Fashion

[Maxine49]

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).

[JustJazzmom]

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

[BesottedwithEskies]

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.

[blinddogs]

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.

[Maxine49]

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

[WNYgal]

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.

[Marlyn1]

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.

[WNYgal]

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.

[kate2357]

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.

[Maxine49]

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."