What to Wear When You Travel

Yesterday I wrote about what NOT to wear when you're traveling, specifically when you're flying; today let's talk about what you SHOULD be wearing.

Wear some socks. Please. Apparently the most effective way to combat terrorists is by making all of us take our shoes off at the security check point. I don't really buy this as a deterrent (if anything, the sight of my bunions just might make even a sane person want to commit an act of terrorism) but the rules are the rules and you will most likely be required to take your shoes off before you can get on the plane. I usually wear mules with toe socks; they are easy to slip on and off, and my toes don't touch the airport floor. I have friends who carry athletic socks in their bags and slip them on just for the security walk, which is another option. If you're really feeling brave you can go baretoes, but keep in mind that you may be randomly chosen for an EXTRA security check, and there you will be, with your toes hanging out while you get wanded. I suggest you go for socks.

Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off. Yesterday I said that I didn't want to be behind you in the security line if you were taking off all your jewelry; today I will say that I don't want to have to wait while you meticulously lace and tie your shoes. Slip ons! Please! (Also, apparently you don't want me behind you in line at the grocery if you're writing a check.)

Layer, layer, layer! This is the time of year when a two hour flight can take you from one weather extreme to another; rather than leaving Boston dressed for your Florida destination, which may make for a very chilly day of travel, layer up. If you're starting somewhere cold, for example, and ending up somewhere warm, think about wearing a tank or tee, a light sweater, and a light jacket with chinos (warmer than a skirt but not as warm as jeans). You can take the jacket off, and then the sweater, if need be (but make sure you have the right bra on under the tank or tee, please). Your carry on bag should be large enough to store at least the sweater, if not the sweater and the jacket. Going from warm to cold? Start with your jacket and sweater in your bag and put them on as needed.

Limit carry on luggage to ONE bag. ONE bag, not a purse AND a laptop bag AND a rolling suitcase. ONE BAG. This is both common courtesy and good fashion sense; you have two hands, so carrying three bags is a hassle. If you want to carry your luggage on with you, keep the total number of bags to two (suitcase and small purse or laptop bag). I check everything that I absolutely can't live without at the other end, which these days is pretty much just my glasses and my iBook. Carry medication with you. And it's nice to have a change of underwear and a toothbrush with you, just in case.

Here is the ultimate litmus test: if you had to spend two days in THIS outfit, carrying THIS bag, could you do it in relative comfort? If you dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes with some sort of socks, and keep your carried items to a minimum, you absolutely could.

Although I really hope you don't have to.

Continue reading . . .

What NOT to Wear When You Travel

I spent Friday flying, but because I am always thinking about you (you're welcome!) I treated it like a day of research; I read fashion magazines and scoped out what real people were wearing in the airports.

What I learned is that I really REALLY need a camera phone. Also, that too many of you (well, not YOU necessarily, because you've been paying attention) are making poor choices when it comes to basic travel wear. And that is NOT acceptable.

Here are some easy-to-remember rules about what NOT to wear when you fly.

No flip flops. I love flip flops; I have probably half a dozen pairs, everything from the chichi ribbon ones from J. Crew to the rubbery ones from Target. Right now I'm wearing a great pair with pretend diamonds on them. But right now I'm sitting on my sofa writing, not hauling my carry on bag through the Dallas Fort Worth airport. For travel days, leave the flip flops in your luggage; go with comfortable shoes that you can walk in. No, I'm not saying that you have to wear your running shoes--nice flats or loafers are fine. I usually fly in a pair of sturdy mules. Just wear something that you can get around in; the day that you choose flip flops (or stiletto heels!) will be the day that you have to make a tight connection, one that requires that you RUN from gate to gate. And don't even get me started about how terrible flip flops will be in the event of a crash. Don't tempt fate; wear proper shoes.

No complicated clothes. Short skirts, spaghetti strap tanks, long flowing dresses--all of these are hard to manage when you're traveling. Skip any top that will be pulled askew by your carry on bag; unless you are Jennifer Aniston, no one--NO ONE--on your flight wants to see your boobs. Or your stomach. Long full skirts are a hassle because they will get hooked on everything; short skirts will ride up and leave your bottom half exposed. Travel is hard enough these days with all the new FAA rules about what liquids you can carry; don't choose clothes that add to the struggle.

