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!

If you are attending a wedding in the near future and are unsure of what to wear, there are some big trends coming up for 2012 that might help in making the right decision, as there are a variety of wedding outfits to choose from. (Click image to shop this dress.)It is important to mention that there is a very fine line that wedding guests have to obey when deciding upon their outfits, as you do not want to be at the centre of attention with the outfit you are wearing (you may upset the bride!). So your wedding outfit should be chosen wisely.

Pencil skirts

Pencil skirts are ideal for women who prefer a bit of formality and neutral colours. Pencil skirts are becoming trendier and should not only be associated with offices. You can combine this outfit with a pearl necklace for your outfit to become a bit more elegant and glamorous. When buying a pencil skirt, make sure you buy the right size. Pencil skirts are known for their fitting and should be comfortable, as weddings are special but also long days.

Click on the image above to shop this look and others at Jacques Vert online.

Floral patterns

You may have noticed that floral patterns are this year’s new trend in fashion and have also been incorporated into wedding outfits. Floral patterns are great for those women who love a bit of colour and want to keep up with the latest trends. These patterns are very pretty and are therefore an excellent choice for a feminine woman. When buying a floral dress, ensure that you use the right accessories. Because floral patterns are the first thing you look at, make sure not to overdress your outfit by adding a colourful scarf to it. It is best to style your floral dress with a neutral coloured jacket or scarf.

Make-up

Colour is something that will pick up in 2012. If you decide to wear a neutrally-coloured pencil skirt, you could add some glamour by going for red lips. If you are not keen on red lips, you can also use a light-coloured gloss. In terms of the eyes, it is all about colours and definition so no more smoky eyes. When applying eye shadow, make sure you use two different colours that are coordinating and apply the lighter shade closer to the eye with the darker shade around. Don’t be afraid to use some blush as well, as it will contour your cheeks and emphasize your cheekbones. When using blush, be careful to not overdo it because, often, less is more.

Photo | bridalblvdsite.com

by Sinta Jimenez

For two consecutive years, I have attended two beautiful autumn weddings — the first, my best friend Elliot’s from high school; the second, my best friend John’s from law school. The similarities are curious, pumpkins as decorations, ceremonies by a lake with a backdrop of trees and mountains, dogs in the bridal party, and of course true love. After these two weddings, I am more than prepared for another autumn nuptial, an expert for dressing the part as guest, and think perhaps the cool bite of a fall breeze is a most romantic necessity for a wedding.

For practical reasons deciding on what to wear to an autumn wedding takes a bit more thought than the easy breezy option of a spring or summer affair. Especially with so many ceremonies being held outdoors, outerwear, warm footwear and warm formal/semi-formal dresses must be considered for comfort while still upholding wedding dress code.

Sinta’s Top Tips

• Fur or faux-fur accented outerwear brings just enough formality and glamour while providing warmth.
• When picking a dress think of colors typically associated with the season such as amber, deep purple, and warm orange tones.
• The option of slip on mules are not practical for autumn chill, consider heeled booties, thick wedges and other closed toe options.

Cashmere sweater, boots, and skinny jeans for a casual meet and greet

Click to shop: Pure Collection 100% cashmere sweater (also black and gray), $284; Miss Sixty jeans, $165.96; Steve by Steve Madden Meteour boots, $229

Opaque tights, chic oxfords, blouse, cardigan, and a bell skirt for pre-wedding night out with the groom and bride.

Click to shop: Doo-Lally bow cardigan, $88.31; Mango Blouse, $59.90; Allison Parris tulip/bell skirt, $280; Better U Muscle Toning Tights, $13.96;

Comfortable and warm travel clothing to fly in and out of the wedding location if you aren’t local.

Click to shop: Esprit cardigan, $99.50; Apart long-sleeve tee, $88;  French Connection jeans, $138; Steve Madden Intyce boot, $149

Take cues from current Autumn/Winter style trends, look to runway looks for a plethora of formal and semi-formal style options.

Carven A/W 2011

Celine A/W 2011

Marni A/W 2011

It’s totally cool to dress back to school! Conservative yet sweet cuts reminiscent of school girl uniforms are now all grown up. Wool dresses and skirts with pleats and pin tucks recall a whimsy you thought you left behind long ago.

