STYLE TALK
Marilyn
POSTED: Tue, 05/25/2010 - 5:58am
Holiday packing
Right ladies. I need the advice of the well travelled amongst you.I intend to have a small case and an overnight bag for the 'travelling there and back stages' to avoid carrying huge cases into the hotels for just one night but have a feeling that I might go into overload for the rest of the time. Both cottages have washing machines which will solve the problem of taking 30+ pairs of knickers!!! Must be french and take matching ones!!!
Basically I intend to stick to 2 colour schemes, black, grey and white (needless to say) and navy, red and white. These may not be this year's summer fashion colours but they suit me. So come on ladies, advice on how to avoid satorial errors and arriving home with very long arms from carrying too many heavy cases.
Looking forward to hearing your replies. lol xx
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Marilyn
POSTED: Tue, 06/01/2010 - 7:07am
Packed
Have packed though not as efficiently as Ava. 2 large cases (one each, men's clothes seem to take up so much room), then a small case and bag for the there and back hotel stops.I put everything on the bed and then put away anything that was not black, white, navy, grey or red. Then I put away anything that would be too dressy for 3 weeks in french country cottages with the odd trip to the larger towns. Though I couldn't resist two outfits for evening trips to restaurants. Then away went anything beachy, with the exception of a couple of things for garden sunbathing on lazy days (not that I do it much as my skin won't stand it for long). No trainers but I did find a little pair of navy canvas type shoes in M & S which will be good for any walking we do around the cottages.
Then I did OH's. Both cottages have a washing machine but I do not want to waste precious time washing and ironing men's shirts so I put in all that I could find. He is not a Tshirt person so all are normal type shirts with short or long sleeves which need ironing, hence the amount I put in.
I know I have taken far too much but we will not have the problem of airports, luggage restrictions and having to carry the larger cases very far. It will be interesting to see how much I bring back unworn (I have a small note book to make a note for future reference!!)
Then of course were the books, the art materials, the picnic basket and rug, the first aid kit, the laptop. We are more or less ready to go. A trip in to town on Wednesday to coffee and lunch with friends, a good nights sleep and an early start on Thursday. Off we go!!!!
Nya_Nya
POSTED: Tue, 06/01/2010 - 3:51pm
I hope you will have a
I hope you will have a wonderful time!Ava
POSTED: Tue, 06/01/2010 - 9:45am
Marilyn,
You'll have a wondwrful time...just remember to take lots of photographs! I'm sure we're all very envious of you...I know I am! I really missed going to the Nice carnival earlier this year (we were in Hawaii, so I'm not complaining!) I can't wait for our next trip to Paris which will be sometime in the next month. Enjoy your wonderful holiday and we'll keep an eye open for your posts about it!Ava
POSTED: Mon, 05/31/2010 - 11:46am
Just be really, really...
...firm when deciding what to take! Years ago, I would have taken two massive cases on holiday. Half of the items wouldn't even see the light of day!Now I take just ONE small carry on suitcase and a piece of 'hand luggage' (with my handbag already in it), it makes life so much easier when going through security, customs, not having to wait for luggage etc. I even did this when we went around the world earlier this year (nearly 2 months of continual travel) and found that so long as you can wash clothes...you really only need take a few!
You can get away with a few basics and just two pairs of shoes and perhaps some sandals. Shoes are a pain when travelling - they take up valuable space! I take a few pieces of jewellery and accessories to 'change' an outfit. Marilyn, I know you're able to carry more luggage than I do but here is a basic list of what I usually take (for a week in the States with changeable weather - if we are staying longer - I get the hotel to wash / dry clean some clothes or do them myself in the sink!)
Wear on the flight: Jeans (we quite often get upgraded anyway (good old gold card), so I don't worry about looking like a film star - I'm in it for comfort and ease of packing!) Layers – jersey long sleeve top, Cashmere cardigan, scarf (that I can wrap around myself on the plane as the air-con can be fierce), trench coat (I can take this off on board – saves packing it). Trainers (as they take up the most ‘shoe space’ in my luggage, flight socks.
