by Renae Virata

I got a question from a Travelista about finding a bag that would go with any outfit bar-hopping but would also be appropriate for a semi-formal event.  Check out the bags we recommend!

Her question:

I need help finding the perfect accessory, and I am turning to you for some options.  I am looking for a satchel that I can use when I go out.  I want to be able to use it when I go bar hopping, or if I go to a semi-nice event. Also, the most important thing: It has to be able to hold my iPhone, small lip gloss, contacts case, small container of eye drops, bank card, and ID (I know, I’m weird, but I’m so anal about what I have on me).  I’m hoping to spend $30 or less, but am willing to pay more if it is the perfect one  Can you recommend some that fit this criteria?  I have searched high and low and have not been impressed with what I have found.

First, gals, you have to let go of the notion that a good bag for evening has to be metallic, sateen, or beaded.  Also, you can be a tad fancy when you bar hop, so you don’t have to carry around that beat up, giant bag that you use for work when you go out for a casual outting either.

A good bag that meets our dear friend’s criteria is tough but chic – not only able to withstand being thrown around in a casual setting (ugh – dontcha just hate those mysterious sticky spots on the bar?) but also look fabulous for a more formal event.  Here are some tips when looking for just such a bag:

• Texture – Snakeskin or some sort of stamped leather texture add enough whimsy for the bars but looks purposefully chic and dramatic for a nicer event.  Leather is preferable to cloth because it provides structure and captures prints, color and texture better.  Smooth leather with a slight crinkle looks funky but has enough shine for any occasion.
• Color – Select something neutral but don’t be afraid of doing something other than black or a metallic.  Taupe or snakeskin are great with touches of metallic.  A deep mulberry, aubergine, or even royal blue will go with most anything and be appropriate for both a casual or formal setting.
• Shape – You want to be able to fit bigger stuff when you go to the bars, right?  That doesn’t mean you can’t bring the same larger bag to a wedding or night bash.  Instead of a mini clutch where you end up asking your date to hold that tube of lipstick that just wouldn’t fit with all your other stuff, opt for more drama with an envelope clutch that also doubles as an easy-to-carry crossbody.  Convertibility is key when it comes to that go-with-it-all bag.

Remember, you can always dress up a casual outfit with something fancier and make a formal outfit more modern by picking just the kind of bags we recommend below – and they’re all mostly under $75!

Big Buddha Mina $52 – Wear this THREE different ways – a clutch, a shoulder bag, and a cross-body.  Metallic snakeskin looks great with everything and so roomy!

The Sak Iris demi clutch $47.20 – Comes in three colors, but we LOVE the multi-colored geometric stripes.  Smooth texture leather and a convertible strap!

Hobo International Zara $128 -The crackle look is perfect for a cool night out but adds dimension to a casual outfit.  Convertible strap, too!

Elliott Luca 3-Way Demi Bag $59.99 – We chose the black pintuck in this bag that comes in many textures and colors because the texture is so cool and modern in addition to the blingy shine of the leather.  Use it as a crossbody or a clutch!

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.

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

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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.

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

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]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/new-england-what-to-wear-for-a-fall-foliage-tour/feed/ 2 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/fall-festivals/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/fall-festivals/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:03:53 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=269 by Laura Milligan

Now that we’ve begun October, we’re well into fall festival time. Whether you plan to hit up an Oktoberfest festival in Torrance, CA, or the famous Leavenworth in Oktoberfest in Washington State; head to Wurstfest in New Braunfels, TX; or just turn your annual pumpkin picking outing into a full day of cider, hay rides and bonfires, you’re probably thinking that your best bet for dressing for the occasion is to pull on your old pair of jeans and tennis shoes. But just because you’re going to be outside doesn’t mean you still can’t look cute and festive, without being corny or frumpy.Here are some of our favorite picks for dressing for the season, without looking like we grew up on a farm.

•   Jeans. Jeans are the most obvious choice for fall festivals, especially if you plan on guzzling beer and eating fair food. Opt for skinny jeans tucked into boots or relaxed boyfriend styles that are distressed and ripped just so. You’ll avoid looking high maintenance in a crowd of outdoorsy types, frat boys, little kiddies and locals, but you’ll also be on-trend.

Who knew lederhosen could look so chic?

•    Fitted corduroys. A stylish but still functional (think warm!) alternative to blue jeans are fitted corduroys. Pick a skinny or bootcut version for a flattering, feminine silhouette, and choose very thinly textured versions for a sleeker look. This year’s corduroys come in all colors, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a pair in plum, olive green or charcoal.

•    Boots and oxfords. The best fall days are known for being crisp and sunny, but once you venture into the countryside, fields and dirt roads may be deceptively muddy. Wear motorcycle boots, wellingtons, or even a beat up pair of men’s style oxfords. Keep sandals and pretty tennis shoes at home.

•    Layers. If you plan to stay out all day, pack a chunky cardigan, colorful scarf or fitted blazer in velveteen or tweed. You’ll be understated country chic and comfy, too.

•   Alpine spirit. You can bet that if you’re headed to a real Oktoberfest, you should expect to see lots of the traditional dirndl dress. If you don’t feel like getting into full costume, though, you can still honor the Bavarian and Austrian spirit without looking corny. Wear thigh highs or knee socks with your boots, wear a corset-style top over boyfriend jeans, or top your jeans and slouchy t-shirt with a fitted boyfriend vest.

Jessica Simpson.

•    Festivals and Dates | Top 2011  US Oktoberfest Celebrations

Nothing beats beer and pearls.

by Laura Milligan

New Braunfels, TX; October 30-November 8, 2009

October Average Temperatures: 82 degrees F High, 55 degrees Low

November Average Temperatures: 71 degrees F High, 46 degrees Low

Wurstfest, which takes place in New Braunfels, TX, (between Austin and San Antonio) is an annual folk celebration for the German community in South Texas. Each year, visitors from San Antonio, Austin, Houston and beyond flock to New Braunfels for beer, sausage, musical entertainment and general revelry.If you’re headed to New Braunfels for Wurstfest, you’ll need to take into consideration things like weather (it’s unfortunately unseasonably warm there even into early November) and local style, as well as how much messy eating and beer drinking you plan to do.

The festival is open rain or shine, which gives you some hint of the hard partying spirit of the locals and visitors alike and should warn you to pack some wellies and an umbrella just in case. More tips:

•    You’ll see “beer wench” costumes and dirndls everywhere, but like we suggested for other fall festivals and Oktoberfests, you can still get into the spirit if you don’t have a costume. Stick a feather in your fedora or wear a pair of tweed shorts with your t-shirt for a low maintenance, boho tribute.
•    Texans are usually pretty casual dressers, especially at outdoor festivals. Be prepared to see lots of college students and younger people who come for the awesome pitchers of beer and show up in t-shirts, flip flops, jeans and shorts.
•    Pack a pair of boots to keep your feet dry if rain is in the forecast, or if it’s rained in the past week or 10 days. You can slip on wellies under shorts, jean skirts or over jeans if it’s cool enough, or wear Minnetonkas to stay comfy while you walk around the festival.
•    Pack a jacket. New Braunfels’ weather at this time of the year can be almost anything. Pack a light jacket for the evening even if it’s supposed to be warmer during the day.

•    Wurstfest Festival | List of schedules, events, photos and more surrounding Wurstfest in New Braunfels, TX.

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!