Minimalist fashion luggage challenge.

I have a "small carry on bag", regulation size and I need to be prepared for 4 days of windy and rainy Seattle weather, dinners out, shopping and a LOT of walking.
Sounds easy for those of you who are experienced globe trotting executives or world travellers. NOT EASY pour moi!
I was very impressed with Janet over at The Gardener's Cottage who recently packed for a romantic weekend in Palm Springs and fit everything into a modest sized tote. She shows us pictures of her ensembles and she was spot on with her choices!
Note to self; it can be done.
I have to admit my packing history is shameful. I definitely fail in this area so I set myself a challenge, be ruthless, plan ahead, hang things in wearable groupings, mix, match and discard what doesn't do double duty....and here's the reason for this challenge...to leave space for holiday purchases!

I am going to be wearing my skinny jeans because I can wear flats for the ease and comfort navigating the streets and the expected mileage.

Hermes scarf, Gilmore top, Olsen belt, skinny jeans in petite, sequined black flats.

We will be staying at Our Home away from Home.
We will be shopping and sightseeing....Pike Place Market and more.
I love the vibe Downtown

INC top, skinny jeans, sequined flats.

Sweet Tea in Seattle has suggested the Bravern Mall in Bellevue which sounds very enticing! LV, Hermes, Neiman Marcus, Woolfords and that is just the start...OMG, there is even Valet parking!

 I have dark denim skinny jeans, (to wear with flats) and dark denim dressy jeans, (need heels), capri length black Hue leggings....neutral tank top, white 3/4 sleeve Cut Loose top, Parkhurst long sweater which can be also belted for a coat effect, new black trench style jacket, scarf, Olsen belt with ornate buckle detail, and a nightie. Does that sound like enough? Too much?
I have not packed a skirt or a dress which might be a mistake...but I did not want to put boots in or hose (my legs are ghostly pale) and dressy shoes....but can pair the grey or winter white longer tops with my Hue black capri tights. These tights with flats have me feeling very Audrey-esque!

Debra Kay necklace, Cut Loose top, Parkhurst sweater.

Hermes scarf, black spring jacket.

Weather feels very cold outside so I am thinking I'll wear my winter wool black Olsen coat just to be on the safe side...Is snow mentioned in the forecast!!!

Olsen winter coat, and hide gloves in Elliot Lucca bag just in case.

I also plan to pack my grey Club Monaco scarf which doubles as a wrap...soft and cozy, great if one is sitting beneath the air conditioner in a restaurant.

Have you noticed the theme here?

Black, black, more black and a smattering of neutrals...only color here is in the lacy lingerie and the toes, neither of which will be paraded in public.

I usually wear a stack of silver bangles but I am wearing my Tiffany necklace as a bracelet to mix things up a bit...and if I get lost...

I had a pedicure with Shelley this morning....and I have happy feet and toes!

OPI toes.... I'm India Mood for Love!

In Seattle, I will be first and foremost "holiday making" with Mr. HB.  I'll also be shopping for shoes....and maybe a bag. Mr. HB is very helpful and his opinion is valued especially when Hermes scarves are being considered...he has been involved at Tiffany's as well. Maybe I'll introduce him to Chanel and Louis Vuitton this time and see how they get along! He gets bored in Macy's so I'll go solo for an hour or so and see how many pairs of shoes I can buy. I hope there are some cute ballerina flats in my future.

I may be away from the blogosphere for a few days...
Don't forget to check out the FANtastic silky scarf I am giving away...see earlier post.

Silk scarf giveaway....in celebration of my recent 100th post....

I have a vintage gently used pure silk, large and luxurious scarf to give away.

 Drape, twist and flaunt it...wear with attitude...wrap your hair Grace Kelly style while riding in a convertible.

Are you on a windy road near Monte Carlo

or are you riding on the bus commuting to work?

Weave a dream, where are you while wearing this...

I would love to hear from you... embellish, elaborate, exaggerate...

I hope that you will participate.

Have some fun...fan that creative fire.

Please comment for one entry, become a follower of The Hostess of the Humble Bungalow for two, post on your blog for three.

I'll keep this open for a couple of weeks...and see if I have any interest.

Closes on March 21, 2010

Good luck!

The Hostess.... a not so big Reveal!

How do I take my own picture?

