EXTREME VERSATILITY

I am off on a short trip again, a last hurrah for the summer.  My packing rule - versatility.

What I really would like is Donna Karan's Infinity Dress, introduced many years ago.  Or something from Rick Owens.  But that is for someone whose budget differs largely from mine.

Donna Karan's Infinity Dress, worn so many ways

So my version is the Lilla P "Origami Wrap" (though there are many other designers with their own version).  It goes from cardigan, to draped jacket, to halter top, to long-sleeved T, ...  The list is as endless as your origami skills.  See the demo video from Lilla P's website:





Here are just a few of my favorite looks from this piece:

Twisted jacket

Rear view, tied in the back like a bustle

Worn as a halter top
Can be tied front or back

One piece, multiple uses. As handy for travel as a Swiss Army knife.  And it fits, rolled up, inside your purse.

TRAVELING: WEEKEND STYLE

I'm off to LA this weekend.  I am so determined to just have carry-on!  You know how much space several pairs of shoes take in the roller case ...

Aside from the old trick of stuffing accessories into the shoes, I decided on using my day-to-night BCBG suede jacket.  It has some cool geometric accents.  Plus, I go crazy over anything with zippers.

BCBG faux suede jacket
from BCBG. com

BCBG faux suede jacket
from BCBG.com

It's sleek and fitted and goes marvelously with bright colors -- so yes, I get to use red, green, even purple with it.  I'll probably head to the airport in a red knit top plus denim skirt.  Also packing some spandex capris too for the weekend in red and black.

On the itinerary is the Rodarte exhibit at the Pacific Design Center.  Can't wait!

I'll see you all next week ...

SLOPE STYLES

Some lucky folks are hitting the ski slopes this winter.  Often, regular skiwear is all you need from the time the lifts open through dinner at the Village.  However, other slopes require a little more wardrobe planning.  If you happen to be heading there, keep scrolling.

Bogner Sport Ski 2011
slope wear

A ski line enjoying a sudden wave of popularity right now is Moncler.  The French skiwear company originated in 1952 but became popular among young Italians in the '80s.  Most of us think of Moncler as synonymous with the puffy, down jacket.  (In the US, rap artists even made wearing the Sleeping Bag Look cool.)  In recent years, Moncler has collaborated with designer, Giambattista Valli, to create the Gamme Rouge collection.  

Now THIS is different (apres) ski wear!

How do you turn a sleeping bag into a couture item?

Moncler Duvet
Gamme Rouge Winter 2010

Moncler Duvet
Gamme Rouge Winter 2010

Valli seems to have figured that one out.  These might be so warm, toasty, and oh so fashionable, you forget to put your skis on.

Happy Holidays to you Stylish Ladies!

(I may not be able to blog until January)

MAXIMIZING MINIMALISM

I am heading for family gatherings in the tropics this holiday.  Too bad I am not a member of the Jet Set that Resort Wear was originally designed to clothe.

Packing means practical clothes that accommodate city days and nights yet can be versatile enough for island jaunts.   Luggage constraints also call for serious wardrobe editing.  I have no choice.  Simplicity is the only way to go.

(Following 4 photos from Celine Resort 2011)

Day-to-night, city or trendy resort

For style inspiration, who better to do Simple and Minimal than Phoebe Philo for Celine?  What a genius -- making simplicity utterly fashionable again.  I dig through my closet for all things minimal.  (I don't find much.)

Versatile looks in their simplicity

Love this column gown!
Goes from city party to fancy resort dinner

Minimal style is only one variable.  Fabric choice is also key for versatility.  Knit or stretch blend fabrics combat wrinkles and high maintenance steaming or ironing.  

Though not minimalist, Vionnet has neutral, relaxed dresses in their Resort collection.  The sassy draping is hip for the city, yet, it is easy enough to throw into a weekend beach bag.  You can also find budget-friendly versions of this style.  (It's harder to get away with cheap Minimalism.)

Vionnet Resort 2011

I guess the Jet Setters from days of old had their own kind of simplicity too.