No big metal jewelry or belt buckles, because if I am behind you in the security line and I have to wait for you to take off ALL of your jewelry, there will be hell to pay, believe me. If you are concerned about packing your jewelry in your checked luggage, stash it in a quart-sized zip-lock bag in your carry-on. Better yet, carefully choose one or two signature pieces to wear for your ENTIRE trip, something that will go with every outfit you've packed. But for the love of all that is holy, don't wear anything that will slow you (or me!) down at the metal detectors. Really.

Finally, think carefully about white or light colored pants. I don't know about you, but I almost always spill something on myself when I'm traveling. Or I sit in something. Or I brush up against something. Or . . . you get the idea. It's nice to get to your destination looking relatively put-together, which is hard to do when you are rumpled and coffee stained. Dark pants can hide a multitude of sins, especially after a long day of airports.

Tomorrow: what you SHOULD wear when you travel. (Hint: you will have to take your shoes off at the security check point.)

Continue reading . . .

BlogHer Thursday: Budget Style

Because my kids need to eat.

Want to look great without spending every last dime? You CAN!

Find out how here.

I'll be on the road for the next few days, but I'll be back next week with strappy sandals and what to wear after a weight loss. Have a great weekend, and don't leave the house on those sweats. Please.

Continue reading . . .

Knee Sock it To Me

Susan -

SUPPOSE one were a youthful(ish) looking 35 year old. SUPPOSE one were in the middle of a weight loss regimen and started feeling a little small for your britches (har har) and wanted to try an occasional funky look to see what you can get away with. SUPPOSE one's calves were shapely but broad (weight loss be damned, they are broad) - not cankles mind you but broad at their curve below the knee. SUPPOSE one wanted to try the short skirt (not micro mini - not even mini-mini - just a knee length skirt)-with-knee-socks look that is going around.

Do you SUPPOSE one should have her head examined?

I see Molly Sims and Lindsay Lohan and Kirsten Dunst in this getup, all of whom weigh about as much as my left leg and are probably ten years younger than I am. This in itself is probably a giveaway but I wanted you to weigh in. It's the schoolgirl thing I think; I thought of substituting cowboy boots or below-knee black boots with a skirt... but I am not sure the effect is the same.

Your thoughts, please.
And a silly slap upside the head, perhaps, to go.

Thanks!
~Karyn

Karyn is on the right track; her suggestion that she pair boots of some type, with or without stockings, with a knee-length skirt is terrific. She could go with bare legs for a casual daytime look or fishnets for something a little sexier. Cowboy boots are more versatile than black dress boots; they are good paired with a lighter cotton or linen skirt, which is terrific for spring. And no, the effect is NOT the same, but that's a good thing. Trust me.

I have to give a hearty thumbs down to the short-skirt-and-knee-socks look for anyone over the age of twelve, including Molly Simms and Kirstin Dunst and Lindsay Lohan (who also doesn't wear UNDERWEAR with her short skirts and shouldn't be considered a style role model for ANYONE). We live in a culture that already overemphasizes (dare I say fetishizes?) youth, and the whole knee socks thing strikes me as one more way of infantilizing adult women.

Don't be fooled--dressing like a little girl won't give you back your youth. And thirty five is a great age--old enough to put on a little black dress and some beautiful shoes and a cocktail ring and sip a martini. Or to toss back a beer in your yoga pants while the kids run in the sprinklers. Either way, 35 is a great time to dress like an adult, which doesn't mean abandoning your sense of self and succumbing to the velour leisure suit.

Karyn should enjoy her new, healthier, smaller body; she should play up her legs in a way that is appropriate for an adult woman. With shorter skirts she can wear something with a kitten heel or, as she suggests, boots; both are a good grown-up that is fun and funky and age-appropriate.

But leave the knee socks for the 'tweens. Please.

Continue reading . . .

BlogHer Tuesday: Still Thinking About Weddings

Since we've dealt with the bride and her tattoo jewelry, let's decide what the guests should be wearing.

While many of the rules of wedding etiquette and attire have loosened up over the years, it is still not acceptable to wear an all-white dress or suit to someone else's wedding. Even if you KNOW that the bride is not wearing white, don't do it; it's just not good form.

Single Dress Kimono Dress, $268.00

Proving that the day dress doesn't have to be utilitarian: this beautiful kimono is sexy and chic. If you're really brave (and really tall) you could also wear this over jeans or leggings for an evening out with friends. For the wedding, however, wear simple black or taupe pumps, or even knee-high black boots.

More suggestions are here.

Continue reading . . .

