it almost feels disrespectful to others or unkind....I don't know why.

E

Veteran

I wouldn't bring the white jeans either! The blush skinny incident was an aberration, lol. I'm glad to have encouraged you! And I agree w you and Suz about levels of casual and OTT-ness. Even though I don't blend in at all to my sartorial environment, I try to make sure my outfits have a kind of sturdiness to them that emphasises their casual nature, vs looking like I'm off to a ball all of the time.

Elly

Veteran

When we day trip to the mountains, without fish gutting and serious hiking, I wear my "everyday" clothing--- but then again, I wear a lot of jeans, washable cotton pants, tees, an army jacket and denim jacket and leather jacket, flannel shirts, etc. Usually I wear sneakers or leather boots. I do like to have a gear fleece to throw on, and at least one pair of really sturdy shoes-- makes me feel prepared.

I really like the vest and scarf in combo two-- the pants aren't the best shape, it seems.

catgirl

Veteran

I totally understand. I've learned that I don't feel great in my cabin-wear either - it tends to be discarded stuff that I paid enough for that I feel guilty just dumping it, so it lives at the cabin now. And I don't want to wear it there either. The next time we are there, I've vowed to bring a garbage bag and donate it all except for the sleepwear.

This weekend, I had exactly this sort of transitional weather and activity type at our cabin. I wore some sized-up Levis skinnies, old Frye Phillip short harness boots, a long sleeved thermal tee and a quilted Old Navy vest. I'd call this a durable version of my usual formulas, with nothing irreplaceable if ruined by campfire or dirt. We walked the dog on muddy trails, roamed around the "town", and the next day went to the state fair which is a dusty mess involving a petting zoo and lots of food spillage. This outfit was functional, comfortable, washable, and I felt like myself. My DH took some pics with a real camera of me in the wild that I will share when he uploads.

I always take a down jacket and rain gear because of our weather and hiking boots and sneakers in case of a run or a real hike.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I'm following along here because I have a ranch capsule that is almost totally made from cast-offs from my home wardrobe. (My husband owns and runs a cattle ranch in east Texas, so I end up spending about two months a year there.) The clothes I've taken to TX are all casual things that I don't want to wear at home anymore, so I don't mind trashing them in the dust and mud and general wear and tear that assaults them in Texas. Even so, I find some things that I have stopped wearing at home I don't even want to wear on the ranch, even though I carted them all down there! Next time I'm in Texas, I will be taking a bag (or two) of things to the Goodwill for donation. On the occasions when we go into Dallas or go to dinner or whatever, I want to feel like myself, just like you talked about. That's why I always end up taking along a favorite pair of jeans and boots, etc., when I go visit the ranch.

My ranch capsule -- and my photo exploration capsule -- truly do need to be much more disposable (or durable/washable) than my regular clothes. I have to be ok with things getting stained, torn, and scuffed. So if anyone needs something to have an authentically distressed patina, I can help you out with that! But no, I never feel fabulous in those outfits, but that's OK. I'm always happy to go back to my regular wardrobe.

As for your cabin outfits pictured, I really don't think they're bad at all. Certainly better than what I wear on the ranch! I like the color of that olive jacket on you, and I actually prefer it to the vest, but if you're tired of it, now might be a good time to look for a new one that makes you happier -- there seem to be a few good ones out there in the retail world right now.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

What cuties you have for company! Love those dogs!

I think Suz, unfrumped and E have pointed you in the right direction. Use your WAH clothes for cabin and as long as you stick to a casual formula of jeans, tees, pullovers and jackets, you don't have to worry about being OTT. I think Suz has shown some amazing examples of how to dress casual, comfortable and yet look polished.

I think the FIT of your clothes is what will make a HUGE difference. I actually like your jacket. I think it'll look a lot better with some structured jeans. As long as you wear volume only on the top or the bottom, your cabin clothes are good. Try the pants with a more fitted sweater and the jacket with more fitted jeans. And I LOVE THE SCARVES!

Sara L.

Veteran

Yay poodles! I currently have a black standard poodle - she's great and lets my toddler crawl all over her and pull toys out of her mouth.

My parents have a cabin in the mountains and I pack depending on activity. If we are doing a lot of hiking, I bring mostly gear because I find it cooler to wear than a regular t-shirt or jeans. Trips that involve going to town with little to no hiking involved, I bring my regular weekend clothes. I'm fine taking short walks in the woods in regular clothes and good shoes. I try to bring comfortable stuff since we spend a lot of time lazing around when we're up there. I bring leggings and tunics in the winter, or my JAG jeans (so comfortable) and my usual shorts and tanks in the summer. Layering is always tricky for me and that's where I have the most problems in figuring out what to take.

