More London Capsule: Footwear, Pants, and Evening

So, apologies for forum hogging today; I won't get much time here for the rest of the week and it is a holiday in Ontario.

Silly me. I set up and took pics specifically to show you some footwear (among other things) and managed NOT to get my shoes in the pictures! But I think maybe you can see enough to get the idea.

First, however, a pair of pants up for consideration.

These would be a second pair of pants in addition to the slouchy black ones but INSTEAD of my distressed jeans or my black skinny moto style trousers. They are AT modified slouchy semi-jean style trousers. Linda (Milehighstyle) also owns these. I bought them a size up for a bit of slouch. They are, unfortunately, TOO SHORT (sigh) but I deal with that by toning booties to the trousers or (perhaps) by wearing pumps, although this would be a new thing for me.

Showing them with a lightweight cobalt sweater I could also bring. I love the colour but it is such a stupid sweater. Bags out something fierce -- but in cotton/modal blend it might be a good spring weight and it is such a happy colour. Obviously, they work with other stuff I am bringing as well.

Footwear: I got to worrying that I would need more options. So I am considering taking my old Franco Sarto stretch boots. With a square toe they are a bit dated looking. But they are also super comfy and rainproof. I am sorry you can't see the whole thing, but you can get the idea here. in photo 6. They are not great boots for tucking pants into, but they work with dresses and with looser pants over top of them.

I am also considering a pair of heeled pumps for nighttime. These are Ecco pumps, 5 years old, with a rubberized bottom and flexible sole. Plus they are patent, so rainproof. Sorry you can't really see them, but while they read "black" they are in fact a really dark burgundy.

Showing also some various "nighttime" theatre/ supper out options at various levels of formality, though none super formal, obviously. I doubt we will be dining with the Queen. :-)

Still to be decided -- do I need another topper (i.e. blazer) This taupe leather jacket will sure get a workout if I don't bring anything else! Then again, I might just buy something.

I also did a trial packing. Believe it or not, I can fit all of this, PLUS a foldable duffle bag (for my purchases) into a carry on. On the way home, I can just check a bag. :-)

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23 Comments

  • Runcarla replied 11 years ago

    Love the pants, and so on trend. Also, sparkly top in #9 and #12 is fab!

  • sarah replied 11 years ago

    I love the pants! Those will be a great addition : ).

    How about bringing your denim jacket? JUST KIDDING!!!! What about a blazer?

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Ha - Sarah - I am actually CONSIDERING my denim jacket!! I loved it over my dress and my pencil skirt. ;-)

    ETA: Angie votes for my slouchy skinny jeans in the bag so I am debating....hmmmmmm..... it is true that London can be gritty. We are staying on the South Bank.

    I am also considering the fuchsia H&M cropped blazer. But in some ways, you know, I'm just happy to wear that leather jacket - it is SO gorgeous. Only thing is, if it gets really warm I might be a bit hot in it.

  • Abby_B replied 11 years ago

    Hi Suz -

    I love these photos you posted. You've done such a great job of putting together so many combinations, I will go back to this for reference! And I love those pants! I NEVER would have guess there would be so many ways to put them together in outfits! Well done!

  • harmonica replied 11 years ago

    Love the pants!! And I would consider another topper and not rely on shopping - but that's me. I like to have every need covered before going and consider shopping as outfit bonus(es) ;-)

    How on earth are you managing with a carry on?! I need to hire you for my packing! What about cosmetics and such - can you carry all in that miniscule plastic bag you get before the security check?

    When and where did you get that leather jacket? I'm considering buying a leather jacket this spring... :-)

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    Suz, I am amazed this all fits in a carry-on! You look fantastic in those pants and that taupe jacket MUST be worn often - it is crazy fab! I love all of these outfits, but if you could cram in the skinny slouchy denim, it would make me even happier.

  • Ingunn replied 11 years ago

    I love those pants! You look gorgeous in them. Actually, the denim jacket could be a fun addition to the selection, or the fuchsia blazer. This would be adding another variable that can churn out at least a dozen more combinations.

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Suz, I really like these AT trousers, they will add variety for your travel capsule.
    I am taking 2 toppers with me and begin to think that maybe I need a third one but I will be gone for 17 days... As for the jeans I personally would not take more than 3 bottoms (including dresses) for a 1 week trip unless you need some fancy bottoms for evening you cannot wear at day time. Seriously, with one pair of slouchy trousers, one pencil skirt and one pair of jeans (either slouchy or AT) you will have more outfit options than you can wear in 7 days including for evening out....but this is a travel minimalist in me. I actually prefer to have more tops and toppers than bottoms which I can mix and match, I just make sure my bottoms give me different color and silhouette options.
    As for the footwear take your most comfortable ones you can walk in for 12+ hours and also a pair of waterproof ones (if they are also 12+ hour shoes is for the better). Then if you expect some fancier evening occasions add a pair of evening pumps (again if they are comfortable it is a bonus). Ensure that ALL your footwear options work with ALL of your bottom options and you should be set.

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    I love these pants & think they would be a very versatile addition. The knit is nice for some colour too & looks wonderful under the jacket as well.

    I think you are right an extra jacket that is lighter-weight would be a good option. On the other hand it will be hard to not wear that leather jacket - it is perfect.

  • krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

    Suz, I still think the distress jeans would be better. You look great in these, will look great in them when you're back. But the jeans will be more versatile. Although I must say, photo 9 is to die for. There is so much powerful yet subtle stylishness in this! Colours just blend one into another and the print, sequin give it immense dimension.

