Travel capsule: Spain

I'm off to Spain today! I have never been there! Going to visit my stepdaughter in Granada, and also to Madrid and Barcelona. 

Temperatures are forecast to be mostly around 18-20 C but cooler at night (8-10) with a few rainy/cloudy cooler days (around 14). We'll be walking (a lot!), museum visiting, tapas-eating, wine drinking, attending flamenco performances, and who knows what else. 

We will be gone for 13 days and I'm taking a checked bag because we won't have laundry and these mid-range weather conditions sometimes require layers. Plus, our activities will be varied enough that I'll want some dressier options for evening, and some more casual options for the day. 

I realize for many this would seem a lot of shoes. What can I say? I need to vary my footwear. 

Here's what I'm taking. Plus PJs and undies, of course. Undies include some camisoles to be layered under linen tees and shirts if desired. The navy tube skirt (that I just can't seem to retire!) goes with the blue jacquard top to make a faux "dress" and the leopard skirt is also a dressy look with the peplum top. But both skirts can also easily be worn as casual bottoms with the linen or other tees. 

Travel outfit below. I wear this suit and sneakers look to travel a lot. These pants have nice stretch and some warmth (in case plane is chilly.) Scarf adds warmth if needed on plane. Jacket can be on or off, depending. 

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Short puffer switcheroo and earth tones my way.

Count me as one of those who used to scoff at the short puffer. What on earth is that for? If it is cold enough for down, I need my bum covered! Said, obviously, by one who walks (and rarely drives) and lives in a cold climate.

Fast forward to a new climate. Now my short packable puffer is one of my most worn jackets. I wear it on its own and I layer over and under it. 

Saturday I had to be out all day and night with no returns home. The day was sunny and crisp but the night was going to be cool. So I stuffed my puffer in my bag and brought it with me for a quick change up! Worked easily. 

Next day's outfit for daytime only. That consignment jacket is an autumn workhorse. 

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Autumn jewels (and earth)

On my way out to TWO book events tonight with a friend. Attending, not presenting. (Phew!)

Wearing my hot pink/fuchsia jacket (which was in storage in Ontario all last year) with new BR jeans, a new scarf from the Bay that ties together mustard with my reds/ purples (yay!), and my mustard sneakers. I almost wore the red sneakers (which I splurged on as well) but figured it would be more fun with the mustard complement. 

I got some colour put in my hair last week. I kind of hate it. I don't know how visible it is in these pics. What she did was put some chunky black bits in behind my whitest portions with the idea of highlighting the white. But it doesn't really work that way, I don't think. Fortunately, it's no biggie -- in another few hair cuts it will likely be gone. Mr. Suz hasn't even noticed it, so it's probably not as extreme as it seems to me. I liked it in theory but less in practice. But the only way you learn is by trying. My stylist might have new ideas for me next time I see her and I'm willing to listen. 

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Fab items, unfab combo: details are everything!

I didn't snap a photo, but yesterday I wore a combo that made me feel UNfab. 

Yet I love every single item I wore. 

So what was the problem? 

Well, for one it was pouring rain. But the main issue, it turned out, was that I didn't like these sneakers with the BF style jeans. I felt too "boyish" and almost galumphing in them. Not sharp. Not feminine enough. And too casual. WAY too casual.  A pointed toe bootie would have solved the "problem." 

I love the sneakers with my wide leg crops. The hint of ankle (even if covered) makes me feel less galumphing and more feminine and a tiny bit less casual. 

Maybe if my hair were long and soft I wouldn't feel this way. 

Details are everything! 

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PSA Canadians the Blondo snake report (plus chocolate!)

Guess what I saw today at Nordstrom's in Vancouver?? 

After they told me they wouldn't be selling those boots in Canada? 

HARUMPH!!!!!

Also, though -- they come in chocolate brown!!!  The photo may look black but it is not. They do also come in black, of course. 

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Button up!

Technically not a true crisp button front because it’s stretch silk. An old favourite. Very early YLF purchase still going strong. Off for a day long conference. Not presenting

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WIWW: Plaid on plaid on plaid

It never rains but it pours, right? No posts for ages and then I'm all over the forum. 

I just got these Angie recommended check pants and couldn't resist. These are the petites because it was the only size available. I didn't have high hopes, but I think they work okay! They are comfy, anyway. 

Dare I wear plaid on plaid on plaid? 

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Mustard Capsule in Progress ETA addition and possible addition...

