by Renae Virata

These days, we have so many ways to ring in the new year: casual house get-togethers, themed parties, and good old-fashioned black tie affairs.  Below are some ideas for any kind of fete you’ll be attending for 2012. (Click the image to learn more about this Max Studio gown.)

Casual get-together

Make your new year’s a little more memorable than any other night in a simple sequined top or statement jewelry that will dress up your fave jeans.

Shop this outfit at the Buckle: Sequin jacket, $79.95; tee, $58; Big Star stretch jean, $142; Nike shoe, $70; BKE hoops, $10

Themed party

A simple dress paired with a few simple accessories according to the theme will work great for a last-minute party look.  A slim black, strappy dress, pearls knotted low, a feather boa and a simple feather headband (try any costume shop) is great for a Roaring 20s theme.  Masquerade looks are complete with a whimsical bubble dress, statement jewels, and a decadent mask.

Shop this outfit at ModCloth: Dazzling Dinner Party Dress, $99.99

Classic New Year’s Eve Party

Nothing beats an elegant long gown or sequins in a dramatic one-shoulder for a classic NYE look.

Shop at Boutique to You: Blaque Label sequined one-shoulder dress, $92 and free shipping!

Photo | Marie Claire

by Sinta Jimenez

Dressing for Thanksgiving is one of those occasions where one has to think realistically as a major consideration for stuffing, mashed potato and turkey related bloat must be made! There’s nothing that makes an outfit looks worse than discomfort, and I am never comfortable when I can’t eat what I want or if something feels too tight. Thankfully most clothing during the holiday season isn’t revealing and definitely meant to be cozy. I love traditional classics, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but there are always ways to bring fashion inspiration to tried and true coordinates.

Sinta’s Top Tips

• Thanksgiving isn’t Christmas, so don’t pull out the fancy tartans, bright whites and hunter greens yet.
• Do think of autumn colors as a way to say goodbye to Autumn — warm purples, amber, gold, orange.
• November can be downright frigid in some parts of the country so definitely stay warm – another reason why if you haven’t invested in some good cashmere for a warm but semi-formal option yet, go on and do so this year. Silk is light and breathable for the summer but also warm as a layer beneath a knit for the colder months, so again, if you haven’t invested in a silk blouse yet do so now!
• Low waist skirts, loose or drop waist dresses are perfect to give you the extra comfy room after dinner
• Lots of people go home for Thanksgiving and it’s a time of reunion. If you’ll be going out the same night as dinner with old high school buddies think forward for what would double as a going-out coordinate.

If your family and friends are doing it ultra-casual, try pairing a super low-key shirt such as a plaid flannel with a comfy satin skirt, opaque tights and low-heeled booties.

Click to shop: Esprit plaid shirt, $59.50; Mango satin skirt, $49.90; G by Guess booties, $69.99

For a more proper dinner go for a high quality cashmere sweater and a silk or brushed wool skirt for a cozy, comfy but chic ensemble. Or try a drop waist dress worn under a long knit duster. Dress up with traditional baubles like pearls and diamonds but layer your necklaces and bracelets heavily for a modern sensibility.

Click to shop: Pure Collection 100% cashmere sweater, $198; Esprit wool skirt, $79.50; Modcloth heels, $133.99.

Going out on Thanksgiving with old friends calls for a bit of dress-to-impress but also comfort for a long evening of catching up. Your favorite jeans may be a little tight after feasting so again consider wearing a skirt or dress. Try a sexy leopard print dress to add some fun to the inevitable of wearing tights and a heavy coat.

Click to shop: Minnie Rose leopard print dress, $187

Think of creative contrasts for your old favorite holiday pieces. Many people have certain items they re-use year after year. By thinking of adding a different texture to your coordinate or how to incorporate current trends to your own wardrobe, you’ll definitely come up with something new and exciting for Thanksgiving!

• J.Crew for cashmere and updates to your traditional holiday pieces
• NetAPorter for that necessary touch of couture
• Shopbop for a trendy piece

About Sinta

Sinta Jimenez’s previous incarnations: rolling stone, financial analyst, law student, herbal specialist, waitress, model, wild child, ballet dancer, student, surfer, world traveller. Current incarnation: mother, lotus amidst fierce flames. From birth to death: artist, writer, poet. A lifelong student of the arts, she received her Masters in Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design in 2010. Born in Manila,  she was raised and lives in DC. Check out her fabulous blog Hail to the Chic. Photo taken in Los Angeles.