Jewelry for the Bride

The very pretty Mir is getting married soon, and she has a very important question:

You've seen the picture of my wedding dress (deep, plunging halter neck). On the one hand, with a tie around the neck, I'm somewhat loathe to wear a necklace as well. On the other hand, hellooooooo vast expanse of neck and clavicle! I think it need something. But what?

Do advise, oh wise one.

I have seen Mir's wedding dress, and while I will not tell you any specifics (because that would be bad luck and bad form), let me say that it is lovely and she will be a beautiful bride.

Let me also say that I suggested she get a tattoo across her chest (maybe Otto's name and a heart?) but she rejected that suggestion. I can't imagine why.


Adriana Papell dress, $158.00

This is NOT Mir's dress, but the neckline is very similar: halter with a deep plunging V. The conventional wisdom is that one does NOT wear a necklace with a halter, because the point of the dress is the vast expanse of neck and clavicle, and because the necklace will be pinned under the halter, which is just awkward. Instead, a pair of drop earrings--either something simple or a more complex pair of chandeliers--compliments the neck without competing with it.

But that's not to say that Mir canNOT wear a necklace with her dress. She DOES need to choose something with a very delicate chain and a fairly small pendant. A thick chain will not lie properly under the halter, and a large pendant will compete with the beautiful neckline of the dress. But a simple piece, like this cross, will fill the space nicely.


Roberto Coin diamond cross, $400.00

She could chose something neutral, like the diamond cross, or something with a bit of color; the key is to keep the piece very small and delicate.

Finally, I am a sucker for jewelry with Meaning. I wore my grandmother's wedding ring on my wedding day, for example, because it seemed like a good omen. I happen to know that Mir has a diamond necklace that Otto gave her a while back, and I suggest that she try it on with her dress and see if it could possibly be the finishing touch she's looking for.

And there's always that tattoo . . .

Continue reading . . .

BlogHer Thursday: What to Wear to the Casual Friday Office

Regan wants to overhaul her work wardrobe, without spending a fortune.

I'm beginning to feel like I have no style and that I dress too old for my age (I'm 27). I still go in BR, but now when I look at the clothes all I can think is "Yeah it's cute, but I need about $100 worth of accessories to make it work." And since CA is way more expensive than New Orleans, I can't afford $100 worth of accessories for every outfit I own. I'm also thinking that the lack of style is making me look unprofessional and making it hard for my bosses to look at me as someone to promote. But, at the same time, I don't want to go overboard and be uber-professional and stick out in the office. (okay so there are only 3 of us in my office, but still).

Earrings available at Target

What should she do? Answer is here.

Continue reading . . .

Real People, Real Style: What I'm Wearing

I've been thinking quite a bit about personal style, about how we each define our personal style, and about how difficult it can be to find a style that works, from season to season and year to year. This week I sorted my summer clothes and found a funky bohemian tunic that I bought last summer because the funky bohemian tunic was so HOTT and when I saw them on other women they looked so GREAT and I wanted to look like they did. This particular shirt was beautiful--black with silver embroidery and beading--and I never wore it once.

So I washed it and put it on and wore it around the house for about an hour. The long hem made me extra conscious of my hips, and the deep V made me extra conscious of my boobs, and every time I passed a mirror I had to stop and pull it around so it was hanging better. It was incredibly frustrating and completely distracting.

I took it off and put it in the Give Away pile.


Wednesday, 14 March, 2007

This morning when I got dressed, I put on a black silk shell from J. Crew, green corduroy blazer and low rider skinny jeans, both from Old Navy, and silver leather thong sandals. I am entirely comfortable; I'm not pulling at my clothes or wondering if they make me look fat or frumpy or silly. The blouse is long enough to touch my waistband when I sit down; the jacket has some stretch and moves with me when I'm writing or unloading the dishwasher. The hem of my jeans is frayed (they were too long so I cut about three inches off, very carefully, with VERY sharp scissors) which keeps the outfit from being too dressy.

This is my style: preppy staples, pieces that cover my body and fit me well and look both timeless and funky. I use the J. Crew catalog as a wish book, perusing the outfits and then shopping other places for the same look. I've been doing this for nearly 20 years, and it has worked for me. When I've deviated from this look, to pursue trends that seemed more exciting than basic preppy, I've wound up looking like a candidate for What Not To Wear.

