All Things EARTH... part 2

[awhfy]

2 hours ago, laurspag said:

Ah yes...I enjoy people watching too!  It's fun to see what others are wearing.  It may be something I would or wouldn't wear,but still fun!

People watching is a great pastime 

[laurspag]

I've been looking at daytime clothes for the cruise since I think my dinner attire is fairly well set.  I like to try and make sure I can mix and match a bit, just in case.  I like to throw in jewelry too, but I focus on keeping it functional.

 

Here is a group picture of some items, but there are a few tops I didn't get out that will likely be replacing some of these.  I think the top left two outfits are set.  That Dressvarn Hirt has gone on every cruise since I got it, lol.  The green shirt next to it is a cold shoulder top I like a lot.  The bottom left outfit is a quick drying skort that is good for being out and about in a port, where I'm likely to be sweating a lot.  The shirt is an oldie but goodie from Target that is quick drying too.

 

I happen to be wearing a shirt I think I'm bringing...it's funny because I took pictures last weekend but was wearing a pair of shorts I couldn't add to my photos because I was wearing them.

 

 

[awhfy]

3 hours ago, laurspag said:

I've been looking at daytime clothes for the cruise since I think my dinner attire is fairly well set.  I like to try and make sure I can mix and match a bit, just in case.  I like to throw in jewelry too, but I focus on keeping it functional.

 

Here is a group picture of some items, but there are a few tops I didn't get out that will likely be replacing some of these.  I think the top left two outfits are set.  That Dressvarn Hirt has gone on every cruise since I got it, lol.  The green shirt next to it is a cold shoulder top I like a lot.  The bottom left outfit is a quick drying skort that is good for being out and about in a port, where I'm likely to be sweating a lot.  The shirt is an oldie but goodie from Target that is quick drying too.

 

I happen to be wearing a shirt I think I'm bringing...it's funny because I took pictures last weekend but was wearing a pair of shorts I couldn't add to my photos because I was wearing them.

 

 

I tend to take that Dressbarn shirt on cruises too usually with olive skort or olive capris. 

[MJC]

I've been squirreling away items for our Norway Northern Lights cruise in October. I finally laid everything out on the bed to see how I'm doing with my planning so far. Fortunately there was a very good roll call on this cruise last year with lots of good info, so I think we'll be well-prepared. I also went back to see what Anita packed for Fairbanks.

 

We will have daytime temps from the low 40's to mid-50's, but we also plan to be out in the middle of the night a few times when we are farthest north, where if we're lucky it will be 30-ish with windchills in the teens, and possibly snow and ice on the ground. We may also have rain or sleet. We'll be tendering at our two coldest ports, so I have my waterproof pants and boots ready.

 

Since its a 15 day cruise, we have three formal nights, and I don't think I'll pick those until just before we go since I hope to be down a few pounds before then. I think the hardest thing is knowing what to pack for days on board, is the ship going to be warm or cold, or drafty? I'm thinking of long-sleeved t's and cardigans for layering. Our ship has a covered pool so I'm trying to decide if I want to bring a swimsuit.

 

I have ideas for all our port stops, I just need to finalize the details on a couple. Plus we'll have 3 days in London before we board, and I have a list of things we want to do, I just need to organize them into each day.

 

So exciting! Only about 10 weeks to go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[awhfy]

We leave Tuesday for Boston. Looking forward to walking Marginal Way in Ogunquit Maine on Wednesday & hitting the beach. Lots of good food, friends & family reunions (2 separate ones). It looks like it’s going to be brutally hot (96 with 90% humidity) for the Saturday outdoor wedding. Good thing reception is indoors. Les will be in a tux with waistcoat, I’m hoping to get a couple of pictures before he starts peeling layers off!  Melody

[laurspag]

Margaret, this sounds like it is going to be such a fun cruise.  Being able to see the Northern Lights is a bucket list of mine.  Alaska is as well. I find preparing for cooler weather trips to be tricky, but at the same time, simplified.  It is tricky because you can be dealing with lots of different temperatures.  Layers can be the way to go, for sure.  Where it is simplified is that when you are out and about, your clothes are covered and you aren't sweating so re-wearing clothing is easy to do.  I know when I went on the Pacific coastal cruise, I thought it would be warmer than it was, but I easily could have brought along a few pairs of jeans to repeat, and then tops, scarves and sweaters to rotate to help with packing.