    I must say I cringe at the idea of stylish you in square toe boots... but when I saw the top of them I thought there might be hope. However I need a full pic. Yes, I agree tall boots along with booties would be most useful, but only if you feel 100% stylish in the boots.

    Love love love that shirt in pic 4!

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    Love the pants, they are a good alternative to the distressed denim or moto jeans - from what you're saying, you sound more comfortable in the dressier style and it looks to be more appropriate for the activities you have planned.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Go with Angie's advice as she knows best about traveling and weather/walking conditions elsewhere.

    But I had to chime in and say you look INCREDIBLE in those AT trousers!

  • nancylee replied 11 years ago

    Suz, you are really selling me on slouchy trousers. Seriously, they look great...especially with the striped top. All of these outfits are great travel options: I really admire the time you took to make everything work together so seamlessly. Very impressive!

    As some have suggested, adding your jeans and a denim jacket might not be a bad idea if you can squeeze them into you suitcase....but I also think you've got a totally workable travel wardrobe right here.

    Well done!

  • Raisin replied 11 years ago

    Those pants are awesome! What is the pattern? I love the black on grey. I would say of you have the room, definitely take them. It seems like you are a packing ninja anyway (me too!)

  • rachylou replied 11 years ago

    Love the pants, love the jacket(!), really go for outfit #4. Take the cobalt sweater :)

  • Sara L. replied 11 years ago

    I think this is a great travel capsule! I'm so impressed by how everything goes with everything else. I hate overpacking so I would probably only take what you have shown here since you have all the bases covered.

  • Tina.b replied 11 years ago

    I'm amazed that you can do an overseas vacation with just a carry on. And look fantastic. I think another topper is a great idea. What about a trench?

  • Vicki replied 11 years ago

    Like krishnadoux, I love that shirt in #4. I also love the sequined top (who makes that one?) and I think you've got the bases covered. You ARE the Travel Prince and have been voted as such.

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Oh, thank you everybody. And news flash! It looks as if I will be taking my big suitcase after all. Why? Not because of me. Because of HUBBY!!

    He is going on to Israel after me and wants me to take his extra bag back. So I will need a bit of room in my suitcase for ...ahem...my little purchases! And while everything I showed in my two threads fit in my carry on (with a bit of room to spare -- and yes, Harmonica, I put in my toiletries bag, too!) it looks as if I will have more room and can take more options if I wish.

    Tina, I do have a trench; it will be on me on the plane so no need to pack. Showed it in the earlier thread.

    Rachy- I am inclined to listen to you.

    Rae, AT calls this a "leopard print" pattern -- it is black and cobalt on a sort of purplish/ mauve/ taupey grey background. It looks more floral than leopard to me, but whatever.

    Nancy, these are only a leeeetle slouchy. They are petite, but sized up. Which drops the crotch and makes them a bit looser in the behind. But still TOO SHORT. I had the hems let down, too. The regulars didn't really fit quite the same and the slouch didn't work for me (i.e. sizing up just made them overall baggy and unattractive.)

    Thank you, Shannon - and thank you also for always wearing your Danier jacket so I could get the idea to buy mine!!! :-)

    Rae, thank you. I always trust your judgement. You are wise beyond your years.

    Krish, now it looks as if I have room for both pants - yay! I will try to post a better pic of the boots. They are not as bad as they sound. Here is what they look like: http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....n~p~63605/

    Caro, I hear you. I think if the weather is cool (ish) the leather jacket will get wear constantly. However, if the weather hits above 60, it is possible it would feel too warm. Actually, maybe I had better ask Sveta and Shannon about this. They have experience with their leather jackets and know what temperatures those work for.

    Sveta, this is it - -I am only gone for 8 days. When I went for 3.5 weeks, I had several toppers with me -- my fuchsia knit jacket, my black waxed denim moto, and a trench. Definitely needed all those options. You and I love our toppers, so it is good to be prepared. However, I suspect I might bring something home with me from London.

    I like your footwear advice and think I am covered. I will also be actively looking for footwear in England.

    Ingunn, you're right -- either of those jackets would increase my possibilities ten-fold! So I'm considering.

    Una, I might be taking the denim, too. And thank you!

    Harmonica, thank you so much. But you are a great packer, too. I have seen it.

    Abby, yes, these pants are amazingly versatile and very soft. The one downside is that they are dry clean only. But I haven't needed to clean them often so that is okay.

  • Sarah A replied 11 years ago

    Oh my! You and Sveta are inspiring me with your packing plans tonight! Downright FAB! I live your sequined top, #9 outfit is breathtaking. But each and every one works soooo well. I think you would benefit from having a second topper, esp. if it is chilly. And since DH needs you to take the bigger bag.....

  • Vicki replied 11 years ago
    Suz, what is the fabrication and color of the shirt in 4 that Krish commented on?  Is that a James Perse?
  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 11 years ago
    Oh, I really like this!    Next time I pack I am going to refer to this post, because I am amazed at your ability to get so many cute outfits out of one carry-on bag!

    Anything else you bring is just icing roses on the cake :)
  • hedgiehog replied 11 years ago
    La Belle D, me too! I'm amazed at Suz's packing skills and ability to mix and match pieces. I'm convinced I was born without that gene. :-) Lots to learn here.

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