https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:10:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1842966 Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:49:54 +0000 Chris987 1842966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Joy for the great ideas, and thanks to you too DonnaF, two times over!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1842323 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 01:21:37 +0000 DonnaF 1842323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Double post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1842322 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 01:21:16 +0000 DonnaF 1842322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both Tevas below offer a fair amount of support and are adjustable. I get the most support and adjustability from the Fly Londons which I have in silver. I have my eyes on the navy sandals but have never tried them. My toes tend to get squished in sneakers so I usually default to Dansko Pros. I think if I ever felt the need to buy sneakers, I would at least try the red Mary Janes below that are adjustable all over and come in multiple colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1842259 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 21:06:51 +0000 Anonymous 1842259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds like a great trip!<br /> About shoes...I look for something that is light weight, not only if it is toted around in luggage, but I get less tired walking if I am not wearing heavy footwear. ECCO has light weight fashion sneakers. I have a pair of very light weight waterproof Aquatilia ballet flats. You want waterproof and not slippery soles if possible. Think of walking on wet cobblestones all day. I like to stick to neutral colors like black or metallic as they can be more easily incorporated into a capsule and dressed up or down. Most of my travel clothes are black basics and color is addedwith scarves and tops. For me, nylon is the best travel fabric as it dries very quickly, wears like iron, and doesn't wrinkle. Finding it is hard.<br /> DS swears by Smartwool tees for any season, but I've not tried them yet. They wick away moisture and do not hold odors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1842134 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 12:46:29 +0000 Chris987 1842134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks RobinF</p> <p>Christina,F good suggestion about bringing more pairs of shoes, I'll have to try that next trip. I like your metallic sandal ideas too although Birkenstock don't stay on my feet but there are plenty of other options </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838906 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 15:44:40 +0000 Christina F. 1838906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for your reflections. Packing efficiently is one of my favorite topics. I have a kind of similar trip to Chile planned for November, where I will be splitting my time between places with gear and the city. I think Santiago is more casual than Barcelona, but I will have a few nice options. I especially need good shoes, as we walk a lot and I tend ot have trouble in a lot of pairs of shoes.</p> <p>Aside from my hiking boots (not pictured), I plan to take the&nbsp; Eccos and Birkenstocks below. I think the metallics will add a bit of pizzazz to my outfits, and the Birkenstocks will go with whatever nice outfits I plan. I am thinking about a pair of bronze Naots to replace some old bronze sandals of mine, so I could sub those in for the Birks if I get them. Metallic shoes are a favorite of mine, and I think they solve a lot of wardrobe problems!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838896 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 15:18:59 +0000 RobinF 1838896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a wonderful trip! I agree that the shoes can make a huge difference. I don't think your pants look frumpy on their own, but without the right shoes I suppose the overall feel could be that. I agree with others, scarves and jewelry can make a difference but in heat they can be too hot. We were in Barcelona in January of 2015 and it was in the fifties but sunny, really perfect weather for walking. And not too crowded. Then it was a matter of having a lightweight coat that looked and felt good, a nice scarf and my favorite moto boots which I can walk in for days, to feel good. &nbsp;Summer is harder. Glad you enjoyed it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838865 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:39:45 +0000 Chris987 1838865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes <b>delurked</b>, you’ve got it right. And yep, it’s all about<br /> the shoes. Your posting made me remember<br /> my trip to London and Oxford last Christmas, where I wore sporty Ugg boots (like the LLBean hunting boots) and black sneakers that are a tiny bit orthopedic and felt<br /> totally ok style-wise. &nbsp;Some of it has to<br /> do with the location and the season. &nbsp;Oxford in December is very different from Barcelona in July. Just goes to show that the<br /> travel capsule needs to have quite a bit of variety to it to match the type of travel one does.It’s so much easier when some of those pieces come from your<br /> regular wardrobe, and for that winter trip they all did.