 

I was just thinking that depending on what you are doing, you may need some specific clothing, right? 

 

I love the clothes planning, that is so much fun for me.  I've been taking pictures of daytime outfits, but it seems I am often wearing an item I'm bringing or perhaps there is something in the laundry.  I had a bit of a cold over the weekend, so I didn't do a whole lot last week.  I am thinking that this week I will be in a good spot to take pictures, I think.  I dress simply during the day, but it is fun to plan out a few accessories for sea days and what not. I usually pick the nicest outfit for boarding, because it is nice to start out the cruise feeling good!

 

I don't know if any of you shop at Banana Republic.  I never did in the past, as I always felt they were too expensive but after the visit to the outlet store, and seeing some good deals, I decided to take a better look. That is wear I found the charmeuse maxi dress that I posted a few months ago.  i ended up getting a pair of work pants for myself and a few for my daughter.  Then about 3 weeks ago, I got a suit for work that was on clearance with an additional percentage off.  It is a really nice olive green.

 

both purchases came with "cash" to use at another time, so I took a look and ordered a few very well priced items.  I wanted to share a really pretty linen shirt they had.  I tried it and loved how it look, but it was a more traditional linen, and it was just too rough for my skin.  It was $57.00, with an additional 20% off but then I was able to use the cash I earned as well.

 

Embroidered Linen-Blend Blouse | Banana Republic Factory (gapfactory.com)

 

I also got a nice pair of olive shorts and a top for work.  All were marked down.

 

Melody, it sounds like you have a fun trip to Boston planned!  We really have nothing planned other than our cruise in September.  It has been a summer of catching up on things we have been putting off.  I don't necessarily mind, as we really want to get things caught up.  I think replacing the furnace really cut into our budget, and while we have good health insurance, all the copayments for tests, doctors and treatments for my husband have added up.  It is good to be getting back to normal, even if our budget is a little tighter temporarily.

 

Talking about all these things makes me want to run upstairs and start taking clothing pictures again, lol.  I think I have to do the laundry first!  It has been very hot here, so I'm wearing lots of warm weather clothes.

 

That reminds me - I wanted to ask you all a question.  Do you find you wear more dresses or shorts in warm weather?  I tend to wear a mix, but for a cruise it is definitely shorts and some skorts because of the wind.  I have some basic knit swing dresses that are a go to when I get home from work at this time of the year.

[awhfy]

Laurie when I worked I’d come home from work & peel off the suit & put on a maxi dress or tshirt dress! Now I seldom wear them. No clue why, they’re comfy

 

we've been dealing with horrendous hail storms. This storm yesterday caused some pretty nasty damage, sigh, calling insurance today

[Anita Latte]

That hale is unbelievable! Melody, I hope you have such a great time in Boston. I can't imagine getting married in this heat... I was a July bride in CO but had a cool front come through...

 

Margaret, I am so jelly for your Norway cruise! The question of the inside temperature is the one that makes packing for cold weather difficult. I find forced air to be stuffy and I have a hard time with it. If I'm around it, then I'm generally grateful to get into cooler weather and it can take a while for me to feel like I need protection from that cooler outside weather while I'm enjoying the break from a stuffy inside. For me,  I'm the person that goes for the core warmth...and I tend to layer a vest, gloves/hat/scarf helps if that isn't enough on top of long sleeves. Happy feet are usually my most important care and I have several pair of cold weather boots, as crazy as that is...now that I'm a FL resident.

 

Laurie...I definitely wear dresses more in warm weather. I'm not a shorts person. I have some shorts that I bought that are more casual rather than technical or athleisure...but I get annoyed with the way the waist is on them and I have a hard time finding a pair of shorts that the waist AND the way the legs fit work for me. I tend to wear lightweight pants, even in warm weather...I appreciate the shade on my legs and I can find lightweight pants that are more comfortable than shorts. ALSO, because I am such a perspiration machine...if I have bare skin that touches ANYTHING...I just sweat all over it and end up leaving damp marks behind, which may be TMI, but on a real...that's how it is.

