This is really exciting for me; as a blogger who seems to be under most radars, to have been asked by Susan of Une Femme d’un Certain Age to partner up for a pair of posts was unexpected, and pretty thrilling.
Susan’s blog was one of the very first I ever followed, and her style and élan are qualities that I try to emulate in my own way. I can’t encourage you enough to get to know her and appreciate the charm and elegance that she brings to her life, and in turn, to ours!
So today, Susan’s going to give us some guidance about what to pack if we’re off on a voyage to her neighborhood, in Los Angeles. I’m really eager to see what she has to say, since that’s an area to which I’ve only traveled ONCE, and I’m sure I have a few things I need to learn!
And on my side of the partnership, I’m going to give you a pointer or two about visiting Chicago…
Labor Day; Cooler Near the Lake
Last night, when you arrived, it felt cool, but you’d been on a plane, and then in a cab, so you weren’t really sure…
Sweatshirt – A.P.C.; scarf – Hinge; earrings – Kendra Scott; watch – Skagen;white shirt – Thomas Mason for J. Crew; grey chinos – Tory Burch;backpack – Tumi; loafers – Cole Haan
silver cardigan – J. Crew;crystal earrings – Givenchy; ring – David Yurman; print top – Tory Burch; striped shirt – Equipment;necklace – Judith Jack; bag– Banana Republic; silver bracelet – Robert Lee Morris; grey silk tee – Boden; grey shorts – J. Crew; white jeans – J. Brand; white sleevelesstop – Thomas Mason for J. Crew; grey tank – Vince; chambray shorts – Jill Stuart; blue sandals – Munro;silver sandals – Vince Camuto; metallic skirt – Carven
Happily, you listened to your dear friend Janice, who LIVES on the lakefront, and you packed long-sleeved shirts and a cardigan. And you’ve still got your very stylish sweatshirt from the flight that you can wear some more. (this doesn’t work if your sweatshirt is torn, paint-stained, or says “Lions” or “Tigers” or “Bears”) oh my….
(I must mention – the border of the silver ring has tiny stones with a blue tinge to them…)
You’ve got a comfortable range of options, including layers that can be peeled off if you’re further inland, or piled on if temperatures drop (and the winds pick up). And never forget the insouciant elegance of a rolled sleeve on a long-sleeved shirt…
Why yes, you CAN wear a metallic skirt with a sweatshirt. A little bit of attitude will go a long way!
I slipped a little bit from my usual “keep all of the patterns in one row” rule about Whatever’s Clean, but I think the pattern of the skirt is sufficiently subtle that you could wear it with the printed shirts without a lot of hysteria. Especially if you layer a solid sweatshirt or cardigan over the shirts, it cover the “side by side” juxtaposition of the two prints, and makes they easier to combine.
If you’re coming to Chicago, PLEASE don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] Because I blog full-time (lest you though I tossed these posts together in an hour or two!) I can usually take time for a breakfast, lunch or tea. If I’m going to be away, or can’t get free, I promise I’ll let you know.
Friends that I haven’t met yet, come see us here in Chicago!
love,
Janice
p.s. Why grey and blue? Because (1) those are the colors that I see out my windows, (2) cities have LOTS of grey… and (3) Chicago is the home of the blues!
This is so lovely. More and more, I see the wisdom of taking my neutral navy and grey, which work so well for winter, and lightening them for summer. (I find myself NOT reaching for my navy tops on hot, sunny days — just can't stand that dark color heat absorption factor!)
Grey love!
This template with bottoms, tops, extra layers, and the warm to cool emphasis really makes sense to me and will be very helpful.
Now those are (some of) my colors! I love that striped button down top, and the crystal-y earrings and necklace. And the whole collection just makes my eyes happy :-)
– Kaci
Love this wardrobe, Janice! I really hope we can get to Chicago someday soon. Thank you so very much for this fun cross-post!
Happy Friday for me, twin posts from my two favorite bloggers!! Commenting here before hopping over to Une Femme for the LA version. Lovely collection, and BTW, this would work for Boston as well, especially if you were planning some time on the coast. Wind over the North Atlantic can be chilly as well.
