How much clothing did your wife bring?

[viking]

I am interested to know how much of her own clothes did your wife bring to her new home. My fiancee insists that one large bag is enough, yet I have seen women bringing in sometimes 3-4 bags of clothing. I know that I will be buying some things here, but until everything settles in, I am expecting her to have enough clothing to get through at least one change of season ( end of winter, spring) before we hit the stores. Am I out of touch here? Can both the ladies and men give me some feedback? Thanks.

[ECOCKS]

Viking:

I "suggested" she cull her clothing inventory but also told her we would bring over whatever she felt was necessary. The result was the first trip she brought one large suitcase, over-packed at about 26-28 kilos. The second trip she brought two large suitcases (again in the 26-28 kilo range) but in both trips not everything was clothing-related. She brought her painting gear and equipment (easels, brushes, portfolios, previous work, etc.) as well as personal momentoes like photos, a few personal items, etc. Fortunately the third trip will be made with a much better knowledge of what clothing she can find here and all the electronics are no use of course. I expect one bag, normally loaded. So that would total 4 bags in all, maybe 2 and a half or 3 bags of clothing.

BTW, she brought only the shoes she was wearing on the second trip and only 3 pair the first. She vastly prefers our shoes here to the ones back there as better value, style and comfort.

[Gylden]

Viking,
I'd like to take this opportunity to give you a warning and a little advice from my corner.

Warning: Maybe not so good idea to get between a woman of any nationality and her clothes.  

Advice: If you are concerned about her being a "clothes horse" maybe it is better that she is thinking small and doesn't have the clothes/desire to bring more than one suitcase.

 

[Chicagoguy]

My wife is small woman and could not handle anything more than 2 decent size bags. As it turned, out she really didn't have enough. But lucky for me she is not fussy so it was off to Kohls and Target for more. I am not complaining. She is coming back on Sunday after a visit so now that she has seen our styles I am sure she will bring a few more items.

But baggage charges now can be terrible. It is a problem.

[Boethius]

Am I out of touch here? Can both the ladies and men give me some feedback? Thanks.

Yes, you are absolutely out of touch.  The style of dress is different and, while women enjoy individual style, most don't like to stick out.  Any women's winter clothing is now on sale, and spring clothing is on the racks.

[GQBlues]

Viking-

Maybe I don't need to ask this but I felt compelled to just to make sure...

Are you more concerned about the possibility of her lugging more bags around than she needs to during her flight, or is your concern lie more in line with the less clothes she brings, the more expense you'll likely face?

[kievstar]

Regarding clothes my wife brought three bags over on first visit.  I went with her to help her.  Her second trip she went back with two bags with one empty.  She returned with two  full bags.  

Styles change often (seasonal, regional, age, etc.) and my wife likes shopping.  Certain things Ukraine is more stylish than USA on when it comes to shopping.

Baggage charges are not that much I would not worry about the cost. What is a couple hundred dollars. But if you want to save money cheaper for her to bring her old clothes and pay baggage charges  rather than for her to reload.

[Boethius]

Certain things Ukraine is more stylish than USA on when it comes to shopping.

That depends on where you live.  I believe viking is in New York, which is the world's fashion, and shopping, capital.  

[Misha]

Can both the ladies and men give me some feedback? Thanks.

My wife took the maximum allowed by the airlines at the time: two bags weighing no more than 30kg. Then, when she went on a second trip 2.5 years later, she returned with what remained.

[viking]

GQ
Since I am going over there to pick her up, I will have only a one night stay and will be traveling ultra light, I can take one of her bags (if she packs two) as my own on the return. I dont consider her a clothes horse, but to be blunt, yes, the less she brings, the more I will need to buy has crossed my mind.

[tfcrew]

Consider what it would be like to pick up and carry everything you have with you to a foreign country.

The round trip tickets are usually good until the 90 day visa is up.
What guarantee does she have that her decision to accept the invitation to come was not a mistake?

So, the less brought..the less one has to return with.

[viking]

That depends on where you live.  I believe viking is in New York, which is the world's fashion, and shopping, capital.  

Yes, I am in New York. Walking down 5th Avenue is going to be interesting. I will have to remind her that anythting that sounds Italian will most likely not be in our budget!

[tfcrew]

Since I am going over there to pick her up...

I think that should be a requirement..the guy's presence at the interview.

[viking]

Consider what it would be like to pick up and carry everything you have with you to a foreign country.

