James Perse canvas stretch pants | at the JP Outlet
James Perse ribbed long sleeve shirt
HELMUT Helmut Lang sweatshirt jacket
Vince Blair haircalf sneakers | black perforated at Shopbop – code expires today!!! Size down 1/2 size
Alexander Wang Rockie (gift from Azalea) | Rockie with rosegold studs at Azalea for 25% off with code GRECHEN25
(this is yesterday’s outfit – I’m posting a day behind)
I think I get the point of this exercise, can I quit now? No…just kidding, I WILL NOT quit. But I do now see how creating a small wardrobe (I guess they’re called capsule wardrobes) of several items whether for traveling or just a busy week helps alleviate some of the stress (and emotion) from dressing. Absolutely I’ll be able to use this for traveling, but I’m not sure I’d do it at home again. It has helped me to really cement what I love to wear most often (black pants, and skirts/dresses when it’s warm enough) and to put together multiple outfits from just a few things, but I sort of already knew that.
I’m also shopping quite a bit lately because we’re going to San Francisco, and taking the wine train to Napa Valley in a few weeks. This means I must have new things. Of course, I don’t need any new things, but whenever I travel, I absolutely MUST have at least one new piece to take/wear. I know I’m not the only one who does this…but why do we do it? I have no idea.
I have actually been on a search for black pants – not jeans – not sweatpants – for quite some time and yesterday I finally found them: the HOPE news trouser. BEST PANTS EVER. And I know I say that a lot, but they really are. I’m sort of disappointed I can’t wear them today.
Besides those pants and the JP pants I’m wearing here, I’m sort of at a loss on what to wear for our trip. We’re driving to Austin on a Wednesday, then flying out to SFO on Thursday. We’ll take the train to Napa on Saturday and fly back to Austin on Sunday, then drive back to Dallas. We will be doing a lot of walking in San Francisco, so I’m thinking I’ll just take my Vince sneakers, or my Nikes. And pants I guess. And layers. But I want to look “nice” for the train and winery tour, so maybe a skirt/dress? And what to wear in Austin? Hmph.
I know I’ll figure it out, and I have plenty of time to do so, but I wouldn’t be Grechen if I didn’t think too much about packing for a short trip!
Oh, I’m getting my hair done today. I honestly have no idea what I’ll do – I’m wavering between cutting it off where my “bangs” have grown out (right under my chin) and letting it all grow out one length, or keeping the length and cutting long bangs. I think I’d like to go lighter with my color, but I’m open to other ideas. Honestly, I wish someone would just tell me what to do with my hair. I’m way too stressed out about it to make a decision! I do have some inspiration shots on my Pinterest board (ignore the pixies though, been there, done that!), if anyone has any other suggestions, I welcome them! Although while you’re reading this, I’m probably already in the chair…
Why do we “do it?” Well, we love to shop! Remember, though, to save some money for San Francisco. I hear they have amazing boutiques. When you recover from sipping fine wines, you can “head for the hills.” Please show new hair pics. I’m getting sheared tomorrow too. This time of year, I always wanna do something different.
I like all the outfits your have worn in the challenge so far. I use this type of wardrobe every time I travel as I like to have space for purchases, I don’t travel carry on. I buy clothes when I travel because in Australia I find that the choice is poor and the clothes overpriced. I hope the Everlane will soon ship to us because I love the look of the clothes.
I love those challenges. Great outfits!
Patricia´s last blog post ..Green and blue
I’m not sure why I shop, other than it feeds a need at the time. Oh hell, let’s just blame it on the mother! It’s always the mother’s fault, right?!? 😉
I love the idea of your hair going a tad shorter, and with cheekbone grazing bangs to highlight them. If you want to go lighter, I’d say, “Go for it!” It’s hair, so have fun with it. (Although I’ve always found your dark hair brings out your dark eyes, but it’s not up to me! BTW, what does Leo think? I listen to, but tend to ignore my hubby’s advice. Haha!)
You’re doing great with the challenge, but I’d have to say I agree totally with your point that you ALWAYS do a good job of putting together outfits creatively.
I’m with you…desire to shop and have new things is always strong when planning a trip. I try to curb the desire, as often I find great things when I’m away…though sometimes it’s hard to resist wanting something that seems like it will just pull everything together. I was just checking out the Hope News Trouser- how are you finding them to run, size-wise?
Have a great trip! I love SF (and yes, great shopping there!) as well as the Napa area. Heaven.
see, i hardly ever shop when i travel – mostly it’s because my husband takes the fun out of it! we went into barney’s in san francisco last time we were there and he just kept making comments about how much things cost, and how could i like that, etc., etc., i was over it. we have very different styles and ideas on what things should cost . when we went to italy we shopped but that’s the last time! i don’t mind really, because even though i LOVE to shop, it’s not something i think about doing much when i’m on vacation with my husband. i’ll need a girls trip for that 😉
the hope trouser is so good, it’s crazy. i mean, i was absolutely stunned by how great these fit me. i got the size 40, because that was all they had on sale in the store, and they fit me perfectly. like a glove. i’m a little afraid they’ll stretch out with wear, but they don’t seem like they will as much as some. i am ready to have a pair of these the rest of my life they’re that good. and no question i would pay full price for them. luckily, i didn’t have to.
G — how does the sizing work on the Hope trousers? Did you find the black on sale? They are super cute – can’t wait to see you model them (after the 10 day challenge, of course :))
Gotta say, with my hips I tend to shy away from slash pockets…Of course most EVERY pant has them! I find they just add too much bulk to me.
You and your shopping, LOL!!! I’d just love to see your closet! I am schizophrenic when it comes to shopping…Sometimes I can’t help myself, other times I just want to simplify!
Love to see an updated tutorial on boyfriend jeans from you someday…
All the best! Love SF
the black was on sale at steven alan, and i had a 20% off code good for online that he let me use in the store, so they were about $100.
i took the size 40 and they fit very well. they’re a little loose, but not so much to be an issue, and i can wear a belt if i need to. they fit me perfectly in the leg/hip though, because i do have thicker legs. if there had been a 38, i might have preferred those, but i don’t know…
And if you had time in SF you might just ping me and we could have a cup of tea:). But since you are with husband, I’m thinking that’s unlikely…