Packing Post plus Angie Ensembles

What. A. Day. 

First off, our internet was down until the late afternoon. Then, DH lost some money -- I mean he physically lost cash from his pocket!! Fortunately, not too much, but you can imagine how he was feeling. We had the phone/ internet guys in the house. The plumber (for another problem). The car was supposed to go in to get fixed but something went wrong with the part so DH went all the way out there for nothing.

Oh...and all this time, we were packing for a trip.  A BIG trip. I leave tomorrow morning! 

I am on my way to Israel for 12 days. En route, I am staying a day with my mother. So all in all, I will be gone for two weeks. In weather conditions that may vary from 6C to 32C. Yikes! 

I do have laundry options but won't want to do more than once. 

For the most part, it should be spring-like weather in Israel. My main concern here is that the leather jacket is going to be too warm. I wonder if I should be bringing my white denim jacket or a light blazer instead. Thoughts? 

ETA: I did throw a light denim jacket (blue) into the mix. But might need more than one topper. 

My colour scheme is ink/navy; white; light grey/ with hits of light blue, blush, and orchid.  

1-3 Travel outfit (train for 4 hours tomorrow). R&B Dre Jeans, Cashmere-cotton sweater, booties, leather jacket, scarf, trench. (We still have several feet of snow here, although it is melting). 

4-5  Air travel outfit -- crepe track pants, silk/cotton sweater, trench, tote. 

6   One version of light grey and white. Apart from the fact that these "sized up" jeans are now my size after my 3 months without enough exercise, I like it. Oh well. Time to get moving again. 

I actually have a few options for this grey-white ensemble but didn't get pictures of them all. I am bringing my grey linen pants for warmer temps. 

7-8  Two versions of ink-out. See the fun shoes in 7? They are golf shoes by Biion. Plastic...for rain. I'm not actually bringing them on the trip. I got them for $20 to try out -- super fun! 

9-13 Some other possible combos for the trip. 

14 -- We'll be hiking at least one day. How I managed to fit into my regular size shorts I don't know, but I got them done up. Phew!! 

Another question: I have a lot of knitwear (relatively) -- I am wondering if I need more shirts and fewer knits. 

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54 Comments

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    May I just say :-):-):-) (Because you had better believe that Suz is not coming to Israel without me meeting her.)
    It sounds like you had quite the day - think of it as rough and tumble training. 
    My only slight concern is the white jeans + dry, dusty country + lack of laundry. How heavy is the leather jacket? I would go for the blazer over the white jeans jacket, again because of the laundry factor. Also you might find you want short sleeves. 
    Love the black Shannon shoes.
    See you soon!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    First off Suz - my goodness what a day indeed! Don't you hate it when it all comes like that? But you've survived and have tomorrow to look forward to :)

    I'm unfamiliar with the weather in Israel but I think if you can manage it in your luggage, taking your white denim jacket would be a good idea. I suspect you're right about the leather jacket. It will also go with the fabulous capsule you've put together.

    Hope you and hubs have a magnificent time! We'll miss you here :)

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Wait a minute - a Suz and Jaime meet up in Israel??? EPIC!!!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    The Shannon shoes are FAB. Super comfy. I expect a few blisters in the heat, but I am prepared with various pads, blister sticks, etc. 

    Your point about short sleeves is an excellent one, Shevia. I was thinking that today. And...um...guess who does not OWN any short sleeved shirts? I do have a tee with short sleeves, but that is it. Hmmm. It is sort of like shoes. I do sandals, and boots. Around here, we just don't have short sleeve weather. Ah well. Maybe I will need to go SHOPPING!!!! :) 

    In all seriousness, I have two linen tees with 3/4 length sleeves and one short sleeved t-shirt and one sleeveless top. The long sleeved shirts are rollable/ scrunchable, so I should be all right. I showed the layered up versions mostly. 

    I think the leather jacket may be too warm. It's not super heavy -- it is a "spring" Danier jacket -- but that is Canadian spring, not MIddle Eastern spring. Maybe I need to switch my colour scheme and bring my taupe blazer. Hmmm.  

    Can't wait for our meet up!! :) 

  • Windchime replied 9 years ago

    Good grief, Suz, it sounds like Friday the 13th came to your house a couple days early. Maybe dates got confused during the recent time change?! :)

    Great Israel travel capsule. I especially like your clever layering of the floral shirt.

    Best wishes for a fab trip, and you know we'd enjoy looking at any pics you want to post!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, Shannon! Your shoes are going to be a lifesaver for me, so thanks again for the tip!  I agree about the jacket -- sad to leave it behind but it makes more sense to find another option. Maybe my Reiss jacket. 

