Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Style Wednesday: Disney Chic




No - not that kind of Disney Chic....

In a couple of weeks, our family is heading en masse to Orlando for a week. 

This is a bit of a funny trip.  Many of you who have been here for awhile know that my dad died in late 2012. 

We got a (very) small inheritance in early 2013 and used that for practical things.  Late in December, after we'd cleared the estate, a small amount of money came through.  What to do with it?  We wanted to do something that would remind ourselves of my dad, Bud.  We wanted it to be something that the four of us (and the girlfriend) could do together.  We thought about the trips that we'd taken with Bud after my Mum died and thought about what trip he liked best. 

And you guessed it - his favourite trip was to Disney World when our kids were young.

So we decided that we would go to Disney again for a few days, head to the Gulf to see my dad's brother and his wife, who are wonderful people, and then end the trip at Universal so the kids (who are now 22 and 19) could see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.




My dad in Florida, holding the binoculars he always used when he watched for dolphins.  What you can't see is the bottle of red wine beside him...

So off we will go.

We have done two trips to Europe in the last few years and a few jaunts to NYC, so returning to Disney should be fun, because we are going with older kids who will be all about the fun, but a little challenging too. 

The challenge is wardrobe.  You spend all day on your feet, so comfortable shoes and sandals are a must, but then in the evening you go out to lovely restaurants.  What to bring?

So today I dug it all out and made a plan.  The plan started with a colour scheme: navy and white (and wee bit of black), punctuated with corals, pinks and peachy hues to bring in that Florida vibe.



Basic bottoms, two linen skirts from J Crew, a long black Jersey skirt with pizzaz by Free People, white jeans, light blue jeans, ivory capris and navy shorts are coming with me.


The tops are basics.  Navy featherweight cashmere cardigan.  Navy tank, blue boho navy top (see below from last summer), blue and white tanks, black tank and black cotton cardigan, yellow and white striped tee, pink tee.


Me at Edith Wharton's house last summer..


Then the fun colours:



Coral ponte knit dress, coral Max Studio skirt, peachy pink cashmere cardigan, white tees and blush tank.

 










 No breaking in shoes on a trip to Disney.  I will have the Taos walking sandals I bought last summer, my van Eli crystal butterfly dressy sandals, and the little Nike sporty ballet flats I am wearing above. 

Jewelry will be fun costume only. 

My buddy Jennifer gave me these wardrobe worksheets to help me plan for vacations and I am just starting to fill in the table for this trip.



I forgot to show but I will also bring a plain navy hoody in case it gets cold and either my navy or hot pink linen button down. 

The only thing I need to buy is a packable sun hat and so plan to order this one from Lands End:







What I am unsure about right now is what I will do for a jacket.  I don't think I want to bring a trench coat (unless the weather forecast makes me think otherwise right before we go) and am contemplating my jean jacket or pale blue blazer.  Would love suggestions!

Any other good suggestions from how to be a) comfortable and b) chic whilst being an uber tourist?


My friend Tabs has been inspiring me with her outfits of the day and so in honour of her, and well, frankly because I am in the mid winter fashion doldrums, I have been dressing up.  An outfit from late last week:



Beloved Cinzia Rocca coat, Aquatalia over the knee boots, Tory Burch skirt, navy jcrew  merino vneck.  Have vowed to put on the dog at least 3 to 4 times a week for the rest of the winter...

Hope you are all doing well!  Anyone else planning any fun trips soon?  Have a great day and stay safe out there!

56 comments:

  1. SUITCASED Here's to putting on the dog WMM - although that is certainly not a Tab-ism. In her case fine feathers, fine bird (Sylvester with Snoop-Dog, Goldfinch) come to mind.

    I would tend to go with the structured jacket over the denim. Can elevate an outfit (tees etc.) Is likely lighter, and offers more shape. Bring one thing that's a total opposite to the weather report - in case. And bring one thing that gives you pure "happy holiday" joy, maybe a piece of jewelry, a scarf (also handy for planes and air conditioning) or that hot pink shirt. Don't forget your sunglasses!

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    1. Hope you spot Peter - and Tink!

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    2. Definitely including the holiday fun, no worries - agree on need for all weather!

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  2. Looks like you've got it covered! I'd bring a light nylon rain jacket that you can fold up and stick in your bag for the inevitable rain showers. And a fanny pack. ;)

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    1. Mw - good idea! No fanny pack! Yikes! I remember when they were big!

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  3. You chose a very nice color palettes and i think your choices are right on.
    I think i would def pack a denim jacket,because it goes with everything!
    It looks great with dresses and shorts and skirts and has a beachy vibe:)
    We are not going anywhere anytime soon,as husband is traveling a lot and has to go to Germany next month.

