A Girl And Her Wardrobe

Holiday Capsule or Lucky Dip?

October 24, 2014

Hi Ladies:)

DH, Master 11, Dexter (our dog) and I are on mini break and arrived in the seaside town of Torquay this afternoon. We are here for 5 days. Poor Dexie doesn't travel well...need I say more lol.

I frequently read with interest all the wonderful holiday capsules you put together, but I seem a little challenged in either the capsule department or in the ability to actually think through what to pack. Being a bit of a mood dresser, I do find it difficult to plan outfits in advance.

So as usual I am pretty much winging it.

Here's what I packed.

2 x cocoon cardigans (black) - 1 a warmer weight, the other lighter
1 x leather jacket
5 x pants (white skinny jeans, black skinny jeans, black slouchy pants, harem leggings, regular leggings for under the dress and / or tunic)
1 x black dress (sleeveless)
1 x black tunic (sleeveless)
7 x toppers (including lightweight sweaters in black and grey, and a mix of sleeveless and lightweight sleeved tops in black, grey and cobalt!)
6 x footwear including one pair of walking shoes
2 x handbags

Looking at the numbers I feel I have over packed but my little assignment will be recording what I actually do wear and how good I felt, or otherwise, in the outfits I can put together with these pieces.

For context, our weather is all over the place at the moment. It was 31 when we left Bendigo, 24 when we got to Torquay and the next few days expected to be between 18 to 25 degrees celcius. So I don't need really warm clothing but it's still not hot enough for true summer clothing. Being by the water, it also gets quite cool in the evenings.

For some inexplicable reason, I always think I need "holiday" clothes and end up dressing in things that just don't make me happy. So this time I have my "regular" clothing in my "regular" combinations with me and using things like my footwear to create a more casual feel. I have some of my Metalicus pieces with me which I would usually think are too "good" or too "dressy" for "holiday activities" so I will be assessing how that works for me also. Funny thing is I I did buy a pair of black and white patterned relaxed pants with the little holiday in mind...and I forgot to pack them lol.

Anyway, #1 is what I have here with me, and #2 a shot of my footwear for the 5 days.

Internet permitting (I will be hot spotting from my phone), I will be reading and commenting as usual.

Love to hear what our seasoned capsule experts think of my lucky dip capsule, and any advice for future trips away:)

xxxDeborah

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Posted in the Dressing category
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24 Comments

  • Jenny H replied 9 years ago

    LOL! I pack super differently than you do. I would have fewer of each individual items (e.g., pants, tops, toppers) than days in the trip. I would layer in different ways for variety and I would also wear many items more than once.

    BUT that doesn't mean that my way is right for you! You're a mood dresser. So it make sense that you pack lots of choices. Also, your trip to the airport probably doesn't include a lot of walking like mine does (I always take transit to the airport).  I say: embrace your style, including your packing style.

  • Ingunn replied 9 years ago

    I don't think you've brought unreasonably much, although I think I would have packed a tad lighter myself. But for the unstable temperatures and to be able to indulge yourself as mood dictates, I think this is a highly suitable pick. It can be too little too, like I experienced when I travelled from 32 degrees C to 14 degrees and were without proper sweaters and jackets to compensate. Enjoy your break!

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    Oh, yes, special holiday clothes are always tricky. I too find myself buying some that I like in the mirror in my home's condition then, the lack of probing them IRL takes me to some other failures:-(. I love your ideea to go with your usual clothes, and style them peraps a bit more casually. Hope they will do their job, I say enjoy your break and your beautifull and versatile clothes and shoes dressed (down) in a more creative way!

  • gryffin replied 9 years ago

    Deborah - I find travel packing very tricky.  I do relate to your thoughts on special holiday capsule.  I usually do best taking what I love to wear at the appropriate level of dressy and then try to figure out the weather.  Since I run cold too, I'd rather take enough to be warm than freeze!!  Enjoy your holiday!!  But poor Dexter!!  Do you have pepcid in australia?  My vet has us give that to our Knightley, he has a very tender tummy, and that really helps!!

