by Renae Virata

Here’s a fun way to transition between winter and spring: layered scarves.  Mixing textures, colors, and weights is an effortless way to up your scarf look a notch for easy, casual chic.

I was walking around town on this unusually warm winter day when I spotted two girls walking together.  One had a regular, pashmina-like scarf, and the other rocked a beautiful floral silk scarf.  Somehow, my fashion senses got ahold of me at just that moment, and I visually meshed the two looks together.  So, as soon as I got home, I decided to see for myself how layering a silk scarf over a warmer scarf would look – and love it!

How to Do It

1. Wrap your longer, knit scarf (a medium-weight, pashmina style is best) around your neck so that the ends hang on your chest.
2. Tie the lighter, woven scarf into a loose kerchief around your neck.
3. Position the lighter scarf so that it bunches slightly on the top and rests loosely on the wrapped part of the longer scarf.

Travelistas - do you have a do-it-yourself look that either helps you transition between seasons or maximizes this season’s wardobe?  Send them in, and we’ll share it: renae@wearevertheweather.com.

Only $30! Click to shop.

by Renae Virata

I LOVE my rainboots.  They are so practical for a walk with my little pug or a quick jaunt to the grocery store on a wet day.  I decided, however, that practical doesn’t have to LOOK practical. So I searched high and low for the perfect pair of limited-edition-Jimmy-Choo-Hunter look-alikes and finally found them.  My black reptile-textured rubber wellies work with so much in my closet that they have a very real and proper spot on my shoe rack.  And you can find your perfect pair, too!

Rainboots now come in a variety of heights, heels, prints, colors – and even in flats!  Let’s face it, rainy fall and snowy winter weather can still be quite warm through October and November for many of us, so a good, light, rubber boot or flat in a chic silhouette is a godsend.

If you want to actually make some fashion sense out of your pair when it rains:

• When the weather is warm and muggy…Try a tank and shorts/mini skirt or a sundress.
• When the weather is cool and damp…Consider tights or leggings with a longer tee/tank, a light rain jacket, and a light scarf.
• When the weather is cold…Wear your boots over tights, leggings, or jeans with a tunic sweater, scarf and water-resistant/proof jacket.

Complete your outfit with any of the styles below (click on the links to learn more and shop each style).

____________________________________________________________________________

Want to know the easiest way to know what to wear for the weather where you live or are going to?  Use our

Fashion Forecast tool to shop the latest styles and what’s missing in your wardrobe this season!

____________________________________________________________________________

Hunter wedge rain boot $175

Nomad cowgirl rain boot (more colors, prints, and in ankle boot style) $56

Sorel buckle rain boot $180

Sorel rain boots $110

Crocs low rain boot $54.99

Nomad rain shoe (more colors!) $42

Cougar Ranking rain boot $59.95

Modcloth $34.99

Valentino rain boot $745

The North Face rain boot $90

Betsey Johnson $68.99

Old Navy rain boot $34.94

Chinese Laundry rain boot (more prints and solids!) $59.99

Crocband flat (more colors!) $24.99

Urban Outfitters matte rain boot $48Mark McNairy wellies $29.99

Hunter rain boot (more prints and solids!) $125

Chooka rain boot (more prints and solids!) $58.65

]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/rain-boots-that-add-a-little-sunshine/feed/ 1 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/new-england-what-to-wear-for-a-fall-foliage-tour/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/new-england-what-to-wear-for-a-fall-foliage-tour/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:20:22 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=335 by Renae Virata

It’s time to break out the cozy sweaters and cords!  Nothing says fall better than a crisp drive through the country’s best display of autumn splendor – New England.

If you are lucky enough to make it to this region of the US in September, October, and November, you can take any one of dozens of recommended fall foliage tours in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont that can range anywhere between 30 to 200+ miles.Warm, moist air from the south and cold, dry air to the north make the weather there a little unpredictable this time of year, so layers are ideal instead of packing hard cold-weather items like a parka or long johns.   Style-wise, while trends are appreciated here as in any other part of the country, New Englanders seem to always maintain that sense of classic simplicity with a twist of individuality here and there, so that special key fall piece like your furry vest, tailored hat, or funky scarf are a go.

______________________________________________________________________________

What else should you wear for your trip to Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket? Fill out our My Stylist form to find out!

______________________________________________________________________________

Color choices tend to be richer and deeper.  Neutrals like mushroom gray, tan, beige, and black are also great options layered together or with brighter colors.

Make sure you have layers that can withstand any extreme changes as you peel each one off.  Simply wearing a thin layer, like a tank or tee, under a super-thick jacket might not get you through a rise or drop in temperature between 45 and 80 degrees (yes, this can actually happen!).

