Friday, December 19, 2008

Holiday Travel Tips

Happy Holidays!

Not all of you can be as lucky as I am: I have a 17 hour drive prior to celebrating the holiday with my family. So how do I rock that drive and arrive looking lovely?

Tip #1:
The Scarf.
I have this great scarf I bought during my last trip to France. It's meant to be worn wrinkled. When you wash it you actually let it dry crumpled in a knot, practically impossible to ruin its look and nothing says "Oh look, I'm all dressed up." like a scarf does.

Hide a wrinkled top, hide a stain from the 3 gallons of starbucks you needed to consume to make the drive, hide a missing button, and still look pulled together and dressed up. Scarves have been my secert weapon for years.

You don't need a wrinked scarf either, you can use almost any type. My favorite ones are long and can be worn a variety of ways. I usually prefer scarves that have nice texture, they stand up well on those long car rides as well as at the airport during those long holiday lay overs.

Tip #2
Wrinkle resistant clothes.
Traveling is not the time to put on your best silk that wrinkles as soon as you take it off your hanger. When you have a flight or a long drive ahead of you, think about the business casual part of your wardrobe. Think about colors and textures that you can wear all day at work that still look great at your 4:30 pm meeting with major clients. Those are the clothes that will travel well. And you probably the perfect outfit in your wardrobe right now.

Tip #3
Comfortable Shoes.
This is the time to ditch the heels and got for the most comfortable shoes you have. When flying I prefer to wear shoes that slip on and off of my feet easily for airport security check points. I also like to be sure I have really comfortable shoes when I'm driving. When I need to take a break I pull over at a rest area and do a little power walking, it's refreshing and great for your circulation.

Another secret tip (whether I drive or fly) is that I keep my heels in the outside pocket of my bag so when I arrive at my destination I can slip off my travel shoes, slip on my heels, and I'm ready to go.


Although my drive is longer than most I am still really looking forward to seeing my family and life long friends in Virginia as well as the wonderful man I am dating in Philadephia on my way back home. I wish I had time to see my extended family and all of my friends all over the world so for any of you I am not able to see, please know that I am thinking of you this holiday season and sending you lots of love.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Great Style for the Holidays

With all the Holiday Parties, Family Gatherings and upcoming events this season comes the question: What do I wear?

Most of my family celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah and there are always lots of events to attend including of course the Holiday Office Party. While these events can be as different as night and day I have found a few simple rules to stick to that really help this time of year.

Having great style is all about finding your personal comfort level and wearing things you really enjoy. Personally I am not comfortable in snowman sweatshirts, christmas tree sweaters, deer antlers, santa hats or flashing christmas tree lights but I still want to look appropriate for the season and the occasion.

Tip #1. Dress up. Whether you are going to a family party or just the office party chances are there will be lots of pictures taken and this is a special event so look your best and dress it up a bit more than you normally do.

Tip#2. *Sparkle*. While flashing christmas tree light necklaces are a no, this is a great time to have fun with fine jewelry or faux jewelry. I have a great rhinestone necklace that is simple and elegant. It adds just a touch of flash and can transform an every day outfit to an outfit for a speacial occasion.

Tip #3. Texture. The holidays are a perfect time to indulge in luxurious textures and fabrics. Think Velvet and Cashmere. When you get those holiday hugs from friends and family, you and your wardrobe will make a great impression.

Tip #4. Color! This time of year people can go overboard on pattern. Avoid those pink pastel snowman plaid printed flannels and try a simple red cashmere sweater with great jewelry. Green is another great color choice for the season but so is any color that you feel comfortable with. Classic black is another great choice especially when you add the perfect jewelry accents.

When you see how great you look in those holiday pictures you'll be glad you took the time to dress your best and your happy holiday memories will last a life time.