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks <b>jill38</b>. I<br /> will definitely consider Naots next time I’m shopping for sandals. I know quite<br /> a few people who love them. Hmm..I can certainly relate to “where everything I<br /> packed seemed to be al wrong”. I guess the &nbsp;thing to do is just enjoy the<br /> trip anyway!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks Gretchen! </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838744 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:44:27 +0000 Gretchen 1838744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I travel a lot for work and have struggled with the capsule approach. For me it's because I get bored - I just wore that top 2 days ago, why would I wear it again? It makes me feel frumpy to repeat, even if I'm the only one who knows.</p> <p>I tried a new approach on my last trip, and made sure that each outfit would have one thing that was unique or made me happy (ideally shoes, jewelry or scarf). Those items could be repeated as well but I wouldn't mind, and it helped me get past rewearing the boring white t-shirt.</p> <p>I also agree on having at least 1 dress in the capsule - can dress up or down, and always works if you're are in a major city! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838722 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 23:27:32 +0000 jill58 1838722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, the Naot 'Kayla' sandals that I posted about worked really well for me for vacation and lots of walking. I bought them in 'metal' so they worked with everything. I recommend them for summer travel. I wore them with dresses and cropped pants and skirts. They look a little prettier in real life than in my find and I found them to be quite flattering/not frumpy on my feet. </p> <p>Looking at what you brought on vacation my first reaction was, how pretty all the pieces looked together. I really liked your color pallet. It's so hard to pack for being away. I've taken many trips where everything I packed seem all wrong.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838700 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:14:35 +0000 delurked 1838700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking on your post. So you feel like you are adequately dressed, but not in a way that makes you feel your best. I can completely understand your desire to feel great every day, but especially when you travel. I also agree it all must start with the shoes. I don't really have any answers for you, but think continuing to hunt for just the right pieces is a worthy goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838674 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 19:09:25 +0000 Chris987 1838674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie </b>– right, during tourist season you see EVERYTHING! What I think were the local women were very nicely and simply dressed in sleeveless dresses and sandals, with older women being more covered. I think it was the tourists that were more scantily clad, because they were not going to be in air conditioning all day.</p> <p><b>Traci </b>you are right about shoes making the outfit. I am so glad that I opted for comfort because I can deal with feeling a little frumpy but having unhappy feet would have been miserable as you say. I’ve seen those tevas before, they look very comfortable but are a bit to sporty for what I want as a tourist in a city. I’ll have to pass on any ballet flats, they fall off my feet and no matter how supportive they seem to be with arch support and padding, they do not give me any support. It’s that low volume foot thing. I think you’ve hit one something about the light colored sneakers being a very versatile choice. I’ll have to think about that. </p> <p><b>Karen13</b>, great Idea, I’ll check those pants out! Thanks! </p> <p><b>Muffin</b>, what a great story about Diane FV. I wonder what color wrap dress she wears with her hiking boots ?  . </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838621 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:51:48 +0000 Muffin 1838621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like an amazing trip and you were able to do a bit of everything (&amp; I think that's what makes packing so hard). Lots of good advice from above for travel. I have a pair of Kork Ease Myrna sandals in a pale gold that are my most comfortable walking shoe that I can wear with lots of items. I also want to add Diane Von Furstenberg is an avid hiker and often wears her hiking boots and she is super chic to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838618 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:40:18 +0000 karen13 1838618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These Lole travel pants are one