YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Tech Rehearsal

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Tech Rehearsal https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:24:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Beth Ann on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323337 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 23:45:00 +0000 Beth Ann 1323337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una:  Crocs are at the ready!  And I've found a pair of EB pants in their Travex fabric -- they don't zip, but they do have a roll and tab!  I look like a refugee in a beanie, but I do have a couple of hats and a hoodie in my plan!  I wore the pants while camping last weak, and they worked well.  They have belt loops, too! Rachy:  Some people look adorable in fleece.  I am not one of them.  I look best in pencil skirts and period gowns.  I guess I could take my cues from Yellowstone visitors circa 1905......... or.....not. Lisap:  My EB trousers are made of a similar fabric -- wish I had two pairs!  Love the LL version.  Ruching is my friend! Donna:  My caffeine fix is cold -- iced tea and Diet coke.  And chocolate! DonnaF on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323210 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 21:00:13 +0000 DonnaF 1323210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Teal suede booties, seriously?!?  Camping is the occasion for gear, serious gear.  Off course you want colors that flatter and styles that flatter or are at least JFE, but function trumps style.  After buying an Eddie Bauer jacket last year (love that red!!!), I remember checking out similar windbreakers at Nordstrom.  And nothing came close in terms of functionality.  I think of camping is the time to discuss the merits of EB vs. REI vs. NorthFace and possibly Lululemon vs. Athleta for dress up! You know that Bialetti stovetop expresso makers work well on those propane backpacking stoves, right?  And that frozen half & half can last for days, if not nearly a week wrapped in sweaters? Camping is a lot of work and takes so much organization.  I give you a lot of credit, esp. for the foresight to have a tech rehearsal! Anonymous on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323190 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 19:59:22 +0000 Anonymous 1323190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/athletic-pants/Street-To-Studio-Pant-No-Liner?cc=14613&skuId=3555523&catId=athletic-pants">http://shop.lululemon.com/prod.....t-No-Liner</a> Beth Ann - first off, hilarious post about the gamine camper next door. I hope she got her teal suede booties wet.  Well, not really, but you know what I mean:) I'm not a camper, but something struck me while reading about the clothing for the middle part of your trip - the hardcore stuff. Have you ever tried these?  Ignore the odd green colour and click to black. I have these pants and wear them every chance I get.  They are cool when it's hot out, warm when it's not, I can easily wear them pushed up or full-length, and they are stretchy where it counts.  Dust and dirt brushes off and they do not wrinkle.   They have excellent pockets, and best of all, look great on!  Lulu sells them as  a "to and from" yoga pant because they can be roomy enough to throw on over tights,, but they also work well over a bathing suit too when need be.  Great all-round outdoor casual pants.   <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a> rachylou on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323166 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 19:30:56 +0000 rachylou 1323166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's true you know. There are people to envy, fashion wise, while camping. They make you want to run out and buy some convertible cargo pants/shorts and a fleece... unfrumped on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323155 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 19:15:02 +0000 unfrumped 1323155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not an expert but am loving all your planning and "dress rehearsals". Function over form all the way, on the rough capsule. Modern fabrics seem useful. catgirl on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323107 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 18:03:59 +0000 catgirl 1323107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ HAHAHA! The mosquito pic! I laugh because I get it completely. It's hard to feel stylish in gear but the important thing is that it does its job. This weekend I did a really hard 10 mile hike and along the way my high-tech shorts started sliding down - I had to hook them into my Camelbak strap to avoid a wardrobe malfunction. THAT is annoying. My favorite bottoms are the ubiquitous pants that zip into shorts. Some are cuter than others - REI actually has some good cuts. Also, make sure you have a pair of Croc-like shoes that slip on easily for going in and out of tent. Nothing worse than unlacing shoes in the rain under a tent flap full of mosquitoes. I always bring a slouchy beanie (substitute your favorite hat) for the hair situation. Also helps soften the incessant buzzing of insects if you pull it over your ears. My other secret is neoprene socks - feet stay dry in any shoe. They can be hot but depending on weather they are a lifesaver. Can't wait to hear all about it! Beth Ann on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323088 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 17:47:46 +0000 Beth Ann 1323088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Double post!   I've taken pics of a few gears options --- it's hot to try on hoodies, so I'm working a few at a time.  