I’m beginning to pack for our upcoming time in Italy — the challenge this trip is that our carry-on-only luggage has to work for a week in Rome (gallivanting with the granddaughter! but also taking in an opera) as well as the week of walking part of the Via Francigena . . .
I think I almost have that packing sorted, now, and with what’s left of my wardrobe I’ve been making almost everything work with my new Hoka One trail runners. We’ve both bought new shoes for the Via and we’ve been logging all the kilometres we can to be sure our socks and shoes combo are broken in, comfortable, ready to take us 120 kilometres with as few blisters as possible!
Below, as I’m likely to wear the shoes on the trail through Tuscany and Umbria, with a new waterproof jacket and merino wool leggings. . .
With my red-and-white striped merino dress over the merino leggings, and a merino sweater under that faux fur vest you’ve seen before . . . transitional weather here, so it’s all about the layers. . . This dress is too stripy for the bold shoes, but the navy version is already packed. . . might even wear it on the trail (there are long (and exposed) stretches without toilet facilities and skirts have advantages over pants. . . .)
No-brainer with jeans and my navy wool coat — only another week or two for wearing the coat, though. Spring’s arriving here and should be in full throttle by the time we walk out of Leonardo da Vinci airport.
Last days for wearing my heavy cords, and I’ll miss them over the next few months. So plush, so cozy, so easy on my middle! Worn here with a pink handknit sweater over a cotton T, that faux fur vest getting more play — perfect for transitional weather, except that it’s a bit heavy to carry if it gets too warm. . .
The same cords in cream, with a packable down Uniqlo jacket, my beret and fingerless gloves. I’m reluctantly putting all the hats away this week although I’ll keep the gloves until the last minute. I don’t like cold ears or cold hands!
And one more What I Wore, just to show you that I haven’t been wearing the trail runners non-stop. The pink oxfords, at five years old, are not as cushioned but still do well for walking good distances. I wore this combination to meet a friend for lunch and a bit of shopping and a whole lot of talking. Oooh, that was a great afternoon!
Even if I did have to slide a coat over it all — today and tomorrow we have temperatures in the mid-teens, so I could at least leave the coat unbuttoned. . .
For now, though, we’re skipping off to the island to see our son and his family, a quick visit to collect hugs and see new teeth and celebrate recent birthdays and enjoy a conversation in French with a g’daughter who speaks it quite well now, thanks to French immersion primary school.
So I’d better run, ferry to catch and all that. But leave me a comment if you feel so inclined, and I’ll read and respond later.
xo,
f
P.S. Thanks again to those of you who encourage me and help support the blog through Buy Me a Coffee. Such a tangible way of showing your appreciation.
Love seeing all your OOTD and those shoes look very good for the long trek that you have planned.
Carry On luggage is the way to go but I know it is difficult to cover all the bases when it comes to clothing…you are a seasoned traveller so I think you’ll be prepared! Have fun on the Island :-))
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Thanks, Leslie! We’ll just have to see now, but I feel as prepared as I can be for now 😉
looking good! I have a couple of EF lantern pants that I’m still trying to get used to (psychologically )–haha! I love those cream colored Oxford shoes! For me it’s mostly sneakers these days. Comfort is everything! You look great!
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Those EF lantern pants have really caught on! It’s a very wearable style, but it’s definitely a switch from the years of skinny jeans!
The Oxfords are actually a pale pink and they’re almost as comfy as sneakers 😉
How exciting, an up-coming walking trip! Our weather here is very variable, mostly wet and chilly and I am really looking forward to some sunshine in the near future so I can, at the very least, take my coffee outside in the morning as I talk to the daffodils. Looking forward to seeing your adventures.
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We’re being treated to some variety as well, here, although it’s sunny today and might climb to 12 or 13 degrees (C, of course) . . . but then tomorrow rain and a high of 8. . . Coffee with daffodils! Has a ring to it 😉
Think you will find that packable Uniqlo jacket so hand, Frances. I wore my Uniqlo down vest in Croatia in the early autumn and found it was perfect with jeans, sneakers, and a tee shirt or a turtleneck and a scarf… never too hot… and keep me toasty warm when I needed it to do so. I think their lightweight down products can’t be beat for price and durability… plus packability!
Hope you guys have a wonderful trip. Wish we were going somewhere exciting in the near future. Maybe this fall. Maybe… if I can convince Stu.
P.S. Don’t mind my grumbling, please. Just this darned cold keeps keeping on… and on… and it’s supposed to snow tonight. Argh.
