Weekend Capsule Wardrobe: part 2

winter trench

So, the second part of the ‘weekend in London’ capsule wardrobe…

Yes, you’ve seen the coat, and the bag, and everything else I’m wearing many, many times… But, this is a blog, not a fashion magazine, and I’m a busy teacher, not a model. What you see me wearing here is what I actually wear as I go about my life. And, like everybody else, I have a limited wardrobe that has to work very hard and fit into a suitcase, or in this particular case, cabin luggage.

The coat wouldn’t fit into the cabin luggage, of course, and neither would the boots. So, I had to wear them on my way over from Finland on Friday. And I had to wear them again on Sunday because when these pictures were taken we had already checked out of the hotel and left our luggage in storage for a few hours.

What should you think about when you’re choosing outerwear for a weekend break capsule wardrobe? The obvious answer: something lightweight and versatile, and weather-appropriate. This coat was a bit too warm on Sunday (but not on Saturday), and as lovely as it is, it’s not the easiest thing to wrap around the back of a chair in a restaurant, or stuff into the airplane overhead locker. Note to self: need a shorter, lighter coat for travel…

Anyway, this is what I was wearing when we went to see the Vogue exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. No pictures, I’m afraid, as photography was not allowed in the museum. But on our way to the museum we stumbled on this: the entire Trafalgar Square was cordoned off and turned into a film set. I found out later that it’s for the new Wonder Woman film, apparently set at the end of WW1, judging by the clothes and cars and the giant ‘War is Over’ posters everywhere…

And back to the Vogue exhibition…

I sort of skipped the more recent images and spent more time looking at the older photos and illustrations on display. Perhaps it’s my interest in anything Art Deco and mid-century modern, but I found the images from the 20’s, 30’s and early 60’s most fascinating.

And I realised that I seem to have sort of a double standard when it comes to fashion photography: while I don’t care much for contemporary fashion photographs, I admire the artistry in the older ones. I’m impressed by the styling and lighting of the old fashion photos but find contemporary images gimmicky and pretentious. Well, I often say the same about the clothes in fashion magazines, too. It’s because if I can’t imagine myself or my friends (who come in all shapes and sizes) wearing something, I see no point to it.

Could it be that that the models (as beautiful as they are) in the old fashion photos are somewhat more relatable in terms of body shape and age? Not that the pictures from the 20’s, 50’s or 60’s depicted any 40+ models, but at least they were clearly out of their teens. And it seemed that the old photos were less about the celebrity status of the model and more about (wearable) clothes. Who knows. Maybe it’s just the allure of vintage…

Outfit details:

coat: Hobbs / scarf: Jaeger / cardigan: Esprit / trousers: Marks and Spencer /
sunglasses: Coach / bag: Chanel / ankle boots: Clarks

What’s your opinion on fashion photography?

Tiina
FOLLOW:

PS: Have you seen the latest DILETTANTE ARTIST post yet?

Linking up with: 

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en RoseFashionably Employedfashion and food and other stuff

10 Comments

  1. Patti
    28 February 2016 / 1:45 pm

    It's the allure of vintage, I think – of a more refined time for style (at least what was photographed). Hats and gloves and hose – those all look so beautiful in photos. And you look lovely too, that's the prettiest coat. xox-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      3 March 2016 / 2:22 pm

      Thanks, Patti. Yep, vintage photos can be quite special.

  2. Nancy Baten
    29 February 2016 / 11:49 am

    Beautiful picture of your face! Great lips!

    • Tiina L
      3 March 2016 / 2:23 pm

      Thanks, Nancy!

  3. Jill James
    1 March 2016 / 10:28 am

    I agree with you on the vintage fashion photos , there is something about the way they were styled and of course the fashions of the era I just love.I always admire your capsule travel wardrobe, your coat is just lovely on you.

    • Tiina L
      3 March 2016 / 2:23 pm

      Thanks, Jill.

  4. Dawn Lucy - Fashion Should Be Fun
    5 March 2016 / 12:28 am

    That coat is such a beautiful shade of blue! Thanks so much for coming to the Fun Fashion Friday party! OXOXDawn Lucyhttp://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    • Tiina L
      5 March 2016 / 3:27 pm

      Thanks!

  5. Alice Warren
    6 March 2016 / 7:09 am

    I love those photos of the movie set, so fun! I am like you and always bring an outer coat and heaviest shoes if I can when I travel so I have more room for other things in my suitcase.Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      6 March 2016 / 10:31 am

      Packing is never easy… I would love to have another coat packed, but it's just not practical. So, I have to settle for the one I was wearing and make the most of it.

Leave a Reply