Now I need your help: I want to know about YOUR style. Do you have a personal style? How would you describe your style? Are you happy with it, or do you feel like you need an overhaul? What was your worst style error? What was your greatest success?

Tell me everything.

Continue reading . . .

BlogHer Tuesday: Great Dresses for Plus-Size Figures

Brandy wrote:

I am a plus size (size 16/18), curvy woman who finds it difficult to find dresses to wear that flatter my figure without making me look older than I am (32) and without making me look like I’m wearing either a sack or a muumuu. I have had some luck with a knit wrap dress, but was wondering what other styles I should look at, preferably in solid colors?

What should she wear? The answer is here.

Continue reading . . .

Cute Flats for Less

Last week I showed you all some beautiful printed ballet flats from J. Crew, and a couple of you said WELL SURE THEY'RE CUTE BUT MY KIDS NEED TO EAT! Kids. Sheesh.

I honestly believe that cute shoes and well fed children are not mutually exclusive pursuits, and to prove it, I have found you three pairs of REALLY CUTE ballet flats, all for under $70.00. You're welcome!


Me Too Nevada paisley flats, Nordstrom, $69.95 (note the nice supportive heel)


BP Edie plaid flat, Nordstrom, $44.95 (also available in green and espresso plaid)

Nordstrom is currently offering FREE shipping for any regularly priced shoe, although it is five to seven days before your shoes will arrive at your door.


SM New York Gigee silk flats, ShoeBuy, $39.99

There you go! Ballet flats that won't leave you serving Ramen Noodles for dinner! And, as always, remember the Zappos price match; I ordered the Me Too flats from them over the weekend, and while I only saved 80 cents, I got overnight shipping instead of five to seven business days. Seemed like a deal to me.

Continue reading . . .

What to Wear When You're Househunting

I'm so sorry to be neglecting you all (you're not wearing those sweatpants OUT today, are you? Oh my.) but I'm scrambling this week to get my house ready to list, which mostly means repeatedly calling the painters to say "Where is my ESTIMATE already?" and then calling my husband to say "OH MY GOD do you KNOW how much it will COST to get the damn house painted?!?"

Ahhh. Deeeeeep breaths.

While I'm gone, you can do some shoe shopping. Several of you have asked if it's possible to get great spring shoes without selling your firstborn, and fortunately the answer is yes! (Unless you want to trade your firstborn for some great flats, then have at it.) Endless currently has a deal where they will pay YOU $5.00 to overnight you a pair of shoes. Yes! But! Before you buy, you should price match at Zappos, which has a 110% price match guarantee--they will REFUND you 110% of the difference between THEIR price and any lower price you find.

The very pretty Mir has the details here. Also, if you really want to do a girl a favor, you could use the Zappos link at Want Not (over there, on the left) to place your order. Pretty please.

Now go! Shop for shoes! I'll be looking at houses.

Continue reading . . .

BlogHer Tuesday: "Disabled" and "Frumpy" Are Not Synonyms

Lo these many MANY months ago (seriously, it's embarrassing how long it takes me to answer my e-mail sometimes) the very lovely Rachel asked about how to be stylish on a scooter. No, not THAT kind of scooter; Rachel has health issues that make it difficult for her to get around, and she's been lucky enough to get a scooter to cruise around on during the day. She wrote:

I'm ok(ish) looking frumpy. I'm ok(ish) looking disabled. I'm NOT OK looking both.

There's no reason that being physically disabled means you can't be stylish; all Rachel needs is a strategy and some rules. So what did I recommend? The answer is here.

Continue reading . . .

Spring Shoes For All!

It's almost springtime, and while a man's fancy may turn to love, a woman's will most often turn to shoes. This spring, the flat is huge, which makes me happy because as much I like a beautiful heel, I live a flat shoes kind of life. Fortunately, flat doesn't necessarily mean level with the floor; this spring, some of the loveliest flat shoes have a slight heel, just enough to give the shoes a little omph and give your outfit a little edge.

Ballet flats are still everywhere, in beautiful colors and prints, and with wonderful embellishment. If you're looking for support, choose a ballet flat with a leather sole, which will be a little stiffer. I also put gel sole inserts in my ballet flats, which makes it less like I'm walking around in my bare feet all day. You nay need to go up a half size to do this; take your insoles with you when you try shoes on, or if you're shopping on line, order your normal size AND a half size up.