 

So I end up in dresses more because overall they are cooler and more comfortable. My issue with dresses is if I have to walk too much. I need to use some sort of anti-chaffing help. I have a pair of slip shorts that works well...I used them in London on this past trip. They can defeat the purpose of the slip shorts though...so if I'm going to be active...pants. But if I'm going to be more relaxing and meandering, then I can get away with something like Body Glide, which I basically found out...the key ingredient is what is in a lot of deodorant and so I've been experimenting with my solid deodorant, because that's what I wear...because I use natural deodorant and not antiperspirant...and it does tend to work fine. 

[Anita Latte]

So obviously, I'm back from London!!

 

We had a fabulous trip. And for not planning out a SINGLE thing...we managed to do A LOT. And I mean A LOT. I took 987 photos/videos...yes, I did. So it will take a hot minute to sort through those and put together a fun share for everyone.

 

I'll start by sharing this though...that Wool& dress was AWESOME. It was perfect. I could have taken a couple more of those and worn those all around London. I ended up wearing that dress twice, graduation day and then to the opera. I debated wearing it more, but I knew we had the opera coming up and I wanted to keep it fresher for that occasion.

 

Fashion is all over the place in London. Such a mix of styles. The only thing that I can say with any conviction about what people wear in London is this. People wear sneakers (trainers in the UK) ALL OVER and with EVERYTHING. It's like is doesn't matter what you are wearing ankles up...ankles down, you have on trainers/sneakers. I could count on one hand the number of people I saw wearing 1. sandals, 2. flats (always ballet flats), 3. Crocs (can you believe?), 4. ALL other shoes. The exception would be the opera, where there was such a mix...but on the street and ALL OVER London on every other day...trainers/sneakers. The other contender for footwear would be boots...still lace up boots though...and generally no taller than high ankle. Like Dr Martens were all over. And it didn't matter the color or the style, though I will say that I did see a lot of leather or similar types in white or with a white background, like classic Adidas. A lot of Converse or similar, high and low tops, in all colors. Quite of few of the mesh style trainers, where they are mostly solid, usually black, but also other kind of blending colors like navy or dark gray. And socks ran the gamut...no show, ankle, crew, slouch...didn't seem to matter...seemed more a matter of person style.

 

The other thing that I did not see was athleisure clothing...unless you want to call street style track like joggers athleisure...but that's as close as it got. I counted 3, THREE, people wearing leggings...and one was obviously actually working out...or on their way home from a work out.

 

The bags of choice are backpacks. More backpacks than anything else. We had 2 backpack, one for DH and one for myself. They were our personal items. And I also brought a tote bag. It was actually one of the nicer Celebrity tote bags that they used to give away that folded up into it's own pouch. It's actually very similar in style to what is popular there...like the one style that I saw in totes. We used the tote a couple times, but it wasn't as pleasant to be lopsided by having a single shoulder bag instead of the backpack and so we used backpacks just about everyday. DH would take a turn. I'd take a turn. Then we'd tote it...that would stink so back to the backpacks.

 

For me, I have a very small wallet on a string type bag that has a long strap that I wear cross body. It has a dedicated phone place and can hold a few other items...it expands to about 3/4". I always had that on, and sometimes the backpack as well. We generally would leave our flat in the morning and wouldn't return until the evening, so we carried rain coats and/or something for if I got cold (didn't really happen), water, charging cords, sometimes our iPads (books) or an actual book (depending on our plans), ALWAYS carry shopping bags (reusable, often called shoppers over there), and then we had room for whatever we might purchase that day, usually.

 

That is something to note...shopping bags aren't provided. You bring your own, pay to get one, or don't use a bag. During the pandemic, the Trader Joe's in my area stopped letting you bring your own reusable bags. They had gotten these super sturdy plastic bags with a squared out bottom and red handles. They are made in Germany and they were so awesome, I kept them. I use them all the time. They fold to nothing and they are going strong after 2+ years. I highly recommend them if you can get them. At home I keep at least 6 bags in each car and have them stacked near the door. I took half a dozen to London and they were one of the handiest things I brought. Even though they are plastic, I just keep reusing them, because they are that good.

