Poor old dress...hadn't seen the light of day in ages. Until yesterday!

by Renae Virata | So if you hadn’t read my previous post, I am on a “shopping my closet” kick!  I realize that there are outfits just WAITING to be made that I have yet to discover. No more staring at my closet with “nothing to wear”! I just wore this summer semi-formal to a boho-chic bar on a VERY chilly and VERY windy night with some great success.  See how I breathed new three-season, three-occasion life into this old-wedding-dress oldie but goodie!

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See how I turned this summer strapless into two different cool-weather outfits!

by Renae Virata | In a desperate effort to keep myself from overshopping after the holidays (I just love giving gifts!), I decided that it was time to do a different kind of shopping…in my own closet!  How painful is it to stare at a closet (or two) full of clothes and feel like you have “nothing to wear”?  Sooo frustrating.  So I’ve put together some looks that are great for transitioning from winter to spring with just a few layer adjustments here and there that I hope will inspire you to do the same.  Check out my first two looks from one piece! (And a great way to practice planning for a versatile trip wardrobe!)

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by Renae Virata | I have a very fashionable friend from Kentucky who inspired this post with her forward-thinking selection of a very chic kimono that she found in LA last summer.  No matter where you go this summer, snatch one up for probably one of the most versatile spring/summer pieces in your wardrobe this year!

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by Renae Virata | I don’t know about you, but just about my least favorite part about packing is being unprepared or overpacking.  I sometimes reach this dilemma when the weather for my destination calls for chilly, rainy weather.  I don’t want to pack too many bulky coats, but I want to make sure I’m literally covered.  The answer: Trout Rainwear!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Photo | DiscoverLynchburg.com

by Renae Virata | You wouldn’t believe it unless you saw it, but the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway really look – blue! I was lucky to make this trip (for work, no less!) for a stretch a few years back. Definitely a wonderful break in between meetings.  (Read below to know why they’re so blue.)  Higher elevations mean it can get somewhat cool, so, again, layers work best.  Have some fun with your pics and do a blue-themed wardrobe.  And make sure you’re comfortable if you decide to do a mini-hike to scope out some nature.

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by Renae Virata | This route is like a rainbow of Midwest natural beauty: green forests, blue waters and red cliffs.  And it makes a fabulous getaway from the heat of summer wherever you are!  From June through August, the average high reaches about 77 degrees F while the average lows can dip to as low as 48 degrees F.  That means a light jacket or cardigan during the day and a medium jacket at night.  The style culture super casual, so a classic chambray shirt and cotton maxi skirt or a slim version of cargos with a fun tee are all you need.

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by Camille S. | This past weekend I visited NYC for the International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS) and since I knew at one point I would be lugging my luggage around I made a point to pack light (see this post). In one carry on I packed 9 pieces of clothing, 3 pairs of shoes, 1 pair of pajamas, undergarments, accessory bag, makeup bag, toiletries and my laptop and case! This is the outcome of my ‘experiment’… Read the rest of this entry »