topic Re: My Linea Packing Challenge in Fashion

My Linea Packing Challenge

Maxine49 — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:58:25 GMT

OK, gals, I'm going to DC on business all next week--5 nights. I'm taking a Heys Carry-on 21" suitcase. Need to pack everything in that one bag (plus a tote bag). I've got tons of Linea but challenging myself to 5 great work outfits. I'll be meeting with colleagues in our DC branch office and may even be meeting with the customer across the river in VA, so I need to be prepared. It's going to be a high of 66 F and a low of 59 F in DC next week with rain one morning.

I'm thinking Whisper Knits all the way and the Super Ponte Leggings---and maybe the Black Boucle coat---which will go with all the outfits.

I'll post again as I make my final "mix and match" selections...but I am thinking the Petrol Blue Tank and Zip Front Cardigan and the Brick Red Tank and Boyfriend Cardigan make it into the suitcase, Black WK Pants and Black WK Pencil Skirt, the White Wing Collar Shirt. Have to figure out the rest of the pieces.

For any customer meeting--it will be the Black WK Pencil Skirt with the Brick Red Tank and Cardigan, Black Herringbone Tights and Black Suede High Heels---loaded with Gold Jewelry (customer is NOT a bank---LOL).

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

JustJazzmom — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 20:15:27 GMT

Obviously check the highs and lows of the DC area for next week and pack accordingly a coat with sufficient weight.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

BesottedwithEskies — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:15:43 GMT

I also travel a lot for business. Lately, I've been taking the ponte slacks with the longer ponte jacket and the longer matching skirt. They look very polished. I don't like the way the WK pants looks at the end of the day. I often take two sets of WK tops - a button down sweater with a tank. I also like the longer WK tunics under the Ponte jacket. I live 240 miles east of DC and that coat is going to be way too warm this time of year.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

blinddogs — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 22:12:41 GMT

Do check the weather forecast for the timeframe of your trip: it is going to get chilly at night as of this weekend, but have not seen a longer range forecast into next week. The DC area is very unpredictable at this time of year (or any time of year, for that matter) and we just had two very warm days of upper 70s, close to 80. I do agree that the black boucle coat, which I have, would be way too warm for the DC area at this time of year.

Do you have any of Louis' short raincoats from past years? I have a black satin-y one with a liner that would be great for your trip-- you could zip in/zip out the liner as needed.

WK is always a great choice for travel. DC is less conservative in business dressing than it used to be, but compared to New York it is still quite unforgiving of personal 'style.' But Linea is so classic you should be fine-- jazz things up with pearls, scarves, etc. Pair your WK with one of Louis' classic blazer jackets and you'll wow the biz folks on your trip.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

Maxine49 — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 22:43:25 GMT

I put the DC weather forecast in my original post above...somehow you both have missed it--LOL! It will be a low of 59F and a high of 66F during the day! I will be going to the office at 8:00 AM and going back to hotel at 8:00 PM, or later, so it will be colder then, as well---as low as 42F

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

WNYgal — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 23:12:28 GMT

I'm watching the weather report for the area right now, & it sounds like it's going to drastically cool down come Sat. nite. However, this doesn't mean that you'll need a winter coat: a raincoat should do you just fine. I would, however, bring a pair of leather gloves & maybe a light scarf. AND an umbrella. As blinddogs said, it's unpredictable around here: 75 one day, 55 the next, so keep a close eye on the weather report. Unless you're planning on being outside a lot in the evening, what I've suggested for outerwear should work, especially of you've got WKs on under it. Goldie also lives in the area, so maybe she'll weigh in with some good advice. Enjoy your trip! And if you get a chance to eat at Rasika, don't pass it up. DC has some amazing restaurants, but Rasika has it all without breaking the bank or being stuffy. It is truly fabulous.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

Marlyn1 — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 23:29:08 GMT

The black WK shawl and sweaters maybe all you need, and it will be great on the plane. The black anorak would work day and night if you have it instead of a heavy coat.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

WNYgal — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:41:43 GMT

Marilyn, the charcoal anorak would be OK unless we get any of those drenching downpours, which can come so suddenly around here. For example, I left the house today to go to Wegman's in Crofton & it was close to 70 with the sun shining; when I came out 1 1/2 hrs later, it was 60 & pouring. What you really see on many business people in the District at this time of year as the colder weather approaches is a trench coat.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

kate2357 — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 01:53:33 GMT

What is so great about the whisper knit and the ponte is they fold/roll up into nothing and come out looking fabulous. Was just on a business trip and took whisper knit tops, ponte pants and maxi skirt, long ponte coat and the ottoman ribbed jacket from last year. Only took one DK dress black slacks and white shirt. My suitcase weighed next to nothing.

I did not have to worry about rain...so I took no coat. When I do have to take a coat...have an old London Fog trench coat that weighs next to nothing and is indestructible. I love that coat.

Enjoy your time in DC.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

Maxine49 — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 02:21:30 GMT

You know. I'm feeling a decided gap in my wardrobe. I have an old Burberry Trench--it's a Size 8 and I have not worn it in years and don't think it would fit---and I am no longer interested in it. I missed any rain coat Louis has done on the Q in the past, so I think it may be time for something new in that regard. I'm going to Ask Louis if he would consider a classic Linea trench coat for us.

Good idea on the Ottoman knit jackets and skirts---I have the Black and the Grey pieces. I also have the Asymmetrical Zipper Jackets and Pants. I'll have to get those out and see how they fit "this year."

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

many_hosta — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 03:02:00 GMT

Sheesh, I have two of the Joan Rivers New Classic trench coats (ivory and black). I also am size 8 (and lanky) and the small is a good fit. They look sharp and travel well. QVC still have a few, on sale.