of my go to items for active city travel. They are so comfortable, easy care flattering to many shapes and quick drying. I have hiked miles in them, and worn them to a nice restaurant. Black can be a challenge for hot weather, but they are probably better for spring, fall and winter, but they got me through a Paris heat wave a couple of years ago. Great for the plane becaus they have amazing zippered front pockets and a bit of stretch. I like them so much, I have smaller sizes twice as I lost weight. </p> <p>Tip -if you don't like the flaps on the back welt pockets, you can tuck them in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838613 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:31:24 +0000 Traci 1838613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with you 100%. &nbsp;Shoes are always the most vexing part of my travel wardrobe. &nbsp;The options are very slim for me for truly all day walkable shoes. &nbsp;While I do think shoes can make or break an outfit, I also think an outfit can be ruined by it's wearer being miserably uncomfortable.</p> <p>I have yet to be able to find another pair of shoes that comes close to being as comfortable for all day wear as these Tevas. &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/p/teva-tirra-black-grey/product/7593648/color/139">http://www.zappos.com/p/teva-t...../color/139</a>&nbsp; Funny &nbsp;enough, since I've had them a few years I've noticed these exact shoes on many city traveling women. &nbsp;The other shoe I notice quite often, but doesn't work for me, is a croc ballet flat. &nbsp;Neither of these shoes will MAKE an outfit, but if you plan around them you can pull it off.</p> <p>On my recent trip to NYC I brought along the flyknits from the find below, and they were a welcome addition to my wardrobe. &nbsp;The neutral color and light weight worked out well enough in many situations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838609 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:25:16 +0000 Angie 1838609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, you WILL see it all in the Summertime especially because of tourists.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838565 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 11:54:03 +0000 Chris987 1838565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;<b>Clara</b>, thanks for the tips on athleisure. I have never<br /> considered going in that direction for travel outfits but based on your<br /> recommendations I will definitely look into it! I happened to stop into an<br /> Athleta yesterday and noticed that they carry a “travel” line in addition to<br /> their other clothing. Thanks for the other &nbsp;recommendations too. &nbsp;I did have a good down :”sweater” and rain&nbsp;shell that were fine, but the hiking pants needed improvement.&nbsp;&nbsp;I also have hiking shoes I’m perfectly happy<br /> with, it’s the walking sneakers that are where I haven’t found ones I like. I<br /> have GOT to check out barkingdogshoes.com. I think I’ve seen them mentioned&nbsp;here before, thanks for the reminder! &nbsp;</p> </p> <p>Thanks <b>StyleFan</b>, yes Barcelona&nbsp;was well worth visiting. Despite the issues I’m so glad I went. I have looked&nbsp;at mephistos but never tried them. I’ll have to consider them again, and thanks for the barkingdog recommendations. </p> <p><b>Angie, </b>you make a great point about being almost&nbsp;impossible to feel fashionable wearing athleisure in some big cities. I’ve&nbsp;certainly been in cities where the locals were NOT dressed that way, although I<br /> saw a little bit of everything in Barcelona. &nbsp;</p> <p>I’ll have to give some careful thought to whether the&nbsp;athleisure look could work for me for travel. &nbsp;I can see that for you and your style it would<br /> not be right, but for me it could work, maybe in small quantities. Maybe if I think of a sporty luxe vibe. &nbsp;For example&nbsp;the utility pants idea (maybe that’s not quite athleisure) or a simple knit&nbsp;dress. &nbsp;Thanks!!! now you’ve got me<br /> thinking….. </p> <p>Thanks <b>Kkards.</b> I bought a couple of scarves also, and wore&nbsp;both of them. I usually do bring some when I travel, as you say it’s such an<br /> easy and simple thing to add.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Aquamarine</b>...for footwear &nbsp;think I just need to find the&nbsp;RIGHT sneakers. I don't mind them being a little sporty, I just haven't found the right ones yet for all day&nbsp;walking. Those Danskos were just a little too clunky. I &nbsp;think the very&nbsp;boxy toe was part of the&nbsp;issue, plus the brown color. They sometimes looked masculine to me. