tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post1078387057021363649..comments2024-03-29T01:27:33.440-04:00Comments on Salt Water New England: Trips to UK and Europe | What to Pack for a 12 Day Trip, Including London, Scotland, Rural England, and Paris?Salt Water New Englandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08940851375677714833noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-25728235261771579862017-10-27T18:57:36.085-04:002017-10-27T18:57:36.085-04:00I don’t believe in absolutes. I have a few classic...I don’t believe in absolutes. I have a few classic items: black and khaki trousers, white blouse, black or tan blazer or hacking jacket that make the transition from city to country. I always bring a pair of dressier jeans when I’m making that transition and a neutral sweater. Black, taupe and ivory is a good color palate. My clothing comes from a variety of sources, including LL Bean, Travelsmith or Magellan’s, Orvis and Pendleton. Don’t forget a scarf or two, one dressy, one casual.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-87906421718554205542017-10-22T08:22:48.674-04:002017-10-22T08:22:48.674-04:00I'm not afraid of looking American anywhere I ...I'm not afraid of looking American anywhere I go, but I am concerned about disrespecting dress code rules and also "not feeling like myself." I believe that I dress nice enough on a day-to-day manner that I can pack my daily wardrobe (adjusted for weather and special dress code restrictions, of course...) and be fine anywhere I go. My guess is that the SWNE readers are in the same situation - I get the impression that we are likely more overdressed than underdressed in our daily lives - but that we need to figure out how to adapt to where we are going.<br /><br />- ER Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-30979108055387959152017-10-22T08:13:23.471-04:002017-10-22T08:13:23.471-04:00Good practical advice! I like the approach you too...Good practical advice! I like the approach you took more than the one I took - guidelines, not a list!<br /><br />- ERAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-70543715430729427282017-10-21T20:54:01.936-04:002017-10-21T20:54:01.936-04:00I thank the community for their generous responses...I thank the community for their generous responses to my question. I realize that I don't need to vary from the same fall travel formula that I have been basically using for the last 15 years! Navy, tan, and tweed have always worked well. I will be taking 3 navy long sleeve sweaters (turtleneck, pullover, cardigan). Also packing my camelhair BB blazer, my RL brown herringbone blazer, two skirts (navy & tweed), two blouses (white and blue), navy slacks. belted tan trench coat, and my tan Burberry fitted quilted jacket. My husband's suitcase will be nearly the same -- 2 tweed blazers, 2 light wool pullover sweaters, 2 pairs of cords, gray flannel slacks, 3 OCBD (2 blue, 1 tattersall, 3 polos to work layer under the sweaters, as well as his tan belted trench. Sorry -- we are not a "one carry on" family for a 12 day trip. I like to have flexibility and must prepare for rainy weather -- damp clothes and shoes take time to dry. We use our travel points for business class so we can each take one large bag as well as a carry on to always bring back happy purchases. The hardest part of each trip is leaving our precious dogs! I thank all again for your input.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-78147588525893519412017-10-21T20:30:53.950-04:002017-10-21T20:30:53.950-04:00When traveling abroad we used to make conscious ef...When traveling abroad we used to make conscious effort to fit in, in dress and manners. One trip through Ireland and the UK and France with a dear NE couple, he of Armenian and she of Portuguese extraction, we encountered many rude anti-Semitic remarks. Neither look particularly Jewish to us, indeed are Orthodox and Roman Catholic, but the blatant bigotry was disconcerting indeed. Our Jewish friends report they encounter more aggravation in Europe over the past decade, and have curtailed their travels.<br /><br />I now could not care less if I am readily identifiable as American, and in any case find Filson more suitable for strenuous time afield in foul weather in northern UK than Barbour and the like.Austin Onoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-73503663850042401162017-10-21T18:35:05.741-04:002017-10-21T18:35:05.741-04:00A good dressing- in- layers ensemble, nicely color...A good dressing- in- layers ensemble, nicely color coordinated. Comfort will be important. Good walking shoes, not sporty. Pack lightly, bring one of those foldable, weighs nothing bags. You will be entering territory with terrific woolens, tweeds, and investment apparel that will sing their siren song. Have a wonderful time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-69450338571403354622017-10-21T15:47:47.559-04:002017-10-21T15:47:47.559-04:00I bring a Patagonia MLC bag and nothing more excep...I bring a Patagonia MLC bag and nothing more except a small purse. Pack as others suggested, but let the size of your bag be the guideline. Don't bring more than about 45 liters worth. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-2880709481153273492017-10-21T15:35:18.725-04:002017-10-21T15:35:18.725-04:00@Patsy That must be it. @Patsy That must be it. Michael Rowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15181004056021590350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-10443294405356103572017-10-21T15:29:03.914-04:002017-10-21T15:29:03.914-04:00"European males" wear their swimwear on ..."European males" wear their swimwear on the beach. They aren't the ones waddling down the Champs Elysées in sweat pants, t-shirts, fanny packs, and sneakers, talking loudly to anyone who'll listen about how everything is cleaner and cheaper and safer back in the U.S. and how they just want a normal hamburger. That's what "looking American in Europe" means. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-17510862333650146862017-10-21T10:57:20.657-04:002017-10-21T10:57:20.657-04:00@MichaelRowe, perhaps where you are there is not a...@MichaelRowe, perhaps where you are there is not a big tourist trade? The capri wearing, blinged out soccer jersey sporting European males aren't adorned with the finest in sartorial splendor in Boston.Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02840629057159581688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-20861328850864633562017-10-20T21:02:48.637-04:002017-10-20T21:02:48.637-04:00I think The Govteach says it all perfectly just be...I think The Govteach says it all perfectly just below. Michael Rowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15181004056021590350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-16327068626070859372017-10-20T20:44:10.471-04:002017-10-20T20:44:10.471-04:00Patsy, I concur. Patsy, I concur. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-41593793545874469322017-10-20T20:33:02.484-04:002017-10-20T20:33:02.484-04:00@MichaelRowe Exhibit A: European swimwear for male...@MichaelRowe Exhibit A: European swimwear for males.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-66588371711662163342017-10-20T18:29:25.125-04:002017-10-20T18:29:25.125-04:00I know the " Nationalists" are upset, bu...I know the " Nationalists" are upset, but I don't want to look American in parts of Europe. In Nuremberg, we were treated differently and not in a good way once they discovered we were American. Then again, we were in biergarten across the road from the Zeppelin Field and 300 meters from the parade grounds. <br />No, if I am in Europe and they speak French or German first, have accomplished our dressing goals. And trust me, not to get really political, we are not look at by all Europeans as just tourists. <br /><br />On the " What are must carries?"<br />Local coinage for pay toilets, especially in the U.K. <br />And adapters for my electronics.The Govteachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07705560819973282422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-16095294653368687112017-10-20T17:44:52.385-04:002017-10-20T17:44:52.385-04:00Looking European is rarely any kind of a sartorial...Looking European is rarely any kind of a sartorial drawback in any situation.Michael Rowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15181004056021590350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-35178079547065843692017-10-20T17:39:21.170-04:002017-10-20T17:39:21.170-04:00My reply to anonymous's intemperate rant.
It ...My reply to anonymous's intemperate rant.<br /><br />It is reasonable to assume that questioner will be travelling within the next few months. The finance spivs in dark suits and no ties tend to drink in the pubs and wine bars near the large railroad stations before commuting back to the boring suburbs. <br /><br />I regularly walk around cities, pound the pavements and wear good quality shoes without any problems. Sneakers belong on racket courts, running tracks and sports fields. Gucci "two bit" loafers remain very 1980s. <br /><br />As for your last paragraph, read my earlier comment at 3.45 pm. All my outfit suggestions are "preppy" classics. This blog has recently asked for suggestions on purchasing tweed jackets, tattersall shirts, corduroy trousers, jumpers etc. They are readily available in good New England stores so your objection is bizarre. <br /><br />The real telltale sign is that your chippy post is anonymous.Kennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-5843104804730323542017-10-20T16:51:21.831-04:002017-10-20T16:51:21.831-04:00Why are people afraid to look American in Europe? ...Why are people afraid to look American in Europe? The Europeans are certainly not afraid to look European here, at least in Boston, New York, and tourist towns on the East Coast. I can spot a tourist 3 blocks away. Usually the pant length and shoes are a dead giveaway - lol!Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02840629057159581688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-18931295165425997382017-10-20T15:47:57.855-04:002017-10-20T15:47:57.855-04:00Sneakers are getting vilified here. I can't j...Sneakers are getting vilified here. I can't just sit by and do nothing!<br /><br />I run. For the past 30+ years, usually 5-6 days a week, rain or shine, I am out for a few miles or more, clearing the lungs, and cleaning the mind. I wear running shoes, and, unsurprisingly, as a runner, I own more than a few pairs. <br /><br />I love'm. They are more comfortable than any shoe I own, whether it be LL Bean's Blucher, Quoddy or Sperry boats, several dress shoes from BB, P Stewart and Alden, Bass Weegens (not even close), and Rancourt penny loafers. My go to shoe is my recently retired Asics running shoe. They are called "trainers" in the UK, by the way. And while I wouldn't go out to dinner in them, they are ubiquitous on the streets of London.