 

I will also say that even in the rain...we didn't always use our jackets. Often the rain wasn't hard enough to justify their use and then the trouble of having a damp jacket. Umbrellas looked to be much easier to deal with than a jacket. Almost everywhere that cared had a plastic bag made for umbrellas and you could bag your umbrella easier than dealing with a jacket. In future...during warmer weather, I would definitely not bother with a rain coat...and I would just bring an umbrella.

 

Those are my initial comments...I'm eager to relive everything we did so I am eager to share. I want to make a photo book of our London trip so I definitely want to write about it before the memories get too difficult to conjure.

[slidergirl]

Anita - welcome back!  It sure sounds like you had a fantastic time in London.   I love that your dress worked out so well for several functions.  Oh - Woolx is coming out with 2 new dresses soon.   And, I guess I'd be right there "in style" with my hi-top sneakers.  I wear them with everything, even my Woolx black dress.  People are finally realizing (I think) that your feet need to be happy, not "fashionable."  

I do have 3 of those TJs bags still hanging around!!  

[Anita Latte]

I'll be interested in the Woolx dresses. Wool& has many different styles and colors. I've found that in some of the more specialty type clothing items (not just tees and tanks), Woolx can have just black and gray. As versatile as that would seem...I don't have as many things to coordinate well with black actually because it's just not a good color on me. I hope they have colors!

 

I can be a little...IDK OCD about somethings I guess. I take my TJ bags and tuck that box pleat thing under to make a big rectangle, fold in half width wise and the handles line up, fold in half that way again. Now the bottom is thicker because of the extra layers that form the box, and I take that and fold and fold up the length to get a much smaller square with handles that stick out. I stack them and then wrap a rubber band around a bundle and tuck that bundle of bags all over. I'm reusing rubber bands from produce...the asparagus bands are my fave.😬

 

DH is out doing the yard so I thought I'd write a bit. I haven't done too much with the photos yet.

 

We had a direct overnight flight from MCO (Orlando) to Heathrow. We're Delta people so we usually end up purchasing Virgin Atlantic. These were the most expensive tix I have ever purchased. I debated hard on these flights because the direct flight aircraft was a 3-3-3 configuration. I could also have chosen a connection through Miami to get onto a 2-4-2 aircraft for the overnight portion. It would have added a lot of time and some $$$ because the Miami connection aircraft also had these economy+ seats in the 2 seat configuration with have more leg room, IF I wanted to get that. We ultimately decided that the extra time wasn't worth it...and after careful consideration, because DH NEEDS the aisle seat for his one knee/leg situation...I decided to go for the center seat in the middle section and the aisle for him. That way we wouldn't have anyone that would be trying to climb over us to get out because the person on the other side of me would be an aisle seat, not a window person.

 

That part worked out well, I don't need to go into details about the trials of someone exercising their right to move their seat all the way back as soon as they could in the flight...and move their child's seat (in front of DH) all the way back as well. I was wishing for the extra space then...

 

Also, I was contemplating the likelihood that a connection aircraft may have fewer families on board. Orlando is a family vacation destination and our flight seemed to be about 50/50 for families with children/people without children. There were some UNHAPPY kids on our flight...

 

When you only have a 7 hour flight...and it leaves at 8:00pm...there's just not a lot of time for sleep.

 

ANYWAY...

 

There was a thread started about what to wear for an overnight flight...

 

I will say that I think it really depends on what you are expecting when you land...and how easily you can change clothing, or how comfortable you are changing your clothing...

 

We were leaving hot and humid Florida and expecting to land in London where they were having a heat wave and a high of 86. And we weren't able to check into our AirBnb until 2. What I wore:

 

Knee high compression socks. Sockwell brand. Wool. Fun colors and designs.

Xero Shoes brand Prio sneakers. I got a new pair on a major sale in a great color, which is a kind of dirty plum color.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger pants. These have a wide knit waist. Zippered pockets. A rib around the ankles. The material is super lightweight.