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I do find the Uniqlo down jacket so useful and it takes almost no space. I remember you wearing the vest version in Croatia that autumn and have thought since that I should pick one up as well. Actually just washed mine (machine, gentle cycle; hung to dry and then shaken and prodded to work the feathers back into place) . . . and it’s still looking good after five years serving me well.
I couldn’t handle your long long long winter, so grumble away. I know I would!
If you put down jackets and vests in the dryer (after there dry) with three tennis balls,the down fluffs up beautifully.
Your OOTD posts are so much fun. Living in a very small remote village its fun to see what choices you make for your more urban life. I like to imagine myself wearing more urban appropriate clothing and then go pull on my jean or tights along with my hiking boots, ls merino top and a puffy. Curious to know what merino leggings you have chosen to take along with you for walking.
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I’m pleased to hear you enjoy the OOTD posts (especially as it’s always hard for me not to feel self-conscious about them!).
The merino leggings are by a Canadian company, Unbound Merino. Very good quality and what’s appealed to me about them (besides the way wool adjusts to temperatures) is that wool doesn’t get smelly after a couple of wearings. So far I’ve worn them at least 8 days (longer than I’ll be walking in them on the trip) and haven’t had to wash them. As well, even if wool gets soaked on a rainy day, it still holds body heat unlike many other fibres.
So excited for your upcoming trip, especially the walk. I loved the walk we did in the UK some 5-6 years ago, though I am slow to forget my achy feet. Take your time, enjoy, but I look forward to the stories and photos on your return. As always with your OOTDs, very stylish, Euro vibe. Have a great trip!
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I remember your IG posts about that walk — at the time, I was envious and thought I’d love to do something similar — and now we are! Hoping my feet hold up and don’t get too achy!
Envying your spring weather! Ours seems to be slower than ever arriving this year. I agree with Sue. I have found my Uniqlo ultra light down vest to be one of the most useful items in my wardrobe and so good for traveling. I’ve actually considered buying a second one and/or one of the jackets like yours.
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Another vote for the Uniqlo vest! Sorry about inciting the envy — hope your Spring arrives soon!
Hokas keep my feet, knees and hips happy ~ enjoy your trip!
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I’m still new to them, but so far so good. Thank you!
I see you too have become a Hoka fan. They really are so comfortable. After a mild winter march as been chilly and often windy, so layering for my walks in the area. slowly but surely the flowers are appearing in the neighborhood. have a lovely visit with your family.
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Hadn’t even heard of them before you mentioned them here and now I see them everywhere! I hope they keep being comfortable for me — certainly well cushioned!
Oh, I am so excited for your walk – with 3 Caminos of 125k (and another of 300k) under my belt, I am a lover of long-distance hikes. I made the switch to Hokas for the last one (mine were even in your colour scheme) and they performed well for me (a blister on my little toe, but that toe tends to curl under its neighbor, so it’s hard to avoid). I cannot wait to see where your roads take you! Wishing you a “Boun modo!”
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You’ve done a lot of walking! Did you back-pack for the caminos you did?
And another Hoka fan — I’m crossing my fingers mine will continue to perform well for me when the long walks come day after day. . .
Grazie!
I carried a day pack and my husband drove the “support vehicle.” A whole lot easier than carrying the full pack, but I still needed layers, water, a snack, first aid supplies….
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What a great way to travel with non-walkers! We’re still thinking through what will go in our day packs, but I’m lucky that Paul’s insisting on carrying the water (he bought a 4L bag and has been walking around town with it, full, in his backpack, to get accustomed to the weight and distribution)
Aren’t we lucky with footwear these days , those old & heavy serious hiking boots could be hard work . Your new ones look so light . Then there’s the improved rainwear ….. some things have really improved over time . I’m rather envious of your trip of course – with your energy & fitness you’re going to have a wonderful time .
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Yes! Technology has made such strides (ha!) in keeping our feet comfortable and our clothes dryer — the combo of lightness and water-resistance and breathability is a game-changer!
I’m hoping my energy and fitness hold up for me — thanks for the encouragement!
I read this in the (homeward bound) airport yesterday so packing was quite fresh in my mind. I have foot issues and Hokas aren’t for me (really there is only one shoe I can wear for distance, and that distance isn’t what I would wish it to be; I envy you this long walk) but they have a great reputation. I have tried them on and they felt great on the foot. I had the Uniqlo jacket with me. I can’t see if yours has a collar but mine does not and the lapel can be snapped under for a v-neck effect; although I like it well enough on its own I really use it a lot as a layering piece. I checked my carry-on size bag, I almost always do that, and I don’t carry a ‘personal item’ of any great size so I can move around with ease. No overhead bins. I can’t reach them. My wardrobe was tight and I wore it all, over and over and would be glad to continue doing that. I had a washer but no dryer except a clothesline.
