The downside of shopping for your dominant weather... - YouLookFab Forum

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The downside of shopping for your dominant weather...

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

is that you don't have many options when you need to pack for a trip somewhere very different. We are heading to Boise, Idaho, for a few days and the weather forecast is for highs in the 40s and some rain/snow (mm, wintry mix). It's only felt like fall here for a week or two so I am scrambling. I pulled out the "yes, it's actually cold" pieces from their storage bins; they usually only get wear when I go back to the Midwest to visit family around the holidays, and the odd freaky cold snap. My heavy coats live at my parents house and aren't accessible, and it turns out only one pair of my corduroys currently fits. Argh!

I'm thinking of stopping by Uniqlo and picking up a packable down jacket, just in case. At least I have some sweaters that fit, and some halfway decent boots.

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15 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Anonymous

Oh no!!! I understand completely, but I still think we are following the right strategy overall. Yes. There will always be these weird instances when we find ourselves scrambling. I have them when I visit Family in Minnesota. It sucks.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, about this time in November is when I'd normally pull out the holiday travel capsule and see if I needed to replace or add something - giving me time to order stuff and try it out before Christmas. But I don't have time to do that before this trip, and because it doesn't get that cold here there aren't many choices in the stores anyway.

Elly

Veteran

I always used to feel like this when I went to AZ with the SO since I had next-to-no hot weather clothes . . . I'm sure that will transition in the opposite direction now, though.

Bonnie

Veteran

It really is hard to imagine how cold or hot some places can get. I have learned over the years to be prepared for anything. I met a woman on vacation in Sedona, AZ who was not prepared for hot weather in November. She told me she went to a Goodwill Store in Sedona and found lots of cute clothes at a reasonable price and that's what she was wearing. She looked good, too.

Anonymous

I never thought of shopping upon reaching my destination. THAT is a really good idea. You can find lots of things at the Goodwill Store. My problem is everything has to be washed or dry cleaned before I will wear it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, this is frustrating for sure. I hope you will manage. I don't know what I would do if I had to make a long trip to Florida. Actually, that might not be so bad (I'd just haul out the summer stuff.) What would be harder is a long trip to Seattle. Medium weight clothes that are rain worthy? Hmmm....

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes, it is hard for me to remember how much I really do need a winter coat in real winter until I get there.

Anonymous

You may want to think layers. The weather could get unseasonably warm while you are there.

JAileen

Veteran

I've been wearing an Eddie Bauer down jacket and our temps have been as low as 15F. When I'm walking the dogs in the morning I add a fleece hat and gloves.

Layers. When we were in Turkey last winter I wore as many as five layers - camisole, cotton turtleneck, cashmere sweater, Patagonia Nanopuff jacket, and Patagonia Vosque with liner, plus hat and gloves.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Do you have a raincoat with a removable liner? That might be warm enough (with liner), layered over a wool or cashmere sweater, especially if you are mostly going to be in cars and buildings.

Eliza

Veteran

Perhaps add a couple of Heat Tech tops if you are at Uniqlo. They are super light weight for layering and do add warmth to an outfit. I packed a long sleeved one when headed to a warmer climate so that I could wear it on the plane home and not bother with a heavier coat on the trip. I also just found a packable, almost no weight, down jacket and love it. It seems to be as warm as I want it to be in cooler fall weather. Winter temps may be more of a challenge.

Enjoy your trip.

JAileen

Veteran

I just looked at Boise's forecast compared to ours, and they're virtually the same. Their being further north is offset by our being higher in elevation.

The packable down jacket is a good idea, but also bring a shell for rain or snow. I've been wearing down all this week. Are your boots waterproof and do they have good traction? Hiking boots you may already have would be good. Ordinary jeans are fine, you don't need cords unless you want them. You can get those $1 stretch gloves. Throw in a hat and you're all set.

I hope you have fun!

Anonymous

I've lived in a hot climate all my life, so I just can't handle anything much below 40F. I pretty much go into hibernation if it's colder than that. So, that rules out a lot of destinations during their winter seasons. Just a wimpy hothouse violet here! The up side is that this aversion to colder destinations does keep my closet pretty thinned-out. Those winter clothes sure are bulky.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Laura, so far this season is MUCH cooler than last year. I have already worn two of my wool coats. Granted we've got the hotter/colder thing here in the foothills, with temps in the 50s on a sunny day, 40s with rain, and 30s at night. So I think it's worth it for you to get a Uniqlo packable down jacket, you will need it even in the Bay this year I hope. Do you have warm socks, some light Cuddl Duds for under your jeans, hat and gloves? If so you're sorted as Angie says. I routinely wear Cuddl Duds under my jeans and am just fine on the colder days here and when it snows. It hasn't in 2 years -- eagerly awaiting some lower elevation snow!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone, for your wise thoughts. I think I've got a workable plan but y'all know me, I like to over prepare!

I went by Uniqlo and picked up a packable down jacket and a couple of heat tech tops for layering. Good thing Uniqlo sized up their clothes for the rotund North American market, as I just barely fit in the XL, and those were like finding a needle in a haystack in the store anyway.

Jaileen and CocoLion, I think you're right about the cold winter coming up, even without the rain/el Nino factor. It's already getting down to the 40s here at night, which commonly happens in like January, but it's only early November.