Woolx Mia Bra. It's more like a cropped tank top with a double layer on the front layer. It's not terribly supportive. It's comfortable and hides the headlights.

Sleeveless knit shirt.

 

In my personal item backpack I had my sweater knit-like blazer/jacket. Soft and comfortable, could use if needed for warmth. A scarf, also soft and could use for warmth. I didn't need either. I used the blanket provided by the airline and I found that I needed the occasional coolness of the air on my bare arms during the flight. I had my little air vent on full blast the entire time because the flight was mostly full...and I'm one of those people that sleeps with their ceiling fan on year round to have air movement. 

 

Also...IDK if the time of year has anything to do with the aircraft temperature? Normally I'm a gets kinda cold on an aircraft type person...but this July flight...it was warm. The blanket was almost more for cozy, bundle up type comfort rather than temperature. 

 

My personal item backpack is newer. This is it:

https://www.target.com/p/commuter-backpack-open-story/-/A-79295297

 

Funny thing is that I saw both men and women using this same bag in London. It has a protective pocket for big screens and enough organization pockets for smaller stuff...and the big pocket is a good size. Water bottle on the outside. The outside zipper pocket wasn't as handy as you might think because if the inside is jam packed, it's hard to get things in and out of it. There's a sleeve on the bag to go over roller bag handles. I found the carry handles on the top to be super...HANDY when using the tube/overground. I could carry the bag by those handles getting onboard so I could easily grab a seat (no backpack in the way) and have the bag on my lap or between my feet. Then I could easily carry the bag off the tube and swing it around with more space to wear as a backpack again without smacking people. 

 

I also recently got my own spinner bag. Perviously, for carry on I've used the Motherlode and Motherlode Jr eBags...but with the personal item backpack...and dealing with knee/hip issues...I needed a wheeled bag. DH recently got one of those harder clamshell designs that splits in half and you pack the two sides. It's a good bag, but they didn't have it anymore. I ended up with this one:

 

https://www.target.com/p/swissgear-zurich-softside-carry-on-spinner-suitcase/-/A-82543830?preselect=49143029#lnk=sametab

 

Which is a soft-sided one deep compartment with a couple outside pockets. It was very easy to pack. I use packing cubes...I tend to figure out what configuration of cubes works well in the bag and then I pack those cubes and fit them in the bag. Shoes were easier to pack in the bigger compartment than the two sided clamshell style. It was also easier to open just a bit and grab anything needed on the inside, because it has a lid-like lid and not a compartment-like lid. It held up well to me walking all around London with it from when we landed (around 9am) to when we checked in (after 2pm).

 

It'll be good to have both. We needed to check DH's on the way back so having the hard sided back was great for that.

 

We were going for 10 nights. In addition to what I've mentioned already, I also packed:

Pants. 3 pairs.

Dresses. 2

Short sleeved merino wool knit shirts. 3

Short sleeved tee. 

Sleeveless merino wool tank. (didn't wear)

Sleeveless tank. (didn't wear)

Long-sleeved merino wool. 

Cargo vest. (wore once because I brought it)

Rain jacket. (would have preferred an umbrella)

Scarves. 2. (wore one)

White sneakers.

Black ballet flats (wore once, didn't really need)

Slip shorts (wore with every dress.)

Underwear. Socks. Bras.

Nightgown.

 

I packed well enough but as I go through the days, I know that I could have made different choices.

[laurspag]

Anita, you have touched on a lot of topics that I have think about quite a bit.  

 

I often ask myself what to wear on a flight, on I personally opt for comfort, while also trying to look nice.  I tend not to wear sweats or leggings too often, but it is a personal preference, I guess.  When I am sitting a while and don't really have a lot of options for moving and stretching, the idea of wearing something tight in the waist or uncomfortable shoes just takes away from the excitement for me.

