Help me plan my wardrobe for my trip of a life time.

[newnameforanewstart]

Hi All,

Ok Ive name changed this morning as I have decided to be more positive about my life!

Ok, So I have the trip of a life time coming up with BF, we are going to south africa for a few weeks. The problem is that we are going to have to pack for Cold weather, hot weather, beach and moutains! We are going to be staying with his family, visiting some friends, seeing a few sites, spending a bit of time alone etc. I also need to pack light as we will be moving about a fair amount. So it is a bit of a challenge to say the least.

So I thought I would start a thread and get your opinions and advice.

Ok, Im a tall hour glass size 12 to 14 (normally wear a 12 about 80% of the time but some brands seem to be cut a little small across the bust) good figure, small waist big boobs, good legs - arms are the bits I hate the most Ive worked really hard and finally have a flat stomach which I am ridiculously proud of (have been over weight for most of my life) oh Im in my early 30s.

Ive found a few bits already that I would like to put out to the MN style police for your honest opinions. I really do want honest so if you think I am totally off the mark then please tell me. I am rather excited to be honest just a little worried about meeting BF family for the first time.

Ok after stressing and faffing I have finally come up with this. So honestly tell me what you think, I may still have too much stuff but I am struggling to see how to cut it down much more or if there is something I can leave out / change etc.

Ok, complicating issues - Wedding to attend, along with various parties at posh clubs with (dress codes)

So Bottom half first

1 Pair straight leg jeans
1 pair smart ish combats great because they roll up into cut offs as well
1 Pair smart shorts which can be worn with tights or on their own
1 Jersey pencil skirt flexible and easy to wear boots tights heels etc
1 cotton calf length skirt can be worn with boots, tights etc or on its own if the weather is hot

Assorted tights, including micro mesh, lace, opaques (big fan of fun tights!)

Ok so tops next

1 long sleeved white T
1 Short sleeved white T both are low at the front so can be layered with vest tops)
2 thin cashmere vest tops, ok in hot weather on their own, or can be layered under T´s or over shirts.
1 Silk fitted roll neck, can be worn under anything or on its own

Various scarves (not sure I have this right yet) 2 square, 2 long, 1 big (could be used as a shawl, sarong as well as a scarf)

1 Cashmere purple short sleeved jumper - can be worn over any shirt and under blazer or on its own etc
1 Cashmere wrap deep V cardigan
1 Silk / Cashmere mix round neck cardigan
1 white silk shirt look good worn with a belt over trousers / skirt or tucked in
1 biker jacket
1 cropped black blazer
1 Long ISG belted drape jacket
1 Fitted white shirt

1 Knitted dress very fitted and flattering ok for day with opaques, boots and biker jacket or for parties with blazer mess / lace tights and heels

1 Jersey fitted dress with flippy skirt Oh so flatting and very smart might be a bit much for everyday but good for wedding / parties etc

1 girly dress great on its own if hot or with tights boots and layers when cold.

1 - clutch cheating massively here as its black on one side and blue on the other

1 every day bag

1 pair slim boot half way between biker and cowboy boots OH SO COMFORTABLE can walk miles in them, they are more black than the photo but different shades of black

1 pair flats good sole (memory foam) very comfy

1 pair wedge sandals just in case it gets hot again very comfy

1 pair sensible black court

1 pair of party heels

Various Jewelry and belts

Ok so come and tell me what I can get rid of or if this is about right.

BTW we are talking 6 weeks various locations, functions etc but no safari!

Does no one have anything to say? Is it really that bad am I totally beyond help?

I don't know why people haven't responded. Maybe it is because you have so much stuff.

I think you are probably packing too much.

Can you do laundry while you are away? I can't imagine a an would bring this much.

Also do you have key events like the wedding covered? What ar eyou wearing for that?

What are you wearing on flights?

What will you wear if you go hiking? Wine tasting? On long drives? To the beach? -- etc.

One comment all you bottoms look really similar - could you do a different colour? Also calf length sounds horrid to me but it is probably trendy midi length.

I like the tube skirts but people on MN really rate Whistles one so I would just get that one.

Hi Mirpuppet.

Yes can definately do laundry whist away.

Traveling I would wear the Jeans, a Shirt one of the jumpers, blazer,

Wedding - would probably be the white and black dress with blazer and a colourful scarf.

Various parties would be covered by the dresses

Beach, Id wear either pair of shorts or the combats rolled up plus T shirt and I have one bikini that I am taking.

Hiking - Not going to happen

Wine tasting, well I would just put a top and a skirt on, long drives well everything is pretty comfy.

The only reason Ive put the calf lenght skirt in is that maxi look horrid on me and the jersey pencil is not really great if the weather get cool.

Assuming MN mean this Whistle tube skirt then it very similar to the one I have Already

I kind of stuck to black as the main colour as it make shoes and jackets so much easier but honestly if anyone has any suggestions I will be very grateful! Honestly anyways to cut down and I would be massively greatful its just such a nightmare packing for formal informal, hot, cold etc

Have you looked at pin interest -- people post amazing capsule for packing for trips. I love it when they show all the different combination you can get from very few items. Also look at the Vivenne Files (a blog).

I'm sorry you haven't had more replies newname - I've been reading but haven't felt qualified to answer :). I too would be struggling to put together the perfect wardrobe - I struggle for two nights, let alone six weeks so good luck and fingers x'd someone knowledgeable comes along.

Hope you have a wonderful time.

Thanks Mirpuppet Ill have a look

Juanpotatotwo - its blinking tricky isn't it! I think the main problem I have is that my wardrobe is broken down into working which I can do with my eyes shut but I tend to live in well cut suits and bright seasonal accessories etc Casual or smart casual I have always found difficult I tend to be overly smart or overly casual I can´t seem to get the balance right.

I´ll keep trying though!

Below are some links I read this morning. (I am also going away and have an absurd interest in packing). Hope they are helpful.

www.refinery29.com/packing-tips

youlookfab.com/2014/05/15/link-love-packing-challenges/

youlookfab.com/2014/05/16/capsule-casual-and-comfy-for-summer/