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.

Q: My boyfriend and I were invited to a wedding. Both the bride and groom are Puerto Rican, and I’m not exactly sure what to wear to a Puerto Rican wedding (i.e what they consider formal or casual). Help?

A: To cover your bases if you aren’t sure whether it is formal or casual, go for a light-weight dress in tropical colors or with a vibrant print that has a formal silhouette, such as a halter or spaghetti straps.  For Latin weddings, it is better to err on semi-formal as this is a huge, special occasion both culturally and religiously.  Light, flowy, and more formal fabrics such as silk provide an airy feel that really speaks to the occasion.  You can easily dress it up or down with just the right accessories.  Opt for gold, to really pop and lend a special air to your outfit, but keep the statement pieces to one while making everything more simple (i.e. a pair of statement earrings or a statement necklace).   Nude pumps are more casual while matching metallics make your outfit more formal.  Also, be sure to carry a shawl to the church to cover your shoulders.  Have fun!

ApartStyle Grecian mini-gown $114, French Connection maxi dress $248, ApartStyle cross-front dress $95

Photo credit: Aloha Weddings

by Renae Virata

Imagine yourself, witnessing a loved one’s big day, in the warmth of the sun, by the rolling waves and in the midst of a tantalizing breeze.  How romantic!  But those very pleasures can also make you uncomfortable if you’re not prepared!  Here are some tips to make sure you look your best and survive the sun and sand.

Now most beach weddings might not take place in the sand, but just in case (and who knows where you’ll end up as a group by night’s end!) it’s a good idea to wear wedges if you go the heels route.  The even footing will help you traverse grass, sand dunes, and even wooden-planked bridges with a little more grace.  ‘Course, you can always take your shoes off.

Click on each piece to learn more.

TIBI Sao Paolo Jersey Maxi Dress $381

CYNTHIA STEFFE Leslie Dress $325

Isabella Oliver $315

Crocs $ 89.99

Crocs $89.99

Zappos $98

Zappos $98

Lodis $235

La Regale $32

Amici $32

Helen Kaminski $245

Because it can get breezy and sunny, pull of a totally chic look with a wide-brimmed straw hat and a light scarf.  You can use that same scarf as an accessory for brunch the next day (and on the plane ride home).

As far as dresses go, most beach weddings are on the casual side.  Bright colors (wrinkle-free, cool, and somewhat stain-resistant) allow you to finally break out that fabulous hot pink mini-dress you’ve been waiting to wear.  If you go for a traditional special occasion fabric like taffeta, short is best to avoid dragging your hem on the ground (no doubt you WILL have your shoes off by day’s end!).  Opt for simple shapes that won’t get uncomfortable as the day in the sun wears on – uncomplicated halters, spaghetti-strapped dresses and strapless sheaths are perfect.  Avoid flouncy, multi-layered pieces to beat the heat. Simpler fabrics like light jerseys are fin short or maxi styles.

When you go simple with your dress, ladies, accessories always punctuate the outfit!  Statement jewelry will glam up even the simplest dresses.  Try a giant cocktail ring or a multi-jeweled bib necklace.

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!

Photo: RuthL

by Renae Virata

One of our fabulous travelistas on the go, go, go is taking a fabulous trip to Puerto Rico to attend a wedding. As the 42nd-largest city under the United States, Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan blends the best of the tropics, old school charm, and everything a city has to offer.  The locals appreciate style, so looking your best is never a bad idea!  Nightlife is abundant, but the dress code is not on par with more glitzy tropical counterparts like Miami. Among the favorite activities to consider dressing for are walking through historic Old San Juan, hiking through rainforests and mountains, and the stretches of white beaches!

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

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Did you know that if you are an American citizen, you don’t need a passport?  That makes San Juan an easy trip for anyone coming from the States!

What to Wear and Pack | Weather in San Juan | Resources | Shopping

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You are in a beautiful, tropical place, so live it up and don your brightest and funnest pieces. For a casual day of walking, shopping or grabbing drinks by the beach, wear a comfortable pair of flat sandals, wedges or closed-toe espadrilles.  A sundress or colorful tank/halter and white shorts, pants or skirt will keep you feeling pretty but comfortable.