 

For this upcoming trip, I was thinking of wearing a pair of the woven jogger style pants I have from Athleta.  I also have a pair from Eddie Bauer.  The elastic waist and stretchy fabric is ideal.  I usually grab a sleeveless top and then add a sweater or something similar.  I am almost always cold on a plane.  The last two cruises I have opted for a zip up hoodie in an warmer oatmeal color.  It so happens that I picked it up onboard one of my cruises so it has the RCI logo on it.  This zip up serves as my go to if I get cold during the cruise.  While I may get chilly, I seldom want to add layers when onboard.  I'm sure that would be different if we were sailing someplace cold.

 

That outfit will likely be my going home outfit too.

 

I've only been on one flight that had a middle section.  I think it is because we are usually just flying to and from Florida, so our planes aren't super big.  Most have three seats either side, but sometimes only two for the last leg home to Syracuse.

 

The black ballet flats that you said you didn't really need - were they your new ones you purchased to go with the dress? 

 

I always love to see what others are wearing.  As for city attire, Syracuse is extremely poor.  Those people you see in the city in the hub of downtown are there for work or for some of the restaurants and bars vs. living in the area.  Workers are wearing general business attire or business casual, with sneakers that they change out of once they get to the office.   (my daughter cannot wear sneakers in the office at all, even when she allowed to wear jeans)

 

I live in the suburbs so what you see me post is pretty much how I dress everywhere.

 

I love that backpack.  My older daughter has one that she tends to use instead of a purse.  My grandson is almost four now, so it holds a few extras, such as a coloring book, his tablet, wipes for when he gets dirty, etc.  He is past the age where she needs a diaper bag, in most cases, but she still needs room for extras.

 

I need to find the type of crossbody bag I want.  It's hard - I have to accommodate more than a wallet area and phone.  Prescription sunglass with case and hearing aid batteries go with me everywhere.  Plus my phone is a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, so it is kinda big.

 

I was looking a bit at the hard sided luggage.  I'm good for now with mine, but my daughter sometimes travels for work, and I thought about getting her luggage for Christmas last year and didn't.  I was wondering a lot about the pros and cons.  The open in the middle part really throws me off.

 

[laurspag]

Just a little diversion here, but I worked on daytime outfits again.  Here are some pictures.  I'm not bringing everything you see - I just took pictures of ideas.

 

IN this picture here, the top row is the same pair of shorts with very similar tops.  On the bottom is the same top with two different pairs of shorts. That trusty Dressbarn shirt...

 

This picture here contains two skorts.  I'm not on the gold one, I think I need to wear it a few times.  It is a bit snugger than I like.  The marine blue skort went with me the last cruise, as I love the quick drying feature when I am sweaty.  The bottom left is an outfit where the shorts are similar in color to the skort.  The picture of two shirts are just some options.  I especially like the gold shirt with the ivory shorts you will see in another picture.

 

 

These two outfits here I like a lot.  The tops are comfy, as well as the shorts.

 

 

With this last picture of daytime outfits, the one on the right is something I really like.  These are the same shorts in the first picture.  I've had the top a long time, and it is super light weight so it is good when you want a little protection from the sun.  More than likely, both items with go but not necessarily be worn together.  I always have an outfit for when the evening is a little cool and that top with my linen pants or cropped pants works well.  The shirt on the right is a cold shoulder top I love.

 

 

You can see that there are a lot of mix and match options, which I love.

 

And swimsuits!  I didn't take pictures of the coverups.  WE hve a day in Cococay, and that will likely be one of two tankinis on the bottom, since they are less complicated than a one piece.  The upper right is a $25.00 (I think?) clearance suit from Athleta that I think will work for the hot tub.

 

 

[laurspag]

I would definitely wear something like this.  I love this green and they also have a camel like color that might be versatile.

