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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: . https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:39:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1/page/2#post-1263405 Wed, 28 May 2014 21:28:17 +0000 carter 1263405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Rachylou! Sandals are my walking shoes! I have sneakers if I need them. Gaylene, my suitcase is a medium size that I can easily handle on my own. We will happily pay for porters, taxis, drivers when we need them though. I have added a couple pullover sweaters that I would wear here in 40-50 degrees without a coat. I must be really off kilter in the temperature department, because my "heavy" coat is a lightweight quilted jacket, and even that's too much unless it's super cold. You'd better believe I'm going to take plenty of notes on this trip so I don't have to go through this whole process next time! I promise to report back on everything---even if I find I was wrong;-) Thanks, Raisin! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1/page/2#post-1263395 Wed, 28 May 2014 21:14:59 +0000 carter 1263395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, I think everyone's convinced me to throw in my grey jeans and a couple light sweaters:-). I've thought a great deal about the shoes. I may throw in an old pair of loafers for walking through puddles and debris, but honestly, closed toe shoes are so risky for me. One wrong step on cobblestones and that joint will swell so badly that I won't be able to walk in loafers. I also have to focus on how I walk in loafers because they let my toe bend past the point of pain. The sandals don't do that, and they also accommodate a swollen foot. All things considered, I think I'm better dealing with season confusion than more pain than I can stand. Thanks, Lyn67! J'Aileen, so sorry you had to deal with the PF too! My husband got inserts a couple weeks ago, and they are helping. He also just bought a couple of pair of podiatrist-approved shoes for the trip. On Monday, he is having a cortisone shot in each heel. SO happy to hear that that worked for you! And yes, unless I keep adding sweaters, I have plenty of room for purchases! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1/page/2#post-1263385 Wed, 28 May 2014 21:03:14 +0000 carter 1263385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry...I've been out all day. Will respond to all in a minute. Raisin on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1/page/2#post-1263264 Wed, 28 May 2014 17:53:01 +0000 Raisin 1263264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, looks like a great travel wardrobe!  I love how you went through all the outfit possibilities.   Gaylene on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1/page/2#post-1263256 Wed, 28 May 2014 17:37:25 +0000 Gaylene 1263256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As a packing minimalist, I'm fascinated by larger travel wardrobes because I think everyone has different needs and priorities. As a North American who regularly spends time in the spring and fall in the UK and Northern Europe, I can certainly relate to Parsley's feeling of standing out if I wear certain outfits in Paris and London that wouldn't get a second glance back home. To my eye, I think you'd totally feel comfortable in your cool weather outfits in the streets of both London and Paris. Crops, sandals, and t-shirts, on the other hand, look quite casual for city wear and would be more likely to be worn by visitors or very young women, at least in my experience. Luggage isn't really much of an issue if you will only need to handle it in the airport and are staying put in a full-service, five-star hotel with elevators, reasonably large rooms, and a staff to help you with your luggage, and you can afford to hire a driver and car to shuttle you to and from airports and train stations. I've found that travelers at this level definitely have an upper-class look unless they are rock stars. Just a couple more observations that you might find useful. Porters are very rare, taxis smaller, larger wheeled luggage looks unwieldy and hard to maneuver on uneven streets and in crowds, not all train stations and subways have elevators or escalators (and those staircases can seem endless!), European hotel rooms are often quite a bit smaller than those in North America and the elevators can be tiny, and you might have to spend time guarding your luggage in crowded stations on days were you are traveling from place to place. In fact, the last situation is really my biggest reason for not traveling with a larger suitcase because I prefer to spend my time in a cafe, or walking around, on those travel days instead of being stuck in a crowded area with my bags. But I think different modes of travel work for different people and we all make our own trade offs. One thing, though, I'd personally love to know is how this wardrobe works out for you because you've obviously put a lot of thought into it. Will you miss not having a wool sweater--or any of the other things suggested in this thread? Did you find your luggage a hassle or was it a good trade off to have a choice of what to wear every day? What items got the most use? Or the least? Who knows, maybe you'll convince me that have a bit more variety might make hauling a bigger suitcase worthwhile because I know how happy I am to get back to my regular wardrobe after a month in black pants and a trench! rachylou