Click on an item to shop this look or click here to shop this look.

You’ll like the nightlife baby!  The locals and visitors alike know how to have a good time, but you can comfortably get away with a cute sundress and flats or go a little more glam in heels or wedges.  A sexy romper is another great option.

Click here to shop this look.

A colorful cocktail dress is perfect for a formal  event such as a wedding.  Metallic sandal heels or wedges will show off your new tan well and add some sheen to your ensemble.  Carry a pashmina in case it is cold indoors where you are or a light breeze catches you off guard outside.

Click here to shop this look.

Hiking?  Look fabulous in a bright-colored tank, slim-fitting tee or sundress.  Athleta has a collection of “adventure travel” dresses and skirts for a more feminine but still sporty option.  For excursions where flora (and some fauna – read: bugs!) is abundant, try cargo pants instead.  The higher elevation in the mountains may require a light jacket, so pack a light cardigan, hoodie or super light nylon jacket.

Click here to shop this look.

• Sunny yellows, bird of paradise orange, hot pinks, grass greens and turquoise are some of the colors that will never go out of style.  If you opt for a more neutral palette, khaki, chartreuse, white and light gray are great options.  Find comfortable balance with darker colors by choosing light, airy fabrics like woven cottons.
• Don’t forget to accessorize! This is a great trip to bring your bright baubles to make your outfits pop.  Bejeweled sandals make an evening out more schnazzy.
• Cross-body bags, always a staple on trips, especially during excursions, will pop in bright colors or in a sweet weave.
• Save room in your bag for those fabulous pieces that you’ll no doubt want to take home but not before you show them off.  Local artisans are proud of their crafts and love seeing their art displayed on the visitors who appreciate them!
• It’s important to be mindful of the locals’ perception of fashion despite the warm weather.  Many women are tempted to walk the public thoroughfares in a bikini top but better to err on the conservative and wear either a tank or tube top to keep cool and enjoy the sunshine.

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San Juan has a tropical monsoon climate, but rain falls pretty evenly throughout the year.  During the spring in San Juan, be sure to check WeareverTheWeather.com for the current weather forecast since rain can fall sporadically at an average of 4 inches.

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• To Puerto Rico
• Virtual Tourist

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• Local Designers: Nono Maldonado, Mirta Rubio, Eddie Guerrero, David Antonio, Héctor Javier, Luis Antonio, Rubén Dario, Sonia Rivera, Stella Nolasco, Heriberto Vázquez (Source: Legends of Puerto Rico)
• Old San Juan: Site of historic San Juan and home to a plethora of charming shops and local boutiques.

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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/2011/03/what-to-wear-to-san-juan-puerto-rico/feed/ 0 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/08/what-to-wear-to-a-bachelorette-party/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/08/what-to-wear-to-a-bachelorette-party/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:46:45 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=2097 by Renae Virata

It’s the last hurrah for the bride and a chance for all her best girlfriends to get together.   Bachelorette parties (or stagettes elsewhere) vary according to the type of activities in which you will be partaking.  But you can be sure that it will be a time to let everything out and to have a great time!

Have fun with color and be creative.  This is your time to shine as a the hot group of girls that you are!

Click on each item to shop this look: Esprit Tank; Esprit City Shorts; Report Randolph Sandals

Click on each item to shop this look: Arden B Cutout Tunic Dress; Martinez Valero Ono Pumps

Click on each item to shop this look: TIBI Caftan Tunic; Esprit Leggings; Crocs Pixie

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!

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2009; via Style.com

by Laura Milligan

In most parts of the country, June is wedding month. In Texas and the South, our Octobers pile up with wedding invitations because the worst of the heat is finally over, but for some couples it just makes sense to get hitched in the middle of the winter.

If you’re of a certain age, you’ve probably accumulated a sensible collection of summery cocktail dresses, and a solid stash of belts, shoes, and purses to mix between them during particularly busy — and traditionally timed — wedding seasons. But what are the rules for dressing up when it’s cold and blustery outside? Keep reading for our tips on what to wear to a winter wedding.