I thought the weather in Venice was spring-like when I arrived but in short order I became as tender as everyone else and although the temps grew steadily warmer I was huddled in my coat and vigilantly guarding against any cool breeze on my neck. Ha!
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I hope the Hokas work out — I have a rather flat arch and not every shoe works. . . but I’ve walked at least 60 kilometres in them and so far, so good.
My Uniqlo has a collar, and I appreciate the warmth against my neck, but I like the sound of it as a v-neck layering piece.
We sometimes check our carry-on, and when I travel solo I generally do so that I don’t have to drag it into restrooms, etc. with me in the airport although I can manage (just) to boost it into the overhead bin, tippy-toes.
Hope the homecoming wasn’t too much of a shock, temperature-wise. . . especially to your Venetian soul . . .
Have a wonderful time Frances. You seem very well prepared with a variety of options that will stand you in good stead. I look forward to following along virtually. Buona fortuna e buon cammino!
I’ve never heard about Hokas-they look light and comfortable! Love your OOTD-I’m very hesitant when seasons change,happy for the sun,spring ,light clothes….,but starting to miss my winter outfits,cozy,well planned,utterly befriended during all those cold months……
I agree about Uniqlo light down jackets and coats-just perfect for travel and transitional weather!
It is so difficult to pack when one has a plethora of completely different activities,from opera to hiking,but you are a pro and I’m looking forward for all the photos and stories
Have a wonderful trip Frances!
Dottoressa
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I’m the same way for a few weeks, about the winter clothes, but I really, really love when the weather switches so that I don’t need my legs covered anymore and I can wear skirts/dresses without tights!
One of the things that helps with the packing challenge is letting go of imagined or projected judgement from people I don’t even know. . . and balancing that with still wanting to fit in enough with the local culture and looking reasonably appropriate for the various occasions. Sometimes I start wishing I had this or that piece from my wardrobe back home, and I think of how much better an outfit could look, but have to nip that in the bud! 😉
It’s always very refreshing to me as a no-longer city dweller to see your city outfits. Joining the chorus of approval for merino. I’ve spent the winter in merino top and bottom hillwalking base layers from British company Alpkit. A natural cosiness like no other! Also a great fan of Uniqlo micro down. Just realised that my tally is 2 ultra light down collarless short jackets, one olive, one navy (bought in the Antwerp shop), one bright acid green ultra light down hooded parka (actually men’s, bought in the London Oxford St shop), one black collarless ultra light down relaxed coat, which is my London/France in the Spring coat, and also slips under a waterproof outer layer, and one navy below knee length seamless down coat with hood. The last two were mail order – how I wish we had Uniqlo in Scotland. I just checked on their down sustainability policy and it seems they do source sustainably.
As much as your outfits in this post I’ve enjoyed the changing still life on the table at the right of the shot – so many interesting projects going on!
Buon viaggio!
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The merino is SO versatile — and comfortable!! I’m a bit skeptical of the claims that it’s also good in warmer weather, and I’ll be testing them a bit. Crossing fingers.
Really good to know that Uniqlo’s down sourcing is sustainable — I’ve been thinking seriously about picking up a vest. . .
I’m so tickled to know that you’ve been checking out that “changing still life” — I hadn’t really noticed that it was legible as far as what projects were sprawled there. I sometimes think that I should have a better (less cluttered!) set-up for sharing these quick out-the-door outfit photos, but your comment has me thinking I’ll stick with what I’m doing. Fits my overall thinking about the blog and the OOTDS, all just part of my ongoing life, creative and domestic clutter and all . . . 😉
I love all these outfits! And your waterproof jacket is so sleek I’m envious. Have a wonderful, wonderful time in Italy.
I hope that the Hokas work for you. I have been wearing Hokas for years (Clifton) and love them. I have an extremely high arch (I add arch supports) and some arthritis in my big toe joints (which the Hoka cushioning really helps). I should look at the trail runners for the little bit of hiking that I do. I purchased a pair of Hoka hikers with ankle support for winter, but haven’t broken them in yet. I don’t need to break in the sneakers, but I think that the hikers need it.
What brand is your new rain jacket and is it light and packable? I need something that will breath and be good for packing.
I’ll be interested in hearing how the merino leggings work in warm weather, should you be able to report. I have merino socks that I wear in the winter and I love them.
I know that I’ve mentioned it before, but those corduroy pants look so comfy! I like the wide wale.
Have a great trip!