  • replied 9 years ago

    I have to admit I'm chuckling at your numbers. If I were to pack 6 pair of shoes and 7 pair of pants for a week long trip, my husband would throw the entire suitcase out of the car. If it were up to me, I'd pack your way too - I hate not having what I want at any given time. But, years of lugging around suitcases and bags have left me with a vow to pack as little as possible. I'm now an avowed list maker - which outfits I will wear for each part of the day and each part of the trip. Many repeats :) That said, have a wonderful time - and enjoy your family this week :)

  • Zibbets replied 9 years ago

    Deborah, I completely understand about "holiday" clothes. Excited anticipation can easily lead to packing for a fantasy trip in clothes that perhaps don't fit your actual lifestyle. You'll look great in pictures…except for the cranky expression from your uncomfortable clothes and shoes. You are very wise to pack things you like to wear.

    Your capsule looks great. I think packing light is overrated, unless you're flying with a very small carryon.

  • Susie replied 9 years ago

    I am chucking a bit at your numbers, Deborah, only because what you've packed would be considered a complete seasonal capsule for some!

    I too find it somewhat challenging to have to commit to wearing particular outfits and I almost always include a few extras just in case. If driving, it really doesn't matter if I overpack.

    In early December we will be visiting family for 6 days and I am already starting to plan what I might want to take. (We will be flying but it's a direct flight so I don't mind checking a bag if I need to.) One thing that thrills me is that rather than struggling to find enough pieces that feel 'worthy' of being included, I will instead struggle to limit the number of pieces because I am feeling the love for much of my winter wardrobe!

  • Susie replied 9 years ago

    PS I didn't mean to make your post all about me! What I forgot to add is that I am sure that you will look fab and if you prefer to lots of choices, then that is your perogative and I say you go girl!

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Thanks ladies. I hadn't thought of this being regarded as a capsule in itself by virtue of the numbers lol. For your info it is a driving holiday and we have a station wagon so quite enough room for each of us to have a suitcase. All my clothes and books, devices etc fit in my suitcase, my shoes in a separate bag, and another bag for my hair appliances, products and toiletries:). I do hate to be somewhere and not have what I *think* I need;)

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    The weather is making it difficult to know what you will need for sure. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on what you wore & how you felt :)  Hope you all have a great break Deborah. 

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Looks great, Debs. I always pack my favourite pieces on holiday - so I vote for wear your regular clothes on holiday - unless you need specific gear. Have a wonderful time. Glad you brought Dex with you. Best way to go on holiday. xo

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Thanks Caro. I am going to try to note and photograph my daily outfits while away and that should give me a good picture of what I actually needed.

    Angie, glad to hear you take your favourite pieces too:). It makes sense to me and I felt great all day yesterday in one of my drape jersey dresses. I wore casual flat open toe bootie type things and that really casual isles the look. I am leaning towards white jeans today in your statement sweater ensemble;)

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    When the weather is all over the place, that is when packing becomes a "mare." As Angie would say. 

    Hey, if it will make you feel any better, I -- supposedly one of those seasoned "capsule" packers -- the other day packed the following for a 5 day trip: 

    3 bottoms
    2 knit tops
    1 shirt
    1 cardigan
    1 jacket
    4 pullovers
    1 turtleneck
    several layering tanks
    3 scarfs
    undies
    4 belts
    PJs 
    1 dress
    exercise gear
    trench
    bag 
    socks/ hose
    2 pairs of boots. 

    Ask me what I actually wore. 

    2 bottoms (wore one 3 times, one two times)
    1 knit top
    cardigan (worn twice)
    jacket (worn once)
    3 pullovers (one worn twice, the others once)
    turtleneck (worn once and stripped off in a hot flash on the train. Thank heaven for layering tanks, LOL.) 
    2 scarves
    undies :)
    3 belts
    PJs
    trench
    bag
    socks
    2 pairs of boots 

    Which means that I did NOT wear: well, never mind the numbers. A bunch of stuff. But in my defence, I did not know I'd be too sick to exercise, did not know I would miss the "fancy" dinner, did not know how cold or warm it was going to be...etc. 

    And you are in the same boat. So enjoy your vacation and be glad that you could take what you took. 