• Tuxedo pants for girls has resurfaced as an acceptable cocktail or even black-tie trend in recent years, and if you’re going to wear pants to a wedding, this is pretty much the only option you’ve got, unless the dress code is jeans. But when you wear tuxedo pants, everything else you wear needs to be impeccably sophisticated and feminine: think jeweled peep-toes and satin halter tops.
• Coat dresses provide enough structure and warmth to be dressy without looking out of season or like you’re going to the office (which tweed shifts can often do). Remember that a sleeveless or short sleeve edition will allow you more room and comfort on the dance floor and can be layered over sheer cashmere tees and long-sleeve shirts.
• High-heeled boots are practical but stylish alternatives to sandals or even pumps. Pick boots with a delicate heel to amp up the dressy factor.
• A good winter coat will protect you from the elements outside and drafty churches inside. Fur and fake fur make everything dressier, so accessorize with a coat or wrap that’s either all fur or fur-trimmed. And when we wrote about what to wear in Chicago during the winter, Cascade Communications president Jennifer Fortney pointed out that nothing’s better than a good down coat when it’s really freezing. Wear a cardigan underneath, and you’ll be ready to show off your party dress during the ceremony and reception.

And make sure that if you wear black, balance the heavy, moody color with a dress or accessory in a pretty, fresh pattern or hue. You are going to a wedding, after all.

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!

Erdem Celyn dress coat

Nanette Lepore Sirena double-breasted coat dress

White House Black Market Tuxedo Pant

Erin Fetherston Tuxedo Jumpsuit

Anyone who’s ever been a bridesmaid in a wedding knows full well what happens to that poofy, sad dress after its moment has passed.  It ends up in the back of the closet in its original dryclean plastic never to be seen by human eyes again (until you clean out your closet or move).  But it doesn’t have to be a total waste!  Here are some ideas on how to find a wearable place in your wardrobe for your old bridesmaid dresses.

Turn a poofy dress into a cool skirt.

Turn that poofy dress into a cool cocktail skirt

Dresses that have that indescribable “scratchy” taffeta material can find new life as a fun cocktail skirt.  Just get your seamstress to chop off the top portion and to shorten the skirt portion to a length that hits just at or above the knee (depending on the skirt’s structure and length).  If the dress has an attached sash, keep it as a built-in belt or remove it as a separate piece that you can wear with other outfits.  Wear your new skirt with a turtleneck in the winter or a simple, solid-colored cotton tank in the spring and accent with an awesome strand of pearls, layers of chains, or a long pendant necklace.

Take it off

Chop off the sleeves, shorten it, or make it strapless.  With the help of your seamstress or a crafty friend, you can find a number of simple ways to make the dress work just by reducing it to its best parts.

Break out the paintbrush and go to town!

Get REALLY crafty

Remember that adorable Kenley from season 5 of Project Runway?  She got really creative with paint and won rave reviews from the judges.  You can do the same and have a ton of grade-school art-class fun with fabric paints.  This will especially work well on those dresses with that aforementioned “scratchy” taffeta material.  Just be sure to plan out your pattern on paper first and sketch it on the dress or use stencils to create cool designs on the front, to the side, or on the bottom.

You can also add different materials to create completely new looks.  Take the top from a strapless dress and add straps or have a separate knit or woven material sewn for the bodice, keeping the bandeau part in tact.  Shorten a dress and add a cool contrasting but complementary material as a border on the bottom.

Bare essentials

Strip the dress to its bare minimum by removing all those extras (floral attachments, sashes, lace, etc.).  Add a crinoline skirt underneath a stiff and shortened cocktail-like dress.  Top off with a cool sash belt in the same color in a whimsical pattern like polka dots or stripes for a retro look.  How about shortening those gloves and wearing them out for a night on the town?  Or you can slim down a dress to create a simple sheath.

Get creative, work with your friends, look through magazines, and consult with your seamstress to get some great ideas on what to do with that dress.  It’s fun, it’s green, and it’s the best way to get more bang for your buck from that $200 dress!