by Renae Virata

We love that feeling when you just love, love, love a fabulous have-to-have for your wardrobe right off the bat.  That’s how we felt when we laid eyes on these flats by Dollhouse.  The chic boho feel of the colorful snakeskin texture with a border of silver pallets will make this your go-to shoe for most of your fall wardrobe.

Travelistas, this can be your favorite travel shoe, too – from the plane to site-seeing and everything in between.  Try ‘em on with minis, leggings, your new fall shorts, and your favorite skinny jeans.  And at $39.50, they’re a total bargain.

Click on the shoes to get the details.

Photo credit: PursePage.com

by Renae Virata

Crossbody bags are a must for travelers!  They are easy to carry, look loosely fashionable, and can help you organize all of your travel essentials.  Whether you are on an all-day site-seeing tour; shopping for the day; or on the plane, train or in the car, it can be a great accessory that makes life a little easier.Think of today’s new neutrals: Camel, muted yellow, even a fabulous orange crossbody bag look great on anyone and with most outfits.  You can even do a great evening bag that will make it easy to dance and hang out.

Click on an item to learn more.

Fossil $58

Fossil $84

Ellington $159

B. Makowsky $104.99

Diesel $69.99

Etienne Aigner $69.99

Cole Haan $79.99

Fossil $118

Roxy $58

Whiting and Davis $70

Roxy $24

The Sak $64.99

BCBG $198

BCBG $198

Amici $28

Flower $27

by Renae Virata

Just because the weather outside is blah doesn’t mean your umbrella has to be!  When people can’t see what you’re wearing on rainy days this summer, make a style statement when you’re under cover.

It’s easy to forget how something as useful as an umbrella can also act as an accessory.  There is no better way to spread some much needed cheer on a gray day than strolling the streets with a beautiful, giant flower or a photographic image of Paris that you can get lost in.

For more fabulous umbrella designs, click here.

Butterfly $27

Degas $27

Palm Tree $27

Paris $27

Don’t worry if your umbrella doesn’t match your outfit.  The point of your umbrella is, after all, to shield you from the rain.  A small collection to suit your mood, though, definitely won’t hurt.

Read about what to wear on your feet when it rains in hot weather.

You’ve been waiting all winter for that tropical beach vacation, and it’s finally here!  Make the trip a little easier with these tips and ideas for packing and traveling in style.The main things to consider for your travel wardrobe are your destination’s particular customs, your activities, and how long you will be there.  Many Central American locales, for example, are considered dangerous outside of the resort or hotel property, so if you should venture out on your own (or even with a trusted local), you should err on the conservative and cover yourself with a light shawl, long-sleeve shirt or t-shirt.

Hot, beachy weather, no matter where you are, calls for a little more punch in your wardrobe.  Bright colors and bold jewelry are acceptable anywhere, anytime.

The Weather

Humidity can be overwhelming for many people who are used to cooler, drier climates, especially when the moisture carries into the night air.  But it offers a certain advantage – no matter where you go and what you do, you will always be sticky, sweaty or both, so comfort trumps worries about style, leaving you with many as many or as few options as you choose.  One of the easiest tips to keep cool is to keep fabrics light and airy – light cotton, rayon, jersey knit, and linen are all good options to keep you cool in hot climates.

If you are lucky enough to hike or zipline through mountains, don’t forget a light rain jacket or long-sleeve shirt and, preferably, light capris to cover your legs as you walk through jungle areas.  Temperatures can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler and much drier in those areas, making it even more of a change from the warm, humid temperatures by the shore.

Some good advice because of the hot weather: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  It’s always a good idea for your skin and muscles, but there’s nothing worse than getting heatstroke that lasts for two days and missing part of your vacation (been there, done that, hated it!).   The general rule when you’re out and about in the heat and especially when consuming alcohol is one glass of water for every two drinks.

What to Wear

Packing for a tropical destination might seem as daunting a task as any other vacation, but you have more room to play with your wardrobe (literally and in your suitcase!).

For a ten-day trip, you can be comfortable with two pairs of walking shorts, a pair of board shorts, a pair of lighter casual pants in cotton or linen, a few knit tees or woven tops in bright colors, a couple of basic-colored tanks (great layered under a long-sleeve shirt), a pair of capris for traveling to colder climates, three swimsuits, a long-sleeve shirt, sarong, two casual dresses, and one nicer dress that can be worn for a more special occasion.

On your feet: Haivianas for the beach, pool, and (in some cases) the shower (I know, YUCK!); a pair of neutral wedge sandals to go with black or brown-based outfits for fun, non-walking day trips and at night; light summer flats; and a pair of thong sandals that can be worn anywhere in brown, tan, or white leather.