I understand not wanting to feel frumpy though because I used to have the same problem when packing for the cabin.

Cerinda

Veteran

Yes, some gear is non-negotiable because of our changeable climate, like Elly and Alaskagirl say. High-tech long johns, down vest, soft shell, rain gear, hiking boots. But this may be the way to love the boots that are just too dated for real wear -- much-loved comfy, sturdy, designated dog walk shoes.

Maneera, I've just starting taking scarves along this summer; they do help me feel like me. Maybe I'll give the jacket and trousers (separately) another chance: SYC for fitted tops (surely, there are some hiding in there!) and straight-legs. Part of it, too, is putting a little more energy into packing, making sure everything fits within a given silhouette. That's the layering piece, Sara L., brings up. Down and denim vests work better with my usual tops, but the polar fleece /soft shell is just so dang useful out on the trail!

Janet, how much of this is environmental? I used to ruin my playclothes when I lived in the Midwest, but not in England or Oregon (wet = good?). And ranches and livestock involve physical labor, which I generally avoid. Even when my work takes me into the field, I seldom ruin anything. Oh, except for when I have to trudge through soggy boggy stuff and ruin my boots. I wonder: is there a more supportive, comfortable alternative to Hunters?

Purging the cabin capsule this week...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wooohoooo. Good job, Cerinda. And your doggies are sweeties.

Try Aquatalia, Blondo and Uggs for supportive weatherproof boot options. Or Bogs if you want more of a Wellie.

Cerinda

Veteran

Angie, my new Aquatalias --this season's reckless self-indulgence-- are sort of ankle length. When I have to slog, it's inevitably through over-the-ankle soaking wet ick -- I've even ruined a pair of hikers lined with gore-tex! I'll look at the Bogs. Or maybe I should just ape my colleagues and carry fisherman's waders in my pack? Now that's a fashion statement!

kerlyn

Veteran

This has become a real issue for me since we spent more time at the lake and a friend's cabin this summer. I definitely want to upgrade some of my gear. I find I'm not comfortable hiking in jeans...I need pants that will move with me and stretch a bit, possibly get wet or muddy. Still working that one out. My Keen sandals are fine for warm weather, but I may need to invest in some hiking boots for cooler weather.

This is such a tricky capsule. I know for me, when at the lake, I may need to swim, hike, boat, cook a meal, but I still want to look cute for enjoying a beer or glass of wine on the deck!

You look so much more put together than I did last weekend! And I love the denim vest!

Cerinda

Veteran

Kerlyn, it IS tricky. I've found gear that functions well, but it just looks so, well, gearish, and REALLY unflattering on this body. Forever searching for the perfect fleece.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Hey Cerinda. Read this a while ago but had no time to comment.

I'm so glad I helped you have an "ah ha" moment... what your post has done is made me realize that while I may have made a step or two forward in my "hot and sticky" capsule, lower the temps a few degrees, and man oh man, am I in trouble. Heading to a cottage or camp when the temps are cooler, and I'm back in the gear and fleece, trust me. I can't imagine walking/hiking in jeans. I'm all about pants made out of tough fabric (not necessarily thick, more rip-stop) and some give. Love fleece MEC dresses me for these occasions. So I'm of NO help whatsoever here, and am now heading back to the drawing board...

Although... capri's like the Athleta ones from last year, and the Zella ones from this year, could easily cover off the "appropriate plus one" criteria, with the right top. And I also have some nice not-yoga pants from Lululemon, that are a good cross over as well. The "silky track pant" idea.

But in terms of the "hanging out" aspect of being at a camp, I think leggings or ponte pants, with long tees, sweaters, cardigans etc would be perfect. Scarves are a great idea. I think your outfit above is a but voluminous and "crumpled" looking... sleeker fabrics (esp on the bottom) would up the overall look immensely.

Love to know how you make out with this, for obvious reasons. Keep us posted!

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Cerinda

Veteran

Elizabeth P., I wear jeans for hiking except when it's really wet. And then it's usually something from Columbia Sportswear because I shop local. Gearish straight legs over long johns or fleece tights, sometimes even with long johns and rain pants. Hanging out, jeans all the way unless the temps exceed 90. Last week it was over 90 when we arrived and barely 60 when we left: transitions, grrrrr.

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