Read Sinta’s posts.

Guess who?

If you want to do something a little more cultural this Halloween, opt for a hauntingly beautiful Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, face.

So why do people dress up and paint their faces the way they do for Dia de los Muertos?  Kelly Coleman, a fashionista who knows about this special holiday (often celebrated in Latin countries) explains it well.

“In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the holiday is referred to as the Day of the Dead. In America it has been transformed from the Scottish celebration of ‘All Hallows Eve’ to the present day tradition of Halloween…All holidays possess their own traditions, and the Day of the Dead has some of the most unique – the requirement of [specific] costume attire. A literal means of changing one’s identity for a single day, it…encourages participants to passionately express their deepest desires, fears and fantasies.”

My friend Sari Motley of sarimotley Cosmetics met up with me once again to help me put together a DOTD look that you can replicate!. All it takes is a steady hand, three clown makeup colors (red, black, and white), black eyeliner, a black waterline pencil, stencils, and lots of imagination!

What I normally look like…

…and with my DOTD face on!

Step 1: Apply white clown makeup all over your face, lips, neck, and decolletage (wherever your skin will be exposed from the chest up).  Be sure to leave large circles unpainted around your eyes and on your nose in a spade shape where the black makeup will go.

Step 2: After the white makeup dries, take a fine brush, and outline the shapes of the circles and the spade on your nose with the black makeup.  Completely fill in the shapes. Around the eyes, be sure to cover the lids and brows, too.

Step 3: Take your black waterline pencil, and fill in your waterline on both the top and bottom lids.

Step 4: Take your black liquid liner and stroke on a slightly upward line on either side of your mouth from the corners, about 2 inches in length.  Starting from the outside in, draw perpendicular lines for the teeth about 1/2 inch apart.  Each line should gradually become longer but centered.  Finish the mouth with lines on the upper and lower lips, extending the lines just beyond the lipline.

Step 5: This is where you get creative!  Try stenciled roses (filled in red, outlined in black, and with green leaves), swirl on lines on the cheeks and add leaves, fill black hearts in red (try a bleeding heart of Mary, if your skilled enough), create an interesting frame of doily-like scallops around the edge.  The important thing to remember for the perfect face is a lot of deep, rich color, roses, vines, and decorative swirls.

Extras

Sari did a super basic face.  Extra makeup touches in addition to hair and clothes is key to completing your look.  Wear all black, place roses in your hair, curl it for formal, colonial-Mexico hair.  Be sure to do your hair beforehand and keep off your face with a headband so you don’t accidentally smear makeup as you work on your makeup.  Add a fan and a delicate fringed shawl, and you’re ready for an interesting night out!  Another tip: As gorgeous as you will no doubt look in your new façade, maybe it’s a good idea to carry a pic of what you usually look like…just in case.

With Halloween just around the corner, it can be stressful trying to figure out just the perfect costume.  Should you brave the aisles at the local costume shop amongst all the picked-over sexy costumes or end up with something less-than-sexy in favor of something quick?  Why not shop your own closet?  The treasures within your own wardrobe may have just the things you’ll need for a great Halloween outfit!

What are your ideas?  Do you love these ideas or have something to add?  Leave your comments below!  And don’t forget to try our Fashion Forecast tool on our homepage at WeareverTheWeather.com to get the weather forecast and shopping results to match!

1. Flashdance:  All you need for this cute and sexy look is a gray sweatshirt, shiny black leggings, and hot pink or purple leggings.  The hair, too, is most important.  Jennifer Beals rocked that frizzy/curly 80’s short-hairstyle, and so should you!

Photo | CarinaeCasting.com

2. Vampire: Make it simple!  It’s all about blood and fangs, so if you can find a tight black dress (long or short), fishnet tights and fierce-looking stilettos, all you’ll need to get are fangs, fake blood, and white makeup to pale you down.  Super light colored contacts don’t hurt, either!  Don’t forget to do a vampy smoky eye and blood-red lips for a totally classic Dracula. A black cape or simple shiny red cloth tied around your shoulders finishes it.

Photo | WomenVampireCostume.net

3.  Pagaent girl: With all the reality shows on TV focused on beauty pagaents for little girls, why not do the grown-up version?  Simply take a fabulous sparkly gown or formal dress; make a sash (be playful and write something kitschy like “Miss-Demeanor” or something that your friends will know is so “Miss” you) with either handwritten, stenciled, or sticker letters; a tiara or crown (like you don’t already have one or have a friend who does!); glam heels; and, of course, the overdone makeup complete with ridiculously long lashes.

