Grab a cup of tea folks, I'm ready!
First, the bathing suit. My favourite thing in the world… bathing suit shopping… J. I guess when you do it online it's less painful
I am a tankini fan, big time. So while I know that might be waaaay to much coverage for the belles on the beach in Hawaii, it’s my reality. And I love that I
get to get a new one! I do already have a couple of bathing suits that are a little skimpier, what I’d really like is one I can “play” in, a more sporty one… to wear kayaking, on a boat, playing Frisbee, etc. So one I’d feel “supported” in, as well as non-self-conscious. This will be for the active side of my Hawaii vacation, which I know will happen…, plus be one I can really use back here at home.
I’ve had good luck with Lands Ends suits in the past (as as IT, I also love that my
tops and bottoms can be purchased separately) so that’s where I went for
my search. I already have black bikini bottoms, and a black swim skirt, so I loved the idea of this top (1) - will go with my existing bottoms, but it also means I can get different colour bottoms as well, to add some variety. OK, so maybe navy isn't a super wow colour, but it works for me (2). And of course I need a sun shirt to go with it. I choose one of my favourites… navy and white stripes (3). I also fell in love with the idea of a zip up one, and might in all seriousness purchase this one (4).
OK. Bathing suit taken care of.
Now, to travel. This was actually a challenge. The flight to Hawii is, for me, about an 18 hour trip, with a couple of flight changes. So I need to be comfortable, and wearing clothes that will NOT make me sweat if I need to dash through the airport. I need shoes that are comfy, with covered toes. And because this is a YLF challenge, I have to look good J. I suspect wearing yoga pants is out, right?
I chose my red linen pants, and a white cotton tee. The pants will give me
coverage if there are drafts on the airplane, yet are light enough that I won’t
die when I get off the plane. To make this look more current, I chose my new Peter Kaiser pointy toe ballet pumps, and will semi-tuck the tee into my silver belt. For a topper, I’m going to take my white jean jacket. (5,6)
Going out to dinner with DH: I purchased these silky track pants at the end of the season sales last year, and have not yet worn them. But they will be perfect for an evening in Honolulu – current, comfy, light… again will wear the Peter Kaiser shoes, and I hope this is JFE worn with a fluid fancy tee. (7)
Sight seeing… when I sight see, I sight see. First requirement: comfortable shoes. I suspect these sandals won’t measure up to YLF standards, but they are Riekers, and I know I can wear them all day long. I am more comfortable in a skort than shorts, so will wear my Eddie Bauer purple skort, and will try to make it
more modern with a fluid top. (8)
This is where I realized I have a wardrobe hole. I have tanks that are sporty,
tanks that are tees, and nice sleeveless blouses that are polyester. Which is fine for my climate, but I really do need some nice fluid tops made of cotton or linen, for the hotter days. I also feel absolutely massive in this outfit. Which is depressing, because I love fluid things, esp when it’s hot, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s a look I should avoid. :(. But I’m leaving this here for now, in the
interests of learning, and getting some feedback.
Now. Because I’m somewhat obsessed by travel capsules, and was also challenged to use and show some uses of Stylebook, I decided to go whole hog and finish my packing exercise on Stylebook. So I threw in a couple more things for the evenings, clothes for the days, hopefully that will mix and match and be appropriate. The blue dress was actually sold as a cover up, but it could easily be a dress, so that will be perfect for whatever I want it to be for. Love clothes that don’t touch your body when it’s hot! Also throwing in some dressier sandals. I’d also probably throw in some more “geary” shorts, sports tank (ie one with built in support so no bra needed) and Keen sandals. In Stylebook, is a feature for packing. I developed several “looks”, then added them to my Hawaii packing list(9). Stylebook then automatically shows you all the items you have chosen (10). Easy to see how many tops, bottoms etc to do some editing.
If I were really keen I’d see if I could pack all this in a carry on J
But I need to post this so I can stop obsessing.
Thanks Denise, this showed me some of my summer holes, my insecurities, and I think I’m going to order a couple of LE sunshirts J. But what it really did was
force me to think about looking decent while traveling, while still being
comfortable and practical. It’s very easy for me to default to gear type clothes if I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking etc. It also got me thinking about a whole bunch of stuff that I won’t go into here because I’ve already written a bible.
OH! And the afternoon showers? I'm taking an umbrella! Or I'll get wet. Or I'll be in the pool.
So, how did I do? Did I succeed in looking somewhat modern within the confines of extreme heat and therefore minimal ability to add extra clothes,scarves etc to complete the outfits?
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