The round trip tickets are usually good until the 90 day visa is up.
What guarantee does she have that her decision to accept the invitation to come was not a mistake?

So, the less brought..the less one has to return with.

Good Point. But I hope a return ticket will not be needed for some time.

[Blues Fairy]

I think that should be a requirement..the guy's presence at the interview.

Why?

[Blues Fairy]

My husband never bought me any clothes.  I brought a suitcase of clothes with me (the other two, brought on two previous trips, were books, music, skiing gear etc) and after 2+ years, I still wear most outfits from that suitcase.   Plus, I bought clothes and shoes out of the cash allowance he gave me and when I started working, out of my paychecks.  A special budget was set up for my very-pregnant outfits, but I only needed a few things since I got plenty from my friends who already had kids.

But Raleigh, NC does not really require major outfit upgrades.  My high heels brought from Moscow still collect dust in the closet.

[tfcrew]

 Why  ..I think that should be a requirement..the guy's presence at the interview?

Another topic for another thread.
If I were the lady, that's how I would want it.
Takes the 'mail order bride' idea out of the equation.
Should improve the sincerity view of the proposal.
When a guy goes on a date, does he have her dad drop her off at his house? Just me.

Back to the clothing supply..My wife got her first job at the local thrift store..she never ran out clothes

[Vaughn]

I know that I will be buying some things here, but until everything settles in, I am expecting her to have enough clothing to get through at least one change of season ( end of winter, spring) before we hit the stores.

Wishful thinking, Viking. Odds are it won't happen that way. My money says she'll want to hit those stores much
sooner - and not just by virtue of being in fashionable New York. I hate to generalize, but I will - and this may
offer you some measure of comfort: there are many FSU ladies here in Charlotte. Nearly every one we've come
to know share a distinct love of "the bargain"....  upon arrival, she will sniff out store locations. When possible,
even if by foot - she will check them out. The clearance racks become her magnet - and she'll be delighted to
see her size remains available and in abundance.

I believe it was at the one year mark that I noticed Elvira no longer wore any of the clothing she brought along
from Russia. What gathered dust here was her sewing machine - her ability to craft dresses and suits professionally
remains intact - but as she says, "Raw materials here cost more than the outfits that so many retailers are willing
to give away..."

Since your lady won't be able to work (at least not on the books) when she first arrives, you'll probably have to
set her up with an allowance as Blues Fairy mentioned. I never expected Elvira to spend this on the basics like
food, supplies, etc...  but on herself. That's just me. What I did notice was she tended to come home with bags
full of blouses, pants, skirts and so forth for prices I found hard to believe. Somehow my wife, bless her - managed
to keep in style without busting our budget. Ladies here also network via phone - and sound alarms when a major
retailer starts marking down.

We had dinner with boaterguy last weekend. He and I were comparing notes on this very matter - and I showed
him the pair of light woolen slacks I was wearing, made in Canada, excellent quality, that Elvira virtually stole for
the sum of seven dollars. LOL!

[Markus]

I took 2 large duffle bags to help my wife bring her clothes to the U.S. Those 2 bags are still in Russia.
She basically had 1 suitcase and part of my suitcase. That was it. If she says 1 suitcase is enough,
she's probably correct.

Mark

[Rutherford]

I have  dated 2 ladies from FSU , both had very few clothes to start  with ,  my wife bought a cheap large  suitcase  stuffed with 5  pair of shoes  and clothes  and  , hmm , I forget what else  .

I just talked to my wife , she says , let her bring as many clothes as she can , especially pantyhose   , I guess there are no good pantyhose   here in America .
The   American dress style is completely different than Europe .
She may have a very hard time finding   clothes that is similar  to   what's in Russia  .
My wife has a friend that spends time in NYC  , shopping  and   says  there's nothing similar  to Russia  .
In fact , my wife's friend   just returned from Chelny   and  comments on   the vast difference in style compared to N Jersey  and  the   change in Chelny since  she left there 1.5 years ago .
Pantyhose pantyhose is all I hear from my wife , no good quality here .

Americans do dress like *snip*t  ,lacking  style  , and she  has  got me dressing up  too  , I dress nice now ,  it's ether   look like  a slob with a  beautiful lady in high heels or join her club .  I joined her club . Even when we go to Home Depot  she dresses like a model , and I say , " honey , we are going to a hardware store , do you really need high heels  ?"  , yes , she does   , so I take off my pioneer shorts and   put on CLEAN long pants  with nice dress shirt and go buy   more stuff to remodel our home , we are 1 of the best dressed couples   around , thanks to Larisa
I have these shorts she calls "pioneer  shorts " , she's embarrassed  when I wear  them  , they are kinda short  .

