LeiLei,
I don't know if this is the LeSPortsac NYTraveer uses butI love this one and have used it for travel for years.

http://tinyurl.com/evkd7

I have no choice but to buy a travel wardrobe. I am a very petite woman so I wear heels every day IRL. While traveling, that is obviously not doable. Buying flats means that I have to have pants that are shorter than my usual. I am lucky enough to travel to Europe once a year or less though I travel for business more often.

I have purchased a new travel purse, several pair of black pants and 2 jackets for my upcoming trip. In an attempt to cut down on my travel weight, I have purchased wash and wear underwear and socks (like that is going to make all the difference *rolling my eyes at myself* ). I bought 2 new pashminas, one black, one chocolate. All my clothes are black, white or tan except a few scarves which I already own. White shirts must be replaced occasionally so that goes on the "what I bought" list. In total, I probably spent $1000. Granted, some items were purchased just because I wanted them. I like new clothes. :) Everything is classic and simple and if I had allowed myself, I could have spent a lot more. I am aware that every dollar I spend here is money that will not be available in Italy.

Okay, flame away!

Diane

Actually Diane I am not going to flame you. As I posted a long time I ago I find that packing new clothes means that the clothes will hold up longer while on a trip. A friend that had a cleaners told me ages ago it is because new clothes have a "sizing"..whatever that is.. in the material that is "lost" once clothes are washed or drycleaned.

In that I do not dress any differently when on a trip than at home (taking into consideration locations, activities, weather etc) I justify new clothes for a trip as they do wear better. And than I have these clothes to wear when I return home.

I don't really have a "travel wardrobe", but I have a wool coat just for travel because I don't need it at home.
I like to shop and I often buy clothes that will travel well but I don't save them only for travel. With the exception of evening clothes, I'm not fond of having clothes that I don't wear often.

I prefer to use the money towards my trip for meals and such. I'm going for only a week at a time so I don't need a new wardrobe anyway.

Great thread.

I wish my everyday clothes were great for travel. However, I tend to wear very informal clothes to match my lifestyle at home.

My SO does not like to dress up. I like to, however, it is not a thrill doing so with someone who I know hates it. Not a gripe - my SO is great in many ways that I appreciate a lot.

I am only explaining my informal dress style at home.

So, for travel, I love things that are comfy, look nice and are a little (or a lot for special events - like formal night on a ship) more dressy than at home.

I love things that do not need ironing or dry cleaning (hate the smell).

I have a fantasy of having one wardrobe that is right for almost anything (except formal wear).

My plan is to get new things that fit the criteria for travel and have a "travel-able" wardrobe.

I HATE, HATE, HATE to wash clothes on trips. Been there, done that and do not want to do it again. I also am not a fan of wearing things other than sweaters, jackets, hats and shoes more than one time if they have not been washed.

So, "pack light"? What does that mean? I don't have any idea how to do it and feel clean and comfy (with my stated preferences).

I don't try to look like a native. One word with my not local accent and there is no fooling anyone. I do try to be polite and appropriately dressed. I try to do a lot better than "barely getting by with it" attire.

Less than $25.00

Couple of packs of new undies and socks and I'm good to go.

Yes, I'll wear more than that but actual above-and-beyond expense is less than $25.00

MvK

I have to admit that I enjoy shopping for new clothes, luggage, toiletries, etc. when I know I am going on a trip.

If I am at the mall and I see some really cool pants, I will think to myself how fabulous I would look walking in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul in those pants. :)

A couple of months before leaving, I usually think about what I am going to bring, and shop for a few things to "fill in the blanks", to make for a good mix and match wardrobe. I probably spend a couple of hundred $$. All of those new things are then worn at home afterwards.

I'm with Salty here... I loathe shopping as well, so when I am leaving its a good time to re'fill and purge old stuff...all at once, so I don't have to do it again.

I purchased quite a number of Maasai blankets online before my most recent trip to the Serengeti because I was concerned about blending in.

Strangely enough, I felt rather silly. But that's nothing a few gin and tonics won't cure.

$ - 0 -.

Amen, sister. Gin is like mother's milk to me. (And it doesn't stain when you spill it all over your mink coat.)

Jody,
Thanks- that is one style that I have been thinking about. Lesportsac is hard to find in Texas, so I have to order one to check it out.
Thanks again for your reply!

I admit that I spend a good bit of money before every trip.

The problem is that of late, every trip/climate has been radically different - Paris in the winter; Disneyworld in the summer; Costa Rica in dry season; Italy in early summer. Each trip seems to require totally different clothes.

I care about clothes somewhat. I currently live in a pretty casual region of the country, and work primarily from home, so my work wardrobe is smaller than it once was. But I used to live in a big city, so I still have a bit of that big-city clothes mentality.

Like saltymuffin, I shop to fill in the gaps with clothes that I will wear anyway, either at home or for work (depending on what they are). I don't get clothes that are only for travel.