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Ummlila</b>, interesting points. I think one of the issues&nbsp;with the Barcelona<br /> part of my capsule was too many colors. I was thinking that if I had stuck to&nbsp;black and white with one or two other accent colors that might have been&nbsp;better. &nbsp;The number of shoes is also a good thing to&nbsp;consider. I brought the hiking shoes, sneakers, one pair of sandals and some<br /> slipper/flats I wore at the B&amp;B in the evening. The sandals are Eccos that<br /> are quite comfortable but have stretched a bit so are not quite supportive<br /> enough for all day walking. &nbsp;I also think&nbsp;that each individual piece in your capsule (and in your wardrobe in general) is&nbsp;much better than some of what I brought. Better designs, nicer colors, just&nbsp;nicer pieces. I am on a mission to get to a wardrobe like that.</p> <p><b>Sheila,</b> wow! Talk about being “on the road”. &nbsp;Good luck to you, that sounds like quite a&nbsp;trip! You are absolutely right that&nbsp;keeping track of everything and evaluating afterward is the best way to manage<br /> it all. Are you bringing a trailer for&nbsp;your wardrobe ? :-)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838503 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 02:36:41 +0000 Sheila 1838503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very interesting post. We travel a lot and I am always in anguish over what will be appropriate attire for every place we'll be going to. In 6 days we'll be heading out for 11 weeks, in which we will: drive from Seattle to New York; attend theatre festivals in Canada; charter a boat for an Erie Canal trip; fly to Paris for a lovely 3-week stay; return to upstate New York to provide caregiving for an aged relative for a month; finally drive back to Seattle in time for Thanksgiving. Multiple seasons and cultural environments. It is a huge challenge.</p> <p>My best advice is to plan like crazy and then evaluate after each trip. I keep track of how many times I wear something, including all my accessories. You have done a great job of thinking through this and, now that you have more specifics about how you'd like to look and feel on your trips, you have a head start on the next trip. Lists are essential, I've found.</p> <p>Keep on posting, I really enjoy the way you are processing all of this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838494 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 01:59:49 +0000 Aquamarine 1838494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing your reflections. For me, shoes make or break the outfit in determining how fab I feel. I can be in the simplest clothes, but if my shoes are stylish I feel super. Good travel shoes are so tricky, I think, especially in the summer. I cannot feel fab in sneakers at all but most other choices don't cut it for me when sightseeing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838446 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 23:36:18 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1838446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting this, Chris. I think the hiking complicated matters for you.</p> <p>My recent travel post and related was partly informed by the trip that I took to Andalusia back in March. I had a more obviously travel capsule that time, but also felt blah except for one dress and a black and white striped jersey look. All the mix and match worked .. it just wasn't interesting enough. And I was sorry that I only brought two pairs of shoes -- so I brought 4 on the last round (and walked about 8 miles a day in all of them). It was easier to fool around with the dress idea because it was high summer. I don't think I could get away with this sort of capsule without a lot more work at other times of year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838444 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 23:31:34 +0000 kkards 1838444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like wonderful trip!<br /> If I'm checking luggage then I almost always pack my heaviest shoes.- especially if it's long flight. I want easy on/ easy off for inflight. I've also totally adopted the slip on and fashion sneaker- I was in Spain in February and felt completely in sync and fab...and ready for the city, country and the caves. the weather on the trip was cooler than I'd originally planned on, and variable by day, as we went from ocean to mountain and from rural to urban all in the course of 1 week. I'd packed a couple of lightweight wool scarfs- the made a dull outfit perk up-- and they kept me warm--- and the took up no room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838433 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:46:23 +0000 Angie 1838433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you had a wonderful trip, Chris, and thanks for the reflections.&nbsp;</p> <p>With sneakers being THE SHOE OF OUR GENERATION, and so very fashionable these days - you don't need to feel blah when you travel with happy feet. You can wear the right sneakers with any hip and trendy outfit these days, and look fabulous.&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally, I think it's very hard to feel stylish in head-to-toe Athleisure and gear in a city like Barcelona, Hong Kong and Tokyo where people dress extremely fashionably. If you're doing outdoorsy stuff out of the city - it's a different story, and you need to wear the appropriate gear.