<br /><br />I am sure at this point, heads are turning. It's about to get worse! <br /><br />I always pick a pair with bright color. For obvious reasons when running, you are more readily seen by motorists. Color leads to safety. In daily life, I've found color isn't all that bad either.<br /><br />I seem to always draw positive comments from people about the color of my running shoes. They notice them, and they comment. I've had more productive contact with the opposite sex because of my running shoes than I have from walking my dogs -- and my dogs are certifiably cute. <br /><br />My current running shoes are bright kelly green (with an equally bright orange pair waiting in the wings). Today's attire is fairly representative: Blue OCBD, khakis, surcingle belt, and my kelly green shoes. I think of them as my GTH shoes.<br /><br />Aiden Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-51750245442621420662017-10-20T14:19:52.957-04:002017-10-20T14:19:52.957-04:00Agree with BlueTrain about Pret a Manger. Great p...Agree with BlueTrain about Pret a Manger. Great place for both breakfast and lunch when touring many cities in Europe (and the US for that matter). Billy Buddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05902845134500334860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-7021620264727748072017-10-20T12:14:17.348-04:002017-10-20T12:14:17.348-04:00Please do not contemplate buying clothes of this k...Please do not contemplate buying clothes of this kind. They look like "traveling clothes" in a very American/Tourist kind of way. Honestly, if you are female, take a look at Muffy's closet, for men, take a look at the photos here. If you plan on going out to a more formal restaurant, a black dress for a woman and a shirt, tie and jacket are perfect. Dark jeans are practical, especially if well-fitted. While you will be walking, you will not be walking the Andes - good, comfortable shoes (Born, Dansko, LLBean Blucher) will give you the support that you need without having horrible sneakers or, worse still, hiking boots, in the city. If you are going into the country, the hiking boots or LL Bean boots are appropriate. Otherwise, spray your shoes with weatherproofing spray ahead of time, and make sure you bring multiples so they can rest and dry. Melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16487627682393719318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-89166220545572303372017-10-20T12:07:09.267-04:002017-10-20T12:07:09.267-04:00shoes, 1 pair good walking and 1 dress, & mayb...shoes, 1 pair good walking and 1 dress, & maybe a Stubbs Wooten slipper.<br />1 blazer most likely tweed if you are doing both country and city /a blue blazer is never wrong <br />2 sweaters, cotton or cashmere or 1 and a vest/waistcoat<br />3 shirts, 2 solid 1 maybe pattern perhaps a light weight flannel plaid<br />3 knit shirts, pink, green, blue<br />3 t-shirts, colour choice to work with above<br />1 or 2 silk or light weight turtle neck grey, black or white<br />black jeans, not ripped I wear them on the plane<br />2 slacks, Khaki or moleskin, olive, darker tan <br />silk scarf, gloves, 2 neck ties or 1 and a bow tie or ascot<br />depending on how late in the season, cashmere or wool overcoat or mid thigh coat, do they call those car coats or if you are going to be out in the country a barbour or similar coat, it gives you that country look in town and great when not if it rains<br />umbrella<br /><br />shorts/white T/ and sneakers if you are going to work out<br /><br />a hat not a base ball cap <br /><br />a shoulder tote/ messenger bag for my computer that I carry on<br /><br />NO Backpack, they are for children and teenagers unless you are going back packing to rambling<br /><br />This has gotten me from the country walking, to the theater to dinner, to church, to the Proms and days at the museums and antique shopping<br /><br />I can tell American travelers not only by the accent but, the all black wardrobe<br /><br />I usually fly business and carry my messenger bag and a canvas tote on board<br />I check 1 bag, I know everyone wants to carry it on board but, to much hassle for me and if you land at Heathrow it means u have to pull it for a couple of miles to get out of the airport! I usually wear the black jeans. a knit shirt or turtle neck and long sleeve shirt and blazer on board, I carry my over coat ( usually in the canvas tote)<br /><br />It really isn't as much as it sounds but, I like to dress well so I do and have never felt out of place<br /><br />Then again u could just take an empty bag and shop while you are n London or Edinburgh<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-70298221316717749372017-10-20T11:56:59.159-04:002017-10-20T11:56:59.159-04:00Europe-based poster here: Pack around a dark neutr...Europe-based poster here: Pack around a dark neutral base of navy or black, then add color through extras such as scarves, which not only will help keep you warm but is also fashionable and more commonly worn over here. (These make great souvenirs that you can have the fun of buying over here, and don't have to be expensive.) Don't be afraid of repeating pieces.. this is very common here (remember that homes here are smaller and people don't have as much storage space.) <br /><br />One other tip: The gender of the original poster was not specified.. if a woman is involved I really like my Longchamp Le Pliage handbag for this time of year. It dresses up and down and they are much less expensive in Europe than in the US...if nothing else get one at duty free in the Paris airport. <br /><br />For women I would also recommend a look at the websites for Seasalt Cornwall and Joules, both British, as they have a lot of great pieces that fit right in with the preppy aestetic. (Personally size-wise I have an easier time finding things that fit in the UK than in France.) And stock up on good cotton underthings at Marks and Spencer!