 

https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=533655#pdp-page-content

[awhfy]

My travel outfit tomorrow will be technical fabric slim cargo pants, a high/ low shortsleeved patterned shirt, a denim jacket (hip length). Compression sleeves & my cheetah print OOFOS. I’ll try to get a 4am picture!! Melody 

[Anita Latte]

Yes, the black ballet flats that I didn't really need were the new ones I got. I am a big people watcher and being in London...let's just say that I tried not to be rude or too obvious about it, but I was definitely paying more attention to the people around me on the tube, for instance, than to my phone...which is what about 90% of the people on the tube were doing. When I saw the deal with shoes, and how it seemed that everyone was just so practical about it all...I decided to wear sneakers with my dress on graduation day. I'm glad I did because we did a lot of walking that day and while my new flats are comfortable, they are new...and just flats, and there's one spot across the top of my big toe area where the edge of the shoe is still fresh and not quite broken in. It digs a bit and it would have bothered me. As it is, I wore them to the opera, which still involved quite a bit of walking...but just an evening's worth, not a whole day...and my feet weren't damaged at that one spot...but I was happy to get them off...and I didn't have that feeling on any other day.

 

Laurie, those are my pants! I have the older style which has a slightly different waistband and cuff.

https://www.rei.com/product/187025/athleta-trekkie-north-jogger-pants-womens

 

They have definitely streamlined their look with the update to the style. My waistband is covered with a shirt though so not sure how much different it would actually make. I really like them...the fabric has great stretch and recovery, so the knees don't pop out, if you kwim? That can be an issue for me with knit pants...they can be harder to rewear which isn't as helpful for travel. I have 3 pairs of those Athleta trekkie joggers...black, ecru, and a drab green. The black ones are the ones I wore on our flight to London. The fabric also dries quickly...not in the waist as much because that's a different fabric on mine...and folded over so double thickness like yoga pants...but the legs, getting caught in the rain, my pants dried very quickly. They aired out nicely too, so they were good to wear multiple times.

 

Melody...hope you have a great trip in Boston! Safe travels!

[laurspag]

I would definitely wear those for travel too!  I'm loving the new shade of green.  I too have an older pair in a shade of rust.  I wore them last year on my cruise.  I have to try them on and see how they fit.  If I use this existing pair or a new pair, I was thinking of travel to and from, plus the day hiking.  The bugs were awful last time, so leg coverage would be good!!

 

I totally know what you mean about shoes.  I have absolutely none that don't bother me.  I kind of grade them on a slide rule these days.  That is why I was excited about the kitten heels for formal night.  I'm going  to work at breaking them in, but I think I am at about 70% as far as comfort goes.

[slidergirl]

that dang Dressbarn shirt!!!!   I'm so jelly...

 

I just don't look good in joggers.  I wish I did.  

[Anita Latte]

That green is a better green for being green than the drab olive I got, which is more of a deep gray green that can look more like a shade of gray than a shade of green. I just can't justify getting another pair at this point, as much as I may like them lol.

 

My Xero brand Prios don't bother me at all. 

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/closed-toe-shoes/prio-women/

If you aren't used to zero drop shoes then they could be a rough transition but they are foot shaped with a great lacing system to keep them secure all while having plenty of room in the toe box. I got the fig/elderberry color.

 

I'll have to double check DH's phone but I don't have any real photos of US for our first couple days. When we arrived in London, DS met us in Paddington at the entrance to the newer Elizabeth line. So the Elizabeth line is an overground train that is in the same area of Heathrow as the Heathrow express. It's the newest line to open in the system and the trains are very nice. They have two seats on other side of the aisle similar to a regular train while also having an area similar to an overground/underground train with seats on the edge facing the middle which ends up with an extra wide space there so it's much more luggage friendly than a typical overground/underground train. The Elizabeth line runs parallel to the Heathrow Express between Heathrow and Paddington, but the Elizabeth train keeps going and while the express doesn't stop anywhere between Heathrow and Paddington, the Elizabeth line does. The Elizabeth line is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than the Heathrow Express. So that's what we took into town from the airport.

 

We ate breakfast at a pub in Paddington and then walked over to Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens...entering by the Italian Garden and getting some fresh (very warm) air and sunshine, which helped with the jet lag more than anything...until we could check into our AirBnB, which was a studio...about as big as a typical inside cabin on a cruise ship. It got the job done and we were basically only there to sleep so...

