The Many Uses Of Shawls

There were many colorful shawls for sale on the street, by street vendors. And they were reasonable in price.

As if by some unspoken agreements, most of the ladies in the group bought some of those beautiful shawls.


But I want to tell you ladies, that is a great way to dress up a bit while traveling.


You see, we have to pack light. Our painting gears take up a lot of space in our luggage, especially for an oil painting workshop. You are on a two-week-long trip and you do need clean clothes. If you are on the move all the time, there was not much chance to do laundry. So, for special occasions, a little black dress with a splash of color of the shawl makes dressing up simple and effective. The shawls take up very little space in the suitcase. Or, black pants and black top would work instead of the little black dress.

Pack a lot of underwear. Old ones that you can wear and throw away. Don't laugh. It works!
This way you have space in your suitcase for souvenirs even!

After traveling a fair number of times overseas, I am pretty good on packing light, believe me.

Here are some other uses for the shawl.
If you have a cashmere one, it would be wonderful. Or a nice acrylic one would work. 
It can keep you warm if there is a change in the weather. 
Roll it up, you have a soft pillow. 
Throw it over your black dress, you are ready to party. A pair of pearl earrings will be icing on the cake!

Always pack a jacket. You never know how the weather would be. One time I went to Hong Kong, thinking that I would not need anything heavy since I was to be in the sub-tropicals. Wrong. The weather turned cold.

Layer. Layer. Layer.

You don't have to have everything matching, matching. But, it helps if you don't have too many wild colors either, unless you are super good at mix and match. Besides, it you are a painter, bright colored clothing is not good for painters - they distort our sense of judging the colors on the canvas because of the reflective lights. Yes, the color of your clothing will reflect onto the canvas, even some on to the palette. Wear dark or medium dark clothing, non-reflective ones, while you are painting.
Trust me. 
Have comfortable walking shoes!
Don't forget you trusted shawl, ladies!