May blog

Vacations! The thought just brings a smile to your face- before you start worrying about what you’re going to pack!  Whether you’re going to your happy place in Italy, an adventurous trip to Morocco, or a relaxing summer in N. Carolina….packing always brings on just a bit of stress! No worries, I’m here to make your life a bit easier!

The key to creating that perfect travel wardrobe is versatility!  I’ve even heard some clients challenge themselves to only take a carryon for a 2 week stint!  I give them credit - I don’t think I could do that! 

By versatility, think separates.  Pieces that you can layer, adjust for the weather, work back to multiple other items you’re intending to take, ability to dress up or down, a core color palette that you can just pop with some accent colors or accessories!

Destination - so before we start planning your wardrobe, knowing the climate is definitely a must.  You may even be going to several different spots where the temperatures can vary from hot and humid, to cool and rainy!  That can always be a bit challenging!  To make things a bit easier, I’m breaking this blog into travel spots I’ve heard my DJ girls talking about for this summer.

For the adventurous and the explorer in you - Morocco!  

Learn about Morocco’s culture and rich history by visiting the 9th century medina Meknes.  This ancient royal palace and historical site is the perfect place to become immersed in Morocco.  So think cool and comfortable!  

Sundry’s roll-up pant is the pant to take on your travels!  A workhorse that will take you from morning to night. It can be cooler in the mornings,

so grab one of your Frank & Eileen blouses that can double as an easy jacket. Layer over a Revel or graphic tee tee until you warm up, then easy enough to tie around your waist as you're hiking through the ruins.  Any of Phillipe Model’s sneakers are a great choice -  perfect with the pants but also with any of your casual skirts or sundresses.  Remember - comfort is key!

Another option is Wearables crop cargo pant.  Lightweight cotton - perfect for hiking in the Toubkal National Park or trek up High Atlas - N. Africa’s highest mountain range.  Don’t forget to pack your Jack Gomme bloom bag.  The perfect fanny pack (or wear cross body) for your travels.  Just the right size for your essentials - and leave your hands free!

When you’re ready to cool down a bit, head to Morocco’s N. Atlantic coast to the seaside town of Asilah.  Beautiful sandy beaches- and you might be in luck and even hit the annual Arts Festival.  A lightweight linen tunic from CP Shades is a definite to pack.  Use as a beach cover up or open over a Revel tank and a pair of pants.  How pretty is the subtle embroidery work?   

If you're a Game of Thrones fan, the seaside town of Essaouira is a must! See how much you remember of the wonderful scenery from Season 3. 

When you’re ready for some action, you have to head to Marrakech.  Knowing my DJ girls, you’ll definitely want to hit the souks (bazaars) and enjoy the mix of culture, food and red old architecture.  This is when your flowy sundresses, skirts and tanks come into play.  Comfortable for exploring the wonderful shops and perfect to head straight to dinner in one of the wonderful cafes!  This white gauze skirt from Luna Luz is the perfect travel companion! Just roll up in a ball in a corner of your suitcase and it will be ready for you to just add a tank top, comfortable Officine Creative sandal and you’ll be ready to delve into the wonderful experience of Marrakech! This canvas tote bag from Vive la Difference will be a mainstay in your travel wardrobe- virtually indestructible!

For some culture and fashion.  Next stop - Italy

For those lucky enough to have been, this seems to be everyone’s happy place.  Whether you love the culture and museums of the bigger cities, the relaxing hills and beaches of the Amalfi Coast or the island of Capri- Italy has to rank as one of the most beautiful countries.

If fashion is going to be the highlight of your trip, head to Milan.  One of the wealthiest cities in Italy and teaming with designer shops, you’ll definitely want to pull out the stops and dress the part! 

For a casual day, this Mason’s pant suit is stunning in one of this season’s pop colors - chartreuse!  The slim fitting blazer paired with a jog trouser is a wonderful look - and pieces that you can mix and match throughout your travels! 

AGL’s mirrored ankle strap sandal is a great choice - the block heel just ensures comfort as you enjoy all the wonderful shopping. 

In a dress mood? You know my Jaga Anne dress always travels with me! 

The easiest way to transition from a day of shopping to a wonderful dinner at Michelin 3 star restaurant Enrico Bartolini al Mudec is with any of my necklaces - especially layered!  Feathered Soul has some fabulous fun options - pearls on silk cord, pearls mixed with carved horn- layer up and enjoy!