Carry in hand luggage: Sunglasses, camera, jewellery, liquids & toiletries (all travel size) in plastic zip lock bag & make up, laptop, bottoms to change into at B.A. lounge (to be comfortable on the plane – I put my jeans in my hand luggage), slip-on soft fabric ballerina shoes for on the plane (I leave my trainers under the seat in front and put on an extra pair of socks and these little soft 'slippers' for comfort). In my piece of ‘hand luggage’ (Longchamp bag as it folds away) I carry – a mini travel bag (lip balm, Elizabeth Arden 8 HR creams, earplugs, plasters, mini brush make up etc.), Tempur eye mask. Book, Iphone, headphones, magazines, snacks - apples, bananas etc (pilfered from the lounge!) Plus the usual contents of my handbag (already in the hand luggage).
Clothes in case: ballet flats / flat sandals, folding sunhat, beret, gloves - this is New England! Swimming costume, gym kit – top & bottoms, underwear/ socks / slip (all packed in the small spaces around my case). A couple of pairs of trousers, 1 lightweight, 1 heavyweight. A couple of tops, 1 short sleeved, 1 shirt / blouse. A jumper. A dress (sometimes, if I know I've a 'work' evening out or event...I'd also take heels and a clutch on these occasions). Then I also take – a folding umbrella, my laptop plugs & adaptors, my mini George Foreman grill, mini scales & mini jug! It all fits in! Ok, I’m bound to have missed something out on this list (I'd know if I was packing a case right now!) Oh, and I don’t carry the passports... I’d lose them! Once through security, I take my handbag out of the 'hand luggage' and put all the bits and pieces I'll need for the trip in it. The rest goes in the overhead lockers (case & hand luggage bag).
I mix and match everything before I go (taking a photo on my I phone), then I know I have about 7 outfits to wear. I usually don’t need that many. I include all the clothes I wear on travelling there too (jeans, cardigan, scarf etc). I make sure I have clothes that will protect me from the sun but keep me cool (my scarf from the plane is good for this), and I make sure I have enough layers if the weather gets chilly and enough to keep me waterproof, warm and dry should it rain. The worst thing that can happen, the 'worst' I tell you! LOL…is that you have to buy something when you’re out there…no great hardship! I pack a similar case (or just take one of my larger Longchamp bags) when I'm going to Paris or Nice...though I don't take the George Foreman, scales or jug! I just make sure I have packed the most chic outfits I have! Ava x
Vintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 06/01/2010 - 5:11pm
Ava my dear you rock
Genius packing.I learned so much.Next week I heaad by car to NY(and I will see our Diva and I hope Gina)but my intention is to follow your guidelines and really keep it simple.Will be away for 3 weeks.The last time I went there I took too much.I can't believe you travel with a George foreman grill!!Too much!Ava
POSTED: Wed, 06/02/2010 - 7:31am
LOL I love my George....
...and not just the Clooney variety! (He is rather lovely, isn't he?) I'm pleased that some of the info I gave may be useful to you (and any of you other lovelies). It is trial and error but you do eventually realise that most packed items are unnecessary and will remain unused! That's when you learn to scale back...big time :-)Jean, I love visiting your country - but the food, I have issues with! It's difficult when you stay in hotels to do your own food (self catering would be easier but not practical for us). Hotel food is not always that great. Eating out is not always that great (there are only so many days a week you can eat at Capital Grille for a fillet mignon!) We've eaten at so many different places - Bertucci's, Chilli's, various steak houses, restaurants, chains and the conclusion usually is that 'we won't be going back there again!' (and then there's the great unknown...lol...what's in the food?!) So in the end - it was just easier to pack my own 'kitchen' and cook my own food...I use the 'mini bar' fridge to keep fruit and veggies fresh! At least this way, I know EXACTLY what I'm eating - food free of corn syrup, additives, excess salt, sugar and fat. I feel so much better for the bit of effort it takes! It is taking it to the limit isn't it! LOL I should get a personal chef, shouldn't I?
Have a super duper time in NY (I'm soooo envious!), meeting the girls and having fun! Enjoy and report back to us. Ava X
Vintage1944
POSTED: Wed, 06/02/2010 - 6:16pm
The Clooney
is rather a dish.Well,I do understand why you take the grill.Makes total sense.Eating out can be pretty bad.BTW,Canada is my country;-).Not that the food is much better,here.Except in Montreal,which is very European in it's approach to life/food.Luckily,while in NY we will be at a friend's house and this time we plan to cook more,pack lunches for our jaunts into NYC.A picnic lunch in Central Park or Bryant Park or the Village is most appealing.Sure wish you could join us!!OXO
Ava
POSTED: Thu, 06/03/2010 - 7:06am
OMG!
