help! i am going to london for 10 weeks (jan 7-march 25) to study and intern abroad. I am soooo excited but am started to get really nervous about the packing- how do i fit 10 weeks of clothes and shoes into 2 suitcases?! I know that i need to pack layering clothes, etc, etc. but i was wondering what YOU ladies thought would be must haves for my trip. while i am limiting shopping before (so i can shop there) i still have some time to ask for some pieces for christmas.
to give you an idea about me, I am definitely a jeans type of girl-I rarely wear anything else-so i will be bringing my seven A-pockets, my dojos, and COH's and my new Rock and Republics (LOVE!) with me- I remember you all saying jeans are fine in Europe as long as they are "nice"- so i am hoping these work.
I also have tons of editor pants b/c i worked at express over the summer, so i figure those will be good for my internship.
as for shoes, i am somewhat lost. I need a pair of shoes that are good for walking around London in, but most of the ones i like are suede which i think will just get ruined. I am considering these 2 pairs:
I also think i need a raincoat- but can't find any cute ones out there so i may just exchange the northface fleece i bought for this one, b/c it seems as if it would be good quality and warm
what do you think? what do i need so that i dont scream american student/tourist? Sorry this is so long but I am freaking out about the trip!
also- are there any like, "must buys" in london? I am looking for things that i simply can't find in the states, since the exchange rate is so bad i really cant afford to buy things that i could find here at half the price!
I've never been there, but have been wanting to go. Check out Topshop for cute clothing and there's a shoe store called Faith. They seem affordable and cute too. Have fun! You need to post when you get back.
well, first off, if you don't want to scream American student/tourist don't wear white athletic shoes! Personally, for tromping around, I would get some flat rubber soled black boots - comfy, warm, don't show dirt and versatile. The pink athletic shoes would *fit in* but I wouldn't bring those as my sole walking shoes. I did wear my black adidas mei's last spring in Scandinavia - but the temps and precipitation were not bad (unlike London will be when you are there.) When I was in Prague this fall (40 degrees and rainy - similiar to what you should expect in London), I wore flat rubber sole black suede Missoni boots - they worked out just fine - yeah, I got them wet, but they are just fine :)
just some quick suggestions - not necessarily what I have posted but more to give you an idea:
I would go through and pick out all my favorite things to wear - that includes your jeans. Then I would pick out things I can mix and match with them for layering and dressing up or down.
The coat looks fine, but I would bring a dressier coat too (maybe a wool car coat?)
I would also bring some 2 1/2" - 3" heeled pointy boots and a pair of pumps for going out (but that's me.)
I suggest you try to pack no more than a suitcase and a half (rolling clothes gives you a lot more space - also pack socks and underwear into shoes, etc - leave no empty space.) This way you'll have room for items you buy (clothes are the best souvenier!) I can't think of anything that is a *must buy* in London - besides - the exchange rate is prohibitive - just limit yourself to a couple of fun things that you can wear back in the states that remind you of your trip...
Keep in mind that what they are wearing over there is very similar to what we wear here - same trends - cardis/camis, saw a lot of "uniform" looks, cuffed jeans with boots and pants tucked into boots. A colorful scarf is good to bring too.
-- Edited by detroit at 16:26, 2004-12-20
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
thank you detroit! i have actually been looking at a pair of boots just like the first pair you posted at urban- maybe i will go try them on tomorrow. and i will also definitely be bringing lots of heels- well, as many as i can fit!
I am definitely bringing my wool, dressier coat, i just have been told that a rain jacket is useful, especially for going to class, etc.
and also, you calmed my fears a little- if blazers, cardigans and camisoles, etc. are what is common there also, then i will be just fine!
and treschic- i feel like i keep reading about topshop in all the brit-chick-lit books i have been reading lately- so i am definitely excited to go there too!