Photo | best-hairstyles.info

4. Mommie Dearest (à la Joan Crawford)

Okay, weirdly, I can never tear myself away from this movie when it comes on TV (as I am sure many of you do but will not as readily admit!).  Maybe it’s the era, the behind-the-scenes look at a seemingly flawless film star, or the derision towards wire hangers that I share with Ms. Crawford.  In any case, this costume is a snap to put together. All you need is an austere black dress; curled hair or a short, curly brown wig; red lipstick; lightly smeared on white clown makeup, and a white headband to push the hair out of your face.  Carry around a few wire hangers, and you’re good to go!

Photo | webomatica.com

5. Naughty teacher

A pair of glasses (cheap ones are sold at Walgreens or CVS for, like, $2.00!), fishnets, heels, a mini-skirt, button-down tied at the waist, a cardigan over it, hair in a bun, and…voila!  Instant “Hot for Teacher” look!

]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/fou-do-it-yourself-halloween-costumes/feed/ 0 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/halloween-makeup-idea-garden-fairy/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/10/halloween-makeup-idea-garden-fairy/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:17:53 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=5703 by Renae Virata

Only two weeks until Halloween…what are you going to be?  We’ve come up with a unique look that will be sure to turn heads at every Hallow’s Eve fete you attend. To create a good painted fairy look, all you need is some sparkly shadow, good brushes, and a little imagination.

I visited with my good friend and makeup artist Sari Motley to create a fun and easy fairy look that you can easily put together.  The key is to create a face that is dewy and iridescent at the same time.  You can change up the color combination and intensity of the makeup to suit your wings, outfit, skin tone and taste.  I decided on a standard garden fairy combo of woody, jade greens and bubble-gummy pink.

Step 1: Using a dual-fiber or at least fluffy brush, apply your regular foundation all over your face.  The brush will help you achieve a more dewy look than using your fingers will.

Step 2: Apply a shimmery primer on the eyes.

Step 3: Apply a bubblegum pink shadow on the lower half of your lid, just below the brow bone.

Step 4: with a fluffy brush, sweep on a jade green color to the crease area. This will create depth and drama.

Step 5: Deepen the crease with a darker color (any darker color will do).  It will be blended in once you add more color on top.

Step 6: Take an intense yellow shadow and apply it just to the inner corner of your eye.

Step 7: Swirl on a blue-green shadow on the temple to the cheekbone along the hairline and in.  Add your jade green shadow on top.

Step 8: Take a fuchsia blush and sweep it generously on the apples of your cheeks.

Step 9: Line eyes all around with a mix of the jade and yellow shadow.

Step 10: Line lips with liner to hold color then apply a hot pink or fuchsia shade.  Create a more dramatic look by pronouncing your outline to make your lips look rounder.

Step 11: Line your top lid with your regular dark liner and fill in your brows with your regular pencil or shadow.  Line the waterline (that’s the inside of your bottom lid) with a super light or white waterproof liner (MAC sells one that works great!).

Step 12: Add individual lashes to the top and bottom of your eyes, just at the outer corners.

Step 13: Finish with a generous sweep of a mix of cosmetic glitter and finishing powder all over your face.

Smurfette and...what was her name?

by Renae Virata

Being creative and having fun should be the benchmarks for a more memorable and fun Halloween. In fact, one WTW reader won a costume contest with over 100 participants in a more cute-than-sexy marionette costume complete with strings and giant wooden controller – on her head. But what really swayed the judges was her creativity and winning attitude.

Whether you are going solo, getting together with a group of your friends, or pairing up with your significant other, here are some costume inspirations that will get you excited about Halloween all over again.

Find the latest costumes and ideas here!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Get your fall fashion forecast now! Click on My Stylist above, enter a location, date, and type of occasion to shop what’s in season for the weather forecast of any city in the world.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

On Your Own

Carrie...So Scary!

• Revisit your childhood and dress up like your favorite girl power characters – remember Jem, Smurfette, Punky Brewster, and Judy Jetson?

• How scary was the movie Carrie? With a little fake blood; red paint; a pink prom dress; a fake, bloody corsage; and a long wig, you can recreate the prom night scene (and not have to do your hair!).

• Go traditional and do a real witch, vampire, or bride of Frankenstein costume.

DIY Smurfette Costume

Click on each item to shop this look or click here to buy a complete Smurfette Costume.