________Vermont foliage.

Instead, opt for a three-layer plan: A thin layer of a slim tee, tank, or dress; a second layer of a light cardigan, knit vest, fleece, hoodie, or light knit sweater; then a water-repellant jacket, leather jacket, or cropped trench to pull it all together.  Leggings, a skirt or fall shorts with tights in a fabulous color, jeans, or other casual pairs of pants like velveteen or corduroy have you covered on the bottom.   Don’t forget your knit cap, tailored hat, or thin knit scarf for cooler days or nights.

Hopefully you will be doing some walking to truly enjoy the foliage and fresh air.  Street-ready sneakers, low-heeled or flat boots (LOVE the plethora of slouchy suede styles out there!), or a comfortable pair of flats will let you cover miles (or, ok, YARDS) of enjoyment.

And after a long day of driving through the autumn wonderland, why not relax in your cozy room at a quaint bed and breakfast? SO New England!

Although October tends to be generally clear, our rule is: You just never know! And this year’s Farmer’s Almanac seems to predict an unusually rainy forecast in October.  Prepare for a random rainstorm with a water-repellant jacket (places like REI and LL Bean carry investment pieces in more tailored-looking styles), a classic rain slicker, or a great trench, which can all act as your top layer.  And, if you planned it just right, wellingtons to suit your style will complete your fall rain look.

Remember that the more inland or west you go, the cooler the temps will be while the coast tends to be warmer due to the heating of the Gulf stream just offshore (the Atlantic tends to be warmer than the Pacific because of this). Check out My Stylist for weather conditions and to help you plan your wardrobe!

Jessica Alba

Modified equestrian is always a good fall look.

Ashley Tisdale

•    The Village Shoppes at Salzburg Square | An collection of boutique stores housed in tudor-style Bavarian architecture that you’d swear you were in a German forest; visit Roxie’s Fashions for fabulous finds; Amherst, NH.  And don’t forget – tax-free shopping in New Hampshire!

•    Galapagos Boutique | An a-DOR-able old South County farmhouse filled with everything from Spanx to Hudson jeans and Alice + Olivia; Charlestown, Rhode Island.

•    Brass Mill Center and Commons |125+ mall stores, including H&M; Waterbury, Connecticut.

•    Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets | 70+ outlet shops, includes Barneys New York, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole; Clinton, Connecticut.

•    Ralph Lauren | Classic American style that keeps evolving.

•    Downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire | Hundreds of well-known and local boutique stores; visit Puttin’ on the Glitz for some awesome and affordable pieces that are vintage or from around the world; Portsmouth, NH.

•    Vermont Fall Foliage Tours | The official state website’s comprehensive guide to recommended tours.

•    Maine Fall Foliage Tours | The official state website’s comprehensive guide to recommended tours.

•    Massachusetts Fall Foliage Tours | Mass.’s Office of Travel and Tourism website with recommended tours.

•    Connecticut Fall Foliage Tours | Official Visit Connecticut site featuring recommended tours.

•    New Hampshire Fall Foliage Tours | The New England Times guide to recommended tours.

•    Visit New Enland | The best online tourism guide to the New England experience.

•    Farmer’s Almanac | Chillier and rainier weather this fall, but don’t let that stop you from visiting during peak fall foliage.

______________________________________________________________________________

Don’t leave for your trip without Access America Travel Insurance. From travel delay coverage to missed connection coverage, they’ve got you covered!

______________________________________________________________________________

]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/new-england-what-to-wear-for-a-fall-foliage-tour/feed/ 2 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/21-taupe-heels-to-love/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/21-taupe-heels-to-love/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:12:39 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=5525

Dolcetta by Dolce Vita $99.00

by Renae Virata

Every season, I hear the same gripe from either friends or those dragging their feet through the aisles of DSW or the shoe area at Nordstrom – I can’t find the perfect taupe heel!  You know exactly what I’m talking about. That sexy pump in the perfect shade of grayish/beigish/tan that looks good with gray, white, black, brown, camel, navy, pastels, berries, and every other shade of the rainbow.   It seems to transcend seasons, to handle any occasion, and to be secretly chic in all its neutral glory.   In essence, the perfect heel to pack for any trip, any time of the year!  I hear ya!  So, my taupe shoe radar went up and discovered these delicious options to meet any fashionable taste, budget, and style.  From patents to suedes, open toes to wedges, you can never have too many taupe shoes in your wardrobe!

Carlos by Carlos Santana $61.99 - Click for more details!

Carlos by Carlos Santana $98.99 - Click for more details!

Carlos by Carlos Santana $98.99 - Click for more details!

Fergie Shoes $89.99- Click for more details!

Betsey Johnson $99.99 - Click for more details!

Fendi Taupe heels $725- Click for more details!

Guess $109.99- Click for more details!

Seychelles $119.99- Click for more details!

Enzo Angiolini $119.99- Click for more details!

Just Fabulous $59.99 - Click for more details!

