March 26, 2013

I'm back! We had a terrific trip despite the bitter weather; it was much colder in London than it is today in eastern Ontario. But neither bitter winds nor blowing snow and biting sleet (nor a very weird skin condition that erupted on my arrival) could spoil our enjoyment (at least for the most part). Thank goodness for the British tradition of tea, and for wise counsel from YLF friends. We were so grateful for our wool coats!

My skin's all better now by the way. I have no idea what caused the inflammation, but I needed to take some anti-histimines and could not use any creams.

My wardrobe worked out beautifully. I never did wear my trench coat (far too cold) and I also didn't wear a sparkly tank and a short sleeved striped top (ditto) and I didn't wear my Sam Petty booties or my pretty pumps --- but I certainly wore everything else I brought -- and wore it often, because layers were the name of the game. Every day I put on underwear, a camisole, a silk or knit button down, a sweater, a scarf (if the sweater was not a turtleneck), my taupe leather jacket, and my wool pea coat. I layered tights under my wool pants. And I wore boots.

I felt really well dressed for the things we were doing, and always prepared. Angie, thanks for recommending I bring the taupe jacket; the white would have felt really out of place, given the weather. Plus, given the amount I wore it, it probably would have picked up some grime. I don't really calculate CPW but for what it's worth, it's pretty low on that taupe jacket already. What a perfect jacket it is for me, and I'm so grateful to Shannon for wearing her black version so frequently that I finally took notice of a good thing!

I love my Vince Camuto pea coat. Zapotee has spoken about the importance of a great coat for travelling, and I could not agree more. Wearing that coat I always felt smart and sharp. It works with pants and with dresses. It is not too heavy but it is warm. Yay for the occasional spontaneous purchase; it wasn't officially on my shopping list but was a lucky early autumn find. So glad I bought it.

I didn't manage to take many photos of people's clothing. Everyone was bundled and not necessarily looking their most fashionable. Hubby was struck by all the black, navy, and other dark colours. But I do think the cold wintery weather had a lot to do with that. People were still wearing winter clothes.

Trends I noticed: Lots of snazzy sneakers. Some slouchy skinnies. Far more tall boots than I had expected -- again, perhaps in part because of the cold conditions. But I know they are returning again for fall.

I spent a full day shopping. I tried on many things, mostly at Cos. But nothing felt quite right. I admit, it was difficult to think about buying for spring weather when the temperatures were so bitter outside, but there were also fit and flattery issues, and in the end I decided it simply wasn't important to buy something for the sake of buying it. So, exercising the YLF principle of PPP, I walked away.

I bought only two things. One, a bra! If you've read my bra fitting woes, you know that I have a difficult time finding bras that work for me in my home city or even in Toronto. I finally was able to try on a Simone Perele bra, and walked away a happy woman! So comfortable and also pretty.

In the Courtauld museum I also picked up this fun cuff bracelet made of stone. I thought it would be a fun addition to summer outfits.

Next photo shows my trusty boyfriends for the trip -- Franco and Stuart kept me good company and made sure my feet were happy despite 14 hour walking and standing days. Well, okay. "Happy" might be an overstatement...but at least I managed to continue moving!

A couple of outfits, and you can also see the little flat we stayed in.

Glad to be back and looking forward to catching up.

Posted in the Shopping category

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

30 Comments

Tina.b replied 11 years ago
So wonderful to have you back Suz! It sounds like you had a tremendous vacation, and I'm so glad your wardrobe served you well! It is important to pack for any type of potential weather situation! Gorgeous outfits both, perfect for a day of sightseeing!

I totally understand the lack of shopping. When I travel to amazing cities, shopping is really on the back burner for me. I try to soak in the culture, and spent most of my time at landmarks and art galleries. To be honest I can find most anything from home via online shopping, so I don't like to spend my precious vacation time doing the same. Though I do admittedly allot a couple hours here and there. On the other hand, if I go to a place like Vegas, I'm there with the sole purpose of shopping (and eating, lol).
Raisin replied 11 years ago
Sounds like a fantastic trip! You seem to have packed very wisely. The bracelet you got is very nice, and glad to hear the Simone Perele bra worked so well. I think that is next on my list of bras to try out. I'm thinking you looked very stylish on your trip!
Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago
It sounds like you had a lovely time despite the weather. Thank goodness for wise packing. Your flat looks just lovely and of course, you look sensational in the taupe leather jacket. So glad you got it Suz - it is PERFECT for you :)

The stone bracelet looks lovely and will be a beautiful piece to integrate into your style. What? No WIW of the bra? - lol!
replied 11 years ago
Glad to have you back Suz. I am glad your skin calmed down and that your wardrobe worked so seamlessly. Also a big yey for a fab coat.