on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1/page/2#post-1263227 Wed, 28 May 2014 17:08:01 +0000 rachylou 1263227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice tight colour palette. I thought the same as Joy... I don't see walking shoes...? JAileen on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1263098 Wed, 28 May 2014 14:29:08 +0000 JAileen 1263098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think your choices are very thoughtful resulting in a lot of great outfits with flexibility. It does look like a lot of clothes, though. Are you leaving enough space in your bag for souvenirs? Regarding your husband's plantar fasciitis: we were headed to Scotland for ten days and I could barely walk, from P.F. I saw a podiatrist who gave me special shoe inserts and shots in both feet (steroids? I'm not sure). Anyway, I was able to walk miles each day, with no pain. BTW, it's been ten years and I still use the inserts. I love love love them! lyn67 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1263028 Wed, 28 May 2014 12:44:05 +0000 lyn67 1263028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What? Aren't you a french girl, already? :-)...you will certainly not look like a tourist. Is that good or bad? I was going to worry about so many sandals myself, too, but from your answer to Angie I see you're choices are  very conscious, and so then, it's all sorted! Your travel capsule is more than fab, seems comfy, very polished and not boring at all! Esp. love the fuchsia pops! Hope you'll have a great time in the EU Carter!:-) Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1263015 Wed, 28 May 2014 12:13:12 +0000 Anonymous 1263015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, you have a beautiful capsule. I am concerned with your footwear. In Ireland I lived in my short graphite grey boots and a good looking pair of well padded sneaks would have worked pretty well. My ballet flats, although New Balance and well padded, were painful to walk in on the uneven surfaces. I needed them to go out in the evenings but my feet bottoms were not happy. There were lots of boots. If you have a pair that you can walk in all day, take them and leave all the sandals home. Think wet, slippery, picturesque but uneven surfaces everywhere. The bottoms of your feet take a beating. You will probably see lots of dresses. You may want to pack a skirt. I wish I had. People are more dressed up than I'd thought in Ireland. My mint (color of choice to add to neutrals) stands out more than I like. A whole top of that color is too much. I second Shiny's recommendation of a cashmere sweater. You can layer over and under and stay comfortable. I even wore mine a lot in Italy in summer. European summers are more like our early spring. Zurich.. My first trip I had to buy a woolen sweater and wool socks there in July. They are telling me that this year has been especially cool. Of course that could change. Can your leather coat take rain? Faux leather seems ideal for Europe for the rain and wind yet still having the look of leather. rute on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262998 Wed, 28 May 2014 11:50:17 +0000 rute 1262998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous colors. Maybe a trench? It rains a lot there  Mona on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262984 Wed, 28 May 2014 11:31:27 +0000 Mona 1262984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have got some great advice from other fabbers. I just want to say that you have done a brilliant job with this capsule. The black and white print mixed with pink looks so polished and fun at the same time. crutcher on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262971 Wed, 28 May 2014 11:03:18 +0000 crutcher 1262971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great capsule...the suggestions here are perfect as you plan and adjust...I love your neutral color palate...Both of you with foot issues...Take a lot of coffee breaks...(I would love that)...Have fun and certainly you have done your homework... carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262745 Wed, 28 May 2014 03:26:09 +0000 carter 1262745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Aubergine! Good point about the white blouse. As long as my husband sits on the other side of the table from me, I generally come out unscathed. Although, now that I've said that, I'll probably pour a glass of red wine all over myself. I'll see if I have anything else that may work. I will have to re-wear most tops, but I have done a test run with handwashing and hanging to dry for everything except the white blouse and the new green tunic. No wrinkles and all dry by the next day. Thanks, Neel. I'll let you know how it goes. Looking forward to seeing your travel capsule! Thanks, Carolbee! 6 weeks! I hope you'll have access to a laundry. I could make this last six weeks with handwashing the tops, but I'd have to have the pants laundered a time or two. Looking forward to seeing what you take! carolbee on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262735 Wed, 28 May 2014 03:10:16 +0000 carolbee 1262735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, this is a fabulous travel capsule.  Love the colours.  Watching with interest I take off for nearly 6 weeks in Europe soon, so I must get my act together and post some pics, as I need help deciding on some items.  