Group Costumes

• Represent your favorite TV show casts. There’s a new group of gals in town!  The ladies of the new hit ABC TV show Pan Am. If you are hardpressed to find a good Pan Am costume for all the gals in your group, try a generic costume – and be the life of the party as these flight attendants had been in their hey-day.  Click here to see “stewardess” costumes or here.  Better yet, be the captain.

Click to shop. Pan Am bag $38.25

• Do something that stands out and is totally silly – like the Fantana girls.

• Mystery, Inc. Team. You know them as Shaggy, Velma, Fred, Daphne, and Scooby.

• Gilligan’s Island. Ginger, Mary Anne, The Professor, The Howells, The Skipper, and Gilligan. Easy to make, easy to pull off.

• Wizard of Oz. Skip into the party as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, The Tin Man…and Toto.

Couple Costumes

Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett

• Ones we never think of: Lucy and Ricky, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing (think the last scene – “Nobody puts Baby in a corner”), Michael Jackson and his girlfriend in the “Thriller” video…get creative!

• The ones you see all the time: Bonnie and Clyde (those broad-shouldered jackets are so in, after all), Popeye and Olive Oyl, any Disney couple.

• Get really artsy (and super-Halloween), like last year’s movie characters Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett.

If the weather gets nippy, bring a coordinating jacket, cape, or wrap and make it a part of your costume. Make sure you check out the conditions of your outing. If you are going to be outside and the weather will be warm, forego the vinyl catsuit so you don’t feel as catty as you look.

Photo | SodaHead.com

by Renae Virata

You’ve waited all spring since spring break or President’s Day, and it’s finally arrived:  Memorial Day.  Memorial Day not only gives us a time to honor and remember those who have given their lives to protecting our great country – it also signifies the unofficial start to summer.   So don’t wait for June 21st (the official first day of summer!) to get bright and light.  Below is a list of different activities that you might partake in this Memorial Day and what to wear.

Backyard Barbecue

Add some panache with fun shapes like a racerback tank versus a regular one, metallic gladiator sandals, and cuffed shorts. Add panached with a straw fedora.

Click on an item above to shop this look or click here. Daytrip vest, $25; Oneteaspoon tank, $97.78; Bailey shorts, $24.50; Steve Madden sandals, $79.95

A Little Fancy

Dresses are huge this summer, so wear your favorite sundress and stave off the heat.  Add some height with platform wedges.  If it’s a little chillier, try a light cardigan or cropped jacket.

Click on an item to shop this look or click here. Zhenzi cardi, $60.16; Doo-Lally day dress, $155; Steve Madden shoes, $89.95

Pool Party

A fun bathing suit, a tunic, straw hat, waterproof sandals is all you need to make it a great day.  This season, it’s all about prints.  Layer on a funky print in a sheer tunic over a differently printed suit in complementary colors.

Click on an item to shop this look. O’Neill swim top, $32; O’Neill swim bottom, $30; ApartStyle tunic tank, $110; Old Navy thong sandal, $10

Extra Tips

• With great celebrations comes great food and lots of outside activity, and Memorial Day is no exception.  You might be able to wear whites now (but we always break that rule, anyway), but leave them at home unless you plan on covering up with a bib or apron.  Grass stains, barbecue sauce, and other unexpected messes could leave you with a stain that won’t last you past Monday.
• It’s a happy time, so no matter the temperature, don the bright colors of the season.
• If you get chilly, bring a light scarf in a bright color that can act as a shawl.  Lend as much to the season as you can despite the lower temps.  Or cover up in a light and sporty jacket.
• Add some height with

First, let’s talk practical.

You will be walking around the brick streets of the French Quarter over centuries of Mardi Gras past, so make sure you don’t bring your absolute favorite pair of flats or boots (I guarantee you will be bringing home some NOLA souvenirs on the bottom of your shoes!).  A good pair of leather ones or even cute wedges (the more elevated yet comfortable the better) will keep your feet protected but steady.  With all that walking you’ll be doing, you’ll want to make sure you have shoes that are already broken in or that are built for extensive walking.  Try thin gel inserts for added comfort.  Skip the thin, flexible-sole ballerina flats or pointy shoes; after a few hours, you’ll start to really feel the streets of New Orleans through them.

______________________________________________________________________________

What else should you wear for your trip to New Orleans? Fill out our My Stylist form to find out!

______________________________________________________________________________

Crossbody bags are your best bet for carrying your essentials around.  It’s safer, easier to travel with and just fits in so nicely with the whole boho look.

