BUILDING AN AUTUMN / WINTER TRAVEL WARDROBE

Alternative title: things I wish I had sewn.

Bula from Fiji! Last we spoke I was trekking around New Zealand's North Island with 3 of my best girl friends (Hard life. I know). Before departing Australia I attempted to create a handmade travel wardrobe, and while I think I did pretty well* there are a few changes and additions I would make if I had my trip again. So, here's my dream autumn / winter travel wardrobe, and a few thoughts on a travelling MeMadeMay.

*Check out my MeMadeMay photos on instagram: @reana_louise


SOME REFLECTIONS

• My love affair with cotton kind of screwed me over. Next time everything will be flexible & crinkle free.
• I had 2 items made from Bamboo jersey (a scout tee & a nettie), and there were times I wish my entire wardrobe was. Completely crinkle proof, delicious to the touch, and let's get real here: odour resistant.
• I wish I knew how to knit. Jumpers rock.
• Separates are good! Admittedly I'm a separates over dress girl, but mixing and matching helps combat wardrobe fatigue.
• You know what's even better than separates? Separates that match. I'm looking at you, beautiful-but-only-go-with-one-shirt Clover pants.
• Patterns are Ok! In the past I've seen my pattern addiction as silly, but for someone who regularly drops food on herself (we're friends, right?) patterns are ideal. "That? Oh no. Pattern feature. It just looks like a smooshed strawberry."

ALSO, I've suggested patterns here that I would use & they're mostly indies. That's because I like indies. If you have a pattern or tip to suggest, please put it in the comments for others! And holla if you've got a pattern or tips you think I should add to my spring / summer travelling. After Fiji I'm heading to the States and I will track down a machine. Is it pathetic that I miss my old machines? I do. I really freaking do.


THE BOTTOMS

via: one / two / three / four / five / six
1 x thick leggings that could be doubled as pants (Anita Ponti / Ooh La La / Sara / PB Jam)
1 x jeans (Jamie / Craftsy Tutorial)
1-2 x pants. Comfortable yet fitted. (Suzy / Anima / Laura / Colette / Alpi / Traveller)

Notes

• Anyone who rages "leggings aren't pants!" can kiss my ponti-clad ass. A thick wool or ponti with spandex (so the knees don't do that stretchy-out, buckley thing at the knee) are perfect for wearing in transit, slouching around, wearing under dresses, and yes as pants.
• Jeans aren't the best protection against the cold I admit, but I don't leave home without them. If you're looking for some jean-spiration, check out SallieOh. Dat ass.

THE TOPS

via: one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine
2 x long sleeve Merino / Bamboo fitted shirts (Nettie / Renfrew) 2 x relaxed-fit tees (Plantain / Coco / Hemlock / Blair / SJ / Hot Cocoa / Bronte / Lane) 1 x button up shirt (Archer / Pihla)
Notes

• I love the Nettie pattern (see one of mine here). It's a shirt! It's a thermal! It's a layer under an button up shirt! Hooray! As much as I love Heather for making it, I'm equal parts annoyed at her for releasing it only a few weeks before departing my sewing machine.
• My Archer shirts (one & two) were perfect for feeling a touch dressier. Also cute under a jumper. Side note: Did you know my boyfriend Archer went and got a girlfriend? IS THAT NOT THE CUTEST THING EVER?!

THE JUMPER

via: one / two / three
1 x hoodie or jumper

Notes

• I'm not suggesting any patterns because I don't know the first thing about knitting. In fact, all of my knitting is done by this lovely lady.

THE DRESS

via: one / two / three
1 x 3/4 sleeve shirt dress (Hawthorne / Lola / M6696 / Modified Archer / Cami)

Notes

• I have a long sleeve chambray dress that can be both casual and formalish. And although I'm not a 'dress' person, it really gets a work out.

THE OUTERWEAR

via: one / two / three
1 x Jacket (Albion / Pavot)

Notes

• My Columbia jacket (seen here) is fan-fucking-tastic. It's waterproof, has a thermal inside that can be removed or worn separately, nifty little pockets and a hood and there's probably some Maxwell Smart gizmo in there, but sure it would be nice if I had made my own for bonus gloating / pride points.

THE ACCESSORIES

via: one / two / three
1 x beanie
1 x knitted scarf
1 x mittens
1 x silk scarf (no pattern, just a piece of fabric with a rolled hem. Then use this for inspiration!)

Notes

• I am lucky enough to be best buds with Harriet, which means I was spoilt with a beanie, mittens, and scarf - all valuable items that helped make any outfit feel a little more dressy. I'm not going to suggest patterns because I know nothing about knitting, but I will suggest HarrietByHand!

THE BACKPACK

via: one / two / three
1 x day pack (Cooper)

Notes

• Day packs are for goof balls and kids, right? Wrong! Day packs are the cutest and most glorious invention of all time! How could you even think other wise?! I have a delicious Herschel pack (seen here, bottom right), but there are little things I wish I could change about it, like a drink holder or hook to hold my keys. I also have bag envy over pretty much anything TaylorTailor creates.

THE ACTIVEWEAR

Source one / two / three
1 x running hoodie / shirt (Avocado / Coppelia / Undercover / XYT) 1 x hiking pants (Couldn't find an ideal pattern, but maybe a modified traveller?)
Notes

• I'm a keen walker, so my totally pricey Lululemon shirt gets worn a lot. Check out this post for tips on sewing activewear.

So what about you? Any travel capsule tips?

P.S. I've got a few more makes I'm pretty excited about sharing with you. All I need is a photographer!
P.P.S. Sweet jesus this is a wordy post. If you've made it this far, please treat yourself to an oreo. Or a martini. Or both.