The original Jet Set

(from Frances McLaughlin-Gil, Conde Nast Archives)

If Minimalism is too much for you, a little rebellion doesn't hurt.  I'm still taking tough boots and a few prints with me.

Burberry Prorsum Winter 2010
Toughen up a pretty dress with black boots

Enjoy the holidays! 

TRAVEL: ANTIDOTE TO THE GREYS

I'm packing up for Thanksgiving Week in Seattle.  The capital that gave us Grunge also happens to be grey and damp at this time of year.  So I dig through my closet for the easiest antidote:  COLOR!  

The biggest impact comes from the overcoat.  Updating the old overcoat is a cinch.  Hint: it's all about accessories.  Pack several knit scarves.  Also, suede, clog boots with tassels feel just right in Seattle.

Knit scarf: frilly/multi-colored/multi-textured
Any scarf can update an old coat

Another option:  a vintage wool coat acquires Style with a fur collar.  To avoid the time warp feeling, mix it with hip boots.  Or, you could really update it with a wide, brown, leather belt.  Go waist-to-waist with Michelle Obama.

Vintage coat gets Style from the  collar

I showed this ladylike coat last Easter.  I plan to winterize it with a nearly-black fur collar.

Change the look on
this Easter coat by adding a
nearly black, fox fur collar

What do I pack to wear underneath the coat?  Most likely sweater dresses (great for wrinkle-free packing) with black, cable knit tights like the look from Anthropologie I posted last week Transition Weather Looks:

Anthropologie, October 2010 catalog

That about fills up my suitcase.  Now to work on my books and magazines ...

TRAVEL YOGA

I am on another trans-Pacific trip and remembered to share another travel trick to avoid swollen ankles and aching backs.

On long flights, it is convenient to book the Bulk Head seats so you have room to stretch and move around. This is particularly important if you are crunched up in Economy Class, but works as well in Business or First Class cabins.  I use this space for a little airplane yoga.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)
from yogajournal.com

I am an active person, and especially as a dancer, feel extremely uncomfortable being immobile for any length of time.  With the extra room at Bulk Head, I can do simple versions of Sun Salutations, calf stretches, even narrow lunges to get the blood moving! 

Deep Lunge, from wholeliving.com

You can do a shortened version of Downward Dog by facing your seat, folding at your waist and holding the armrests to lengthen your back and get a little hamstring and calf stretch.  There is room for a Standing Forward Fold.  You can do alternating leg Calf Raises for exercise.  In a pinch, I have stretched my legs in front of my face right in my seat.

Forward fold right in your seat
from yogalifestyle.com

There is no need to be shy. You can do this in the dark while other passengers are asleep. Believe me, even in full view, I have found other passengers look and then copy me! 

Given all this movement on board, remember to dress in knit or other stretchy garments for greater comfort.

PACIFIC COAST STYLE: AMERICAN CHIC

I'm heading down the California Coast beginning with Monterey Bay - the backdrop to John Steinbeck's "Cannery Row"  -  through the charming town of Carmel to the rugged beauty of Big Sur.  The Beat Generation's Jack Kerouac immortalized Big Sur in his writings too.

Big Sur, CA (from myfreewallpaper.net)

On the Coast, activities range from outdoorsy treks by the beach to world class wining and dining.  This makes packing a bit complicated.   Did I mention that the Coast can be cold and foggy in the middle of summer too?  It will be in the 50s to 60s Farenheit this July, colder if we are in the middle of the ocean spotting humpbacks.

Jeans and sturdy shoes can take care of horseback riding and trekking.  What about the evenings when the local Inn offers its wine and cheese reception, or when we stroll by the many acclaimed restaurants in Carmel?  This calls for ...

AMERICAN CHIC
Rugged fabrics like denim, though perhaps in white or as a skirt, and camel-colored leathers or suedes nod to Carmel's most famous resident, Clint Eastwood.  Vogue's fashion editor, Tonne Goodman, also embodies this effortless American style:

model as Tonne Goodman, Vogue August 2008

Here are a few ideas of the mix of fabrics and styles that can bring on this look:

Camel sweater jacket with fur and denim trim
White jeans contrasted with denim wedges with suede bow

White V-neck tops suede pants
Cropped denim jacket and denim shoes finish it

You can play around with the fabrics in unexpected places - like suede pants, or denim shoes.