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    So excited for you, Suz!  I love the leather jacket, but I do see that it might be a bit warm.  You have a great capsule here, and I hope you have a marvelous time!

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    What  day - and before a big trip! Hopefully that was your load of misfortune for this year and it will be all smooth sailing from now on! :-)
    Just listen to Shevia and you will be fine: when in Rome... :-)
    As for the short sleeve shirts - there is always an option to roll up the sleeves - much more chic version that short sleeves in my book :-) 
    How about light grey jeans instead of white  - still light neutral but more "dust-friendly".
    I am excited you get to wear the track pants - I am still waiting for a better weather here.
    Have a wonderful trip and hopefully by the time you are back our Canadian spring would be in full swing ( knock on wood)! :-)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Great travel capsule, Suz. I would think you can use the leather jacket a lot, and you have the denim one, too. Good options. And the trench, for rain.
    Why not throw in your Banff t-shirt? (Have I got the right name? You know the one I mean.) You could use it for hiking or street wear. (I love multi-tasking clothes for travel!) I think knitwear is also easy to pack and wear, so I wouldn't be concerned about the amounts, but you know me--I don't wear buttondowns--so consider the source of this advice! :)

    P.S. And have a wonderful trip! I'm so jealous you get to meet Jaime in Israel!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    I am crossing fingers, too, Sveta. We still have a lot of snow here and yukky mud. 

    I am going to risk the white jeans -- I can wash them if need be, and won't wear them for hiking, etc. Just for days when we are doing "civilized" stuff. 

    I have the grey linen pants already. And yes, I will just roll the sleeves on my shirts. 

    Thank you, Sharan! I know -- so lucky!! And you are so sweet to remember the Banff tee. I have been considering it, in fact....

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    There is no shortage of short sleeve knits in Israel - or even in my closet Suz! As for shopping, I have lots of ideas :-)!

  • Sal replied 9 years ago

    Have a wonderful trip!!

    It has been 20 years since I visited Israel but I have such vivid memories of the beautiful landscapes, historic buildings and some memorable people I met along the way.  Such a stimulating nation to visit.

    I think long sleeves rolled will be fine.....I love the capsule but have a small amount of caution over the white...sometimes when travelling you do get stuck with rewearing pieces and white is hard.  But you are probably a tidier cleaner person than I am....(which would not be hard !)

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Suz, what a dream trip! I hope that you are able to shop with Shevia. May all the troubles be behind you with smooth travels ahead. Your capsule looks well thought out. The beautiful floral top looks like a Ted Baker.

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    Great capsule - I'd take the white jeans, they look so good on you.
    Hope you have a wonderful trip & I can't wait for the meet up photos :) :)

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    That is one amazing travel capsule! Wow! And you are meeting Shevia? ! I can't contain my excitement! Squeel!

    I can't pick a favorite .. but I really love the rain shoes. So cool!

    Meanwhile I almost forgot to say ... that was one hell of a day. Sometimes, every single thing decides to go wrong on the same day :/ I know how that feels.

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    I would listen to Shevia, and not bring the white items. How fun that you will get to meet her! Since the temperatures will be so varied, packing lots of layers seems like a good idea. If the leather jacket probably isn't going to get worn, I'd leave it behind. Unless the evening will be cool, then you might want to bring it for that.

    Have fun and take lots of pictures!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Oh, my word! What awesome outfits! And you're going to meet Jaime!!!! How cool is that? You must get lots of photos...that's an order :)

    I like how you've though pretty hard about the activities you're doing on your trip and it all looks fab. I do agree with others about the leather maybe being a bit warm? Love the idea of the Banff tee too, definitely one to consider. All the photos of your outfits look so cohesive. I am always in awe at how well all your wardrobe items play together.

    Have a wonderful Time Suz! We will miss you.

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    Awesome that you get to meet up! Your outfits look fantastic, but I think I'd leave the white items at home too. Especially because I know that you like to look polished/crisp.

    I hope you have a wonderful time! :-)

  • replied 9 years ago

    I hope you have a wonderful trip! I think your capsule looks super.

  • Summer replied 9 years ago

    I hope the Gremlins have finished their mischief for a good while, Suz.  What a headache just before a trip away.
    Your capsule looks fabulous - so many lovely options for variations in activities and climate.  Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your meet-up - how exciting.