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    1. I think the denim is good for the late evening when is cooler - I do hate the cold, despite the hot flashes!

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  4. What a wonderful way to honor your father. Instead of a jacket for warm destinations, I bring a pashmina which is easy to carry and use as shawl or scarf if it gets cold or as a sarong over swimsuit. Your Lily Bart photo is one of my favorites and you are looking quite the fierce authoress in your Cinzia Rocca coat. My family is soccer mad so our July vacation will be in Brazil for the World Cup.

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    1. Oh Marie! How cool! One of our best friends live in Sao Paolo - what a time that will be! Will definitely have a pashmina - I always need this for the plane!

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    2. Oh yep, I am always freezing on the plane.

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  5. I love all your happy colors! I'm ashamed to admit, but if that were my suitcase, it would be filled with the ever boring black & white, with one accent color thrown in. I like the denim jacket idea, but how about a light weight, 3/4 length coat in a silky type fabric. Nylon, silk, polyester, all work. A pashmina in case it's cold, but also dresses up everything, wrapped around your shoulders.
    I'm heading to Vancouver, for ten days, on Friday. I have a bit of a wardrobe dilemma because it's cold there, and all my warm coats are buried in storage under six feet of boxes.
    I think putting on the dog, a couple of items a week, is a great idea. I always feel better when I do. xoJennifer

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    1. Hi Jennifer, I always go black and white so this is probably good! I have a lovely pale pink short trench so that may be the travelling coat. Will keep and eye out for something even more neutral!

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  6. I have been going to Orlando since I was a little girl. Folks lived in Clearwater so the kids and I and the old people went every year until they finally moved up her. Sister now lives in Lakeland. Anyway, I consider myself an expert and suggest you bring something you can wrap around your waist for when it is hot and then put on for when it is cooler...either cardigan or light weight sweater. I would also run down to target and get everyone a cheap rain poncho to take just in case. Trust me, either the rain or water rides will get you and you do not want to pay $25 each for a bright yellow cheap as poncho. Please do not wear the skirts on the coasters. When in Disney my motto is embrace the tourist. Oh, and take a very small crossbody bag or they will make you leave it behind on the rides. Hope you enjoy the Simpsons...go first thing to Potter, walk in and go straight to the back, Hogwarts first! I do believe you are going at a great time. The crowds shouldn't be too bad.

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    1. I skip coasters now, except the tamest, so think I will be good! Good call on poncho - will got take a look before we go! We're staying on site, so is so much easier!

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  7. Well...that's grand news, because "the dog" looks so good on you!
    For the travel, I'd be inclined to the blazer and a pashmina combination, which is versatile and always looks as casual or smart as you want it to. Adore the coral dress on you, btw!! Am slowly turning green here as the weather continues to plummet...I expect some happy, sunny reporting from you to cheer me up!

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    1. Oh the weather is so dreadful isn't it? Well share lots of stories for sure! I just wish I was as good a picture taker as my gal Dani!

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  8. Feeling those doldrums too! And more snow is on the way tonite and this weekend. Just looking at your vacation picks is cheering me up.however the thing that struck me the most was how you have inherited your dad's cheerful eyes! Happy days ahead to you and your family!

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    1. Thanks Anon! My dad liked to have a good time that's for sure!

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  9. Hi Wendy, it's so exciting to be getting ready for a trip to warmer climes! For this year's March break we'll be going to Ottawa so our son can go to university open houses - not quite the same thing! I think that your Florida trip is the perfect thing to do to honour your dad and the happy memories.

    I love your packing picks - your top-shorts-sun hat combo from last year is one of my favourites, and I also love the striped skirt and lavender cardigan.

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    1. Well I love Ottawa too, and am sure you will have a grand time!

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  10. I've never been to Disney so I don't have any good advice. And as you know our trip south is cancelled so I've packed away my Florida things. Oh well Wendy I have to live vicariously through you Tootie! I think you will be so chic and cheerful, and if you ever go back to Disney please take me. Your Dad looks like he was full of fun, like someone else we know...!

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    1. I don't know why I assumed you'd done disney, going so often to Florida. We love it - is so much fun and the food is divine - so many of the restaurants are top knotch! I would rake you there anytime!

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    2. Oh sorry to hear your trip has been cancelled, Dani!

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    3. Oh I want to go too, it would such fun!

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    4. Thanks but it is for the best, our trip was initially to spend time with my in-laws, they can't go for health reasons and we were pushing on with it but they really need us here, so we will stay which brought us lots of relief!