Note:  To make legs look longer in either ensemble, swap the contrast shoes for a pair of neutrals, like camel-colored suede booties.

AIRPORT ZEN

I just got back to California from Asia and have to share a new travel trick.

Thai massage

Most airports now have massage areas - either chair or table massages - to while away the time at the airport.  But far from being a lazy luxury, massage actually helps a lot during a long flight.  Due to my improved circulation, this was the first time I had a 10+ hour flight where my legs did not get swollen nor my back uncomfortable.

My sister and I had one-hour full body massages on tables, fully-clothed.  The masseuses performed shiatsu treatment, particularly on the back and legs, as well as a variation of Thai massage stretching the arms, legs and back.  The deep stretches felt like a pre-flight yoga class.  They also did lightly-oiled massages on the neck, scalp and face which were so relaxing.

If you can't get a massage at the airport prior to a long flight, working out before you head to the airport achieves similar results.

Addendum:  Another benefit is that I did not experience jet lag for the first time after that trans-Pacific flight!  The healthful effects of the massage extended into a restful flight and a good night's sleep back in my own bed.

Happy Travels!

AIRPORT STYLE

I have to go travel again - this time, at the very last minute with only a few hours to prepare and heading for a tropical climate.  I have never packed so quickly in my life.  I reduced my color palette to black, white and turquoise for simplicity.

My airport outfit was probably the easiest to put together.

Celebrity airport styles from truejeans.com

Though I am not a celebrity-style tracker, I thought it apt to show how they dress for the airport.  I tend to follow the same basics:  stretchy jeans, big scarf, light jacket, comfortable boots, and the roller case.

All aboard!

TRAVEL TRICKS

Travel Style dilemma:  You only want carry-on luggage to avoid checked bag fees.  How many outfits can you fit in?

The trick is to make what you have work twice (or thrice) as hard.  We begin with a basic travelling dress:  a fitted sheath in a stretch fabric blend for comfort.  The light ruching on the side adds soft drape.

Airport to Lunch

For the airport, comfort is key:

• Throw on a knit, like this cotton capelet
• Distressed leather shoes are surprisingly comfortable with the platform style and thick, rubber soles
• Ballet flats work just as well and make it easy to put your shoes through security
• The look can go straight from the airport to a lunch appointment or casual meeting.

For your evening look, 

Evening Outfit

• Switch to a stretch, marabou bolero for packable, evening glam
• A wide, accent belt cinches your waist
• Black, suede booties with ruching and a bow finish the look
• The booties can work the next day with black cigarette pants

If you don't want to accent your waistline, a long scarf wound around is flattering.  A structured blazer on top can also make your look office-worthy.

Geometric cut-outs on suede, peep-toes & buckles on leather

These are tried and tested.  I just came from a 3-day trip with workout clothes, 2 casual, 2 daytime and 2 nighttime outfits, all within one roller case.  Airlines can't keep you from being chic!

TRAVEL PRO

Are you a frequent traveller?  Do you miss your regular beauty and skin care products whenever you are away?

I used to travel every week, and even now, frequently travel overnight once a month.  You don't have to sacrifice your beauty routine even with the new, restrictive baggage rules:

• Next time you are replenishing your skin care products at the Department Store, ask for samples that suit your skin
• You can get samples of your make-up too: foundation, eyeshadows, blush, lipstick, mascara - all in travel sizes
• The perfume counter also gives sample sizes of your scents.  It's great not to have to carry a heavy bottle that spills.
• If you like scented candles while you take a bath in the hotel tub, there are 2" versions of scented candles.  Just wrap it in tissue paper first before rolling a belt or socks around it in your luggage.

So don't be shy.  Ask for those samples!  The sales staff are happy to give it away.