Versatility, as with most vacations, makes your trip wardrobe easier to manage and less of a headache though not as key for a trip to a warmer country since each piece you pack won’t take up as much space AND you won’t care as much when you are sticky and sweaty most of the day anyway.  A sarong, for example, doubles as a cover-up at night or when traveling in the city or as a cover-up for the beach and pool.  A long-sleeve shirt can be your travel top, a “jacket” in the mountains, or a cover-up for the beach and pool.  A light jersey halter dress can be worn both during the day with casual sandals or at night with wedges.

In general, you will likely be by the pool or beach most of the day, so you can re-wear two or three cover-ups over the course of your trip.  For the sake of pictures, a good tip is to wear an outfit at night then wear it on an excursion or during the day when your are likely to sweat so you don’t waste an outfit by sweating in it the first time it makes its appearance.

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 credit | Victoria's Secret

Photo credit | WhosDatedWho.com

Jamie Lynn Sigler. Photo credit | Gustavo Caballero, Getty Images.

Just because you can shred it as well as (if not better than!) the boys can doesn’t mean you have to dress like ‘em! Ski season is just beginning for a number of spring breakers and deal seekers but still in time to take advantage of the sweet fashions on the slopes and sales galore.   But every stylin’ snow bunny knows that you won’t look good unless you feel good, either. Here is what the experts had to say about meshing fashion and function for a productive, fun, and fashionable trip.

Jared Shope – President of CD Ski and Sports

FABRIC | The latest in fabrics for ski wear is “soft shell” – nearly every designer is using this. Gone are the bulky, ridged fabrics. Soft shell provides a four-way stretch, making it comfortable and warm. (Jared can share details on what each designer/manufacturer calls this fabric in their lines.)

COLOR | Hot on the slopes this year is a bit of ’80s re-done – bright colors are back, like brilliant orange and lime green. Color blocking is also in, but done in a more subtle way than it was in the ’80s.

ACCESSORIES | Accessories are falling in line with colors, mimicking some of the styles of 1980s with bright colors.

LAST WORDS | If you want to get a jump on fashionistas, next year’s hot color will be purple.

Caitlin Gambee –

ACCESSORIES | (???) Every snow bunny should definitely have cute accessories so even when they fall they will look good!

APRES SKI | I also stress the importance of Apres Ski items such as good stylish boots that can easily transition from the harsh elements to looking good all day long as well as nice baselayers that can also be part of your aprs ski outfit.

Khombu www.khombu.com – Apres Ski boots to keep transition your day skiing look to night time fun look!

FUNCTION TRENDS | Heat Trap, Eco Fabrics

Gordini www.gordini.com – baselayers, gloves, faceprotection – trendy snowboarder and ski styles. Also using new heat trap technology!

Kombi www.kombisports.com – baselayers, gloves, and hats – they are using advanced eco fabrics which are really advanced at keeping you dry and warm. Cute styles designed by professional skiers and snowboarders.

STYLE TRENDS | Be bold and be scene. Bright colors and Eye catching designs!

LAST WORDS | Don’t make yourself choose between style or comfort – Pain is beauty? No way!

Shredding Betty

STYLE TRENDS | A better-looking profile.  Dontcha just hate those helmets that make you look like a Goomba in those Mario games?  New styles feature a shape that give you a more ergonomic profile by fitting around your head as opposed to on it. (Bern Muse Helmet – http://shop.shreddingbetty.com/bern-muse-helmet—matte-grey-p45.aspx)

ONLINE RESOURCES

Aspen Fashion Week | Hit the slopes, shop the latest, and get a head start on the next big thing in ski resort fashion in Aspen March 14 to 19. Celebrities like Heidi Klum, , pro skier Nick DeVore, and Olympic gold medal winner Lasse Kjus will kick off the annual event with on-mountain activities that will help show off their lines of ski and snowboard apparel.  Apres ski (that’s after skiing, for all you newbie’s!) fashion shows and presentations will feature designs from Marmot, Kjus, Victorinox, and more.  AFW has partnered with FEED as the official charitable partner.

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!

Since comfort and style go hand in hand on any vacation, it’s always a good idea to bring the following items for your ultimate comfort.

• Bugspray | Self-explanatory.
• Wet wipes | Use them at the beach, before you eat, on an excursion, and to “wash your face” for those particularly rough nights when you are too lazy to wash your face.
• Bandanna | Pull your hair back at the beach or pool, wrap it around your wrist on excursions to wipe away sweat, dip in cool water and place on your neck on superhot days.

Protein bars | You never know when you’ll get hungry, plus it’s great on long excursions to keep your energy up.

iPod dock | You love getting ready at home to music – why not on vacation?  Target has supercheap ones that are easy to pack.

Aqua socks | Traverse those rocks close to shore as you make your way through the waves in comfort.

LeSportsac Basic Backpack | click to buy

Backpack | Find one that is not too heavy, has a lot of pockets (like this one which has them inside and outside), and can be used both on excursions and as a carry-on.