    I usually try to plan more assiduously than I did for my most recent trip -- simply because I usually travel by train or plane or both. But even when I do plan carefully, sometimes I just need options!! So I get it. :) 

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I can barely breath at the thought of Queen Black wearing white jeans today. xo

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Suz, I feel totally validated...thank you !

    Angie you are funny! I'm just trying to decide if weather wise white jeans are ok today. I'm a neat freak and hate getting them dirty lol.

    On another note I'm glad I bought more clothes than I need because my boys (DH and Master 11h are in total relax mode playing on their devices so with all these clothes I have something to play with, I can feel a styling session coming on lol.

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    What, no swim or wading clothes for the beach!? Or is this one of those swimsuit-optional beaches? :)

  • Lucy replied 9 years ago

    Oh, fun!
    I too am not a light packer, and here you have the added difficulty of changing weather, which is always a feature of Australian spring and fall. 

    And as you say, it is not a problem for car travel, though I do really dread the carry-on luggage situation! But I think if you have the chance to take your clothes, why not? Enjoy them! We will look forward to a full report of what you wore, and how you felt about it :) 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    I'm smiling reading this thread--your super-prepared packing list, others' comments, your suggestion that you are about to play with your clothes by staging a styling session. I laughed when you said you forgot to pack the pants you bought with the holiday in mind--I've done that! Hope you're having a great time and you're finding you have just the right outifts for whatever the weather and your whims may bring.

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Joy, ooh no it's definitely a bathers on beach lol. it takes a lot to get me in the water, despite the fact that I love the beach. We went to the beach this afternoon and DH and Master 11 went in...it was freezing..it's not a hot day. Master 11 is a little beach babe, he would go into the water in the middle of winter if we let him lol. I knew this week was not going to be warm enough for me, so I tend to take off my shoes, roll my pants and I'm good. I got to run around on the sand with Dexie:)

    Firecracker, my DHwas really tired today, Master 11 struggled to settle in a different house last night so sleeping arrangements were all over the place, and someone was snoring very loudly! All I will say is it wasn't me lol. So being tired DH wasn't as motivated as normal but as I was raring to go, so I popped out for a wander and came home with a new top...my version of a souvenir!!

  • Lyn D. replied 9 years ago

    I hope you are having a wonderful and relaxing time Deborah!

    I pack very lightly for short trips- as a family we normally take 2 suitcases for the four of us :)

    I believe there is a Trenery store at Tourquay- did you check it out?

    We have driven through there on our way to Aireys Inlet a number of times.
    If you have time, I am sure DS would enjoy the lighthouse there.
    Further on at Lorne there is a Fab shoe shop too!

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    I love your exercise Deborah.  Looking forward to the pictures, the feelings diary as well as what you didn't get much use out of.

    The way I pack for air travel and car travel are really different.  I just went away for 2 nights to the coast and brought 4 pairs of shoes with me.  One heels for dinner out, sneakers for the beach, and 2 booties.  Because I like a change of bootie from day to day.

    We won't even get into all the clothes I brought with me.  I actually used a surprising amount of them.  Hey it's fun changing 3 times a day!

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    What I noticed immediately ... Was the variety of footwear :) .. Bunch of dressy and casual walkable shoes. That's the most important part of any holiday. Now with your kind of wardrobe .. I would think everything in there goes with everything else :) ... Making packing a breeze and a winner no matter what! I am sure you would rock all your outfits :)

    Boo about the holiday pants .. But at least you didn't forget your undies ;) ... Yep ... I have done that!

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Lyn you must pack very efficiently. I don't like to share a case lol. No I didn't know there was a Trenery store here..uh oh. Thanks for the lighthouse suggestion.

    Denise, I find there can be so many variables when you are away from hi LE and I like to have all basis covered.

    Neel, ideally yes everything should go with each other, and shoes change up the looks.

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Hope you have a great vacation!

    I'm terrible at trip packing, even for family visits. Main thing is I usually want shoes that are more like gear, for absolute comfort, but I want to wear some fun items too and not just chinos or jeans and casual T's, and I also used to have too many colors to match. The sporty luxe trend could be my friend here.
    I'll be interested in what you finfmd worked best on your trip.

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