  • Rubygirl replied 9 years ago

    Wow.. What a day you had. On the other hand.. How exciting! Going to Israel.. Do you have extra room in that carry on bag for me? I can be at there in less than an hour :) 
    I agree with the suggestions of the other members about the white. Your travel capsule looks great.

    Have fun and enjoy yourself. Don't forget to take pictures! 
    Create lots of memories! 

  • kkards replied 9 years ago

    1st sorry for the litany of things going wrong….sometimes i wonder if its better to have them all happen at once, or spread out over time….
    2nd a vacation in Israel!!! and a YLF meetup!!!! you lucky, lucky, lucky girl!
    i like the travel capsule . i agree with Firecracker, i think knitwear travels well, so my travel capsule are always knitwear heavy. 
    have fun, and looking forward to the meet up pictures!

  • Tanya replied 9 years ago

    Sorry to hear about that day, but you are on your way to Israel!  And meeting Jamie!
    Hope you have a wonderful trip.  The capsule looks very good, and I am sure you will be as stylish as ever.

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 9 years ago

    Love your capsule and color choices.... I am echoing the caution on the white particularly when a resident cautions against it. I can't imagine accepting blisters as part of such a fabulous trip and hope that works out as the shoes are fabulous. Typically those times when trouble comes it seems to so in threes , so you should be all set! Have a wonderful time!

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Really Suz, the white jeans are most likely fine. I was only concerned due to the lack of laundry - I certainly wear them myself without disaster (usually). You could always spot clean if need be.

  • Joyce B replied 9 years ago

    Have a safe and fun trip, Suz!
    I think that coming from where you are, Israel will feel like Summer to you. It can get a little cold at night but nothing like what you are used to. There is an advantage in going from colder to warmer weather.
    Your travel capsule looks fab as always.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thank you all. The white jeans are coming and so is the leather jacket. I never worry about white jeans and I have a spot cleaning pen with me. If they get dirty, c'est la vie. As for the jacket, it is simply too cool here today for me to leave it behind. Even if I only wear it on the plane there and back, it will still serve a purpose. And so...we're off! 

  • Daria replied 9 years ago

    I'll chime in even though it's been years since I lived in Israel. Yes, weather can vary but after Canadian winter it will feel like summer not matter what. :) I think leather jacket is a bit of an overkill, and I would bring more short sleeve options (although there is definitely no shortage of stores over there :) so can always buy on the spot). Have a great trip!

  • AM replied 9 years ago

    You look wonderful in orchid, black and white. The stripes are so fun. This is such a great capsule. Have a great trip. There is such nice variety in this...you'll be stunning each and every day.

  • Staysfit replied 9 years ago

    Great travel capsule Suz! I'm very jealous. Layers are key. It cools down at night so you may want your leather jacket, but you have been in the sub zero snow belt so the warmer weather is going to feel extra warm. I don't know about you, but for me 38 degrees F felt like no coat weather yesterday, but in the fall I would bundle up and wear gloves and a hat.

  • Mona replied 9 years ago

    Woohoo for trip to Israel and meet up with Shevia! Your travel capsule looks great. Have a wonderful trip and keep us posted.

  • Sadie replied 9 years ago

    I love packing posts- just a question- are you doing carryon? frequent packing/unpacking? train/bus travel? Those are usually drivers for me re what to bring.

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    I love packing posts!  I like how you have the option to layer your items for more warmth if needed.  I hope you have a fab trip and take lots of pictures.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    OH, SUZ. (((HUGS))). Sorry about your hectic day. Hope today is a much better one. Best of luck. 

    WOOOHOOOOO. WE LOVE ISRAEL, and have been a few times. You will eat very well too. Your capsules are stunning, and I expected nothing less. All outfits are amazing and as stylish as they are practical. 

    I noticed the fun shoes in #7 - Killer.

    Are the killer shoes in #8 new too? You do love your black shoes, Suz. Why not. Works for you. Gorgeous. 

    I have a few more thoughts:

    • Your coat is for Canada when you stay with Mama, right?
    • Glad you're bringing a denim jacket. Very good for Israel.
    • Bring both a leather jacket and denim one.
    • You do wear t-shirts, and you see lots of people in Israel wear jersey, so yes - pack more tees.
    • Are the shoes in #8 comfortable to walk in - or are they more going out shoes for your trip? 

    VERY EXCITED ABOUT YOUR TRIP. 

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    What a fun post (well, except for the bad day part). So happy for you to be taking such an exciting trip and to get to meet up with Jaime makes it extra super special! Great input and decisions here, you look great in all your outfits and I can't wait to see the pics!

