TLDR: I’m moving, and thinking a lot about what’s going into my suitcases!
I popped up on the forum actively this summer (after lurking for a while!) largely because I wanted to connect with this group of smart and stylish women as I plan for THE BIG MOVE, something I know many of you have gone through, from Angie on down.
My big move is actually TWO MOVES in one: FIRST, we’re giving up our apartment (where we’ve been for two years) at the end of August and moving to a temporary place (*huge* thanks to my brother and sister in law who have an Airbnb in town). THEN, a month later, we’re flying to the UK with our cat for an 11-month work gig. We’ll be coming back stateside at the end of summer next year.
This means that I have to pack everything I own into storage at the same time that I’m packing a four-season wardrobe (and toiletries/beauty) capsule.
The good news is that we’re going to London (yey!), so I know I will be able to get anything I could possibly need/want there and more. But since the trip is for work, I’ll have to hit the ground running, so I’ve been carefully curating my fall picks in anticipation of the first few weeks/months abroad.
(Also good news that I’ve spent a good amount of time in the UK recently, so I’m familiar with – and fond of! – the weather/style in most seasons. Though let’s talk again at the end of January... And I’ve lived and worked abroad before, so am familiar with some of the mechanics of long-term capsules and visa applications etc., which makes things a lot easier. However, I have never before travelled with a pet, and as some of you will know, that’s adding lots of moving parts to the to-do list...)
Inspired by Jenn’s recent post and Angie’s packing advice (links below), I decided to inventory my wardrobe while doing a last cull before the move. It’s been a great activity to burn up some anxious energy over the last few days, and I feel like I now have a very good grasp on what I have. WOW!
https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....g-so-geeky
https://youlookfab.com/2019/06.....-new-home/
The last step is to make a packing list of what’s coming with me.
Notes: Everything I’m bringing must fit into one large 26” Briggs and Riley duffle roller suitcase + one small carry-on roller + one carry-on tote (exact items in finds). Ideally, I’d be able to limit the wardrobe to the checked bag to leave space for other things.
Some of what I’m bringing anticipates trips for work and pleasure (hi, Wales and Portugal!) that I know I will be making to warmer and colder climates over the next months, but I’m trying to keep things as simple as possible.
Shoes are apparently my biggest vice: true in my wardrobe inventory as well, I discovered. (Like Angie, I have fussy feet, but for me, that means having access to a good variety day-to-day, even while travelling.)
You’ll also see I rely a lot on black with a supporting cast of other neutrals (camel, white and ivory, some dark blue, occasionally army green). That is what it is. I always feel put together in black, though do try avoid all black looks.
As for dresses, I’m surprised I’m not more interested in bringing them with me, but I do anticipate being able to shop for frocks for the season there (hi, Whistles!). I would very much like to have one good *every occasion dress* — which for me means something with a little personality that could easily go a dinner or to brunch — but it’s unlikely I’ll find that unicorn before I leave.
Outwear and cold-weather accessories 4 (not counting very small pieces)
Camel coat
Trench coat (wear on plane)
Oversized scarves (x 2: one olive green, one camel)
Black mid-weight scarf (in carry-on tote)
Patterned silk square scarf
Black wool beanie hat (in carry-on tote)
Black wool beret
Black cashmere gloves
Toppers 6
Black blazers (x 2: one wool, one linen)
Navy blazers (x 2: one wool, one ponte and belonging to a
suit)
Oversized cardigans (x 2: one camel, one black; wear one on
plane)
Tops 7+
Ivory dressy button-down
Ivory sleeveless silk button-down
Navy and white spotted split-neck blouse
Sleeveless black blouses (x 2)
Oversized black pullover sweater
Cropped black pullover sweater
Tees (x a few TBD: sleeveless, short, and long-sleeved; wear
one on plane)
Bottoms 6
Dark wash skinny jeans (x 2)
Navy ponte suit pants
Black cropped kick-flare jeans
Mid-wash cropped boyfriend jeans
Leather skirt
Dress 1
Black and white sundress
Shoes 8
Snake print slide sandals
Camel ballet flats
White sneakers (wear on plane)
Silver brogues
Black pointed-toe ballet flats
Black suede pumps
Black high-shaft booties
Workout sneakers
Gear 6 (not counting small pieces)
Rain parka
Workout leggings (x 2)
Workout tanks (x 3)
Sports bras (x 2)
Grippy socks (1); No show socks (4)
Loungewear/PJs 7
Black loungewear leggings (wear on plane)
Black cami set with shorts and long pants
Navy and white striped short-sleeved + shorts set
Black floral kimono robe
That’s all of it! If you’ve gotten here: cheers, and thank you for reading. As always, comments, suggestions, and pearls of wisdom are very welcome!
