Dear ladies,
I'm working on a travel capsule for Ireland in May that will fit into a carry-on and it is not going well. Especially because it will probably be chilly, wet, windy and walking on rocks and possible mud, I'm thinking gearish thoughts. I probably need casual things that can be washed and dried quickly and will keep me warm and dry.
Here are a few photos of some ideas and I'd like your opinions. I'm going more for practicality than fashion. We won't be doing anything that requires dressing up.
5&2: my raincoat. It fits over lots of layers, if needed. I was not planning to take a black one but I could do black instead.
1-6 show the three bottoms I'm thinking of taking...Ponte black and light grey pants and grey-olive nylon pants. All are light weight, quick dry, and I can layer tights and long silk underwear underneath for more warmth. I had thought of taking jeans instead of one of these but am unsure. Jeans are heavier, so would need to be worn on the plane and are not as comfortable.
You also see some tops I'm considering, including a fitted light grey down jacket that can be worn under the coat. It has mint green lining, so I plan to take a mint tee for another layer.
7-9 show the 3 pairs of shoes I'm thinking of taking. 7 is light weight quick-dry slip-on sneakers. I thought of buying new ones but think these will do. 8 shows you a new pair of New Balance flats that are comfy and sturdy but may dress up an outfit a bit. 9 is a pair of low La Cannadienne waterproof suede boots that I've had for years. They support the feet and keep them dry.
Not the best looking outfits but what do you think so far? I welcome your ideas and suggestions.
Packing capsule for Ireland: part 1
16 Comments
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carter replied 10 years ago
Skip the jeans. I think you look wonderful and comfortable in all of these. A great capsule for the vacation you have planned!
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Suz replied 10 years ago
So far, you look wonderful! Seriously, Joy, I understand (all too well) the exigencies and frustrations of travel packing, and I think you are doing a stellar job. I like the pale grey with white for a spring trip in a cool, wet place. Do you have some bright scarves you can bring to offer variety and inject a bit more colour? The basics here are fab. I don't know which shoes to advise. I am always overpacking with the shoes.
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MRL replied 10 years ago
Joy, I think these are great choices. I agree, skip the jeans.
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kellygirl replied 10 years ago
Agreeing with the everyone that the jeans look unnecessary. Your capsule looks cohesive and stylish. I think another scarf might be a great thing to liven up the neutrals. I really love your cheery white coat too.
ETA: Is this all suppose to fit in the under the seat carry on? I can't imagine packing that lightly. I always have to check luggage.
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Runcarla replied 10 years ago
DH and I spent a month in Ireland in April. It was the year the volcano errupted in Greenland, 2011 I think? It started out cool, but by the end, DH wished he'd brought shorts, and I was rolling my pants and going sock less. The only item of clothing we didn't wear was our rain gear! Folks did say it had been oddly warm and sunny!
I love your dove grey outfits. What about your radiant orchid sweater for a spot of colour?
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Ornella replied 10 years ago
All these look amazing Joy. How long are you staying?
I think Sheila did a great round-up of her travel capsule for Ireland, might be worth checking it for further ideas if you need them.
But you are on the right track. What are you not happy with?
I think you'll be fine with ponte pants only and the jeans would actually be my third choice simply because they look a bit dressier if you need that option and they'd look better with the black shoes than the olive pants. But, with the black low vamp shoes you're packing you'll achieve dressiness anyway, so you may even lose the jeans.
I think you're right in bringing #7 which you know are comfy and you're not risking having to break in new comfortable pair.
Btw, are the shoes (apart from the black ones) waterproof? You might need to have that option checked, just in case.
I think the likelihood of getting very warm (shorts kind of warm) in Ireland in May as Carla experienced is pretty low, but this would depend on which climate you come from and what's your warmth/cold tolerance level. I'm from the warm and sunny south of Europe and in my 2.5 years of living in Ireland I never wore shorts :-)
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Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago
It's looking good Joy. Have you tried laying it all out together on the bed? I find that really helps me to see what's missing. The lime green tee sounds great - love it with grey.
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Joy replied 10 years ago
I'm glad that you think this is looking ok so far.
Suz, Carter and MRL, thank you for addressing skipping the jeans.
Suz, more scarves are a great idea. I had been thinking scarves that are small that could be used as headbands for hair in the wind. I should think of longer scarves too.
Kellygirl, it does need to fit into a bag that fits under the seat. My bag is really a tote. We will be dealing with our bags as we move from place to place in Ireland and neither of us can do much lifting. I use Eagle Creek packing folders that compress a stack of folded clothes beautifully and keep things from getting wrinkled.
Carla, I am usually cold but can roll those Ponte pants if necessary. Maybe DH should bring shorts though. Good idea about adding more color.
Ornella, we are staying 2 weeks. Thank you for reminding me of Sheila's packing! As for the weather, we having "Irish" weather this week. The dampness always makes me feel cold. All the shoes are waterproof, but I will spray them a few times to be sure. I could sub black booties for the black flats.
Caro, I am laying things out on a spare bed as I go. It helps so much. I think I may be over doing the mint green and need more color variety. -
Beth Ann replied 10 years ago
Your coats are great! Gearish, but also fashionable and spring like! I like the idea of layering underneath lighter pants.
The only shoes I'm unsure about are the slip on sneakers. I think a lace up sneaker might have the best support, and be just as comfy to wear (although a pain to take off at the airport).
Another vote for a couple of cool scarves!
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replied 10 years ago
I'm pretty much incapable of packing light or putting together capsule wardrobes, so I can't believe what an amazing job you've done considering the constraints you have. I'd maybe second the suggestion to throw in another scarf (I could see a contrasting scarf working especially well with #6), but other than that I think everything looks great just as it is. And those black flats are seriously New Balance? They look so polished and not sneaker-y at all.
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crutcher replied 10 years ago
I would take the black raincoat instead...As others have said, skip the denim...
and include some short sleeve tees for layering...Your capsule sounds very efficient...I admire you for being able to pack in a carry-on that you can swing up into the overhead...Have fun... -
Jaime replied 10 years ago
Won't add to the already great advice but the outfits look like the definition of understated chic!
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Joy replied 10 years ago
Beth Ann, I'll consider sneakers with laces. I have Born gold metallic but hate to ruin them with mud. Most lace shoes hurt the top of my feet.
Aubergine, another scarf is an excellent idea. I could hardly believe my luck with the New Balance flats. They have lots of cushion inside and are also comfortable with socks if my feet really get cold. I plan to take sheer tights and some knee highs for warmth though.
Crutcher, I will include short sleeved tees ( and sleeveless) in the next packing post. I'm still trying to get that sorted. I will also have to show you the black raincoat.
Shevia, I love the " understated chic" descriptor! -
Sheila replied 10 years ago
Oh dear I totally missed this until now...late to the party, too late to give packing comments but saw your post from Dublin and it looks like you are doing great! Isn't Ireland wonderful???
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Joy replied 10 years ago
Thank you, Sheila, yes I'm already planning what to do next time.
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VernieJane replied 10 years ago
Certainly an unpredictable and difficult climate to pack lightly for, but it looks like you are actually well on your way! I will have to look to you for help next time I am doing the same thing!