Hi Suz! first, let me say that i have managed to go from being in your exact situation to actually having pretty much the pieces that i need for any type of trip we're likely to go on. so - It Can Be Done!

i think you've nailed the trouble. You need the basic, well made versatile 'bone' pieces that really do work together. In your case i could see these being a neutral for you wool jersey suit, coordinating trousers, a few layering tees and basic cotton or blend jersey dresses. My own pieces are pretty different - denim jackets, skirts, jeans, structured woven blouses, dresses, layering tees and tanks, (cami tops for summer).

The trick, for me, was more in committing to making the investment to obtain these pieces, more than in identifying them. I have a pretty limited budget. It takes time, money, ingenuity, labor to bring these things into reality. In my case, by sewing i can fill these holes while spending less money ( or while getting much higher quality for my money). There are other workarounds - sales, consignment, thrifting, etc.

But in order to make it work you really have to commit to buying *what you need and have put on your list*, rather than something that fits 80-90% of your criteria that you found at the thrift store. That is fun and makes a certain amount of sense. Until it's crunch time and that missing 10% means actually no it won't work. For some people, between their personal and closet styles they can pull it off. (People with more outre style and lots and lots of piles of clothing.) But it's a really difficult strategy to pull off in a professional situation.

Congrats on your trip, i think you're gong to have an awesome time!!! no matter what happens on the clothes front and take an outfit pic every day so you can analyze upon your return!! HTH, steph

"Apparently if we show up with our teeth in and shoes on we're exceeding many people's expectations."

Vix, you are killing me!!!!!

and having a closet full of avant-garde 'Garanimalesque options' has always been my dream steph

(((HUGS))

My dear, Suz. You have an AMAZING sense of style. Don't you dare sell yourself short!!! And no one believes that you loathe shopping because you do an incredible job

This is pre-trip panic. Trust me - you have the wardrobe pieces (or at least 90% of them). We can hold your hand every step of the packing way.

Tip: Start with your skirt and dress outfits.

Hugs, Suz!
I think this is just pre-trip panic talking. Deep breath! You do have incredible style and a wonderful closet. You've gotten lots of great advice already so I won't try to give you specific advice on the clothes to bring, but I just wanted to tell you not to feel so much pressure to have the "perfect" capsule and "perfect" closet. And just focus on the trip, not the state of your wardrobe overall (why add extra stress!). Don't feel you have to take a whole mix and match wardrobe...that's too much pressure. What's wrong with picking four or five of your favorite outfits and wearing those once or twice a week? Even if you don't remix at all (and you most likely will be able to), you'll have enough to get by for a month. Anyways, just saying, pick what you like and for a variety of temps but don't worry so much about making sure everything mixes together if it's stressing you out too much. Hope you have a great trip!

As for the state of the closet, worry about that when you get back! And even coming from someone who posted that I was in "closet nirvana" last December (http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....ation-pics), I realize now that my wardrobe will never be completely "done" and I've been still purging and buying things since then. Plus, even when you feel like you've figured everything out, your style could change in a whole new direction! I have the feeling that I will still be growing and changing this year even with all the work I did on my closet this past year. So there is no such thing as a perfectly complete wardrobe! I think Steph said in one of my other threads that you wouldn't ever say that your fridge is "done"!

I am so with you on having lots of great casual outfits---but that packing them all would take a steamer trunk! As Steph says 90% right just doesn't cut it when building a travel capsule. :/ *sigh*

Natalie: "What's wrong with picking four or five of your favorite outfits and wearing those once or twice a week?" smart idea from a smart lady!! that's nice way to approach this, i'm going to write it down in my suitcase so i'll remember it next time i'm traveling! steph

I think you are incredibly glam and stylish. I love to pack for trips (true!) because it involves discipline and weeds out unnecessary clutter.

Also, for traveling? I know you've all heard it before, but... EIleen Fisher. Seriously. Comfortable, scrunchable, textural, interesting, and washable with no fear.

You women are SO wonderful. I have tears in my eyes from all this sage counsel, warm encouragement, and absolute hilarity. (Still laughing, Vix!!)

