Sunday, March 13, 2016

WIWS: European Traveler Edition

I used to link up from time to time for the What I Wore Sunday fashion party over at Fine Linen and Purple.   Remember that?  (Of course, I used to do a lot of things...like blog daily...ahem.)
Apparently, the gals at Fine Linen and Purple have closed up shop.  But never fear, the link-up lives on: I'm happy to report that Rosie over at A Blog for My Mom has picked up the baton.  (I have long admired the fashion sense of this adorable young mom of five, so I can't think of a more perfect host!)

Before I begin this WIWS post, however, I must make two confessions: 1) I did not wear the outfit I'm about to show you on Sunday, but rather on Saturday; and 2) I did not wear it to Mass (although I did wear it in a place where images of our dear Catholic Faith abounded and filled my soul with delight!).

I call this get-up, worn yesterday on a day trip with my son to a lovely and historic German city called Bamberg, my European traveler ensemble.
Here's the breakdown:
Liz Claiborne black trench coat with removable lining--a perfect all-season traveling coat, in a perfect color for hiding dirt and spills; a steal from JC Penney, bought when it was 60% off.
Dress Barn black knit skirt--very full at the bottom and swingy, packable, wrinkle-resistant, and as comfy as jammies; bought on sale for about $20.
Cliffs by White Mountain black ballet flats--with great support for walking miles over cobblestones, uphill both ways; bought at a shoe outlet for $30 (wish I'd bought a few extra pairs--best flats I've ever owned).
Travelon brand black travel purse--small, yet large enough to hold credit cards, cash, passport and phone, with very long straps making it so that you can hang it from your neck (my favorite way to carry it); a TJ Maxx $10 jackpot find.  (Note the zip tie attached to it, which I'm using as a sort of lanyard for my keys.)
Reusable shopping bag--a must-have over here, where they don't give bags out at the cash register; bought recently for one euro at the local Dollar Store Euro Shop.
Purple knit gloves--for that pop of liturgical color; bought at an actual Dollar Store back in the US of A.

Lest you think I'm Goth or something, dressed from head to toe in all that black, I thought I'd add that under my trench, I was wearing a salmon pink short-sleeved cotton sweater and a 3/4-sleeved denim cropped jacket (both from JC Penney, a store that will always be dear to my heart, as it was where I got my first real job shortly after my 16th birthday and where I worked every summer afterward).

So that was what I wore on Saturday, and as I said, I didn't wear it for Mass.  But I wore it to feast my eyes on soul-stirring images such as this one.
I wore it to visit an enormous, spectacularly beautiful cathedral wherein the remains of Pope Clement II are entombed.

It was a day that this traveling woman, in a serviceable and forgettable all-black ensemble, will not soon forget.

(Now head on over to Rosie's, you faith-filled fashionistas, you!)

11 comments:

  1. You look great! My husband is in Berlin right now and said it's snowing! We are heading to Ireland over the Easter break and I've been researching what to wear and it sounds like dark colors are best for traveling over there so it looks like you are dressed very well for your trip. Apparently if you don't want to stick out like a crazy American - dark colors are best!

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    1. I'm glad to know that I'm doing it right with the dark colors! I have traveled in my light-tan trench coat and regretted it (no one spills more coffee on herself than I do!). This black coat is not only a good stain-hider, but it does have a removable lining, so it's very versatile.

      Easter in Ireland sounds absolutely delightful! Have a wonderful trip!

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  2. Hi Laura! I've been hosting WIWS for the past few weeks - the linkup will go live at noon today :) Hope you're having a wonderful visit with your youngest!

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    1. Great! Thanks for letting me know--I'll link up in a bit! :)

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    2. Okay, Rosie, I've edited my post and added the link to your blog. Again, thanks for hosting.

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  3. Have fun in traveling! So exciting! I love your long, black trenchcoat

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    1. Thanks, Amelia, I love it, too! I am a sucker for a trench coat, and I'm embarrassed to say that I own five of them, in different colors and lengths. (But they were all purchased when they were on clearance--and I do wear them all!)

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  4. Nice colour blog you have (looks familiar :-). I think your black clothes fit very well with the weather and the buildings on the pictures! It's fun to read about somebody so close to home - The Netherlands, close to Utrecht. Hope you have/had a good trip!

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    1. Thanks, Jud! Yes, your blog looks familiar to me as well. :)

      I have visited Amsterdam once, when my husband flew over there for work. I would love to go back someday.

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  5. You look very chic and European. You cannot beat the architecture over there. Breathtaking.

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    1. Thanks, Sylvia. I'm glad I'm not sticking out like a sore thumb over here.

      And yes, the architecture is absolutely breathtaking. Everywhere I look, it's a feast for the eyes.

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