Marilyn, I wasn't offended at all! I've worn scarves for years and still think they are a great way to make basic black outfits look different. They really excel during travel as it makes a whole new outfit out of a small piece of silk or pashmina or whatever makes you smile when you look in the mirror.

nocinonut, some thoughts to help you
1) using Febreeze really does help, 2) 'airing' the garment inside out between wear helps, 3) disposable underarm shields help 4) I even read in a book that you can make your own underarm shields by cutting the appropriate areas out from an old t-shirt. You would then tuck them in your undergarment.

I like the old tshirt cut-out idea, I guess you could slip them on like a little sleeve under a sweater, how clever, I am going to try it.

nocinonut, I just think we all have different body chemistry. I am more like you, but I have also found that finding the right deodorant for me makes a huge difference.

ndf321, please don't give up on scarves just yet. They really are a great accessory and a fun thing to collect as you travel that will remain in style throughout many seasons of your life. I dare you to access the Hermes scarf site (www.hermes.com) and explore their 'playtime with your scarf' section to get some fresher ideas.

Playtime with your scarf....sounds a little risque to me!

Marilyn, the tops still smell like day-old deodorant (more information than you need, I bet).

I checked out the Hermes site - what a difference. Maybe I'll give it a try! After all I did go to the effort of finding a scarf that had all my colors in it.

Anyway, if I would take all my holey underwear and toss it as I go, then I shouldn't worry about possibly looking silly in a scarf. I'll never see any of these people again.

Thanks all - and sorry I hijacked the thread. Polly - as long as you take what makes you happy, you'll be fine. Just make sure to mind the excellent advice that heavy bags do not make anyone happy.

I guess I am one of the lucky ones. I have to keep track of how many times I have worn something, to make sure I wash it and don't put it away as unworn. Unless I have spilled something on it, I cannot tell my worn clothes from my unworn ones. My husband says he could not find me by smell if he were blindfolded, because I have no scent. Now, that might be TMI the other way. :)

Scrumpy you must eat healthy food or be a vegetarian or just clean living, good for you.
I find deodorant odor or stale perfume/smoke odors on my sweaters and just have to rinse them out, too.
Maybe my nose is just too sensitive.

Polly, have we scared you off?

Maybe so, SeaUrchin. We haven't heard from her since this afternoon. She's probably busy lugging her suitcase up and down stairs and around the block a few times.

Yes, I was practicing running around the block while holding my suitcase above my head and the police took me in for questioning!

Not really, but I have been thinking about all your good advice. This weekend I am going to lay all of what I want to take into my suitcase, most important and "strutish" first and then see what I come up with. I will also try out the ziplock bags to compact and separate.

Natalia, want to have lunch in Sorrento?

I want to thank all of you experienced travelers and packers who have taken the time to help me out, I appreciate it!

Lol at Marilyn, picturing Polly with suitcase running around the block!

Just one more thing before this is laid to rest. I like the idea of the shawls and find them very useful when I travel. They roll up small and can add a bit of dash to an outfit.
There are some terrific sales on right now for winter clothes. Since you have some time and seem to like clothes why not take advantage of them. I bought a couple of pairs of "travel" pants the other day at a good price and they were excellent quality. They roll up small and hardly wrinkle. After wearing them for a day or two, I thought they were more comfortable then my jeans and I thought that wasn't possible.

It is funny, I was going to run around the block with my luggage and thought the neighbors would nod and say yes she is eccentric isn't she? Especially with my hot pink shawl trailing in the wind!

Good idea to hit the sales, but the way I love clothes (can you tell?) I might go overboard once again. Oh well!

I will let you all rest on this now, but I will write a trip report on my return, there doesn't seem to be many off season Amalfi trip reports by women here! Well, maybe I will qualify that to only if something exciting happens!

Ciao and grazie!

polly, we will all want to know not just what you ate and drank and where, but how your wardrobe worked out!

Have a fantastic time!

Polly, going overboard is meaningless. much in the same way birthday cake has no calories, (or food eaten standing up over the sink has none either) souvenirs are weightless. especially clothes. and luggage. handmade italian leather luggage especially. and italian leather shoes. those might actually subtract weight.