Pack Rat

I'm a terrible packer.  The longer I have to prepare for a trip the more I pack.  I continue adding one more and one more item until my bags are bursting at the seams.

I'm trying hard not to do that on this trip.  I have streamlined my color palette to red, blue and black (mostly).  I have lots of layers to add and subtract to create different looks day by day.

Here's what I have so far:

Three maxi dresses (two of which I cloned from the first)

 

Three large scarves/wraps

 

Two black t-shirts (not pictured)

One skirt                  One button down shirt

One Indian salwar kameez (?) I just found at Goodwill.

One Indian kameez (?) I found at Goodwill.  Either my area has a large number of Indian ladies who donate a little to Goodwill or a small number of Indian ladies who donate a lot to Goodwill.  I'll wear this over my maxi dress.

 

A small(ish) selection of jewelry

 

Two pairs of sandals

Casual/Walking

Dress

Running shoes and clothes (not pictured)

This should get me through 10 days of travel.  I am making sure to leave plenty of space in my luggage to bring back any treasures I may find.

Fit to Travel

This jewelry is coming to India with me.  I'm only bringing a few pieces of jewelry, and I love this orchid set.  Actually, the whole outfit will probably make the trip.  The skirt is flowy and comfortable.  The top is a little more interesting than the average t-shirt because it has a crocheted panel in the back (forgot to photograph it).

T-shirt, Younkers; skirt, thrifted; necklace and earrings, etsy.

 

It's not my favorite outfit ever, but it fits the requirements of this trip because it's comfortable, covered-up, and easily packable.  I'm not sure if this outfit would warrant the return trip to the US.  It will all depend on how tight my luggage is.

Side note: my feet look ginormous in these photos.  Probably because they are.

Next, Please!

This was a variation on the layers I wore a couple weeks ago, but this one doesn't work for me.  On top of just not liking the look, the photos didn't turn out at all.

Dress, thrifted; shirt, thirfted; earrings, purchased in Cozumel; sandals, Clarks, Younkers.

I don't like the silhouette, and the skirt of the dress wrinkles easily.  Not for traveling; not for me!

Almost Set

This set of jewelry is coming to India with me.  I am limiting my jewelry to a few (for me) key pieces. I would like a subtle look (the gold set) and some bolder pieces.

 

Dress, gifted (thanks Nancy!); necklace and earrings, handmade by me.

 

I'm starting to feel like I have a handle on packing for the trip.  I suppose if I pack completely the wrong things I can always go shopping.  That wouldn't be so bad either.  My tourist visa was approved, my vaccinations are complete, and my mom is lined up to house sit for us while we're gone.  It's happening!

A Club Where I'm... Interesting

I wore this last week and didn't get it posted.  My mom and I tried out a meeting for a local social club.   A number of ladies told me my necklace is... interesting.  That's a compliment, right?

Dress, Miss Tina, Walmart; tank, Maurices; sandals, Clarks, Younkers; earrings, gifted (thank you Stephen!); necklace, ebay; belt, thrifted.

 

I finally wore this dress without layering it over another dress.  I like the cut, but it was hard to keep my slip from showing when I sat down.

 

I'm definitely taking these sandals to India. They are comfortable for lots of walking and fairly cute.

Seeing Red

I've been doing a little wardrobe DIY in preparation for my trip, and it's all coming up roses- or at least rosy red.

The first project was redying a Indian shirt that bled in the wash.  The trim was red and the body was a champagne color.  One trip through the wash and there were pink blotches all over.  Rit to the rescue.

Before

 





After

The second project was a lot more ambitious, but I think it paid off.  I cloned my favorite maxi-length tank dress.  With help from my mom, I traced the three pieces that composed the original dress, cut out the pattern, and sewed it up in a stretchy jersey fabric.

I didn't take as many photos as I could or should have during the process.  I was just too excited!

If I add a layer over the top for a little extra coverage I think this will be perfect.  I love the drape and incredible comfort.  If I have enough time before I leave I might even make another.

Got It Covered

I've been checking travel websites in preparation for my trip to India, and they all seem to agree that my typical tropical vacation attire will not do.  No spaghetti strap tops.  No short skirts and dresses.  The culturally preferred attire seems to be more covered-up.

 

Dress, thrifted; chambray shirt, Talbots, thrifted; shoes, Younkers; earrings, handmade by me; necklace, gifted.

This outfit leaves me covered from elbow to mid calf.  I think this style may work in India.

Ladies Who Lunch

When people ask about my reasons for leaving my previous job, I sometimes get tired of giving the real reason...  Or I get tired of giving only the real reason.  I have come up with a selection of supplementary reasons that I give if I'm in a goofy mood.  Those include becoming a stay-at-home mother to our dogs, because RuPaul's Drag Race isn't going to watch itself and choosing a second career as a lady who lunches.  Today I exemplified the third goofy reason and had a wonderful lunch with a former boss/ current friend and mentor.

 

Dress, Coldwater Creek, thrifted; lace t-shirt, Eyeshadow, Younkers; belt, thrifted; earrings, purchased in Cozumel; necklace, Christmas bazaar.

 

This dress is one of my favorites  because it is so comfortable, versatile, and effortless.

 

The earrings are from the trip to Cozumel for our wedding, and the necklace is from a Christmas bazaar Stephen went to with me last year.  He really is a wonderful husband.  Christmas bazaars aren't really his cup of tea, but he will attend with me without complaint.

 

Now the question of the day: can I wear this dress in India?  It is loose, but it hits just below the knee and is somewhat sheer if there is back lighting.