    Have a safe and wonderful trip!

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Before I head out with a client, chiming back in about the food in Israel (can't remember if you are a foodie Suz, but I can't help myself):

    • Israel makes the best frozen yogurt in the world, along with the best tahini, hummus, pita and falafels. You probably knew that. 
    • Head to the special jewish bakeries and try the savoury stuff - sublime. 
    • The cheeses and Mediterranean brekkies were my BEST - and I am so NOT a breakfast person.
    Okay. And we also had the best Shabbat dinners with friends and their families. Prepare to eat yourself into a frenzy. Much love. 

  • replied 9 years ago

    Sorry I didn't get in before you left to wish you a wonderful holiday!  What a fantastic trip you are taking - and to get to meet Jaime too!  

    I can't comment on a travel capsule but I will say I am really drawn to the floral J Crew top you have there.  Is it new this year?  Says sold out on their website. Such a pretty pattern and I love the black!  I'm also intrigued by the Shannon sandals - because I see you are wearing them with a VC tube skirt.......and I have that skirt and want something else to wear with them. I've had the higher heeled version of the Steve Maddens but didnt' find them all that great . When I first saw this lower heeled version I wasn't attracted to them - the shape looked a little clunky, but now that I'm seeing them on.......and how cute they look with the tube skirt.....sorry for rambling.  Have a wonderful holiday !!

    p.s. I immediately clicked on the golf shoe picture first - how could I not?  What on earth are you doing with plastic golf shoes?? lol  

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Ooh, I have to get out my cropped summer sweaters. It's great the way you've done them.

    Ok, I need to be disciplined and tell you *special wow* for 7 & 8.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    I'm late here but Bon voyage!!! I love your travel capsule - perfect!

    I can't believe I missed stuff about those Steve Maddens. So funny because I bought them too! I ordered my usual size (7.5) and could barely jam my feet in. I swear they were a 7 marked as a 7.5. I reordered the 8's and my left foot rattled around in there so much that I sent them back. I SO wanted them to work! I'm happy you are happy with yours. Great minds think alike ;)

    Safe travels and can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

  • Debbie replied 9 years ago

    Have a great trip! Your travel capsule looks great!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Suz, so sorry I missed this before you left but want to say you look AMAZING in every pic. Wow. My travel motto is, if it fits & I can carry it, it comes! And I always believe the old stage actor adage about bad dress rehearsal, great opening night: When we have lousy days it means really great stuff is around the corner. That means your trip will be incredible! Enjoy!

  • merwoman replied 9 years ago

    What a horrible day you had...but it's over, and clear sailing to Israel! Fabulous capsule, you look gorgeous in everything. Safe travels!!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks so much everyone -- at my mother's now all safe and sound. Needed that leather jacket today, so even if it doesn't come out in Israel, it's required. It's still cold here! 

    Thank you all for your kind compliments and thoughts. A few quick responses before I go to bed. 

    Aliona, I love that idea!! Thank you for that bit of theatrical wisdom. 

    Jackie, I ended up in the smaller of my two sizes in the Steve Maddens, but it was almost a bust. I didn't think I could get them done up. They fit elsewhere but were hard to snap. But I was swimming in the larger half size. So I kept at it and managed to figure out  a method, and now they work okay. Cross fingers for me! 

    Lisa, J. Crew top is last year's -- everything except the shoes is last year or before. And yeah, I know, the golf shoes are nuts! But they are so comfy! And I read the reviews from golfers who said they are brilliant in slippy conditions! 

    Angie, I am a total foodie and eating is a big part of the trip for sure. We have family there and will be eating well. It is my third trip to Israel. 

    Re: black footwear -- you know, it's so funny -- I honestly prefer lighter footwear. But it is hard to find here and also hard to wear in our in-between seasons while there is still slush on the ground. (Hence my heavy reliance on black, ink, and charcoal boots/ booties in winter!)  With the new sandals, I just wanted something that would work with darker bottoms since my other summer shoes are all light coloured. (I  owned no dark summer footwear before). Oh - and the golf shoes were the very last pair and they only had this colour and I loved the soles. :) 

    The Steve Madden sandals in #8 will very likely work as walking shoes for me in the city. I can't be 100% sure because they're not road tested yet, but they have the feel of something that I'll be able to wear. Chunky heel, about 2 inches high (my ideal height for comfort) and lots of stability because of the high vamp. As long as I don't get blisters, I'll be golden. 

    Seems like everyone was divided on the leather jacket, but, as I said, I really need it here for today and tomorrow before boarding the plane, so it's with me. 