I'm sorry! Of course it's Canada, how very remiss of me. I do hope I didn't offend you :-)I wish I could join you too ... a picnic lunch in Central Park ... perfect! (Even more so, if said Clooney was there!)
Ava X (complete with 'I'm sorry' puppy eyes!)
Vintage1944
POSTED: Thu, 06/03/2010 - 6:19pm
OOPS!
I didn't mean to sound shirty.No offense,at all.My sisters and one of my dearest friends live in the USA.It is simply that I am very proud to be Canadian.Oh how lovely it would be if you could be there.What a great time we would have.Once while in LA,Le Clooney and I were in the same store at the same time.I did not see him .I overheard two women discussing this guy's cute butt and they realized it was George.I rushed to the floor they mentioned but he was gone.Sob,sigh.
No apologies necessary.I apologize for making you feel uncomfortable.OXO
Ava
POSTED: Fri, 06/04/2010 - 4:54pm
LOL
One of the worst things about communicating via the 'net' is that all those wonderful little nuances fail to come across, unlike when you say something face to face, and smile...or scowl...people know the difference!I'm sorry (and now I'm laughing), for when I read your response just now, you thought perhaps you had sounded 'shirty'....NOT AT ALL! And I wasn't in the least bit offended! I had no right to be, for it was I who was so horribly remiss :-)
I'm laughing, because I think you're so wonderful for apologising - even though it wasn't your fault in the slightest! I think it's really great that you're proud to be Canadian.
On another note...shame about the Cloone-meister...what a joy that would have been (to see his butt, let alone his face!)
My dear Vintage1944 (a perfect year I might add), wishing you a fabulous weekend. Enjoy! Ava XX
Vintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 06/04/2010 - 8:00pm
Ava Dear Heart
No apologies needed on either side.I am chuckling too.Awhile ago I decided to be "Vintage" rather than old.Much closer to the truth;-))
And to you a wonderful weekend,as well.OXO
Vintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 06/04/2010 - 8:02pm
BTW
I am inordinately proud of my British Isles roots.English,Scots and Irish about covers it.OXOAva
POSTED: Sat, 06/05/2010 - 6:27am
You have a brilliant family tree!
Jean, you obviously have a terrific family background and you have every right to be proud of it! I'm proud of mine too...part of which included my father's Aunt being sister-in-law to one of the Queen's Lady in waiting and her husband in turn being Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General of Canada, he also held the office of Assistant Private Secretary to HM King George VI, fought in the Second World War, was mentioned in despatches, wounded, invested as a Member Royal Victorian Order, invested as a Companion Order of the Bath, invested as a Knight Commander Royal Victorian Order, held the office of Assistant Private Secretary to HM Queen Elizabeth II, invested as a Privy Counsellor , held the office of Keeper of the Queen's Archives, held the office of Private Secretary to HM Queen Elizabeth II, was invested as a Knight Commander, Order of the Bath, was invested as a Knight Grand Cross, Royal Victorian Order , was created Baron...phew think that's it.Vintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 06/05/2010 - 2:08pm
Brilliant
What an amazing person he must be.Family lore says that when Queen Victoria's son,The Prince of Wales visited Newfoundland,he visited one of my female ancestors and consequently my mother and a couple of her sisters looked uncannily like the Queen and Princess Margaret,in their youth.He was a randy fellow.The Queen ,when she was still a princess smiled and waved at my sisters and I when we turned out to see her in Montreal L-O -N-G ago.We were very cute.I think most of my father's family were seafaring types.I love family histories,mine and others.I am getting more in to researching my roots and so wish I had asked more questions of my parents.
Ava
POSTED: Sun, 06/06/2010 - 6:29am
That's a lovely story Jean...