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  11. Hope you have a truly fab time at Disney - I went once in about 1986 while I was studying in the US for a year - we had the most surreal time!
    I love, love, love your outfit with the beige coat, TB skirt and leather boots - you look absolutely fantastic.
    Also love your colour choices for your trip. I'd take a blazer to smarten things up, although a jeans jacket might also work well.

    Have a fab time x

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    1. Thanks Ruth! I think the final debate about jacket will only be resolved a few days out when I see what the weather is! The linen skirts are fine if it's 20 or above. If the daytime highs are lower than I will switch to more trousers! I realize that my old capris, save the ivory ones are looking sad or tight so I may order a pair or search in town here before I go.

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  12. Oh dear Dani was so looking forward to her Fla trip What happened?Wendy will have to cheer us all up with photos. The rest of us could do a little cross country skiing! dani I bet your new baby loves the snow! We will pull through this long winter some how.

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  13. I hope it warms up for your trip and that the rain stays away. I don't know if it is quite linen weather just yet but that could change quickly. It will be a relief not to wear a winter coat anyway. Have a wonderful time and safe travels!

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    1. Am hoping that when we get there on the 27th it will be warm enough for linen, but there may need to be a last minute change out!!!

      Thanks for the good wishes - can't wait for your exciting news!

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  14. I got so excited when I read the title of your post, Disney! I love packing for a Disney trip (none in my near future, sadly!). I really love how you chose to use the money, it is such a great way to honor and remember your dad. The clothes you picked out to take are really nice. I love the pops of coral with the blues and whites, so pretty.

    I'm going to say up front that I am a rider. There are a few rides I won't ride (Mission Space may actually be the only one for claustrophobia reasons), but I love thrill rides and coasters and my Disney wardrobe choices kind of reflect that. And I'll also say I avoid ironing like the plague. For these reasons, I would probably choose very different things to take than what you've chosen.

    So if I were going to Disney tomorrow, I would first pack my tried and true Ecco walking sandals (Teva style) that I know work well for me there, which sound a lot like the ones you described. We walk so much that I bring alternatives to switch up with. I have Teva Mush flip flops and Crocs flip-flops that are both very cushiony - those I'd wear in the evening, the sturdier sandals during the day. I would never go to Disney without tried and true running shoes, because when the feet or knee goes bad, that's what I have to go to, no matter how bad it looks.

    Speaking of no matter how bad it looks, I would bring shorts (not white, never white at Disney!! but not too many in February) and jeans and maybe a pair of lightweight capri-length pants. I have never brought a skirt to Disney (skort, yes, though). I've brought a few dresses that I've worn pretty much once per trip, out to dinner. Hardly seemed worth it, though, for as little as I wore them.

    Last time I went, in cooler temps, I took my J. Crew Boyfriend Fatigue jacket and it was very functional and a nice weight to put on over a shirt and sweater when it cooled off.

    I take a lightweight cross-body bag that can take getting wet or dirty. Keep in mind that you cannot take your purse on a lot of the rides at Universal. You have to go to a locker before you get in line for the ride, lock it up, ride the ride, then come back and get it out. They are quite particular there, even when the purse is small. I think the ride lockers are still free.

    I think you probably won't need the sun hat this time of year, but you never know.

    Are you sure I can't come with you????!! :)

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    1. haha that sure is a huge wall of text, sorry WMM I get carried away about Disney! :)

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    2. Love the advice! No fast coasters for me anymore!

      My pile is now being ironed and sorted out, but the final final choices won't be made till 3 or 4 days before when I get the 10 day forecast. I've been at Disney when it's been cold and one needs to dress appropriately to have fun!

      I love Disney too. We are staying at the Old Florida Keys on site, which is always nice and means that the group can split off when it likes and meet up later and no worries around transportation.

      Sure you can come with me! You may have to upgrade us! ;-)

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  15. Gorgeous coat! And what a lovely tribute to your dad. I'm a hopeless packer for hot weather. Two years ago I bought a whole bunch of black travel jersey pieces from Jacob prompted by a week long trip to London with only carry on. I've packed this uniform on every trip since. It looked good in Rome but I think I looked like Sylvia Plath's less cheerful twin in Jamaica so I'm all for colour even though I'm too lazy to manage it myself. Enjoy your trip!!

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    1. HI Jen - I bought black and grey jersey pieces last summer for my trip to Ontario and the Berkshires, but I love wearing colour in Florida! I think you are right - I tended to wear more dark colours in Europe, but the tropical venues do call for a punch of colour!

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  16. Love the neutral palette in your outfit - I really think that monochrome palettes suit you best due to your coloring you just don't need much to make it visually interesting unlike most of us. I hope you guys have so much fun in Disney - I looove amusement parks and am a roller coaster junkie. I think it is great you are doing a trip in honor of your dad.