 

On our first evening, we were going to a performance at the Royal Academy of Music. Because we were going there when the academic year had ended, there weren't many performances happening there but DS wanted us to be able to see something there and this was the best of potentials. It was being performed in the best hall in DS's opinion, for sound anyway. And it was a composition department performance. Four graduate composers had picked a William Bird piece for inspiration and written their own composition. The small (about 10-12) piece ensemble sang the William Bird piece and then the new composition inspired by that piece. The conductor asked each student the same questions as a sort of introduction to the piece, including my favorite, which was, What is a moment that you especially enjoy in your piece that we can listen for?

 

Before the performance and after the performance we went to the pub in the lowest level of the Academy building to have a pint. DS spent many hours there and so it was fun to be able to see it. And get to, however briefly, see the inside of the Academy. It's a whole different ball game over there...DS would regularly hang out with his professors in that pub discussing whatever. We ended up moving on to another bar to check that out...which is the typical progression of a night out for DS...moving on to what he called "Spoons".

 

I guess Witherspoon runs several bars in London. They are all unique in that they don't impose a corporate character on the bar. They just play up whatever the character of the building is that they bought for the bar. I think we were at the Millennium. Last call seemed early to me...it was before midnight...but then, if you don't know, the underground/overground system doesn't run 24/7 and so you really don't want to miss the last train. The buses run 24/7 so there's always a way home, but that could literally take hours to make all the transfers necessary if you miss your train. Take note...because I had just assumed that the tube was like the subway in NYC which I thought did run 24/7. Some lines have night trains, but service is limited.

 

I can't even tell you how weird it was to get off at our station and then stand on the corner to say goodnight to DS and know that he would be walking another 0.3 miles after dark on his own. It's just...very odd. You know he has been doing that for years...and he's been just fine...but to voluntarily say good night like that? Momma had to remind herself that her DS is 22 OMG.

[Anita Latte]

Kat...you have nice legs LOL...joggers would just add weight to you that you don't need. I look better in joggers than leggings because the skimming over my body silhouette from a waistband helps to flatter my body shape...it helps give my shape a bit of waist definition and is more forgiving over my thicker thighs.

[awhfy]

57 minutes ago, slidergirl said:

that dang Dressbarn shirt!!!!   I'm so jelly...

 

I just don't look good in joggers.  I wish I did.  

I’m taking my Dressbarn shirt to Boston 

[awhfy]

This is a new poncho (on sale & very silky) from Chicos. The pants are $10 at Costco the Kirkland travel pants. Melody 

[Anita Latte]

Very nice Melody!

 

I forgot to mention...we ate dinner at Nando's. It's a chain restaurant that features South African cuisine, especially Peri-Peri chicken. There are even locations in some US states. DS had originally wanted to take us to his fave Thai place but we were turned away there...no room...and no waiting...just simply, sorry we can't accommodate you.

 

If you live near a Nando's, I recommend it. We were a party of 4 and ordered a family platter which gave us 2 whole chickens and several large sides for around 10 pounds per person, which was a great deal. We got a tamer spiced lemon herb chicken and a medium peri peri chicken. EXCELLENT.

 

https://www.nandos.com

Edited July 24, 2023 by Anita Latte
added link

[slidergirl]

22 hours ago, Anita Latte said:

Kat...you have nice legs LOL...joggers would just add weight to you that you don't need. I look better in joggers than leggings because the skimming over my body silhouette from a waistband helps to flatter my body shape...it helps give my shape a bit of waist definition and is more forgiving over my thicker thighs.

Aw, thanks.  I think some of it may be that I have a long torso and short legs.  When I'd buy onsies for skiing (back in the day), it was hard to find one that didn't cram up upon my "nether regions."  

 

the Woolx dress came out today.  it's a sleeveless.  Comes in back, navy, and a cool plum.  I wish those plum-ish colors looked good on me, but they don't.  

 

Melody - nice poncho!

Edited July 25, 2023 by slidergirl

[Anita Latte]

I saw the Clara dress. I’ve learned that a waistless dress doesn’t flatter me. And that cool plum…not good colors. The plum I got from Wool& is a warm color and perfect for me. I was looking at their other dresses. There’s a couple I have my eye on. Idk if Wool& has sales and promos like Woolx? Woolx has codes all the time.