I'm much more constrained than you though, as I am strictly a carry on traveller. Neel on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262734 Wed, 28 May 2014 03:09:36 +0000 Neel 1262734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! This is a brilliant travel capsule. I am marking it as favorite for future reference (we are planning a euro trip too in mid July). I would never be this organized I know but I could try this one time :) You should give your self a pat on the back Carter Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262729 Wed, 28 May 2014 02:59:09 +0000 Anonymous 1262729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Everything looks good to me! With so many people here who are really good at ultra-tiny capsule wardrobes, I'm glad to see someone else who packs a lot. Especially since it all sounds like it doesn't take all that much space. And there's something to be said for not having to strategically choose everything you wear in the earlier part of the trip with an eye toward maximizing re-wearings.  The only thing I'd wonder about is the white silk top if you think you might be expecting to get more than one wearing out of it, just because it seems like it would be very noticeable if you got any kind of stain on it. I'm sure you're neater than I am, though. And have fun! Kristin L on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262692 Wed, 28 May 2014 01:59:00 +0000 Kristin L 1262692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you've got a great capsule put together. And with everyone's recommendations, you should be covered. Have fun! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262690 Wed, 28 May 2014 01:56:33 +0000 carter 1262690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Eewww! Fleas and dog poop? Yeesh. Shiny, I will definitely add more warm scarves/pashminas. I can also add a cashmere sweater. I wish my husband could carry a backpack. I just can't ask him to take more weight with his heel issue. I imagine I'll be parking him at many a cafe to people watch with coffee/wine while I run around a few blocks to shop. I'll definitely leave the heavy bag with him then. Thanks, rabbit! I will certainly be watching where I step now. rabbit on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262658 Wed, 28 May 2014 01:32:56 +0000 rabbit 1262658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your colors and outfit coordination are gorgeous! Just adding onto what Shiny said, Parisians are also kind of notorious for not cleaning up after their dogs. ... Also think about walking around/through puddles in the UK.   shiny on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262652 Wed, 28 May 2014 01:27:22 +0000 shiny 1262652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If it helps on, our recent trip to San Fran we had very similar temperature range. I also run hot. It drove me nuts because the temperature would fluctuate so much during the day, and I was constantly peeling off or putting on layers. Based on that experience alone, I'd definitely suggest packing extra scarves, especially warmer ones (lightweight pashmina in generous size). Scarves always make a huge difference for me, not just fashionably speaking.  I'd also suggest packing a lightweight non-bulky cashmere long sleeve sweater if you have one? I brought my Vince Ombre cashmere sweater, which I is so light, I can roll it up into my handbag and it takes up very little room. I carried it with me everywhere, and popped it over pretty much everything - dresses jeans slacks - whenever I needed the extra warmth, because day started out hot & short sleeve/sandal weather but wound up windy and chilly.  Does your hubby have a backpack? Mine brought his to Paris and it came in handy -- we'd load it up with blanket, wine glasses, buy cheese, wine, baguette and go have picnic in the park. Of course I also offloaded extra shoes to him to carry!  I get you on the sandals and foot issues, totally. But one thing to be aware of is that there can be fleas on the subway in Paris. Learned the hard way that there is a reason Parisians wear long pants, socks, and covered shoes in the subway.... even in August and 90 degree temps...  Jaime on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262643 Wed, 28 May 2014 01:14:20 +0000 Jaime 1262643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another fan of the colors and you have a lot of great looks. Can only echo the great advice about footwear. Hope you take lots of pictures! Parsley on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262640 Wed, 28 May 2014 01:12:47 +0000 Parsley 1262640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, no, both of you with foot issues! :-( Sorry to hear that. Do pamper yourselves so as not to make it worse! