Scarves

On my way to Amsterdam, I had some time to kill in O'Hare Airport. I was wearing my favorite travel outfit, a scoop-neck, 3/4 sleeve knit tunic in an oatmeal color, black leggings, my unbeatably comfortable NAOT Matai Maryjanes (in which I can walk on cobblestones for ten hours without any discomfort), soft black socks, and the Alexander McQueen scarf that -- surprisingly -- I've received the most compliments on of any I own. It's made of 90% modal and 10% cashmere, with fringed edges, and is a very generous 52 inches square.

When it's rolled up and draped around my neck, there's no indication whatsoever of those engaging skeletons, unless I unroll and unfold to reveal them. Between flights, while sitting in the Red Carpet Club, I worked out a new (for me) way to tie it. Nearly immediately I began to receive compliments, and they never stopped.

Tonight I played with other scarves, and was able to replicate the same wrap and tie method that I devised, this time using my Folklore scarf:

I'm not sure about the pearls; they're really only for the photograph. Feeling quite capable, I grabbed another, my cream colored Armoured Skeleton and Rope scarf, and fiddled around a bit more, for these two looks:

and this version, which I prefer, and which shows off a bit of the McQueen Tartan that's in the shields on the scarf:

Now I've just got to improve my skills as a photographer! Being able to focus would be a good start!

What I Wore in England and Cornwall

Here's what I took to England and Cornwall:

And a few outfit shots. First, my Chanel jacket with lots of pearls, worn to Afternoon Tea at the Lanesborough Conservatory. Such a disappointing tea, extraordinarily overpriced.

Quite unexpectedly, we were invited to the Mehndi Lunch of a Pakistani Muslim groom and Indian Hindu Bride. This was held at the Royal Aeronautical Society in Hamilton Place near Park Lane. We were told that friends of the groom wore red, and our connection was to the groom, so I wore this outfit (being unprepared) but with my red jersey shirt, instead of the white one shown in my “tryout photo.” We walked the half mile from our hotel, and my feet were killing me! Never again will I walk in heeled shoes that haven’t been tested.

Here, I'm dressed quite casually for breakfast at our hotel in Bath ...

For our special day at Avebury and Stonehenge, I was able to wear my Alexander McQueen skull scarf with my red tunic and black leggings, both by Eileen Fisher, along with my favorite Naot ‘Matai’ shoes.

Creating Outfits for my Chanel Jacket

Putting outfits together when traveling for two weeks with a minimum number of pieces of clothing is an enjoyable puzzle. I discovered that Caroline intends to check a bag, so I don't need to limit myself to carry-on luggage.

Of course, I don't like how I look; I need to lose five pounds to look better in anything. Also, it is much too hot in Hawaii to try on these layers, and I'm sweating in all of the photos as I try on the outfits!

At any rate, here are four looks with my Chanel jacket. Instead of the black dress, I may just use one of the black tops and the black skirt that I am taking already. 

One accessory that I may take, but am not wearing in these photos, is my black cuff. I'll wear it when my wrists are exposed.

I gathered all of my faux pearls and layered them with a black dress. I think it needs a belt, but I don't want to break up the all black line. Not sure what to do to polish this look. Or is it silly? I've never worn all the pearls together before; even though Coco Chanel was an advocate, it seems risky. I learned that Chanel style was tamer ... more dignified. But I do like to wear my Chanel jacket with jeans.

For many years, I wore a perfectly tailored man's black flecked wool jacket as my primary coat about town in San Francisco. I dressed it up or down as needed, and it always worked. It's still in my closet, even though I've moved on. But what about the somewhat campy look of layering with pearls? Does it make me look top heavy? Can it be improved?

Not sure about the belt, seems like it needs another element ... but what?

Another option is the same outfit with my Circus scarf. I prefer this look.

I could drape the scarf in the center, and add a large brooch to the jacket. Any other suggestions?

I have a gorgeous embroidered satiny silk shirt from Shanghai Tang that's probably wasted in this outfit:

Does anybody think this looks good?
Jacket: Chanel (autumn 2009 runway)
Shirt: Shanghai Tang
Pearl necklace: Deltah
Skirt: Ann Klein
Boots: Cole Haan

Even though I love the look of an untucked shirt hanging longer under a jacket, I'm not comfortable with it on myself. I was trained to view that as sloppy. So, I'll probably leave this shirt at home, and stick with the safer white button down shown earlier:

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!