L.A.M.B. $379.99 - Click for more details!

Steve Madden $94.99- Click for more details!

Madden Girl $49.00 - Click for more details!

Enzo Angiolini $99.99 - Cick for more details!

Steve Madden $99 - Click for more details!

DV by Dolce Vita $89.99 - Click for more details!

Betsey Johsnon $109.99 - Click for more details!

BCBG $90.39 - Click for more details!

Jessica Simpson $69.99 - Click for more details!

Jessica Simpson $79.99 - Click for more details!

Shop Linea Pelle Belts!

Wrap waist belt $165

Hip belt with angled connectors $210

Vintage perforated and studded belt $150

Woven medallion waist belt $190

by Renae Virata

The warmer it gets, the more ideas below you can incorporate together!  But be careful of fabrics that are still too warm – angora, acrylic, merino wool, and heavier knits.  You can still achieve a warm-weather look without actually wearing something warm.

1. Layer light pieces over a long sleeve tee or blouse. You can easily take a chiffon summer dress, sleeveless blouse, or short-sleeved sweater or cardigan from summer into fall just by layering it over a light long-sleeve tee or sheer long-sleeve blouse.  For the most versatility, opt for a v-neck or lower crew neck style.

Willow St. lightweight layering tee – also in brown and ivory! $58 (Click to shop)

2. Layer heavier pieces over a light dress or romper. A slightly slouchy sweater, sweatshirt or tee is a great fall addition to a lighter dress or romper and turns it into an instant skirt!  Make sure your top does not overpower the bottom of your one-piece, however.  Slim dresses or rompers look great with a slightly fitted or boxy, cropped top while slimmer tops tone down the volume on a fuller-skirted piece.  Make sure to balance it with a heavier-soled heel, booties, or thick-strapped sandals with a stacked heel.

Alexander Wang tunic $395 (Click to shop)

2. Wear tights or leggings under your skirts and dresses. Nothing says “It’s fall!” faster than a pair of tights or leggings.  In bright hues or patterns, the weight and texture can add the perfect amount of coverage while the color still works for the warm weather.

Front of the Line tights in Sorbet $15.99 (Click to shop)

3. The (now) ubiquitous oxford. I remember fondly having a slick suede pair in high school but would never dare wear them in warm weather.  However, it seems that in the past couple of years, the rules have changed! Despite a warmer than usual summer, designers, labels, and boutiques have paired light dresses, skirts and even shorts with these heavier-soled shoes.  (And a look at spring collections shows this trend is here to stay for a while.) So they are, quite rightly, the go-to shoe between seasons.  Try a taupe pair that will look fabulous with pretty much any color palette.

Chinese Laundry heeled oxford $89.95 (Click to shop)

4. Simply add light outerwear. A belted long-length cardigan lends a collegiate and warmer look without adding too much warmth to a light summer dress or even light blouse and shorts combo. Light leather jackets have made a comeback, and in three-quarter sleeve lengths, will keep you much cooler than their longer-sleeved counterparts.  A seasonless wool blazer or cropped tailored vest is also a great option to add some weight to an otherwise superlight, summery look.

French Connection 3/4-sleeve leather jacket, now $449.99 (Click to shop)

5. Add a pinch of fall color, texture or print. Deeper or muted colors visually bring a look into fall. A burnt orange belt, olive green boots, or a berry scarf, for example.  Neutrals like tan, gray, and black also change a look instantly into fall.  Texture is also a great way to “look” fall.  Deep snakeskins, for example, or tweeds create that tailored look that we always assign to fall.  Prints such as argyle (try them in brighter hues!) or plaids also scream the season.

Neuaura pump $68 (Click to shop)

6. “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” Clairee from Steel Magnolias had it right! No matter what season it is, nothing can punctuate a look and create a mood better than a strategically incorporated accessory.  A knit hat is a great fall transition piece as is a medium-weight scarf.

BKE ombre scarf, now $12.09 (Click to shop)

Thanks to so many of our travelista friends for these suggestions, but I know there are so many more. How do you cleverly transition your wardrobe from summer to fall? Leave your comments below!

by Renae Virata

What I Love About It: It’s versatility, of course!  I’ve worn it high-waisted, on the hips, and as a tube dress.  It makes the perfect travel partner if you want to travel light.  Take two colors to vary it up a bit!

What It’s Made Of: You would think cotton spandex would be a cheap material, but this particular skirt’s fabric is sturdy and long-wearing.  Through a whole day of office to cocktails, it still kept its shape and hasn’t faded, even after four washes!

Where to Wear It: It’s been with me to the office, happy hour, the bars, hanging out with friends… It has such a versatile silhouette and style that it can be worn to a variety of places and functions.