You must experience the Pinacoteca di Brera-  a world class museum housing some of Italy’s best pieces of art confiscated by Napoleon in the 18th century.  For hitting the museums, embrace the menswear trend and grab a comfortable pair of cargo pants from Nili Lotan.  Pair with a crisp white blouse, a stunning Sans Arcidet bag, a comfortable sandal and your set for an awe inspiring day!  

From there, head to the Duomo di Milano - the world’s largest and one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals and then on to the Scala Opera House to admire the exquisite mosaics and glass vaults.

For pure romance, head to the island of Capri.  Dramatic views, the bluest ocean and the always present scent of lemons - a spot not to be missed.

Casual and comfort is the dress code here!   On the warmest days, grab this fabulous short and top from Chufy.  Add this metallic flat from AGL and do some exploring!

Don’t miss out on visiting the luminescent  Blue Grotto!  Throw on Frank & Eileen’s  short Mary dress over your bathing suit, a Tkee’s sandal - and don’t forget a sunhat!

Of course, you can’t visit Italy without going to Rome!  For first timers, you’ll undoubtedly be overwhelmed by this magnificent city.  Both historic and modern at the same time, a trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of its most ancient attractions.  From the Colosseum, to the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain- you’ll be astounded at every turn!  

Effortless and polished - that’s the look to go for.  Italian designer Transit is the answer.  Fabulous pieces to interchange throughout your travels - all while exuding that “ultra chic” vibe. Fabulous cotton and linen separates, you’ll be sophisticated and confident as you stroll through the galleries appreciating so many of the world’s classics. Remember, that blazer will come in handy to mix back to a Nili Lotan pant or even a dressy short.

 And for that special last night dinner before heading home, have heads’ turning in this one shoulder silk stunner from Forte Forte.  Not only is the lipstick coral so on trend, the key is in its simplicity.

 Don’t forget to add a beautiful shawl from Avant toi  to throw around your shoulders as the sun goes down!  

For those who love staying closer to home - N. Carolina!

Close by (an 11 hour drive or so), N. Carolina offers such diversity, there’s something for everyone!  From the mountains in the West to the Outer Banks beaches to the east, it’s the perfect stay-cation!  Best part of all, when packing those bags - it’s all about casual!  

For the hiker in you, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to be one of your first stops.  Your R13 boy jean is going to be a staple for the Carolina’s!  A Revel tank top, sneaker by day or this slipper of a sandal for night.  Top it off with this adorable (and packable) Lola canvas hat.  Vive la Difference’s  bag is sure to be your workhorse this summer!  Whether it becomes your tote bag for side trips or your everyday bag - it won’t leave your side!  

Rest up from your hiking with a relaxing and scenic drive over the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway.  With over 500 miles of outstanding views, take in the beautiful scenery while stopping along the way to enjoy some of the quaint mountain towns.
For this road trip, you’ll just want to be comfortable!  Frank & Eileen’s blouses are sure to be well represented in your closet for the Carolina’s!  This fun ombre blouse can also double as a jacket if you decide to wear open over a graphic tee or tank.  In the mood for a fun print?   How cute is this new one?

 Your Jack Gomme backpack is a must for a day trip - everyone you're with will probably be asking you to carry something!

Get back to nature, soak up the sun and enjoy the  beach with a visit to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  Kayak, swim or even enjoy a horseback ride!  A Wearable cargo short, graphic tee and Lola sunhat are the perfect answers to throw on over your bathing suit.  You know I love my Sundry destination shirts - and you can’t go wrong with a pop of color.  

Just in case you have the occasion for something a bit nicer - get together  with friends or a special occasion dinner out, I have some great options there too!.  For daytime, Porto is always on my packing list.  Doesn’t wrinkle, washable and so comfortable.  Lots of options as to how you’d like to accessorize - tee shirt, sweater, tank top, sandal or wedge. Perfect addition to your Carolina wardrobe!

The dressiest you’ll get?  This “oh so easy”  Revel racer back cotton tank dress. In black, it’s naturally easy to dress up a bit!  

Of course, you always want to take a few  key pieces on any of your travels.  The perfect earring to take with you on any trip - a beautiful Garbrielle Sanchez drop earring. Known for her gorgeous stones saturated in color and lively faceted surfaces, they’re the perfect size to complement any outfit (except maybe a bathing suit)!

I hope wherever your travels take you, you have fun and fabulous adventures!