Like Tina.b, shopping while on vacation is very low priority for me. I would spend a few hours, at most, shopping and it is mostly for gifts. Plus, I do hate how *final* the decisions have to be. I get paralyzed by the fact that I cannot return anything. Heck, I only bought 2 things on my last vacation. A pair of boots and a Longchamp pliage bag. The second was bought just because I needed extra space coming back and the boots I snatched once I discovered the British version of the SW 50/50 boots is longer. So really, there were no surprise purchases.
rachylou replied 11 years ago
I'm going to remember that about coats and traveling. That's really true.
Ornella replied 11 years ago
Wow Suz, I think buying little in London of all places means you really know your style. You are my hero, but you knew that already ;-)

Thanks for the fantastic and eloquent as ever report, I always learn something from you or others via you (great top about the coats on trips, I've missed it from Zap).

The bracelet is beautiful, the apartment looks cozy and YLF.
Ingunn replied 11 years ago
I miss the WIW of the bra, too :)
It is great to have you back, Suz, and I am so happy that your trip was a success. London is one of the magic places for me, even in lousy weather. Your travel capsule worked well due to your thorough planning. Well done, and welcome home.
hedgiehog replied 11 years ago
Oh Suz, it sounds like you had a wonderful time! And what an adorable flat too. It looks so cute and cosy. I was smiling the entire time it took me to read your post. :-)
Shame about the weather but it sounds like you had a great time despite the low temps. I love London; it is my second home so anytime someone goes there and has a great time I am happy. Your packing worked out really well; I hope I can do the same in a few months. Welcome back!
Angie replied 11 years ago
We missed you so much, Suz! I'm sorry your skin gave you a spot f trouble but it sounds like you had a great time anyway :). LOVE that everything worked out on every level!

It's hard to shop for Spring when it's SO cold. And London shopping is overwhelming as well as expensive. You were right to bring back a bracelet and a bra. FABULOUS :) xo
Thistle replied 11 years ago
So sorry about your skin, but glad that it is all cleared up.

Good that you stuck to PPP. The bra and bracelet were terrific finds!

Sorry the weather was so miserabe. But, sounds liek you still had a great time. Good to have you back, though.
Mo replied 11 years ago
I just have to say I am SO happy for you that you finally found a bra!! I know how hard the search can be.
Welcome home!
Elizabeth P replied 11 years ago
Sounds like you had a great trip, despite the weather. And thanks for not doing a WIW with the bra :)

Welcome back!
texstyle replied 11 years ago
Welcome back Suz! You look fantastic and it sounds like you had an enjoyable trip despite the weather challenge. That taupe jacket is just to die for on you - perfection every time. Glad you found a great everyday item while shopping (I love to find stuff like that 'cause I feel all proud each time I wear it). And the bracelet looks like a fun addition for your spring/summer wardrobe. That flat looks so cute - love finding cozy spots like that when traveling.
pil replied 11 years ago
Do you always select vacation accomodations that coordinate with your wardrobe? I'm talking to you, picture #3.

Suz, that leather jacket is sooo beautiful on you.

Glad you had a good trip!
catgirl replied 11 years ago
Wow, that is some restraint! So glad your trip went so well. I think London is a different kind of cold than in our climates - it's more bone-chilling wet and windy somehow (like Boston). Yay for your fab wardrobe!
Inge replied 11 years ago
Fun bracelet, Suz, and glad to hear you found your perfect bra. And fantastic job not buying anything just for the sake of buying things. Here's to PPP!!

Glad to hear you had an amazing time regardless of the freezing weather. Your layering outfits sound cosy and super stylish. Here's to leather jackets for all seasons!-)
Scarlet replied 11 years ago
Yay for a successful trip! You are clever to have so many stylish comfortable shoes. You are reminding me how much I love a good peacoat. I haven't had one for years. Maybe that will be my goal next fall.
sarah replied 11 years ago
Glad you're home safe and sound, Suz. Can you believe the weather? We're headed to France the day after tomorrow, and it's supposed to be a good 15C warmer in Provence. Hooray! The kids could have used their down jackets, but we're making do.
jayne replied 11 years ago
Welcome home, enjoy all the comforts! Love reading about the trip and the observations. Yes, this spring is bitter cold, so I am glad you brought wool and got good use of it. Hope you had a fabulous time!
Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago
Welcome back.
So glad the wardrobe worked & your boyfriends were charming:)
The bracelet is a great addition for spring/summer - I've been wearing mine all summer.
replied 11 years ago
Welcome home Suz! We missed you. I'm so glad you had enough warm clothes for your trip, and comfy footwear. So important! And you managed to look stylishly fab at the same time. Hooray for the great fitting and pretty bra. Maybe you can order them online from home now that you know your make and model. That bracelet will be a fun way to "layer" in your hot/humid summer.