    Take care all, and I will send pics! :) 

  • Staysfit replied 9 years ago

    Suz, my DS suggests adding Shawarma (I hope I am spelling that correctly) to Angie's food list. He spent 5 weeks traveling all over Israel last summer. Teenagers traveling in group programs ignore all the grooming habits their parents have worked hard to teach them. Despite this, his pictures are amazing.

    I'm sure you know to pack an extra memory card for your camera, and a backup battery. (Unless you are using your cell phone of course).

    I hope you have an opportunity to get to the markets. My DS loved them and he really enjoyed negotiating prices. It was a very new and strange experience that prices could be flexible. A good early economics lesson. If I could only do that with my favorite brands of shoes I would be all set :-)

    Safe travels!

  • Runcarla replied 9 years ago

    Have a wonderful time Suz. I hope you find some special item to add to your capsule that will remind you of your vacay. When you get back, surely it will be spring?

  • sarah replied 9 years ago

    Wow, just chiming in to wish you a very happy voyage, and how wonderful that you and Shevia will be getting together! Your outfits look terrific.

  • anne replied 9 years ago

    You are looing absolutely fab. And Angie's making me hungry!

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Hey Suz... totally missed this in my own pre-travel chaos.  By now you're probably on your way, so just wanted to wish you happy travels, and let you know how jealous I am that you get to meet Jamie! 

    Gut instict on your travel clothes is that there are a lot of long sleeves for 32 degrees... I think I'd be packing tanks and shorts.  But if you need that kind of stuff, what a great opportunity to find some unique things over there.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, Elizabeth -- and have fun on your own trip!! :)   (I am awake now getting ready for the travel day..) 

    It will only be 32 (maybe) one day in the desert. The rest will be around 16-19. So I think I am good.  :) I do have a few short sleeved/ sleeveless/ rolled sleeve options. 

  • viva replied 9 years ago

    Have a wonderful trip, Suz! Hope I'm not too late to wish you well. I've been so absent lately and then sick for the last week ... but I've been lurking in the background. Your travel capsule looks gorgeous as ever and your trip sounds amazing! I hope you have a terrific time.
    PS I want the camo version of those plastic golf shoes. And I don't even golf! But they would be so fun for in the garden. xxx

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    That's a gorgeous travel capsule, Suz! I esp love your short over long looks in 8,9,and 11. Are the tops in nr 8 and 11 just sleeveless?-looking great! 

    Also loved seeing the Shannon shoes in action. I  bought me some alike, with great expectations, but I do have troubles styling them. First I thought it's the thing you were also afraid of, as we are blonde. But I now rather think it's the heel height faulty. I've just noticed, yours (and Shannon's) have slightly lower heel. I feel myself somehow towering in them when worn with cuffed BF, or knee length skirts- so getting a look not really am after, nor am I comfartable in it. just kept them trying them on with everything I have, and they  only seem to work with  body con or very tappered AND(!) midi skirts or dresses(like tubes). Now, I am a bit clueless, and they may be returned for some other color or style. I'm a bit dissapointed:-(.

    But yours are looking absolutely gorgeous in all outfits, and I wish you a nice holiday-without the need to use of those blister sticks:-).

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Your black shoes reasoning makes sense. Both new pairs are killer. (Use body glide for blisters). Cheers to happy feet 

    It sounds like you will be in very good hands. Enjoy your trip, Suz. We will MISS you. Have extra yummy food for me too, and say hi to Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem. Very special cities. Much love. 

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Oh stunning. The leather jacket might be warm but it is a lightweight and the white color is so great--so if you can wear it a lot and pack the denim maybe do so. I think knits are just made for travel so wouldn't worry about too many--it's the variety and some different weights and fabrics. If you were worried about being too warm you could take a couple of short sleeves and then with jacket I feel much cooler than jacket over longsleeves--more ability to ventilate and adjust by rolling sleeves and being unbuttoned.

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    Have fun on your trip!

    7 through 12 are very elegant, I absolutely love these.  Upscale and polished.

    The jeans outfits, especially with the leopard sweater, are fun and cute.

    I love the pink sweater on you in 11, it is such a pretty color.  I love pink myself, and think it's a great color on us blondes, but it's not an easy color to style due to the sweetness factor.  I think your modern and streamlined approach to dressing is what mitigates the sugar here.  Some more pink sweater outfit combinations for you to try (if you're still checking this thread.) I'm curious what  #11 would look like with the white tee underneath.  Or same pink sweater and floral top, with the jogger pants?  

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