Find it here!

by Renae Virata

I was fortunate to find Ellie at the Indianapolis International Airport when I landed at midnight from Phoenix.  For such a late night, she was super cute in her totally together travel get-up. What makes Ellie’s look work is her artful way of putting things together and accessorizing.  The easy cotton shorts in a stand-out olive color, cuffed ankle boots, summer fedora and pendant necklace totally work with her rolled-up denim button-down. It was no surprise that Ellie works at the fashion-forward Broad Ripple boutique Niche owned by the equally stylish Erica.

Shorts and boots of all heights and styles have taken center stage this season despite the heat.  From the dry heat of Phoenix to the humidity of Indy, the preferred footwear for the stylish traveler this summer is a cool pair of boots to wear with a variety of shorts.

Q)  My face is an oil slick!  How can I degrease skin in an instant, and stay matte all day?

A)  To zap oil in an instant, use blotting papers to absorb oil without disturbing makeup.  These work so much better than powder at keeping skin matte without leaving a chalky, cakey mess behind.  Here are my favorites:

Palladio Rice Paper Blotting Tissues Translucent

These blotting tissues are made of rice, with a hardy texture and feel so you only need one sheet for your whole face. With a matte side to absorb oil, these also have a powedered side to touch up makeup and leave skin with an extra matte finish. And, at under $4 for a pack of 40, they're a great deal!

To keep oil and shine at bay all day, try using a mattifying primer that will absorb excess oil and keep skin looking shine-free.  I like this primer by Laura Mercier:

Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying 1 oz

With silica to absorb oil and vitamins and turmeric to protect skin, this primer can be used under makeup and as a touch up over makeup (after blotting!) to keep skin matte all day.

Q)  How can I prepare in advance for such a climate change on my skin?

A)  Giving your skin the right products for a humid climate is the best way to keep skin clear before and during your travels.  The products used in a drier climate are much too emollient to be used in humidity, so a total skin care revamp may be necessary.  Stay away from products with a lot of hyaluronic acid or glycerine, as these ingredients attract moisture to skin, leaving it sticky and overly moist.  Here are my product picks:

Before your trip, use a mask to remove dirt and debris from pores, and to brighten skin.  I like this mask from Boscia:

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask 2.8 oz

This skin-clearing mask peels off, taking blackheads, dirt, and oil with it (seriously, just one look at what comes off your skin when you peel this mask off will make you a believer! Yuck!!).

During your trip, stick with a simple regimen of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing (if necessary).  Here’s an easy three-step regimen to try:

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel 8 oz

This cleanser contains both AHA and BHAs to exfoliate both the surface of skin and deep down into the pores, plus fruit extracts to brighten the complexion.

Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Toner

This gentle toner contains rose and aloe extracts to tone and soften skin, plus witch hazel to keep pores clear. It's also alcohol-free, so it won't irritate skin, resulting in an increase in oil production.

If you need a moisturizer (and not everyone will), stick with an oil-free formula, like this one from Boscia.

Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 1.4 oz

This oil-free moisturizer helps keep skin matte with silica, plus SPF protection. It's the perfect lightweight daily moisturizer, but only use if your skin still feels dry in the humidity. Over-moisturizing could lead to clogged pores!

Q)  What makeup do you recommend for humid weather?

A)  Stick with powder and waterproof formulas that will stay put through the humidity.  Use brushes instead of sponges when applying, as sponges can deposit too much product, leaving you looking cakey half way through the day.

Benefit Cosmetics “Hello Flawless!”

This fine powder gives great coverage and comes with a brush and sponge so you can use it as a concealer and powder in one!

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Amused

This long-wearing blush contains amazonian clay for long wear and a matte finish all day.

Q)  Any tips on what I can do from the inside out?

A)  Keep skin clear from within by drinking lots of water and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.  Try to avoid sugars and highly refined foods, as these can cause inflammation and lead to acne.  For an extra anti-inflammatory boost, take Turmeric extract – it’s an amazing antioxidant and calms inflammation.

Click to shop.

by Renae Virata

For years now, so many women have yearned for a figure-flattering yet still sexy one-piece.  Gone are the days of plain, mo-mo swimsuits – this is the summer of the sexy one-piece.  From cut-outs to slimming silhouettes to delightful details, many retailers are offering single-piece swimwear for every body.  Two pieces are also kicking it up a notch with mix-and-match pieces, delish prints, and fun details.  Here are our twelve picks for the season!

Click on a swimsuit to shop the look: Billabong $69.50; Betsey Johnson $180

Click on a swimsuit to shop the look: Stella McCartney $219, Delia’s $41

Click on a swimsuit to shop the look: Delia’s $35, Boden $54

Click on a swimsuit to shop the look: L’Space Jet Set $127, Spiegel $29

Click on a swimsuit to shop the look: Marc by Marc Jacobs $95, Heidi Klein $235

Click on a swimsuit to shop the look: Freya Mystere $74, Ted Baker $84