Basically, when I change clothes for my daily activities, I take a little extra time to work with one capsule piece in a couple of different ways.  Beth Ann on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1323087 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 17:46:53 +0000 Beth Ann 1323087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jackie:  Thanks for sharing your capsule!  It is indeed, a time to simplify.  I'm functioning as "Julie" on this trip (if you're old enough to remember love boat), so I need to save mental energy for my tour guide / chef responsibilities, as well as just enjoying the beauty around me!  jackiec on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322978 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:44:14 +0000 jackiec 1322978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your post made me laugh! We had a few days of camping last week - no electricity no running water - so I can relate. First of all that is so crazy about the fashion plate lady and the teal booties!! What the heck?! We were close to a lake so no hiking, but I basically lived in my Lululemon running shorts (super cool fabric) or my Zella city shorts and two Gap striped tshirts. As the evening progressed I threw on my black skinny sweatpants, then a Gap longsleeved black Tshirt, and finally a big purple school hoodie. I lived in flipflops or runners. Period. In fact, that's what I wore even all week when we were visiting my parents in the mountains. Two shorts, two tanks, plus layers. Oh, and two sports bras. That's it.   Good luck and  have fun!!!! Beth Ann on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322964 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:27:14 +0000 Beth Ann 1322964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do remember your trip post, Vix, and you fab hats!  I will indeed be hatted -- the altitude makes that wise.  I think I will have to dress more warmly that I would have in July --- I'm expecting daytime highs more more in the 60s, or perhaps low 70's, with cold nights.  I have seen hiking skirts --- kind of like tech kilts with shorts beneath. PS:  Check out the links to ladies' "bush peeing" solutions in E's comments on this thread.  Awesome! Vix on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322948 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:17:18 +0000 Vix 1322948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi BethAnn -- Well, based on the rehearsal the trip has all the makings of a 4-star tragicomedy -- but let's hope it doesn't come to that!  Perhaps your camp neighbor was shooting an Anthropologie catalog? Or something for her fashion blog? ;) You know I feel your pain on activewear. Too much of it on me and it's flashback to being told I should be in remedial basketball, if only the gym class had such a thing. And you saw my workaround on my recent trip thread...what's being recommend above! Practical shoes, wicking sports bra, non-chafing bottoms, a few high-tech tops + big hat + big sunglasses + "real" breathable lightweight tops in colors (and since you love prints, prints!) that look good on you. Then smile big and make sure photos are taken in ways that you can crop to just a head shot if desired, ha! You look so good in skirts/dresses I wonder about skorts for days you want the sun etc exposure. I know a lot of women prefer (tiny) running skirts to (tiny) shorts, and I like to hike in my (less tiny) LandsEnd swimMini sometimes since the lycra boyshorts prevent thigh chafing. Maybe there's something along those lines that would be a good alternative? It's been a long, long while since I camped for a month cross-country. One of the best things = taking care of nature's needs in the bushes. One of the worst things = taking care of nature's need in the bushes.  So if I were to do it over I'd say: comfortable elastic-waist bottoms for easy up/down AND a hat with a headlamp (DIY with a flashlight or buy ready-made) for hands-free living when it's dark out. Good luck! Beth Ann on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322941 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:05:36 +0000 Beth Ann 1322941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many helpful replies! E:  Because DH needs to grade assignments and discussion boards with internet access, he'll be working at the laundry while in Grand Teton.  I consider this a perk for me in more ways than one!  At least once in the 13 day trip we can get fresh clothes.  And I love the pee devices!  DH and I cycle, and these might come in handy.  It would be so nice to not have to "moon the mountains!" FC  I'm hopeful that I can make the To/From capsule a little more to my style --- BF, knit tops,  anorak topper and silver birks.  I'll wear sunscreen, BB cream, concealer and mascara on these days, at least.  The lighted mirror in DH's truck will be the "vanity" for my "toilette."  I have to keep toiletries there anyway (bears).  The Park Capsule can be more functional, but will have tops in flattering colors -- mostly in the Turquoise to cobalt blue/greens, and one in purple.  I have a soft shell hoodie jacket in a gorgeous cobalt that'll cheer me up! CC:  I think I can deal with the dirt, although have you noticed that sunscreen (and I'm big on sun protection, particularly at high altitude) is Rabbit:  I will pack at least two hats --- one a simple cap for the campsite, one a Columbia sun hat.  They are attractive enough, but I really look best in dressy hats.  Truly.  I could be an Edwardian lady.  Comes in handy on an opera stage, but not so much on the trail! Traci:  I will post my outfits --- even if I don't like 'em!  I think it could be helpful.  Planning ahead will help me just dress and go on the trip.  I'll pretend like I've been costumed for a show.  "This is my costume for Act I, Scene II:  Beth Ann hikes to the waterfall."  