Stand tall, stretch arms...click!

and turning to the side...

I am not now nor have I ever been photogenic...I really do not enjoy having my photo taken so it has been with a bit of reluctance and trepidation that I share these.

Many of the blogs that I follow have images of bloggers in beautiful garments, wearing enchanting gems, and looking so relaxed. I love that they are so creative in their dressing and appear comfortable and natural.

I am a "behind the scenes" kind of gal.

I am thinking of updating my profile picture and one of these might work.

I am wearing the Debra Kay necklace, diamond studs... and a Liz Claiborne grey tank top, highlights courtesy of Aveda salon and the divinely talented Chris.

Anyone else feel camera shy?

Week 15, Grammy casts thoughts and stitches....

For those of you who have been following my blog...I am going to be Grammy.

This life altering event is much anticipated and I have put a lot of thought into what kind of grammy that I might be. I would like to be seen as a resource for help when needed or desired, caring for and supporting the family in a variety of ways.

I want to indulge.

Knitting sweaters, buying shoes, paying for lessons, exploring the arts and sports.

Babysitting, yes please!

I cannot fully imagine what my role will look like, suffice to say, I hope to be involved in a positive way.

Not stern or overbearing or too opinionated...rather kind, gentle, approachable, flexible.

Debbie Bliss is a talented knitter and designer from the UK.

I love her patterns and the books are chock full of dreamy looking wee ones wearing all the wondeful knits. 

Pink for a girl...this yarn is sumptuous...cashmerino aran. Feels like silk and cashmere, and this blush pink is heavenly....oh if it is a girl!

Blue for a boy...and cuddly soft.

Hooray for a boy!

Behold this simple little pullover...

Grammy is casting on...and will be knitting one in each colour.

I will be prepared.

I do not think any amount of thought can really prepare one for the overwhelming joy that accompanies the birth of a grandchild.

I am excited!

I would so love to hear from any grammies who might be reading this post.

Care to share your thoughts or wise words?

Shopping, new and used...

Black with charcoal flecks lined wool trousers, side zip, dressy, flattering and on sale marked down from $200, for $45 how could I not buy these?

Shop a holic that I have become, I went yesterday with my beloved mother....you should see what she bought! 

Picture this...an 83 year old, with silver bobbed hair, black tailored jacket and skirt (not a suit), pearls and a modest blouse in beige, sensible shoes..flats in black with a bow....ends up with a sumptuous grey wool tweed fitted jacket sporting a flirty peplum flare with a grey and white fur (removeable) collar to frame her face (She looks so fabulous and energetic in this jacket I just had to smile)

She said oh where will I wear this?

My response, the theatre, the symphony, to tea, to the grocery store, to the bank, out to dinner...SOLD!

 That's what she bought, she tried on many garments so many that I was wondering if I was going to have to get a chair and sit down!

I learned from the master.

Skinny leather belt came with the trousers and they popped the hanger in to the bag.

INC new ($69) spring line grey longer top to wear with my new capri length leggings. I really love this on me...covers a multitude of sins but doesn't swamp me.

Debra Kay designed crystal necklace which I have had since my son was married several years ago.

Debra K. does lovely work and this piece has been worn a lot, it goes with everything!

($350  CPW=dollars)

As you can see I am not a skinny gal and so I need to be ever mindful of cut and style...no flappy pockets on the chest...no extra heavy fabrics, simple unadorned garments are best, but not too skimpy either, abhor cling.
Cleavage works, and I work it too! V necks or lower round, not high or turtlenecks because I turn immediately into MRS. DOWDY.

Tribal gently worn (9.99)  off white cotton sweater, shorter length with 3/4 sleeves scalloped edging works as a great layering piece over a tank top (blush pink). Worn here with my new Gap striped wide legged pants and Dolce and Gabbana wide leather grey belt....and I have on my Mee Too red shoes... and my black Elliot Lucca bag...(Hello stranger, I've missed you)

Did some sorting and purging of garments that have been taking up needed space in my small closet...donation bag ready for the charity shop.

Air is good, garments hang without being crushed, sorted into colour groupings, I can dress with ease as I can see everything now.

Have you spring cleaned your closet?

Is it easy for you to purge the garments that you no longer wear or do you hang onto them?

I have two types of friends, the savers and the chuckers...I'm a chucker.