Nathalie, you are SO smart. I am writing this down, writing this down. Why worry about the whole thing if I can figure out a week's worth or maybe 10 days of outfits? And even if I have to take extras (for the changeable temps) that is okay...I do have a big suitcase.

Angie, you are so sweet. Thank you for your confidence. And I am off to ponder the skirt/dress thing. It is just barely possible that this raspberry cord jacket might do better than I had feared with the jeans, too...if I can find the right shirts for it in my closet.

Steph, you are so wise; I should engrave that on my forehead. I need those core basics and that is that. Well, the truth is, mine are pretty much like yours (denims) and I THOUGHT I had them all...but I am missing the jacket I can wear with the denim bottoms. And that's the kicker.

Okay - off to do a tiny bit of shopping.

Just wanted to say I understand, and good luck!

I have been reading this thread with interest, as I often feel similar, and I have a fairly large wardrobe.

Suz, you have already heard a lot of great advice, but I would like to reiterate that you do have a great closet with a lot of wonderful pieces, and it sounds like pre-trip panic to me.

Natalie gave you some very smart advice, and I would like to expand on it. What I do when going to a trip is a pick a few favorite outfits say 3-4, and then for each add a second, alternative top and possibly a different small accessory. The extra tops/scarves/jewelry do not take much space at all and double the option. Plus, I often find that a simple neutral blouse/button down can serve as this second top for a couple of different outfits.

I can hear that you are feeling better already, Suz

Pick your favourite skirt and dress outfits. Throw in the bermudas. Add some fun footwear and make sure that you have layering options. Truly - it's THAT easy.

Report back!

Suz, hugs to you!!! I so understand where you are, and it has been most educative to read everyone's comments.

If you can still read this before shopping, give Tommy Hilfiger a try for casual smart pieces, especially jackets and shirts long enough to tuck.

I hope all goes well. You may already know this trick for packing: roll everything!

Hi again Suz --

Glad I could provide you (and MrsE) a laugh break!

I know others mentioned the Vivienne Files, but since you are no doubt pressed for time go to this post of hers and tell me that you don't have a lot of similar items. [FWIW I often treat black and dark denim interchangeably.]

If her core pieces are too dark for what you think of as summer, try the exercise with the shapes and see where you get color-wise.

Again as others have said, even if you have a 2x2 vs 4x4 item thing going, that's a lot of mixing and matching....

http://theviviennefiles.blogsp.....fours.html

Suz, I really don't have anything useful to add. But I do want to say that OF COURSE you are feeling overwhelmed and a little panicked. You need to pack for two pretty different trips that are also out of your normal lifestyle. It is hard to define needs for a "lifestyle" that is NOT your , well, "lifestyle". I worked and traveled for 15 years before becoming a stay at home mom and only now do I look back and know what I SHOULD have packed !

YUCK ....

I am sorry that I am not much help with packing (my DH calls me the Notorious Overpacker) so I would just pop some of those MOTG things in and carry a larger case if it was me.

I do wish you much success and relaxation at your workshop!

Take a deep breath Suz! you have such a wonderfull sense of style, I was amazed about your packing clothes for another trip, don't remember where-so you have many many beautiful items in your wardrobe, good for casuals too. I bet you'l finally do extra well! I hope the yellow cross bag goes with you and what about starting with shoes, your spring wardrobe has to work there, even if a bit on the hot side.

Don't forget the power of thermal (especially silk) undergarments as a layer that warms, dries in a jiffy and can serve as PJs.

Where in the rules does it say we have to pack light anyway?? I think some hubbys got together and started that nasty rumor (since they usually have to carry the bags! LOL)

Suz, I'm glad to hear you're feeling more optimistic and less panicked about this by the time I'm getting to this thread.

As it happens, I panic every. single. time. I have to go on a trip (and the longest has been 10 days, usually more like 3-4 days, plus 2 days flying!) --- I have been doing this for the last 7 years, without fail, starting at best 2 weeks before the trip and more often a month in advance. Also, I just came back from a day's window shopping in the malls to declare I have LOTS to wear, as long as nothing is expected to remix or anything! If I can put every garment into ONE outfit that works for comfort, (my) style and practicality... I heave a huge sigh of relief! So I hear you *really* loud and clear!