I love my wife

[GQBlues]

GQ
Since I am going over there to pick her up, I will have only a one night stay and will be traveling ultra light, I can take one of her bags (if she packs two) as my own on the return. I dont consider her a clothes horse, but to be blunt, yes, the less she brings, the more I will need to buy has crossed my mind.

Viking-

Understood. I thought I was diligent in my budgeting during that time, yet despite being so, it was still a concern. I think that's relatively normal.

IME, my wife had a suitcase with her when she came so I was fully prepared for the inevitable. But in hindsight, looking at her closet today - the process really wasn't bad. I will admit however that my wife was largely responsible for it than I was/am. She was careful, considerate, and diligent. For a short time, she even developed a love affair with ROSS.

My advice? Discuss it with your fiancee. Get her feedback and you're likely to get a better bearing on what you can expect, or would like to steer to.

As for the NY factor, LOL, I don't know how you'll be able to keep yourself from taking her for a stroll down 5th Avenue when she arrives. When my wife, MIL, and SIL first walked into Nordstrom, they bailed out like bats out of hell after MIL took a peek at the prices. She looked a like mother rushing her kids to safety and out of harm's way with fear in her eyes. LOL. Left a lasting impression on wifey.

You'll have to leave certain things to chance and let it play itself out sometimes. These are the very moments you're suppose to enjoy. Answers to many questions will be found on the wayside and along the way.

[brave girl]

But lucky for me she is not fussy so it was off to Kohls and Target for more.

I say you unbelievable!!.     brave girl

[Doll]

I am interested to know how much of her own clothes did your wife bring to her new home. My fiancee insists that one large bag is enough, yet I have seen women bringing in sometimes 3-4 bags of clothing. I know that I will be buying some things here, but until everything settles in, I am expecting her to have enough clothing to get through at least one change of season ( end of winter, spring) before we hit the stores. Am I out of touch here? Can both the ladies and men give me some feedback? Thanks.

I guess it depends on what a man can afford. I was told by my fiancee to not bring much clothing, just a couple of items. I was able to shop and drive right away ) had money (access to his checking account) and a car. He did limit the weakly amount to be spend.
I had a boy with me so we also shopped for him- the whole wardrobe ( it was not "included" in this allowed amount). Everything- jeans, tops, coats,etc.

[Doll]

 But lucky for me she is not fussy so it was off to Kohls and Target for more. I am not complaining.  
 

Yeah- God bless her!
Hehe Walmart was my first shopping target. Then Target. Also, tried Kohls. All the three are in the past  

[Faux Pas]

Regarding clothes my wife brought three bags over on first visit.  I went with her to help her.  Her second trip she went back with two bags with one empty.  She returned with two  full bags.  

Styles change often (seasonal, regional, age, etc.) and my wife likes shopping.  Certain things Ukraine is more stylish than USA on when it comes to shopping.

Baggage charges are not that much I would not worry about the cost. What is a couple hundred dollars. But if you want to save money cheaper for her to bring her old clothes and pay baggage charges  rather than for her to reload.

That largely depends on where she is flying from and what airlines. Two overweight suitcases from Siberia to the US can run upwards 5-600 bucks. Several trips on my return I was nailed for 200 on S-7 and then again for 100 or so on American. That was just one suitcase with minimal clothes and gifts (wine and vodka).

Although I made sure my wife had the money and I insisted she pack two suit cases to be sure she'll feel comfortable with the clothes she brought I also told her she can pack light and we'd buy her whatever she needs when she gets here. She packed light and very carefully weighing two suit cases to not overload. And true to my word she has been shopping numerous times for nothing but her wardrobe. Luckily for me she is one extremely thrifty shopper but, it wouldn't matter as I give her no limit and a gold card.

Actually, I could only go once with her as I am not patient enough to shop with her but it all works out. My daughter loves to shop and loves to take my wife and they have become the very best of friends. Not because of the shopping but it was the catalyst for their "bonding".

Viking, I advise bite the bullet. Let her bring what she will and prepare to let her shop when she arrives. You'll want her to look good but more importantly, feel good about herself and her move. Fashionable clothes will help with that.