by Renae Virata | Spending a few days in Hawaii, I have learned a thing or two…dressing up is not the MO in the Islands, no matter the occasion. But traveling for the fashionable travelista is about more than just comfort, it’s about style and those many photos you’ll be taking to commemorate your trip!
By Alexa Serrecchia | I knew before I left for Italy that I had probably over packed. The question was, by how much? As it turned out, it wasn’t necessarily that I had over packed, but more that I could’ve switched out a few things.
Firstly, I barely used any of the gym type clothes that I brought. I never used my gym sneakers once. I told myself that I would exercise some while away, but I didn’t need to considering how much we walked each day. Also, I didn’t want to waste my time in a foreign country exercising! Therefore, considering that I only used my gym clothes as pajamas, I could’ve brought half the amount that I did. The sneakers also took up valuable space in my suitcase; although, if you’re going to bring bulkier shoes, utilize the space as I did by stuffing smaller items inside of your shoes!
Photo | Alexa Serrechia
by Alexa Serrechia | In America, every time that I go to church, it seems I see more and more people wearing sweatpants. In the summertime, it is common to see girls in short shorts and guys wearing gym shorts to mass. No one dresses up for church anymore in the US; my parents used to tell me how they used to dress up for Sunday services, and it was considered abnormal if you weren’t in your “Sunday best.” Here in Italy, it seems that this old tradition is still honored.
by Alexa Serrechia | Before arriving in Rome, I was told countless times that women here dress much more conservatively than in the United States. I packed several dresses and skirts and left more of my shorts at home. Now that I’ve been here for four days, I’ve noticed similarities and differences between our customs of dress. Read the rest of this entry »
by Alexa Serrechia | Packing: every fashionista’s nightmare. If you’re anything like me, packing for a vacation isn’t a simple few hours task. It is more like a tasking few days spent toiling over which outfits I truly want to bring and which could be left home. This time, I wasn’t just packing for a few days or a week. I will be in Italy for 5 weeks! Read the rest of this entry »
by Renae Virata | I remember commenting on a post by my fellow blogger and friend about whether people dress in costume when they visit oter countries. In India, it’s hard to escape and fun to do. I, myself, did not go so far as to don a complete sari as other foreign visitors had, but it seemed perfectly acceptable to do so. The farthest I had gone was to wear my hot pink, embroidered maxi skirt I’d bought in Jaisalmer and one of three pairs of fabulous leather sandals and flats I’d succumbed to buying. Read the rest of this entry »
by Renae Virata
I got to explore several areas for Bangkok shopping. My main takeaway: stay away from the tourist traps! That includes the famed floating market a few hours outside of the city and Khao San Road. Of course, if they are your only options, be prepared to do some MAJOR bargaining. I regretfully bought some Thai coinpurses at the floating market that a girl in a passing gondola said she’d paid less than half of what I had paid! 
by Renae Virata
If you plan to visit a local temple and are not sure of the dress code, err on the conservative. Make sure you cover your knees and shoulders. The particular temple we visited, Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, prohibits scarves as shoulder covers, unlike cathedrals in Italy, for example, that provide cheap papercloths for this purpose. At Tiger Temple, they sell simple pants for around 200 baht (or US$6.50).
Check out these looks from our visit: Read the rest of this entry »
by Renae Virata | As my friends and I set out for a fun day of shopping down Khao San Road (what my friend Jen S. and I lovingly call ‘Rodeo Drive’ for the considerable tourist markups), we never could have anticipated just how hot and sticky our excursion would be. It is hooooot year-round in Bangkok, so it’s important to pack the lightest and airiest clothes possible. Read the rest of this entry »
Well, this is it! As I mentioned in a recent post, I will take up the challenge of bringing only ONE carry-on and a backpack for my trip. Last night, I excitedly laid out everything I will be bringing. Will I meet the challenge? How will I fare at the supposedly cheap Thai markets in adding to my trip wardrobe? Follow the WTW Travelista blog to find out…For now, here’s a snapshot of my travel gear. Read the rest of this entry »