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262626 Wed, 28 May 2014 01:02:08 +0000 carter 1262626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ thanks, TL! Can't wait to see how your final capsule turns out. Thanks for the thoughts, Parsley. I'll throw in the grey jeans. If I spend more time in my clunky sneakers, that's ok. I should say, though, that we won't be walking as much as normal. My husband has planter fasciitis in both heels, so we'll spend more time in cabs and the subway. I like the utility jacket you found. I'll try to swing by to try it this week. My leather coat (car length) is my version of a blazer. Multiple cardis are there so I can wad them up and stuff them in my tote when I can't take it any longer. I can't do that with my leather coat, but perhaps I could with the utility jacket. Parsley on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262567 Wed, 28 May 2014 00:07:55 +0000 Parsley 1262567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great travel capsule, Carter! I love the pink as a pop of color with the neutrals! My concern is along the same lines as Angie's: footwear. First of all, the sandals. I know you have foot issues to think about, but I think this time of year you'd do better with closed shoes. Second, can you really walk for miles and miles over cobblestones in those open back sandals? I couldn't. I suspect that you'll end up wearing your skechers or your "clunker" sneakers more of the time than you think unless you have some other really comfortable walking shoes. I also think your clothing choices skew more toward warm weather than what you'll probably need or want. I'm remembering a trip I took to Paris around the same time of year, when I left the hotel the first day wearing what I'd wear here (midwest US)- crop pants, sandals, and a short-sleeved linen top. After walking a couple of blocks I turned around and went back to the hotel to change! Not because I was uncomfortable temperature-wise, but because I felt half naked compared to everyone else on the street! Everyone was wearing full-length pants, closed shoes, and a lightweight jacket! I really felt like I stood out in my outfit. I would highly recommend taking some sort of neutral jacket if you've got one. It could replace some of your cardigans and be more versatile. Something like one of these two, maybe? Or maybe a knit blazer? <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eileen-fisher-stand-collar-jacket-regular-petite/3782692?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=PEWTER&resultback=2271&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_7_A">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ei.....n=category</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hinge-expedition-cotton-twill-jacket/3585036?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=STONE&resultback=1898&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_6_B">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hi.....ersonalize</a> I think your idea of swapping the tan crop pants for a pair of gray jeans is a good one, and then you can also leave one pair of sandals. Next question is, do you really need a raincoat and a leather coat? If you could get by with just the raincoat for cool evenings you'd save a fair amount of space in your bag. I think you're on the right track here, so these are just suggested tweaks. Sorry to have written a book- I love packing planning, and get carried away! TraceyLiz65 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262475 Tue, 27 May 2014 22:54:32 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1262475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the colors too!  I am happy to see someone else taking lots of shoes.. I still have to whittle that down and add in some dresses and skirts... Such a weird thing to be doing it so soon in advance but neccessary with the way I pack and unpack Fall/Winter...  Angie on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262465 Tue, 27 May 2014 22:49:05 +0000 Angie 1262465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That sounds like a plan, Carter. I feel better knowing that your footsies are pain-free - and covered. Have a killer trip. xo carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262457 Tue, 27 May 2014 22:44:36 +0000 carter 1262457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Suz! I studied your travel capsule:-). Thanks, Angie! We're going to Paris and London, with a quick stop in Zurich. I don't own any booties (ducking for cover). The arthritis and bone spur in my right foot are so bad that I wear sandals from mid Feb to mid Nov. My feet swell considerably when I'm on them all day, so when the nerve gets trapped between a confining shoe and a swollen foot/bone spur, it's really unbearable. For the mornings it's really chilly, I'll likely start in loafers and stash a pair of sandals in my tote so I can change when I need to. Angie on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262434 Tue, 27 May 2014 22:24:20 +0000 Angie 1262434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great capsule.  I do worry about three pairs of sandals though. It's just not warm enough for that, Carter. One pair of sandals seems plenty - optimistic even. Unless you're going to the very south of Europe - are you?  I think you need to bring a pair of booties and stick to loafers unless the weather forecast changes drastically.  Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262403 Tue, 27 May 2014 21:41:35 +0000 Suz 1262403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is gorgeous, and I LOVE your colours!! If it rains, they'll perk you up, and if it's sunny, you'll fit right in with the flowers. It looks as if you have all weathers covered, and I personally approve your decision to bring lots of shoes. Fortunately that is easier in warmer weather than in winter because they take up less space. I think you're going to be comfortable and happy in these outfits! This is planning at its finest.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/europe-travel-capsule-take-1#post-1262385 Tue, 27 May 2014 21:23:30 +0000 carter 1262385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Erikajil! I tried to follow all the wonderful advice I got from a previous post. We'll see how it all works out!