Travel Jackets

To be practical, I travel with a large black hooded windbreaker that is water repellant, and that fits over several layers of clothing without a problem. It has velcro openings in the arms, armpits, sides, and other spots for ventilation, in case it's raining but too warm. It's not pretty, but it's proven to be a valuable, lightweight travel jacket.

But I want to "honor my closet" by wearing some of my special pieces during my upcoming trip to the U.K. Normally, I take a more generic, safe travel wardrobe.

I'm trying to decide between taking my vintage wool batwing jacket by Janice Wainwright:

batwing jacket by Janice Wainwright from the 1970s
olive green wool, with cinnamon and black trim

or my Chanel jacket:

Chanel jacket (09A)

black and navy boucle with fringe and black trim

I think either one works well with my black basics, and each would give the basics a completely different look. The cape can go to the theatre (War Horse), and the Chanel jacket can be worn to high tea at the Ritz. The jacket presents a space issue, as it's kind of bulky and I don't fancy traveling in it. The batwing jacket is a definite go -- it packs very nicely.

More to ponder.

Scored on eBay

I bought this Hermès Circus carré (scarf) on ebay for just about $100. It has a couple tiny spots, so that means I'll wear it with far less concern about damaging it. Plus the colorway works with my travel wardrobe, so this will be the Hermès scarf that accompanies me to England and Cornwall. :-)

p.s. I want to amend this post today, 20 July 2011, to reflect that I carefully hand washed this scarf before I traveled. The colors brightened most beautifully, and the spots disappeared. It smelled better and felt softer. The original size and shape remained perfectly (It's not square as photographed, but is in real life).

Seven Basic Pieces

These items of clothing, plus a few accessories shown here, form the core of my travel wardrobe:

1. black ponte pants (by Not Your Daughter's Jeans)
2. black straight leg jeans (also NYDJ)
3. white v-neck top, 3/4 sleeves (by Carole Little)
4. black long sleeved turtleneck (by Carole Little)
5. short, straight black knit skirt (by Ann Klein)
6. black and white graphical print dress (by En Focus Petite)
7. dressy black vest with lace overlay back (by Charles Gray - London)

In the photo are my seven basic pieces of travel clothing, a couple of scarves and a bag.

So far, I've added my lipstick red silk chiffon scarf (by Laura Ashley), and my Alexander McQueen silk chiffon skull scarf, along with a vintage quilted leather Bally bag with a woven leather and chain strap.

Better photos will follow!