Lisette printed fabric ballet flat, J. Crew, $118.00

If the rounded ballet flat isn't working for you, take a look at some of the very cool blunt toe styles. Jessica Simpson has some spiffy blunt-toe flats out right now, as does Tyler by Richard Tyler. I like this as an option because the blunted toe can be either dressy or casual, particularly if you chose a shoe in a great fabric (pony hair is huge) or a cool pattern (quilted flats are always classic).

If you're in the market for something a little more substantial, look for a peep toe flat; these shoes often have a little heel, not much but more than a conventional flat flat. The peep toe also makes them a little dressier, perfect with skirts and capri pants.


Phoebe printed peep toe flats, J. Crew, $198.00

Look for a peep toe with a wee heel, to balance the open front, and with a little bit of embellishment (either great fabric or a bow or buckle at the toe). And please, be sure to pedicure before you peep.

Sporty flats are also everywhere this spring, which makes me thoroughly happy because I'm tired of seeing women in yoga pants and crappy running shoes, or--worse!--ballet flats. I appreciate the idea behind wanting to spiff up your yoga pants, but NOT with dressy shoes. Choose a sporty slip on, please, in a pretty color; this pair, from Sesto Meucci, would look terrific with yoga pants or jeans or capris.

Continue reading . . .

The Virtual Mail Bag

The other morning, my mother called and said, "I have a funny thing to tell you." Something--a magazine article or a show on TV--got her thinking about a necklace that my grandmother had given her, years ago, a choker length strand of big gum ball pearls, so she started looking around for it. "I looked everywhere," she said, "and I figured I must have given it away at some point.

"And then," she said, "I saw the picture on your blog."

Yes indeed, those are my mother's pearls. I offered to return them, but she said no, keep them. And I'll be wearing them all the time now.

Which brings me to the first question! Elizabeth wants to know, "What else do you wear big pearls like that with?? My husband gave me some for Christmas and now I don't know what to wear them with! Help!"

The short answer is, EVERYTHING. For evening, Elizabeth can wear them with a dress or a sweater or a blouse; I wore the exact same necklace to a cocktail party last weekend with a V neck black sweater and a beaded skirt. For everyday, she can wear them with a t-shirt or a tank top, a pair of jeans, and a structured jacket, or a pretty cardigan sweater. Yesterday I wore a cashmere cardigan, a white ribbed tank and my skinny jeans; I threw on my leopard ballet flats and a choker-length string of smaller pearls for a kind of funky retro look. Steer clear of the June Cleaver look, though; if you're wearing a twin set, for example, or a day dress, pearls are not the best accessory. But a great string of pearls is a fun way to liven up the Mom Uniform (capris and tee).

Okay! Next question!

Pamela wrote to ask about coats: "For those of us who are still experiencing the arctic chill (high of 3 degrees here today!), can you give some pointers for coat lengths? For long skirts and dresses, should I be wearing only a full length coat or is a knee length okay? For pants, does any length work?"

The best possible coat length, for any shape and size, is something that hits just at the knee. If you are on the very tall side, you can go with a coat that falls below the knee, but for the most part, something in a three quarter length is the most versatile. A very long coat can swallow even the slimmest woman, but a great three-quarter length creates a nice long line.

If you don't like the hem of your skirt hanging below the hem of the coat, choose something that hits just below the knee, OR go with a shorter coat, something that hits at the hip. HOWEVER, if you have some junk in the trunk, a cropped coat will call attention to that. A longer coat will give you a longer line.

I have two winter coats, one with an empire waist, and another that is cut like a military trench, with a belt. The trench looks best with skirts because the nipped waist balances the skirt hem, while the A line coat is great with pants. The empire waist is flattering for women who are heavier on the bottom, while something with a nipped in waist is great for girls who have a little more on top.

Is this a good time to mention that it's in the 60s here today? But windy! Very windy!

Coming next week: spring shoes, plus size dresses, and the new Pantone color palette for fall 07.

Continue reading . . .

Trend Watch: High Waisted Jeans

Those of you who have been lamenting the ubiquity of the low-rise jean can take heart! High waisted jeans are back for fall 2007. And when I say "high waisted," I don't mean just above the navel; apparently, the waistband will hit just below your bra.


Diesel jeans.

Becky Viera, spokesperson for Chip and Pepper, pooh poohed the idea that "high-waisted" equals "Mom jeans." Of course, she also described the jeans by saying, "It’s almost a built-in girdle."

I don't know about you all, but I will be stocking up on low-rider jeans. Pronto.

Continue reading . . .