Travel Wardrobe Recap - UK May 2013

I was generally quite pleased with how this travel wardrobe worked out. (You can go here for a list of the individual items.) The limited palette made putting outfits together almost effortless. Outerwear was a daily necessity, so lack of variety and repeating outfits was a non-issue. I purchased one lightweight utility jacket and one silk scarf on the trip; both were worn frequently our last few days in London.

I did sink laundry a few times for underwear, tops and the ponte knit pants (more to restore shape than because they were dirty). Everything dried overnight, especially when draped over or near heated towel racks. I indulged in laundry services once for the two pair of jeans (and some of le monsieur's clothing).

MVP's

• As always, the Eileen Fisher silk jersey tanks and tees were the perfect travel pieces, thanks to light weight, wash-ability and ease of layering.
• The ponte knit pants worn with one of the longer cardigans passed muster for evenings that required dialing it up a notch or two from casual.
• The jeans were appropriate for everything else.
• Also a key player in casual outfits, the v-neck navy cashmere cardigan was perfect for daytime/outdoor activities on those days when temperatures fluctuated from wintery to almost warm (which was just about every day of our trip). It kept me warm enough layered over a tee or tank but I was never overheated, even when very active.
• The wedge ankle boots were a perfect choice for all daytime activities. Comfortable even all day on my feet.
• The raincoat was indispensable. We had plenty of rain, and wind rain especially in Scotland, where I was periodically quite glad to have the hood as well. In colder northern cities, the wool lining kept me plenty warm, but I removed it once we hit the Lake District and milder conditions.
• Those fingerless gloves that Rubiatonta knitted for me kept the chill off my hands while leaving me full use of my digits for snapping pictures.
• The scarves added some color and much-needed warmth.

Future Season Trades

• The Arche nubuck ankle boots were comfortable and a nice style for dressier looks, but scuffed up easily when walking around and had to be brushed before each wear to keep them looking presentable. Also, the nubuck covering on the heels tore in a couple of spots, not sure how, as I was pretty careful with them. Next time I'll stick to smooth leather.

Benched

• The grey cashmere cardigan was a bit too heavy and warm for most days outdoors, and was definitely too warm to wear in heated interiors.
• I didn't wear the printed tee but once.

Wish I'd Brought

• A skirt or dress, which I would have worn for some evenings in London.
• My cashmere hoodie instead of the grey cashmere cardigan. Would have been nice in some circumstances to keep my head warm, and is a lighter weight so more layer-able and versatile.

With this capsule, I had the highest percentage yet of items in the MVP category, so am quite satisfied with my choices.
Have you traveled lately? What did you bring and how did it work out?

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