That Vivienne Files exercise of 4x4s? Well I was all agog the moment she posted it, and tried EVERY colour in my wardrobe, even mixed colours (like Vix says)---and got nowhere. HAVE to buy with intention and focus or it does NOT do at all.

HOWEVER, all that said, I do manage to get to those trips and not be entirely uncomfortable. Yes, there are times I feel very self-conscious, and yes, I've been too cold on occasion or too old-fashioned or startlingly Indian (my secret weapon when all else fails!). BUT I haven't managed to shock anyone unduly, I trust.

So while I'm saying nothing that's not been said before piecemeal, seriously, start with the shoes and work upwards. Like Natalie says, use your favourite outfits as the basis of your suitcase and then, like Tanya said, add a few extra options (I add bottoms as well as tops --- for good reason, such as paranoia :-/ ). Do it with the next pair of shoes... and so on. I know it isn't ideal, but if you can take three pairs of shoes, do! There is no must-do 'fab travel rule' apart from be comfortable, be covered and be confident. (Well, there are, but travel is surprisingly easy to do even in disobedience of the 'great versatile capsule wardrobe in the sky where everything works with everything').

Once you're done packing, had a cup of tea/coffee or glass of wine and a slice of cake... figure out that 4x4 core colour you want to start with, and keep a weather eye out while abroad. You'll get there yet!

Hoping by tomorrow you're well sorted and no longer worrying about your wardrobe. It will 100% certainly be waiting patiently to get sorted out for the final time when you get back. Focus on that exciting Banff opportunity now!

I am really late to this thread, but I wanted to give you a virtual hug and say I'm glad you are feeling better about your trips. I think reaching closet nirvana can be just as hard as reaching spiritual nirvana!

Really, the only reason why my pieces mix well is because I have so many duplicates - like, of course my red, citron, and denim jackets are interchangeable; they are all the exact same length and fit, lol. I swear I only have three casual outfits: jeans/long top/cropped jacket, jeans/tee/hip-length jacket, and shorts/partial tuck/hip-length jacket. Like Zap, I don't think it's Nirvana so much as it is formulaic, but it makes me happy.

I love the idea of re-wearing your favorite outfits on your trips - you're gone for a long enough time that I don't think anyone will notice a repeat here and there. Besides, no one will expect you to have a new outfit every day when you are away from home.

Suz,
Hugs to you! I hope you will have such a fun time on your trip. I have nothing to add to the already stellar advice that has been offered by our fab women, but I am making my own notes as I have a trip to make in August to visit high school classmates and of course I want to look my best! Thank you for starting this thread so that I can benefit from all the advice being offered! FWIW- You should know that you would look good even in that burlap sack that Shannon mentioned. Work it baby!

rae: "I think reaching closet nirvana can be just as hard as reaching spiritual nirvana! "

trust me. closet is harder. steph

just wanted to send all the best packing vibes! you've got lots of good advice and you seem to be more optimistic, and that's good. I really liked what GP said, think of this trip as a 6-10 days trip with climate change and everytihng will be fine *hugs*

Hi Suz,

I'm astounded to hear this from you, as you are one of the people I thought really "fast tracked" their style in a way that I envied (along with Claire, Natalie and many others). If you are feeling this way, I totally sympathize as I am an extremely slow learner myself and so easily influenced. For example, in Hawai'i it took everything I had not to buy a dress from Jam's World:

http://www.jamsworld.com/

simply because I was surrounded by color and florals and summerwear. Thankfully budget did not allow for it, but it could easily have happened!

AND I'm also a terrible packer. I brought WAY too many clothes on this trip - all I ended up wearing was shorts, tanks and flip flops except for my wedding outfit and swimwear. And they were mostly the same shorts and tanks too, because we spent all our time on the beach or hiking.

As far as regular life, I have learned to stick to my formulas - waist-surrendering dresses, tunic and leans, cropped over long - the tried and true outfits that work for me. I need that structure and discipline or I will truly be randomly all over the place.

Sending you a big hug - know that I admire your style immensely and see you as an inspiration!