That is such a cute little flat in the background of your pictures. Where did you stay? I just love small, attractive, well-designed spaces like that and it totally matches your colors. It looks modern, urban and fab, just like you! :)
I'm glad you had a good time and that your skin is getting back to normal.
Sveta replied 11 years ago
Welcome back, Suz!
This is so funny but i also developed some skin condition on my trip. It started on my fingers and that i got it on my ears from all things! It looked like blisters and was itchy. I went to the pharmacy and asked them if they know what it is. They told me that this is from a cold weather. Imagine - coming to Portugal from Canada and getting a skin condition from cold weather? Anyway it cleared when I got home: definitely i will not be moving to Portugal any time soon!:-)
I also did not buy much on my trip. I find shopping very hard when I travel and I tend to make shopping mistaks because I am short on time and cannot return later. I found I need to go on shopping trips with preparation for them to be successful.
I am glad you were all ready for cold weather and looked fantastic braving th elements. Really what would we do without our trusty Danier jackets?:-)
Nice flat! we also stayed in a flat in Lisbon: was yours very small?
Suz replied 11 years ago
Sveta, that is the strangest coincidence! I am glad you are doing better now.

People in England didn't know whether to be appalled or slightly proud when I told them it was colder there than in Canada. Mostly they were mystified. Where were the daffodils?

Our flat was small but absolutely perfect for us. It was a ground floor flat with a small (but perfectly adequate and quiet) bedroom, a living area with couch and chairs, a tiny table, fully equipped kitchen, and a nice bathroom. There was also a little walk out terrace...HA!!! As IF!!!!
Jaime replied 11 years ago
Welcome home! I am glad your packing plan worked so well and you look absolutely gorgeous in both outfits here. I do love how you match the cushions in the first one! So glad you made it back safe and sound perhaps without new shoes but with wonderful memories!
Tanya replied 11 years ago
Welcome back Suz! Sounds like you had an awesome trip and I love that flat.
Great job on not buying anything that is not perfect. That is a fun bracelet.
Deborah replied 11 years ago
Welcome back Suz. It seems like you only left yesterday! So glad your wardrobe worked well for you. It sounds unimaginably cold there.
lyn67 replied 11 years ago
Hi, Suz, glad you're back! I missed your other thread about your rushy leaving-(but have read it right now, so I'm amazed how quickly and well you did packing) and was surpised you're already back!
YLF in all the outfits shown and spoken about:-), love the bracelet, and you are a lucky girl to have found your perfect SimoneP bra!!! I really can relate for not wanting to spoil your precious time shopping, and then, rushy forced decisions-just for the sake of shopping- are never the best! I hope you had a wonderfull time, even the wheather was not really contibuting...:-)) By us is also freezing and snowing 3 days in a row...Never had an Easter like that!:-(
Now, off to read your in time threads from shopping/no shopping in London.
Thanx for sharing!:-)

(Greg-if you are reading this: One thing I miss on the forum is the date of a thread was issued...sometimes bumpings keep one post current for longer time so not all on front page are new...and this can be confusing-..thus in this case I went to Suz's blog and there I could see this post was written yesterday)
Mona replied 11 years ago
So glad to have you back, Suz! It is too bad that the weather was colder than expected but you enjoyed your trip and had nice warm clothes to wear so that is all that matters.
I am completely in awe of your PPP. I was not as successful with my shopping in London.
That bracelet is so pretty and would be so much fun to wear in summer.
Parsley replied 11 years ago
Welcome back, Suz, and I'm glad you had a good trip, and that you had the warm clothes that you needed. What a cold spring this has been!

Sveta, if you see this- it sounds like you had chilblains- ouch!

You showed great shopping restraint, and the things you did buy sound like good finds- love the bracelet! I'm kind of surprised that you didn't have good luck at COS. I just got back from Paris (also cold), and I am completely in love with COS! I swear I liked almost everything I tried on there, and a few items just might have followed me home...
I bet the sizing is pretty big for you, though. I think I sized down in everything except basic T-shirts.

Thanks for reporting back!
Suz replied 11 years ago
Parsley, that is interesting. I didn't find the sizing too big, exactly. It just was off for me. In most cases, XS was my size...but it didn't fit right. Not too large, just poorly proportioned for me, somehow. I tried on some really fun items -- galaxy print slouchy pants, for instance -- but they looked awful on me. One simple navy dress looked quite promising, but I didn't like the fabric (very thin jersey - showed everything underneath it, all lumps and bumps) and it was too tight on the arms. Another dress just looked bleah on me. I tried the dolman sleeve boxy cropped galaxy print sweater, but it sort of overwhelmed me. A blue linen sweater was just "okay" but nowhere near great -- and I could tell my cat would catch his claws in it anyway. Meanwhile, some of the fabric weights were totally unsuited to the summer temperatures that I live with, so I'd have had about a 3 week window in which to wear the items, making them not worth it. In short, nothing that I tried really flattered me or seemed practical, despite my liking it in theory! A lot of the stuff wasn't structured enough or was oversized in the wrong ways for me. I love a slightly oversized look, but am easily overwhelmed by crisp boxy shapes or too much draping, I need it "just so" or it won't work on me.

Can't wait to see what you brought home, though!

Pix-Elated

A bra and a bracelet: All I bought in London

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