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, it's common to see people in Seattle wear Athleisure and gear as regular casual wear in the suburbs especially. And even then, if I conformed to my environmental norm and dressed like they do - I would feel off and unstylish. I feel my absolute worst when I wear that type of clothing no matter how I slice and dice it. I only <i>just</i> manage&nbsp;to wear gear for yoga.</p> <p>I second Style Fan's suggestion for Mephistos - and try Brooks too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838408 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 21:33:56 +0000 Style Fan 1838408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barking Dog is a great website for comfy shoes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838407 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 21:32:06 +0000 Style Fan 1838407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The trip sounds lovely Chris.&nbsp; Barcelona is an amazing city.&nbsp; Comfortable walking shoes are my ongoing quest.&nbsp; I have some walking sandals that have worked out fairly well (Finn Comfort) but I have to alternate my footwear so I need a couple of pairs.<br />Have you tried Mephistos?&nbsp; They make sneakers and sandals.&nbsp; Very European looking.&nbsp; I am unfortunately between sizes so I can't wear them.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838397 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 21:17:41 +0000 ClaraT 1838397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your recap of your trip. It sounds fantastic. We went to Spain and stayed right on Las Ramblas last year <br />I sympathise with your issues about feeling "blah" when wearing perfectly appropriate clothes that work well (but you don't feel fabulous). This has happened to me, too. &nbsp;Here are some things that have worked for me.<br />Athleisure wear has truly changed my outdoor gear game because I can find pants and jackets that look good but are also weather-worthy + &nbsp;abrasion resistant + quick drying or whatever. Athleta is my go-to choice as it fits me very well, but there are others (Prana, Carve, etc.) A packable (fashionable) raincoat or shell and down 'sweater' look nice but are practical and don't take up too much room. I, too, usually have outdoorsy activities combined with sightseeing etc. and have to pack for both, and a lot of the pants and tops and jackets at Athleta can work for both with some other tops/shoes added.<br />It is so easy to take photos these days that I pack with photos in mind...like "if I had just one photo from the trip, would this outfit do it?" I also gave myself permission to take some clothes that I really like rather than having the what-if-I-lost-this mindset. Now only truly irreplaceable pieces can't come with me.<br />Hiking boots are a difficult issue. Many suggest wearing your heaviest shoes on the plane as you did; I no longer do this as I don't like wearing tall boots or hiking boots on a long flight, but I sometimes want these items for my trip. I tuck smaller things (socks/panties/my packable jackets) into the boots to help balance their bulkiness.&nbsp;<br />As evidenced by the many 'comfortable attractive shoes?' threads on YLF, all of us want shoes that look cute but are good for 5+ mile days. I find YLF and BarkingDogShoes both helpful for picking shoes to try.<br />Sun hats are my nemesis...I've yet to find a packable hat that I love on myself.<br />Anyhow, all this may be obvious stuff that you've thought about. I'm interested in reading others' comments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838387 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:40:40 +0000 Chris987 1838387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Rachylou. Jewelry might have helped but I think different shoes would have helped more in Barcelona. &nbsp;I do travel with a trench coat sometimes, you are right that it's versatile and polished. For this trip it was too hot in Barcelona for any kind of jacket or coat, even at night, and I didn't need anything that polished in France.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838379 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:15:01 +0000 rachylou 1838379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's interesting, Chris. Maybe some jewellery would have livened it up for you. I recommend junk jewellery for traveling, so you don't care if it's lost and no one wants to steal it. I also always like a trench coat with a removable lining. Puts a bit of polish on things, touring is so casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-francespain-jun-26-%e2%80%93-jul-7#post-1838369 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 19:55:02 +0000 Chris987 1838369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> Well, my laptop is STILL in the shop, although there is now light at the end of the tunnel. A long unpleasant story.  Once I get it back I will have access to my travel diary and plan to post a “trip report” with photos. It was a  wonderful trip! </p> <p>In the meantime I’ve been reflecting about my travel wardrobe. It was functional, and partly fine but partly blah. As stated in my title, the trip was almost two month ago, from late June through early July over 10 days.