This is a follow up to this thread here:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....be-capsule

I am sorry I don't have any pics of me in the actual outfits. I just have jpg's pulled from the web of some of the wardrobe items. I have started a habit of collecting these, so I can plan out my wardrobe using PPT.

Due to Polar Vortex, it was going to be unseasonably cold so I wound up NOT taking new dress #2 and 3 from that previous thread. I am saving those for the next trip. Here's what I did take and wear:

What I wore on the plane/first night visiting friends:

- VC striped knit top (pic 1)
- Black INC ponte knit skinnies
- Cranberry red pashmina
- Charcoal grey Theory jacket
- Black lightweight Tahari puffer (it's trendy, stylish, but is not waterproof nor is it very warm at all... but was perfect for where I was going to, and with the Theory jacket layered underneath, I was just-right toasty for my departure).

... with carry on suitcase and a laptop/travel bag that fits over the handles of the suitcase and is big enough to stuff in a whole bunch of other things like 3-1-1 bag, paperwork, etc.

I tucked my oversized leopard clutch (pic 2) inside the laptop bag. That clutch is actually an iPad case, from Banana Republic, but I find it just perfect as a clutch instead.

Day 1:

- AT Legacy silk animal print blouse (pic 3)
- AT black dress pants (no pic - they are pretty standard dress pants)
- AT black leather belt
- Charcoal Theory blazer
- Also brought a black 3/4 sleeve cardigan with gold buttons, pic 9, which I did end up wearing instead of the blazer for about half the day.
- Black bag from H&M similar to pic 4, but only $7. Packs flat and takes up zero room in my luggage.
- Black IMPO booties

Commentary for Day 1: it was a pretty "safe" B&W outfit but I was fine with that, since it was my first day and I had no idea what the unstated dress code is. I did feel confident in it.

RAVE: The AT Legacy blouse is so awesome, later in my hotel at night, I wound up ordering another in a (solid) blush pink. I am always uncomfortable in crisp button downs -- but silk I can do! For all of you who hate crisp button downs, check out this top!!! Fits just like a button down, except with way more ease and comfort. I also have a Legacy blouse from last season in a navy print too. LOVE love LOVE. Looks good tucked or untucked. No gaping at the bust either.

Day 2 - On this day, I got my new laptop, so I had to bring my laptop travel bag with me, and build an outfit around the clutch (pic 2). It was also VERY cold.

- Black RL jersey cowl neck dress (pic 6)
- Favorite funky BR ponte knit jacket with gold buttons. This is ages old. There's probably a pic somewhere in my long-ago WIW's with me in it. It is thick and warm, funky and not too conservative for a business casual environment.
- Black suede tall boots similar to pic 7
- Nude oroblue microfishnets
- Cobalt scarf (pic 8)
- Puffer coat over it all
- also brought the cardigan with gold buttons, in case the jacket was too warm in the office, but it wasn't, so the cardigan stayed in my bag. pic 9.

Commentary: This dress will be a workhorse. It packs really well, and the jersey is substantial. It's also a flattering cut, with ruching and a cowl neckline that's not too low. I duplicated it in sleeveless version when I got home.

Day 3 - meetings all day, then late flight home

- black Inc Ponte knit skinnies again
- BR paisley silk peasant blouse, untucked (pic 10)
- charcoal grey Theory jacket again
- black booties again (pic 5)
- cobalt scarf again (pic 8)
- puffer coat (was still cold)

Commentary: I have worn this outfit a lot this past fall/winter, so it's tried and true. The ponte knits are comfy to travel in. I feel weird in general wearing skinnies to the office BUT with a long loose top like this one, it's office-modest.

The paisley blouse + leopard clutch combo may be a little bit too much pattern going on there, but somehow to my eye it worked. And by this point I had figured out what everyone else wears at my new job, and I figured it would be okay to be a my usual daring, pattern loving self.

What I packed and didn't wear:

... the black jacket that matches the dress slacks
... the new gray/plum color block sheath: was planning to wear that on day 3, but by then I was feeling the pants more than a dress, especially to travel home in. Had there been a 4th day I'd have definitely worn it.
.... jeans. I brought a pair in case there was opportunity to change before going out at night. My plan was to just toss them on with one of the silk blouses.
... navy print AT Legacy blouse: brought it just in case I felt like wearing that instead, with the dress slacks again. These blouses take up zero room in the luggage.
... a long black ribbed cardigan

Things I learned:

1) Women there wear dresses a LOT. So that's awesome, and I'm going to get use out of my new dresses!

2) I also saw a lot of dark wash jeans -- mostly trouser cut. No skinnies. High end, premium dark wash, nearly black, with no fading, and in a cut like dress slacks are totally acceptable.

3) Jackets/blazers are okay, but not necessary. Cardigans: better. My funky blazer was fine though.