How I Rebuilt My Wardrobe After My Luggage Was Lost in Italy, Part 1

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Why Was Your Trip To Italy Especially Meaningful? How Does Your Grandmother Connect To It?

The trip to Italy was significant because it was a girls’ trip with close friends who support each other, both personally and professionally. Additionally, it held personal meaning as it connected to my grandmother, who was from Italy and was my first style icon. She embodied elegance and was a trailblazer, working during a time when it wasn’t common for women, which inspires my mission to empower women.

What Happened When You Arrived In Italy And Realized Your Luggage Was Missing?

Upon arriving in Florence, I discovered my luggage hadn’t made it. Despite filing a claim, I was not optimistic about its arrival, especially since my Delta app indicated it was still in Paris. This realization prompted me to devise a plan for the trip without my luggage.

What Did You Have With You, And What Did You Need To Replace?

I had minimal items: tennis shoes, a change of clothes, pajamas, and underwear. This experience taught me to rethink what to pack in a carry-on. I needed to build a capsule wardrobe for the six days, relying on my knowledge as a personal stylist to create a functional and stylish collection of clothes.

How Did The Weather And Your Trip Plans Influence Your Shopping Choices?

Italy was experiencing a heatwave, which made lightweight and breathable clothing essential. The trip involved a lot of walking and a few dressier events, so I needed versatile, comfortable outfits suitable for both hot weather and various activities.

How Did Knowing Your Colors Help You Narrow Down Your Shopping Choices?

Understanding my color palette helped me quickly identify which colors flatter me and avoid those that don’t. I focused on neutrals like ivory and blues, which allowed for easy mixing and matching, a strategy I teach my clients to optimize their wardrobes.

How Did Knowing Your Body Shape Affect Your Clothing Choices?

Familiarity with my body shape guided me to choose silhouettes that are most flattering, like straight-leg pants, instead of trendy wide-leg styles that don’t suit me. This understanding helped me avoid wasting time and money on clothes that wouldn’t work for my shape.

How Did Your Personal Style Influence Your Shopping Decisions?

My personal style, which leans towards free-spirited and feminine details, guided me to choose stores and pieces that reflected this aesthetic. I focused on accessories like statement earrings to enhance outfits, demonstrating how small details can transform a look.

How Do You Avoid Panic Buying In A Situation Like Losing Your Luggage?

Having a clear shopping plan and list helps prevent panic buying. By knowing exactly what I needed for each event, I could stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases, similar to having a grocery list to prevent impulse buys when shopping hungry.

What Did This Experience Reinforce About The Importance Of Knowing What Works For You?

The experience underscored the necessity of having a clear understanding of what works for your body, style, and colors. This clarity allows for efficient shopping, saving time and money by honing in on pieces that truly work for you.

What Happened With Your Suitcase Eventually?

The suitcase arrived the night before I was scheduled to leave Florence, just in time to avoid it being left behind in Italy. Although it was a stressful situation, it ended well, and I returned home with both my luggage and some unique Italian pieces.

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Former litigation attorney speaking to women attorneys at professional development program

Hi, I'm Estelle Winsett

I help attorneys, executives, and entrepreneurs align their style with their expertise—so they can show up with confidence, command the room, and lead without compromise.

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