A wardrobe in a suitcase

Surprise move--3 weeks early. How do I plan to shop?

October 9, 2013

Hello fabbers! 

Sorry for the silence lately--I've been out in the field (the rainforest) over the past week, where the style is "comfortable with a side of DEET insect repellant". 

I"m in a bit of a panic, though, and was hoping you might have some advice for me. I thought I was leaving Australia in 5-6 weeks--enough time to plot out what I have, what I need, ID wardrobe holes, and make a shopping list. Well, due to governments working efficiently, I will actually be leaving in about 3 weeks. I don't feel ready at all! My schedule is roughly this: 

2 more weeks in Sydney, where it is Spring-Summer. I have a few events to attend still (concerts, 2 evening/indoor, one afternoon/outdoor). 
1 week in far north queensland. Field grubbies and DEET. 
1-2 days in Sydney 
5 days in Texas (November. Haven't checked the weather yet)
5 days in North Carolina (again, no weather knowledge)
Scotland (this is mid-november)

One of my plans for time in the US is to go shopping. But I thought I had more time to plan and figure out what I thought I might need. Do I just toss what I have in my suitcase and hope for the best? I'm taking pictures and an inventory of what I have as I pack, but I"m not sure if that's enough, since I really don't have time to start building winter capsules at this point. 

I did a bit of a random shop last year when I moved here, and that didn't really work. I need more of a plan than that. Help? 

Posted in the Dressing category
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6 Comments

  • Inge replied 10 years ago

    WOW, that change of plans sure is stressful and exciting at the same time.
    I have to run but just wanted to chime in with this: is it absolutely necessary to do all your shopping beforehand, i.e. before you arrive in Scotland? Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to build your (new) Winter capsules once you are there? You'll quickly notice what types of things you'll be able to use a lot (and need) for your lifestyle there.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    EEK! I'd try to build 2 or  3 outfits for each location with clothing you can layer. That way you know you will get by & then you can add extras.

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    Holy cow!  Dizzying schedule, but it sounds like a lot of fun.

    Without knowing what you already have (although I think I remember some of your footwear), it's hard to advise you too directly, but I'd encourage you to think of interchangeable layers and some ponte basics (maybe pants, a jacket, and a sheath or skirt).  I love this favorite for all but the hottest climates.  It has some structure, but it moves with me and holds up in a suitcase.

  • froggiebecky replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

    Inge--no, it's not necessary to do all my shopping in the US. I did that last time, and ended up "guessing" wrong, so I don't want to buy a whole lot. I had a winter coat and perhaps some boots in mind, since I've got muscular calves, and wide-width boots seem to be more common there. I managed to go for the past year or so without a proper coat. I'll need something, and in fairly short order. 

    At the end of the day, this is a move, so most of my wardrobe is going with me. I was hoping to build some capsules, or look and see what lacking. I felt like I didn't have enough this winter. I've also developed a bit of a poison eye toward my shirts--they're mostly fitted. Some warmer things (that are also fluid, and pants that are not denim) would be in order.

    Caro, you're exactly right, I think. Layering should be the name of the game. I'll keep that in mind. 

    Beth--good idea about the ponte. I'm still not happy with the shoe setup, but I'm working on some plantar fasciitis issues, so most of them are out for the next little while anyway. 

  • Lantana replied 10 years ago

    Good grief! This will be a challenge.
    Do you know about icebreaker tees? They are made from merino wool. A friend who lives in Alice Springs wears them in the heat but also packed them for a trip to Korea where it will be freezing cold. It sounds like they would be good for layering from FNQ to Edinburgh. You can buy them at places like Paddy Palin or Kathmandu.
    Good luck with this Becky.

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    Get some silk under layers. They weigh nothing, take minimal space, you can sleep in them, wash in a sink, roll in a towel and hang to dry in no time. Best of all they add a layer of breathable warmth under lighter weight clothes.
    Llbean and Lands End carry them. You want the thin silk, not heavy ski gear.
    http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....-underwear
    http://www.landsend.com/shop/w.....ar/-/N-fyh

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I'm a American scientist-in-training at a university in Sydney, Australia. My research has me frequently travelling to the Great Barrier Reef and Edinburgh, Scotland. I'm not really a minimalist, but I have to make it work. Read on and see if it can be done, and if so, how!