The mustard Cons came! At first I wasn't sure they'd fit -- it was a bit weird getting my foot into the shoe. That's down to my higher arch/ instep, I guess. But once on, they are great. I will have to test them to see if they need an insole. 

And look! They actually match the Coach bag! 

They don't quite "close the gap" and it's chilly out, so I am mixing prints like a maniac. Stripes! Butterflies! Leopard Print! Kitty Print in the library socks! :) 

Now to find a few more mustard print items or maybe my mustard pants. I ordered an ochre brown pair that might or might not work. We'll see. 

ETA: After my lunch date today I stopped into a local shop I like and found these awesome mustard fingerless gloves. Won't they be great with my blues and greys? 

I also tried on this adorable oversized sweater. I think this one is a full size too big, alas. They didn't have my size in store, but they do have one at another of their locations. Should I spring for it? I retired a bit of knitwear this year. 

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A few fall outfits and some quick reviews

Fab Friends! Here are a few fall outfits. Excuse me for looking as exhausted as I (still!!!!) feel in many of these. This cold or flu or whatever it is has really laid me low. I no sooner think I'm back to myself then I get hit with another wave of misery. Ugh. 

#1 The One State jacket and the EF black jeans are really easy to wear and I am wearing them often. The scrunched sleeves are right up my alley. 

#2. All items old. I still love this "suit with sneakers" look. These are a pair of skinnies I won't easily part with. Best pants in the universe. Substantial fabric and side zip with a slightly higher waist than typical Sloans. 

#4 still enjoying this Pink Tartan jacket from consignment last year...

#5/6 out for supper and theatre with Mr. Suz but we left half way through the show because I was feeling so sick! 

#7 a little more hard edged for a downtown reading on a rainy night. 

#8 yesterday's outfit. 

#9 new snakeskin Elviras -- great booties! 

Most loved purchases so far this fall -- the new BR jeans and the Paul Green plaid boots. The Paul Greens gave me awful blisters the first day. Partly because I walked for a really long time in them, and partly, I think, because I already had blisters from my hiking shoes (ironically enough!). The new blisters were in a different place, though. So my feet were miserable and inflamed for more than a week. But after that first wear they became sublimely comfortable so I have forgiven them and let them have a place in my heart after all. :) 

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Colour Capsules: Some Questions

Angie's and Bijou's and Opaline’s recent posts on building colour capsules have reinvigorated my desire to do the same. It is easy for me to dress in neutrals. I pick up items in blue and grey (and white) almost effortlessly (collections are visible in the links) and they always work easily for me.

But colour makes my heart sing. 

A few years ago I started building a red capsule. Red is my happy colour. I like all shades, from true and fire engine red through burgundy, although burgundy works better for me in accessories than in clothing. At any rate, I find most reds blend well together. This capsule includes patterned items that will "pick up" red in other pieces. 

The red capsule is coming along quite well, with a mix of tops, footwear, scarves, and bags. I do lack bottoms in red. I have something on order to try, although I must admit I'm doubtful. My last pair of red pants languished almost unworn. So we'll see. I might do better with a patterned bottom that incorporates red. In the meantime, I do have enough items here to use them in an easy "pop of colour" way with my mostly blue or grey outfits, and can also see what I need to add. I recently retired a few tops -- a plaid red shirt and a red sweater. A new red pullover and/or a shirt/ blouse in red or a pattern incorporating red would be useful. 


I would also like to build a few more capsules and those are slower to take shape. I'd like a fuchsia/ pink/ berry capsule; a purple/ lilac capsule; and a mustard capsule. In the links, you can see what I've got so far for each. 

Mustard is just beginning and will be confined mostly to accessories and patterned items that include a mustard tone. 

That's because mustard is one of my least flattering colours! But I happen to adore it. And it works great with blue and grey. This year, I am open to a scarf or a top with a mustard pattern, or a pair of mustard pants. Suggestions welcome! :) 

Purple, as several people have mentioned, is a super-flattering colour for me. It also reminds me of my mother, who wore it with the best. Bonus: it works with mustard. So I'd like to build a better capsule here. What items should I look for to round things out a bit and make it wearable? 

Ditto for the fuchsia/ pinks capsule. I seem to blend these pinks and berries quite easily (as with reds) and I can in fact put a few different outfits together with these items, but it still feels as if it is lacking a backbone (if that makes sense). 

Thanks for your thoughts! 

ETA: Items currently on order that might add to the picture....

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