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    1. I am not surprised you are a roller coaster junkie - you have such a zest for life and you've even offered thrilling rides to your contractors!!!

      I have more and more neutral, but realize that every few days I need to bring in the colour!

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  17. Absolutely bring a disposable poncho, you don't want to be drenched and then go into some place air-conditioned (lunch comes to mind).

    And bring first-aid supplies.

    And have a wonderful wonderful time!

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    1. Poncho check! First aid check! Good time check! Thanks Fred!

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  18. I am going to be in Florida myself at the end of next week. I am hoping for warm weather but last year it was actually pretty cold so I am packing more in cases this time. Evenings are chilly, at least in Miami and I think cafe capris are the best thing for Florida. I just bought a pair of the new Campbell in the abstract wave print that are very "abstract nautical" and I think perfect for strolling in Miami. I know Disney is not Miami but I tend to pack too many shorts and freeze.
    We still have to take my daughter to Disney. I thought she had outgrown the whole Disney characters thing but she is has gone crazy for Frozen so if they had a Frozen-themed park I think we are going to take her. Let me know if you see some Frozen character (Olaf in particular) while you are there! Have a wonderful trip Wendy, what a great tribute to your dad!

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    1. thanks Ema - I actually need Capris, so may bite on those - do they fit TTS?

      The Frozen characters are at the Norway Pavillion and at the parade. I actually loved that movie!

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    2. Yes, TTS on me and real capri length. I know you are not on Instagram but I can send you a pic.

      Off to check the Norway Pavillon!
      I loved Frozen too and that song is one of the best songs EVER, I really hope it wins an Oscar (I am an hardcore U2 fan but Let it go is so much better)

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    3. Ema - I am on instagram under wendymacknight. I don't do much with it yet, but I ought to so send a pic! I do like those trousers! did you go regular or petite?

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  19. I think your choices will serve you well; you will be amongst the best dressed in Disneyland! I have not been for many years, but remember the Tower of Terror vividly-- sooo fun ( maybe that was Universal?).

    I am considering a road trip to FL with stops along the way, ending at the Gulf for a month. A Thelma and Louise without Louise. MLane is jealously encouraging me!

    Love that your trip will commemorate your dear Dad!

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    1. Lane love that! I would drive with you if I wasn't already going!!!

      Tower of Terror is at Disney and the kids already have their fast passes for it!

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  20. What a perfect destination and I love your dad is in his own way packing you all of on holiday. And how lovely is it to see colour in clothes, my feet are always a nightmare on holiday, over the years the thing that has worked best for me is really cheap fabric ballet shoes, that way no blisters, no rub marks.
    I always took a hoody too, I think it's impossible to look good all the time on hols

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    1. Tabs I think you are right - I will have my walking sneakers as well in case. Of course if the weather looks wretched then I will be frantically rethinking all of my choices!

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  21. Crickey, you're going for how long - a week? You'll never get to wear it all! I love the fact that you are remembering your dear dad in this way, be sure to wear a colour or a type of clothing that he liked to see you in. The outfit that you wore to visit Edit Wharton's house (lucky you) looks really nice, who needs a new hat when you've got that one. I suggest taking some big, chunky necklaces for evening to add to simple daytime clothing and some really feminine shoes after a day in sneakers!
    Have fun!

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    1. You are right - I will likely pair down in the end! The hat is gorgeous but not packable sadly - we drove there and it could sit in the backseat all by its lonesome, so needed a foldable, bendable hat!

      Good idea on chunky necklaces! We are thinking of taking a picture of my dad and doing a few selfies with him - wouldn't that be fun? And with Mickey! Dad and Mickey!

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  22. I like that put on the dog OOTD and the Land's End big sun hat a must for the Florida sun. No trips planned as of yet but you've got me thinking a golf junket to my father's home in Tampa would be a welcome respite from this brutal winter as yet another 8" of snow has fallen.

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  23. I am so glad that you and your family have planned such a wonderful trip. This long bout of snow and cold is wearing many me and I suspect many others down. Bur it is a lot of fun to read about your excitement and the tribute to you dear dad. As for packing, I am of absolutely no help to anyone. I too just wait for the forecast and try to plan for the probable temperatures. You look fantastic in your "dress up" outfit I need to do that more but the cold and sloppy weather are deterrents at the moment, I am crossing my fingers for lots of warmth and sun for you!

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    1. Thanks teacups! We have all been hunkering down this winter, myself included! I am sure a week in Florida is just the ticket...

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  24. What a nice way to remember your dad!

    I would suggest you bring a few warm clothes too. A few years back I was in Orlando in February and it was close to freezing morning and nights.

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Kindness is a virtue...