Hee. Adelfa:  Yep.  Big 10!  Although I grew up in Indiana, where Big 10 meant sports!  I used to see a gorgeous dress and tell my friends I was "breaking the 8th," until I reread the list and realized that the 8th commandment is actually ------ wait for it --------- adultery.  That'll teach me to to be glib!  Fortunately, non of my friends were Old Testament scholars.  You're right of course, about the 7 deadlies, too! Meredith:  I'm hoping the capsules will make it easier to keep track of things, too, since I'll pack the capsules in separate bags.  Of course, in this location, I need to be prepared for temps from 30 to 80F.  And no hookups means no heater.  Unfortunately, the propane heater in the camper has an electric ignition! Angie on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322937 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:02:56 +0000 Angie 1322937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *applause* You have it all figured out, Beth. Cute pic of DD too. And may I remind you how utterly gorgeous you are.  xo Meredith on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322910 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:39:39 +0000 Meredith 1322910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think your idea if capsules is smart. With this strategy you will have at least a few outfits that make you happy even if you never get the gear capsule as stylish as you'd like. I agree with the suggestion to pick shirts and at least ine topper in colors you like (even if the shape is not the most flattering). Your gym gear is probably fine as long as it is not cotton and you have warm layers to add. I wouldn't worry about the cut of your pants as you can temporarily peg or roll them when you're worried about the hems dragging. Traci on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322881 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 10:48:51 +0000 Traci 1322881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd love to see pics as you pull your capsules together. We're headed out for our third, and longest, camping trip of the season very soon. We will be on one of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. Adelfa on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322789 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:45:12 +0000 Adelfa 1322789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ God's Big 10? Is that like the 7 deadlies? Oh, you mean commandments! Envy is definitely one of the 7 deadlies. Pretty impossible not to covet our neighbor's body, at least some of the time. I've never gone very high tech for hiking. Twill shorts, a tank or tee.... good shoes which for me are Keens. Do you have a pair or two of casual shorts that you like? Khaki mud or khaki green are good colors. I second the notion of tops in colors that make you happy. If you don't need techy gear, this time of year you should be able to get tees and tanks for almost nothing at some place like Old Navy. It's going to be fun! rabbit on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322786 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:36:57 +0000 rabbit 1322786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Awww, lol.  I have a similar camping photo completely swathed in blankets.  I don't think we fully understood the intensity of a Scottish midge cloud (like mosquitoes, but worse) until we experienced one while trying to cook at our campsite. A dress rehearsal was a great idea.  I think for actual trekking and hiking though for me it's all about function over fashion.  People might envy your gear for its functionality, but say I met your chic camping neighbor on a long trail, my immediate thought would probably be something about city people being unprepared for the wild.  (Jeans you can do car camping, maybe, as long as you are willing to get the occasional campfire spark hole, but suede fashion booties??   Jeans are also not so good to wear hiking). I basically try for technical t-shirt colors that I like and pants or shorts that fit, taper at the ankles and don't show that much mud.   Also a hat.  Could a hat be your nod to style? :D Also you should totally show us pictures of your trail outfit contenders, because seriously, I'm sure I've worn worse and you probably look perfectly fine.  It's all about context and being activity appropriate. E on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322778 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:27:01 +0000 E 1322778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I forgot to add, this might be tmi, but do you & your DD know about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travellingtwo.com/resources/peeing">these devices</a>? Kind of awesome when there's no toilet in sight. E on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322775 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:16:20 +0000 E 1322775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Beth Ann that sounds so funny! I hope you figure out a trekking solution. When I went to the Amazon, I ended up having one 'trekking' outfit & one 'relaxing at camp' outfit which worked really well. But we had access to cold water showers: if we hadn't, I'd have had to have at least a couple spare tops for each. Cerinda on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322769 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:04:09 +0000 Cerinda 1322769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, the drama!  Too funny!   I look forward to seeing your chic (bootie-free) version. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322767 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:01:24 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1322767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, layering under is important. I wouldn't worry too much about the taper. I figure if I'm not wearing makeup, I'm not too concerned about style, either. Function is far more key. That said, wearing colors next to your face that are good to you sans makeup will go a long way toward making you feel good about how you look in your camping gear. So I'd vote for taking favorite-color tees. You can get dressed in the dark and everything will look fine on you. Classically Casual on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322762 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 03:58:24 +0000 Classically Casual 1322762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm glad your big adventure is almost here! For the camping portion I concentrate on functionality, the correct level of warmth and sometimes bug/sun protection. I honestly don't care how I look, and will happily wear the same clothes day after day. But the other stuff matters. You're going to get dirty, everyone does. In our popup camper I sleep in a large t-shirt, and have a jacket & jeans handy for trips to the loo first thing in the morning. Then, if you're lucky enough to have showers, I follow Gaylene's protocol with great success. Beth Ann on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322754 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 03:45:53 +0000 Beth Ann 1322754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, FC, camping and theater are strangely related!  I do have one pair of hiking pants.  Mine are "convertible" in that they roll and have tabs to hold them up.  I wish they tapered more, so the roll looked neater, but most of these pants are not booty and thigh friendly!  Finding a pair that fit was almost impossible.  Mine (Eddie Bauer) are black, but they're made of their lightweight Travex fabric and are loose enough that I could layer tights underneath on a cold day. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322745 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 03:38:43 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1322745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, you are too funny. I am laughing at your envy of the gamine camper! I couldn't help thinking her outfit sounded surreal for camping. Teal suede booties?! Your trip sounds like quite the production! (Pun intended.) For the camping part, do you have a good pair of hiking pants already? I have a pair that have zip-off lower legs to convert into shorts--do they still make those, or am I hopelessly dated? (Mine are, oh goodness, 10 or 12 years old??!) They are mud-color, too, which wasn't my first choice when I bought them, but I needed the pants and it's what was available in my size. I have since come to appreciate the color;  they go with any color of top, and they don't really get dirty looking. I'd wear them every day, just bringing changes of tops and undies. Beth Ann on "Tech Rehearsal" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tech-rehearsal#post-1322732 Mon, 04 Aug 2014 03:21:08 +0000 Beth Ann 1322732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know what they say about a tech rehearsal --- if it's a wreck, that's all the better for the show's opening.  Better to avert possible disasters ahead of time! Well, last week my family and I took my brother's pop-up camper to a nearby beach campground for a "Tech" rehearsal.  We're heading out west in 3 short weeks and wanted to work out some of the kinks.  And while we had a glorious time -- we also had a million obstacles to work through.  It was true theater -- but we were awesome! Our site was under lovely pine trees, rare in Illinois, and we only had one neighbor -- a lovely little family from the city.  The wife was a gamine model --- wearing premium skinnies, a J. Crew sweater, BR Anorak and teal suede booties.  I felt like Ethel Mertz alongside her.  Or Rhoda.  Truly -- I had fashion envy while camping of all things.  She was quite sweet, of course, and there's a reason "envy" makes God's Big 10, so I let it go and just enjoyed her and the lovely weather (well, after the hellacious storm that almost caused our fire to ignite the pines). What I learned: 1.  I'm excited for the "big trip" 2.  I will be making two capsules for travel, not one.  The first will cover traveling to and from the national parks.  The second will cover the middle section of our trip, when we're camping completely without hookups and doing lots of hiking, rafting, biking, etc.  The first capsule I'm confident in but: 3.  I have a gym gear formula that kinda works, but I look hopelessly lost when I try to dress for trekking in the mountains.  Truly hideous.  so....... 4.  There will need to be rehearsals and pics for every outfit that gets packed.  I want to know what works when I dress while lying/sitting on the camper bed, without time, much privacy, or a mirror.  Then I can dress and go, trusting that I look put together.  I don't expect to be a fashion plate, I just want to have functional clothes that are pleasing to the eye and relatively flattering. 5.  Long pants are better at the campsite, unless it's sweltering, but under no circumstances should bootcuts or yoga pants be worn ---- tapered hems only!  Camp bathroom floors, dirt, gravel.....need I say more? Did I get pics?  Not of my clothes.  Perhaps a good thing --- after the tech rehearsal I was ready to fire the costume designer --- wait......that's me! Photo:  DD wrapped in a sheet to ward of mosquitoes as we waited for DH and DS to come back with the camper key.  Yep.  We were locked out.  My brother pocketed the key and went to his church to teach preschool VBS.  Fortunately, the church was just 5 miles away and the kiddos didn't object to having their lesson on the Good Samaritan interrupted.  Told you --- obstacles!