PARADE WATCHING

Click on an item above to learn more and shop it or click here to view the full outfit details. Create an outfit like this one on WeareverTheWeather.com by clicking on “My Stylist” above.  Just enter a location, date and occasion to see your fashion forecast!

Preparing for theWeather

According to the WeareverTheWeather.com weather forecast, Mardi Gras weekend in New Orleans looks slightly chilly with a high of 74 degrees Fahrenheit and a chance of thunderstorms.  But don’t let those predictions rain on your Mardi Gras parade!  Especially around this time of year, the weather can changefrom day to day.  A cute purse-sized umbrella is never a bad idea in the Crescent City any time of year or you can opt for a cute nylon jacket with a zip in hoodie.  Just zip in the hoodie when the first signs of rain appear.  Or bring out your favorite straw cowboy hat or spring cap to protect your head and hair and to add some panache to your ensemble.

Layering is essential, but keep it light.  Humidity is prevalent now in many parts of the Gulf, and New Orleans is no exception.  Cotton tanks or tees, a light jacket or cotton wrap / scarf and skirt or light jeans will work well.  Or try a floral print cotton dress with a light jacket or belted vest.

MARDI GRAS PARTY

Simple, sexy and in a festive print, this dress is perfect for throwing beads from the balcony or sipping cocktails pre-party.  Click on an item above to learn more and shop it.

Now, let’s talk the fun stuff!

It’s important to remember that comfort is first and foremost in putting together your outfit.  With thousands of your closest friends milling about and the humidity, no doubt you will start perspiring shortly into your foray as well as running into a possible encounter with spilled drinks, smoke and projectile you-know-what.  No need to get fancy, even at night, unless you have a more formal occasion to attend.

In a previous post about winter style in New Orleans, we talked about boho chic as the style of choice for locals and visitors.  You can modify that style to suit your own personal taste if you care to blend in a bit with a cute mini, flat boots, tunic top and artfully draped long scarf.  Or go for cowboy boots with a mini dress.

If you want to catch the attention of those on the balcony in order to get those coveted Mardi Gras beads (sans doing the obvious) try brighter colors (like the traditional Mardi Gras purple, gold and green), a funky hat, or a fabulous boa.  Who doesn’t want to throw beads at a fashionable and festive Mardi Gras-er? 

THE BIG NIGHT(S) OUT

Click on an item above to learn more and shop it or click here to view the full outfit details. Create an outfit like this one on WeareverTheWeather.com by clicking on “My Stylist” above.  Just enter a location, date and occasion to see your fashion forecast!

______________________________________________________________________________

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/2011/03/what-to-wear-to-mardi-gras/feed/ 0 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/12/3188/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/12/3188/#comments Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:54:41 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=3188 by Renae Virata

New Year’s is now upon us – time to party!  Whether you are going to a house party, chillin’ with the fam or doing the glam thing this holiday, nothing will help you start the new year right than looking your best.  The most important thing to remember is to make your night memorable and festive however you plan to do it.   Fortunately, there are unlimited options to get into the Auld Lang Syne spirit with a sharp outfit for the big night out (or in). 

Casual Night In

It’s your time to shine no matter what your plans are.  This season are a number of cardigans with just enough bling to add some sparkle to your night without overdoing it. Simply paired with a pair of your best jeans, slacks or a casual skirt will make it work.  Try pleather leggings with flats to get into the mood. And don’t forget to make your accessories work – a sparkly scarf or fun headband with a little bling can make your night special even if it’s just you and your SO.

House Party

So now you’re kicking it up a notch.  You want to be comfortable enough for that possible impromptu Wii tournament but match that 2011 tiara, too.  This is where accessories or a little fun embellishments can add that extra oomph to your outfit.  Shorts have been eking their way in more and more every winter – this year, the hot pants are all about sequins and sparkle, perfect for just such a social gathering.

SIMPLE AND CHIC. Clic to shop at Banana Republic - Tank ($79.50) + Pant ($92.99) + Scarf ($19.99)

SPARKLE AND FADE. Click to shop at Lulu's - Top ($65) + Shorts ($39)

Love the shorts look?  Click here to check out a $29 pair from Urban Outfitters.