</p> <p>The trip was unusual in several ways. It was built around a two day course DH decided to take at a university in Barcelona. He made the decision in early May, which gave less than 2 months to plan, not our usual several months. The first destination was the French Pyrenees mountains visiting an old friend of DH’s who runs a B&amp;B, doing hiking and sightseeing. I have only done serious hiking a few times and never in summer where you need gear that both sheds rain and/or dries quickly. We also spent several days in Barcelona, a big city where it was quite warm. We generally avoid big cities in summer when they are packed with tourists like us and are sometimes unpleasantly hot. </p> <p>The first night we stayed in a resort town on the north coast of Spain.<br /> It was so gorgeous that we wished we had planned to stay for several days. It was hot and breezy. I had a perfect outfit for this; white breezy shirt, tan copped pants, sandals, and hat. We walked on the beach, ate dinner, went to bed early, and relaxed before heading north into France the next day.</p> <p>In the mountains of France my wardrobe did pretty well, although<br /> it was much colder than normal with temps in the low 60’s during the day and mid-40’s at night. Our hostess kept apologizing for the cold nights and non-stop rain. We were in an area of very small towns and a very casual lifestyle. I already had good hiking shoes. I wore a long sleeved T, fleece top, and rain jacket every day, with a tshirt layer underneath. I brought a cotton sweater and wished it were merino wool on those very cool nights at the B&amp;B, where we had dinner every night but one.  Hiking pants took some work to find, because many of them did not fit right.  I tried on at REI, ordered at LLBean, and ended up buying at a hunting, fishing, camping store called Cabellas. I had to hem them, but they worked fine, although the legs are a bit too wide to be flattering. I really liked the lightweight fabric.</p> <p>Barcelona was another matter. (Feeling very sad for Barcelona right now. We walked on that street where the recent attack occurred). It was hot but not unbearably so. The biggest issue was footwear. My hiking shoes  and the Clark black walking sneakers I own both seemed way too heavy. I bought the tan danskos and they were very comfortable, so my feet were happy, but I felt totally blah wearing them.  I also brought a few T’s, 2 cotton/linen shirts, and cropped slacks, all in neutral colors.  I was totally presentable but felt dull most of the time.  I liked the long leeved shirts better than the Ts.  I added the scarf to one of the Ts once and that was better. The only item that made me feel pretty good was my white hat with the yellow trim. It fit well, had a small brim which was good for my small face, and was perfect to keep the hot sun off my face and neck.  </p> <p>Last but not least I chose to wear hiking clothes on the plane since the hiking shoes are bulky and I didn’t want to take up space in my suitcase, and the only pants they looked ok with were the hiking pants. I felt very blah in airports. Not the end of the world but would rather find a different way. For this trip this was the right decision but I tend to not like what I wear in airports. Angie’s blog posting today is full of great ideas.</p> <p>I’ve shown some of the items I'm talking about below, andthe full capsule is here <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-capsule-for-trip-to-french-mountains-and-barcelona">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-barcelona</a></p> <p>So naturally I’m contemplating how to do this better next time. <b><i></i></b><i><b>I would love to hear any and all suggestions!</b></i><b><i></i></b></p> <p>-  I am NOT beating myself up about any of this. It was such a great opportunity that I couldn't say no. The trip was last minute, and I needed to buy some things but did not make great choices. My feet were happy, I was presentable and comfortable, and the weather did not slow me down except for being a bit cold on the first part of the trip.</p> <p>- First and foremost I need to continue the hunt for all-day walking shoes that are more attractive than the ones I have now. I am NOT giving up on this!</p> <p>- I plan to look for quick drying pants with a more streamlined silhouette, that would work for hiking pants OR everyday casual pants. They would make a good addition to my wardrobe.  </p> <p> - I  need to figure out what’s going on with the blah summer tops<br /> and pants I brought to Barcelona. Some of this is related to my casual New England lifestyle being a mismatch for a big European city, but I think there is more to it. The capsule would have been vastly improved by a dress or two.  Lots of homework to do here.   I plan to review Ummlila’s recent Paris travel capsule, Angie’s numerous postings on travel capsules, and other  fabbers’ travel capsule postings. This should be FUN homework, since it’s about fashion   </p>