Dear Janice, this is a wonderful collaboration, and what a great idea! Congratulations to you both. Building theses mini collections on the weekend away makes it fun for your readers as well as inspirational. Perhaps because my local (southern hemisphere) climate is more cool temperate, I just love your subtle, bluey-grey-silvery colour scheme. And next time I go to Sydney (soon, please, soooon), Susan's summery neutrals will be great prompts for packing. Thanks again! Robyn x
Lovely! I ALWAYS roll up long sleeves, unless it's bitterly cold. In fact, I've been known to donate long-sleeved tops if the sleeves were too narrow to roll or shove.
Ah yes, "cooler near the lake" brings back memories, as does the mention of Channel 9, WGN, the television home of the Cubs and Jack Brickhouse at one time. I like the blues and greys, might throw in a touch of red if I was going to a Labor Day parade!
I am so glad you did grey and blue. Two of my favorites!
Though I learn from every color combination you explore, I love it when you do my favorite colors! Thank you! I think I have some version of each of the travel garments in my closet already so I will spend some time later today playing dress up.
I found Susan's blog through your side bar eons ago. I always enjoy her posts, especially those about packing for travel. What a fun idea to work this theme today from your respective areas.
Mary
I really enjoy blogger collaborations. This combination is very subtle and lovely. I would love to see the right person in those J crew shorts.
Deb from Vancouver
I believe this is the most elegant and versatile wearable wardrobe you've every done. And that's saying something. So much subtlety in the color and texture variation. I would be in heaven in this suitcase. Must think through my wardrobe and see how i might come close.
Janice,
While these are not my colors, the selection of the items is still quite instructive for packing, my frequent pursuit, as we travel a lot. I am leaving tomorrow for Nova Scotia, and the weather is forecast for highs in the 80's early in the week to a high in the low 60's toward the end of the trip, so this post is timely and right on !
Susan is my other favorite fashion blogger I admire and follow besides you, so this is a perfect collaboration ! Thanks to you both for the lovely ideas you provide for us to emulate !
Just a beautiful trip collection. I happen to be traveling to Boston for Labor Day weekend. I wish I knew a Boston-based blogger, who could guide me, As you have. I would love to have tea with you next time I am in Chicago!
I've enjoyed reading both of the Labor Day travel posts. Your blue/grey wardrobe makes my heart sing.
Hi Janice, I think you're high on the radar! Vivienne Files mentions have cropped up on FB groups and other forums I follow, from women of ages. I passed the link on to friends and they've done the same and I've heard since from several people how *obsessed* they've become with it. :) I found VF through Susan's blog and enjoy both of you thoroughly. Relatable and inspiring – a great combo!
Er…"women of ALL ages". Although "women for the ages" could be good too. :)
I love the collaboration post today. Lovely outfits from both of you wonderful ladies.
I love these colors! It would be perfect to add a little pop of yellow or green for some brightness. Gorgeous as always! Thank you!
Another great post, I agree with the commenters above. This is another query – I don't see where to leave it? I have just purchased a pair of the Thierry Rabotin black "Grace" ballet flats, attracted by their quality, comfort, and slight nerdiness! You have included these several times in your wardrobes. However, I am having trouble making them work with what I have. Socks (plain or novelty), hose, bare legs? Leggings, jeans, trousers? How about skirts? I can't quite get to a style I feel comfortable with.
I wear my ballet flats with dresses or trousers in the warm weather with bare legs – it generally has to be an overall pretty "dark" outfit or the flats feel too closed and heavy. In cooler weather: tights and dresses or skirts! I'm trying to wear dresses more – at least half the time, because of the ease of wearing 1 garment appeals to my minimalist side – and the straight, sleek black line of tights and flat shoes (in which I can walk!) makes this the easiest way possible to get dressed!
hugs,
Janice
Thanks. I expect I'll be happier with them as the weather cools, or when I do a trip to NYC. Just hard to imagine right now!
Easy elegance. Beautiful colours. Merci!
Tom Skilling! I agree, the only true weatherman out there. Living in the South, I can't wait to go home and hear the forecast for "the Chicagoland area…"
We'll actually be downtown for a friend's wedding in October, perhaps I could take you up on your offer!
Leah from http://thriftshopchic.com
Very impressive. Casual elegance in such a cohesive capsule. And thank you for a glimpse of a city I don't know much about.
What a gorgeous travel wardrobe! Ready for anything!
Practically perfect in every way. I *adore* blues and grays.