All the Way Glam

All the sparkle and good cheer of an all-out New Year’s fete makes the effort to look your best all the more exciting.  In most cases, a dress is your best bet.  These days, your options are limitless to help you express your individual style.  This season, some of the hot ways to get glam are long gloves with a cropped faux fur jacket.  Leave the gloves on if you so dare to add a little panache to your look.  Or do chic separates that look put together and unique.  A nude pump makes an all black look more fresh and modern.  For a classic evening at the ball, try a simple strapless gown in a rich red, champagne, deep purple or black with interesting beading or in a richly textured fabric.

SEXY SEPARATES. Click to shop at Bebe - Lace corset ($79) + Pencil Skirt ($89)

FUN AND FLIRTY. Click to shop at French Connection - Dress $268

A CLASSIC NEW YEAR'S. Click to shop at Max Studio - Cocktail dress ($228)

It’s that time of year – time to start thinking about getting that perfect gift for each of the special people in your life.  Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, but take it easy, plan ahead, and check out what we’ve got for that travelista in your life – all for under $50 (so you can treat yourself to a little something, too!). 

Click to shop.

For the busy business traveler in your life, help her look chic when she hands out her calling cards to those new connections she’ll make on her trips.  Super soft and textured leather will only make her look that much more savvy!

Business card holder, leather, from Ju-Ju-Be: $20

Click to shop.

Bring back the ear muff in a new sophisticated shape and leopard print.  She’ll thank you when she’s on the road in places like New York, Boston, or Chicago this winter.

Ear warmer, faux fur with Thermolite(R) Active Insulation from Spiegel: $30

Click to shop.

Give the gift of organized travel.  This set will help any traveler keep everything neatly folded and separated.  Set comes with a The folder holds up to seven garments and comes with a folding board and instructions, the cube keeps rolled garments (think tees and socks) together, and the pouch holds all those travel-sized toiletries you’ll need on the plane and through your trip.Comes in a fabulous print or chic black.

Ultimate packing solutions set, nylon, from REI: $21.99

Click to shop.

The perfect shoe for any traveler should be able to withstand long days of touring, most weather conditions, and, of course, look cute!  This shoe has all of that.  It has all the comfort technology of Crocs but in a streamlined, easy to wear flat shape.  Comes in 11 sporty colors, too, so you can get her her favorite color.

Crocband Flat from Crocs: $34.99

Click to shop.

A traveler’s best friend is a hand bag that won’t make her look like a tourist.  This Jessica Simpson bag looks chic but has great compartments – and easily goes across the body for easier (and safer) travel.  In a great neutral color, it will go with anything in any season.

Jessica Simpson crossbody bag from ebags.com: $34.99

Click to shop.

You shouldn’t have to miss out on your favorite playlists just because you’re on vacation.  An easy-to-pack and lightweight  iPod / iPhone dock is the perfect remedy.  This one has a cool shape and all-around speakers so you can party, relax, or dance around in your hotel room like you do at home. 

JBL OnStage portable iPod dock from Target: $49.99

Click to shop.

A classic gift that is perfect for the plane and great for any occasion.  In a fabulous sunny yellow (plus tons of other colors) this cashmere-and-silk blend pashmina is luxurious and practical.

Sunshine yellow pashmina shawl from Pashmina International: $35.20

Click to shop.

Inspire your friend with the latest Lonely Planet travel companion The Travel Book. It’s chock full of interesting tips, guides and pictures for every country in the world.  A total bargain for giving the world to someone you love.

The Travel Book from Barnes and Noble: $36 online

Click to shop.

All the colors she needs for a natural, flawless look.  The kit comes with mascara, lip gloss, cheek powder, mascara, complexion enhancers, and eye shadows.  A handy mirror makes it great for touch-ups on-the-go or before she gets off the plane.

Her Name was Glowla makeup kit from Benefit: $36

Click to shop.

Give her the gift of versatile fashion. This tank can be worn with jeans, glammed up for a night out or under a work suit.  Plus, you can wear it anywhere in any season.  It’s a hundred tops in one!  Also comes in fabulous nude and silver.

Metallic tank from French Connection: $48

Click to shop.

This will be her go-to necklace.  Worn alone or layered with two or three other strands, this necklace is classic but just funky enough to wear to work, to dinner or just to add a little pizazz to a casual outfit.

Necklace, glass and silver-plated metal from Banana Republic: $39.50

Click to shop.

Don’t ruin another nice top again!  Instead of wrapping that hot curling or flat iron before you jet to the airport, protect it and everything else in your suitcase with this clever (and adorable) hair iron cover.  Comes in 25 delicious patterns for every chica on your list!

Curling iron cover from Vera Bradley: $17