P.S. Louis had A86867 and A83963. I still have and wear the latter.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

NaturalBornWoman — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 03:54:36 GMT

Hey am curious - What do you use for your jewels when traveling? Own this one shown below - it holds mucho including a few belts & scarves. Want one that's smaller, but with well organized features. Any suggestions for this frequent flyer?

from Samantha Brown Collection (HSN) my favorite feature is the compartment located on the far left has a 'ring roll' that's great for keeping my wedding rings safe while I sleep!

For reference - this one is the size of my 17" laptop & fits into my SkyRoll spinner computer compartment for when I want - something half this size is my desire - thin & flat vs. tall & chubby . . .if ya know what I mean ? ? ?

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

CathyRD — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 04:45:07 GMT

Sheesh, I second the ideas of leaving the wool coat home and subbing a trench/raincoat of some kind. You should still be warm enough with WK layers, and gloves, scarf, shawls. DC/VA weather is highly changeable. We leave tomorrow am for a short week in Gettysburg area, followed by long weekend in VA/Skyline Drive/Shenandoah Valley area, and the weather will be ... everything! Luckily, we'll be towing our little silver house behind us ... filled with WK's LOL

NaturalBornWoman, I LOVE that jewelry case; it looks perfect to keep my pearls separated and protected, along with a few craft supplies and projects!!! If you find that "just right" "half size" case, please do post it for us to see

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

Maxine49 — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 05:38:48 GMT

On 10/29/2014 NaturalBornWoman said:
Hey am curious - What do you use for your jewels when traveling? Own this one shown below - it holds mucho including a few belts & scarves. Want one that's smaller, but with well organized features. Any suggestions for this frequent flyer?

from Samantha Brown Collection (HSN) my favorite feature is the compartment located on the far left has a 'ring roll' that's great for keeping my wedding rings safe while I sleep!

For reference - this one is the size of my 17" laptop & fits into my SkyRoll spinner computer compartment for when I want - something half this size is my desire - thin & flat vs. tall & chubby . . .if ya know what I mean ? ? ?

As you can imagine, I have various jewelry carrying cases. I haven't bought anything new recently and what I have has been bought over the years---I think mostly on the Q but possibly from the Southern Channel, as well. One is a set of 3 sizes of some kind of faux textured leather, in Bright Pink, so I can easily see it. The smallest size fits in a handbag and the medium size is along the lines of what you are looking for. I also have a set of two black nylon cases. All of these cases have the ring roll. Finally, I have an animal print carrying case that is quite large---much larger than what you want and carries a ton of jewelry. I haven't seen anything like these cases sold recently. They are all tarnish resistant, too.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

NaturalBornWoman — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 17:37:15 GMT

Thanks for your reply Sheesh as I continue my search. There are many offerings online, but yet to find the "one" I want . . .

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

WNYgal — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 18:04:35 GMT

On 10/29/2014 Sheesh said:
You know. I'm feeling a decided gap in my wardrobe. I have an old Burberry Trench--it's a Size 8 and I have not worn it in years and don't think it would fit---and I am no longer interested in it. I missed any rain coat Louis has done on the Q in the past, so I think it may be time for something new in that regard. I'm going to Ask Louis if he would consider a classic Linea trench coat for us.

Good idea on the Ottoman knit jackets and skirts---I have the Black and the Grey pieces. I also have the Asymmetrical Zipper Jackets and Pants. I'll have to get those out and see how they fit "this year."

Those would both be completely perfect. I have them both - charcoal in the first, camel in the 2nd - & have worn them around the District for various things & gotten lots of compliments. And our weather has taken a turn for toward the chilly, too, but not boucle coat chilly, just namby pamby chilly for us.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

golding76 — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 18:46:00 GMT

Sheesh, I'm in the D.C. metro area and have been wearing my various Whisper Knits for several weeks (off and on, as the weather vacillates between warm and chilly, as WNYgal has written). What disturbs me is that I'll be wearing these babies well into late spring, and I am going to be bored with my wardrobe if I'm not careful.

Granted, I chill easily, but I have the most wonderful all-purpose, unbelted full-length coat that I wish Louis would recreate in his inimitable style. Mine is so beloved, and it is shows. The coat is a waterproof outer in a medium grey and comes with a button-in lining. The collar is military style. Since I am a cold-weather wimp, I have been using that coat in the morning nearly every day for about two weeks. Confession, I usually wear it home, too.

Although I thought it a below-radar, unspectacular sort of coat when I purchased it in 2002 or so, when I went to Greece in 2003 and saw a first cousin who is tres chic, she went nutty over it. So, in the end, the coat was more than I expected.

Bottom Line: You cannot go wrong with WK and a protective outer coat.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

Louisa May — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 18:57:35 GMT

Be sure and check the weather before you go. I just read about a polar blast hitting the East and South this weekend: http://www.weather.com/sports-rec/below-zero/first-freeze-record-cold-20141029

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

JustJazzmom — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:11:28 GMT

Re: classic trench coats, look in Macy's as well-- I bought one from DKNY in a Petite Large

something like this but maybe without the faux leather trim under the color and at the belt.

Re: My Linea Packing Challenge

Maxine49 — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 21:04:24 GMT

On 10/30/2014 JustJazzmom said:
Re: classic trench coats, look in Macy's as well-- I bought one from DKNY in a Petite Large

something like this but maybe without the faux leather trim under the color and at the belt.

Well, well, well---will wonders never cease?! After all this talk about trench coats it finally dawned on me that I had a Black Rodier Trench Coat that I bought in Paris on the Blvd. Victor Hugo, around the corner from my apartment, back in 2006. I just dug it out of my armoire that holds many of my coats and it is just fine---a wee bit big in the shoulders and a wee bit small in the hips---but that is French patterning---not exactly for the American woman. I'll live and it will work.