Here are the candidates that have made the first cut...all of them have appeared in my blog at one time or another.
Japanese Cotton, lots of pockets, inside and out...details here
Ikat-printed denim, lined with polka-dots and lots of pockets...details here
Cotton/silk blend printed ikat print; lightweight, details here...
The first specific "Manteau", a rayon brocade I blogged about here...
"Manteau" #3, using a hand-dyed shibori cotton, blogged here...
"Manteau" #4, complete with scarf, in a cotton-stretch print, details here...
And the 4th "Manteau", in red stretch denim with cotton ikat trim, here...
So, 8 candidates...I'm not sure how many will be chosen; that is what I will be
deciding in the next few days, putting together outfits, choosing accessories, etc. That's the fun part!
Stay tuned for "What's in the Suitcase" in a few days!
Margy your travel wardrobe looks sensational and is very much a reflection of your personality as shown on your blog; stylish, chic, fashionable and very wearable! I am looking forward to reading all about your travels through Iran. Have fun and be safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you, jacquianne...
DeleteI agree with jacquianne--you have a fantastic selection of manteaux which reflect your style, respect the culture, and are wearable even when you are at home. I also look forward to reading about your trip to Iran and the wardrobe you select.
ReplyDeleteThanks, BeccaA!
DeleteI truly love them all! I particularly love the red denim and the hand died shibori cotton one. Such fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana!
DeleteIts like playing dress ups. Have fun :)
ReplyDeleteYou are SO right, Vickie...!
DeleteI love them all, of course. My question is about the color. Are prints/bright colors frowned upon? I have no idea...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carole...my research recently has indicated colors are not such a problem. I'd hate to be thrown out of the country for wearing RED!!!!
DeleteOh, you must be so excited. I just looked at Iran weather. Do you expect moderate temps while there? Your wardrobe candidates are lovely. What shoes do you plan?
ReplyDeleteAh, shoes....such a problem because I LOVE shoes. And I can't take half a dozen pair...stay tuned!
DeleteI love your picks- you've really stepped up to your challenge! The Ikat coat and the brocade are two singing pieces- I can def see them worn no matter where you visit. Here, or there. Lovely choices.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bella Q...and I do plan to wear them here!
DeleteThanks so much for putting all in the same post...I knew I had seen at least 5 choices and maybe more. I love each and every one. How we dress when traveling in another culture is so important to establish communication and respect.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary...I totally agree about how we dress establishing communication and respect...
DeleteI'm not even going to try and guess which pieces you will end up taking. They are all so nice. I'm just going to look forward to the completed travel wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Rhonda!
DeleteI've really enjoyed your Manteau journey. Based on the original pic, you could go with either dark colours or at least take your pop of red version.
ReplyDeleteI vote for all of them!
DeleteThanks, velosewer...all the dark colors make me CRAVE red!!!
DeleteI like number 1, it has just a sparkle of color and it doesn't look too terribly hot. The wedding ring (even if its fake) is an interesting touch. Can I ask why you are going to a country with such a different culture from ours? If it has already been discussed, even alink would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteYou look very dapper in each picture, and your colors suit your coloring very well.
Thank you, becki-c. I have loved traveling to countries with different cultures...I learn so much, both about myself and about the world. I am always changed after a trip like this, in ways I never even imagine.
DeleteThese are all such wonderful pieces. Are you sure you can't take them all? I have seen some excellent travel trunks with whole closets inside - of course that was back in the day when everyone traveled by oceanliner. Don't suppose that works here...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie...if I could travel with a trunk, I wouldn't have to make decisions...and I could take as many SHOES as I like!!!!
DeleteThank you, Valerie...it's going to be hard to whittle the list down!
ReplyDeleteThese are all really lovely pieces. I particularly like that first manteau; tone on tone black, with the asymmetrical collar.
ReplyDeleteIt IS great to see all of these pieces in one post! You have some great options here. I can't wait to see what you choose, along with accessories and shoes! I learn a lot from you when it comes to a travel wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteAll the garments are stunning, they are "you" and they reflect the culture you will be visiting - overall, a superb travel wardrobe. I do hope you enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteGreat! Another reason to make new garments!
ReplyDeleteIt amazed me how we (western people) prepare ourselfs to go to Itan - taking into account their culture - I have seldom seen Iranian travelling to the USA or Europe who would try to adjust their garment to our standars - to respect our culture ...
It's been great watching this wardrobe come to life. Can't wait to see which pieces make the cut!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who lives in Turkey, may I say that all of your clothing there is appropriate for a Muslim country and you are probably going to receive many compliments while you are there. The population of Iran is mostly very young and very "fashionista". You will see all kinds of street styles. The only problem I find in Turkey is that once a woman is past 40, she seems to be supposed to subside tiredly into frumpy elastic waistband skirts and badly fitting cardigans, or she has to wear very stiff formal suit-type stuff. There is little age-appropriate in-between. That's not culture so much as demographics (the youth hog the textiles market's attention).
ReplyDeleteOn adapting to the "dominant culture" according to redtailor, I'll take that criticism seriously when I can travel halfway up a mountain in the US, find someone whose ancestors have lived there for ten generations, and he speaks Farsi. The fact is that the whole world has adapted to US culture, a large part of it is effectively obliged to learn English no matter what job they do, so let us wear our scarfs, and veils and long dresses, please, without so much b****ing. It's not much to ask.
By the way, your wedding ring will need to be on your right hand over here, NEVER on your left.
And if you are traveling with your husband, I suppose you are aware of the guidelines for clothing for men in Muslim countries? No shorts, no bare arms, for example.
Also, you should wear shoes that are very quick and easy to slip on and off - no complicated lace-up hiking boots, for example. Otherwise, you cause mass traffic congestion at doors of places where you have to take off your shoes before entering. And carry a plastic bag so you can slip your shoes inside and carry them with you, rather than leaving them outside. 99% of the time we do leave them outside but better safe than sorry when you are a tourist.
I love them all, Margy, and am always inspired by your creations. My first choices are the two with a little red in the pattern. I'll be anxiously awaiting your final post.
ReplyDeleteMargy, your options look great! Lots of rules to consider when traveling over there - whew. Good tips from "Ruth", also - interesting about the wedding ring & the shoes. Your picture shows it on the left hand.
ReplyDeleteIt will be an interesting trip, for sure. I think you're going to be stopped by women everywhere wanting to know where you got your beautiful clothing :)
Have a wonderful trip - can't wait to read all about it!
Wow! These are so impressive. I love the one with the large red dots.
ReplyDeleteYou are so stylish and talented!