<br /><br />--EM<br /><br />Footwear...in damp fall and spring weather in the UK I was happy that I had my Bean boots. Sporty shoes such as New Balance have become more common in the past years. As you will probably walk more than you do in the US I would suggest a good foot gel or cream for your feet. Bring good socks! Sometimes you can find Smartwool and the like over here but they are much more expensive.<br /><br />I actually disagree with some of the views on jeans here... dark jeans are a wardrobe staple in both the UK and France. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-22036260247880892852017-10-20T11:16:33.118-04:002017-10-20T11:16:33.118-04:00Ken,
Firstly, there was not a timeline, or seaso...Ken, <br /><br />Firstly, there was not a timeline, or seasonal reference to the readers question, so suggesting what is or isn't appropriate "this time of year" is irrelevant. <br /><br />Secondly, nothing referenced in their question that they were going to "the best bars, restaurants" during their travels... merely museum's and wandering around the streets (not doubt to admire the architecture). Also, suggesting I was encouraging someone to wear jeans to dinner is ridiculous.. that's what the blazer, OCBD, and khakis are for. What you'll find in smart London bars in the evening is what you'd see in NYC or any other finance capital, lots of men in dark suits with open collar white shirts sans ties. <br /><br />In reference to your anti-sneaker rant, you've obviously not walked around a city for almost two weeks pounding pavement! <br /><br />Lastly as a member of a fine club, and as a guest of some of the finest clubs on the Eastern seaboard, you don't know what you're talking about in-regards to classic Gucci Loafers, they're alive and well, and if you have a horse-bit phobia there's always Alden's. <br /><br />They said they like the classics, everything I suggested they probably already own. You don't need a special wardrobe to travel well abroad. You can wear the same outfits you'd wear to visiting museums in Boston, NY, etc... Trying to scurry around to buy a bunch of new "anglophile" looking outfits to "blend in" is a telltale sign of... you know. <br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-80344990172928127122017-10-20T08:13:09.024-04:002017-10-20T08:13:09.024-04:00It's all about fabrics and layering here in En...It's all about fabrics and layering here in England. Plus a good umbrella, a good umbrella is a must!<br /><br />The weather can literally offer up four seasons in one day. When I left for work this morning it was cool and breezy with a spot of rain in the air. Now the sun has got out, the breeze has dropped and it's humid. But looking to the horizon there are dark rain clouds gathering for possible showers later this afternoon.<br /><br />You need fabrics and layers which offer the best of both worlds, but also don't have you looking like you're about to conquer Everest. Stay away from gaudy fleeces and psychedelic Gore-tex mountaineering jackets unless you are genuinely heading for the hills, otherwise you'll look like a townie who's trying too hard in the countryside.<br /><br />A good quality cotton or chambray Oxford shirt with a Merino sweater is ideal. Both regulate temperature whether it's warm or cool. The sweater can always be removed or tossed over the shoulders. Outer layers are recommended in Harris tweed, regular tweed, Ventile or a good 60/40 material. Just enough protection to see you through a blustery shower but the breathability means you won't feel too hot indoors either. There are many smart cuts of blazer and jacket in these fabrics which allow you to look both presentable and prepared. Personally, I'm not a fan of waxed cotton jackets in practice. Sure, battered old Barbours look great but they're not breathable and they smell. They tend to be romanticised as the quintessential piece of English outerwear but I say leave them to the folk who work the land.<br /><br />Trousers wise I'd recommend chinos in a dark shade. If it rains, which it inevitably will given 12 days, the rain splashes won't be as obvious. If wearing chinos, store your valuables in your jacket pockets.<br /><br />Footwear depends on how far you are walking and what you want to do. A well worn in pair of country brogues, ideally Commando or Dainite soled, are never going to let you down, however, they can be heavy for all day wear around a city. Subtle walking shoes/boots also work and it is totally acceptable to wear a good pair of trainers with a smart casual outfit. A well chosen pair of New Balance can look great with a tweed jacket, a combination I often go with.Mad Dogs and Englishmenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14592564330894131172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714922182513339530.post-34842684429405861132017-10-20T07:59:56.324-04:002017-10-20T07:59:56.324-04:00Black may be boring...but it's easy, classic, ...Black may be boring...but it's easy, classic, travels well, and understated. In addition to that there are endless ways to play accessories off of it. <br /><br />- ERAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com