...and you never know where Royalty has struck. As with any family, there are hidden secrets and cover ups. Ava xMarilyn
POSTED: Sat, 06/05/2010 - 3:51am
Hi Jean
Good for you being proud of you British roots. Wish I could join you in NYC but am happy to be in France. Have seen only one lady who has stood out as stylish but early days yet. Still 'en route' to first cottage, free WIFI in hotel so a quick 'Bon Jour mes amis'. Marilyn xxVintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 06/05/2010 - 2:12pm
Hi Marilyn
Are you there yet?have fun and be well.OXOMarilyn
POSTED: Sun, 06/06/2010 - 6:34am
Am there
We are now settled in the first cottage after 3 very hot days travelling. Typically it has been raining all morning with a thunder storm. Luckily we had already decided to have a very lazy day to give OH and the car a rest. Yesterday evening we had a picnic in the garden with French cheeses, Italian cold meats, salad and of course a lovely bottle of the local rose wine. Finished with coffee. No dessert. There is a link to the cottage on the net so will put it on a post so you can picture me here.Sorry, Ava, but I have brought far too many clothes!!!!
Ava
POSTED: Sun, 06/06/2010 - 4:36pm
It's a good experience!
Too late to change that now Marilyn but you'll know for next time - have a brilliant time over there!P.s. the other advantage to not taking too much, is you have room for things you will undoubtedly buy! However, this doesn't apply to you this time, since you have a whole car you can fill!
Ava
POSTED: Sat, 06/05/2010 - 5:59am
Have a safe journey Marilyn
After your time in France, you should have a mountain of experiences, photos, ideas and much, much more, to help you with your 'French way of living' back in Blighty. How exciting! Have a fab time :-)Good old WiFi! It keeps us all connected! AVA x
Marilyn
POSTED: Wed, 06/02/2010 - 3:34am
Jean
Have a wonderful time in NYC. Give Diva a hug from me. Take care. xxxxAva
POSTED: Tue, 06/01/2010 - 5:49am
Trainers...arhhhh!
I should just point out that my trainers are black Nike dance trainers and not über white running shoes! They are quite discreet which is why I am happy to wear them! They are very comfortable for travelling and walking miles around cities in! They are also useful for the hotel gym and going for long walks in the New England countryside. Ava XRhea
POSTED: Thu, 05/27/2010 - 7:52pm
Color schemes...
Hi Marilyn, I think you already have the 'secret' and that is choosing a color scheme... This way the shoes/sandals (3 max) & purses/bags (1 day, 1 evening) will always co-ordinate with whatever you wear... Already a space saver! I plan for 1 week and bring separates that I can interchange... for example a white top that I can wear casual with capris or dress up with a skirt and scarf (and jewelery). Then you can switch things up and not feel like you are wearing the exact same combination over and over. One 'good' dress... (chances are you won't see the same people anyway) and one 'rainy' overwear. Good for you in making it a challenge! And I am very envious of your good fortune... so make sure you have LOTS of fun for those of us who can still only dream... And don't forget to 'sign in' on your return. Amuses-toi bien:) RheaMarilyn
POSTED: Fri, 05/28/2010 - 5:56am
Rhea et all
Your post has made me think I do not need the 00teen pairs of shoes that I have on the backbedroom floor!!I will have to really concentrate my mind on the packing this weekend now I have all your ideas to hand. I am beginning to get a better idea of what I need to take. The charity shops will do well before I go and probabley better when I come back as I will not keep things I did not wear unless I can see they will be worn at home during the (hopefully) summy summer.
The laptop will be going with us so may be able to sign in on the odd occasion I can get on the internet.
Marilyn
POSTED: Fri, 05/28/2010 - 5:57am
Typo
Meant sunny summer.Vintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 06/01/2010 - 6:23am
2 sleeps
until your france Immersion.Lovely..frenchy
POSTED: Tue, 05/25/2010 - 6:28pm
Starting point
How many days will you be gone? I suggest 2 dresses: 1 casual and one dressy. 3 pairs of slacks with 3-4 compatable shirts. 3 pairs of shoes. 1 dressy for evening dinner and 2 that are compatable with the slacks...unless you plan on skirts which should replace the slacks. So shoes should accomodate. Various accessories to accomodate outfits. Keep everything simplified and elegant. Mix and match definately work the best.Marilyn
POSTED: Tue, 05/25/2010 - 6:35pm
Hi
I'll be gone most of June, go early on 3rd and come back 29th, so you see my problem. A good one I know. Living in France for a month. Will take both skirts and slacks. Liking simplified and elegant.frenchy
POSTED: Wed, 05/26/2010 - 5:47am
I believe this to be
the true essence of a french woman. Simplified elegance. What do you think?Marilyn
POSTED: Wed, 05/26/2010 - 9:47am
So true
The true essence of being a french woman.