Stain stick | No need to let that stain on your favorite white shorts set all vacation-long!

Woolite powder packs | Chlorine from the pool and saltwater can damage suits if they are not properly washed off after wearing them.  Soak in the sink for ten minutes, rinse, and hang to dry.

Medicine kit | Pack it with Dramamine for boating trips, ibuprofen or aspirin, a roll of Tums, bandaids, and probiotic pills to help your digestive system’s good bacteria work better in places with nonpotable water.  (It’s a great idea to take before your trip to build up your digestive system, but consult your doctor first!!!)

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!

The anticipation of a trip to a warmer place makes you want to slip into your thong sandals, shorts, and tank as soon as you board the plane.  But that small window of time traveling to the airport and even on the plane will be more comfortable if you dress appropriately but transitively. Here are some tips on what will get you from cold to warm seamlessly.

Shoes. | You will likely need boots or a covered shoe anyway as you make your way to the airport, so why make your suitcase heavier by packing your heaviest shoes?  An open-toed bootie worn with light sheer socks or closed-toe flats (preferably in a medium leather) will work for traveling and during your trip.  Even in warmer climates, open-toed booties are all the rage with sundresses or shorts.

Layers. | The lighter each layer, the easier you can shed it as you move from cold to warm.  Then you can use each piece separately on your trip!  Wear a long-sleeve shirt or button-down under a cotton sweater and top off with a rain jacket with a zippable lining that can be removed during your trip.  You save space in your suitcase, stay warm before you get to your destination, and have a rain jacket to use in case it rains during your trip.

Pants. | Stick with skinny jeans that you can wear on your trip or a lighter pair.  Casual cotton pants or cargoes (especially in a more versatile olive or camel color) will keep you warm and work well on excursions when you need a little more coverage against bugs, plants, and / or cooler temps.

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!

The North Face Triclimate Jacket | click to buy

Photo Source: Socialite Life

by Laura Milligan

The queen of the getaway — whether she’s in St. Tropez, Ibiza, Thailand or Glastonbury — is hands-down Kate Moss, because she looks stylish and comfortable, always. And after decades of a modeling career that’s taken her around the world to fashion shows, editorial and ad campaign shoots, and business ventures, she’s had a bit of practice piecing together the perfect travel outfits.

Today, Popsugar highlighted some of Kate’s mantras for healthy, balanced living, including this tip for packing for vacation:

“I wear black; always trousers — stretchy black jeans and a flat shoe or boot. And I have my own blanket.”

We definitely agree: stretchy black jeans don’t ever look dirty, and they hold their shape after overnight flights. And even a Manolos fan like Kate could use a comfy shoe when dodging the paparazzi at Heathrow.

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!

When I used to travel for my last job or attend any number of conferences, I’d always have the highest hopes that those sexy but polished three-inch heels I was rocking would last me all day.  Big mistake!  I wasn’t about to abandon my favorite kicks to go with my favorite suit until about four hours later when I started to get that sensation of impending pain that comes with most hot heels and boots.But comfortable business travel shoes does not necessarily mean (heaven forbid!) clunky and rubber-soled.  Here are our picks for the coziest yet most stylish heels, flats, and boots to help you put your best foot forward for that next marathon business trip.

CARMA $278

Cole Haan

You can’t go wrong in a classic pair of Cole Haans.  This line of shoes was definitely made for walking without sacrificing good looks.  The supple leathers are a favorite for business travelers as well as the latent designs with comfort in mind.  The Carma Air Detailed Pump is a prime example.  In black, burnished gold, or royal purple, this shoe boasts NIKE AIR Technology “for maximum support.”  Comfort of a tennis shoe in a fabulous style?  We’re in.

GLADSTONE $69.00

Bass

Remember getting your Bass loafers for school way back when?  For years now, they’ve been offering stylish dress shoes for women but with an upgrade in styling.  Their Gladstone modified penny loafer has that Bass comfort with a memory foam padded sole but includes a modern stacked heel to keep it looking good from all angles.  It comes in black and what they call cocoa, but the fawn color (shown here) is a staple every woman should have in their business wardrobe.  And, hello! You can’t beat the price.

FOREST GROVE $90.00

Rockport

How many times have you walked by this store in the mall only to find that either hard-core walkers / hikers or older women seem to pervade the scene?  A thorough look inside the shop will reveal a number of flats and heels that cater more to the professional fashionista.  Their Forest Grove Casual Slip-On in a fabulous steel gray is one such shoe.  If you can get away with flats, this is one that will go with anything and give you an edge.  At $90, your feet stay dry from a day’s worth of sweat, the hidden rubber sole provides ultimate flexibility, and the patent leather adds a little fancy to your feet.  Imagine racing through the airport in these, too, and you have one great shoe to pack.

BENEFIT $59.99

Aerosoles

Another unlikely candidate for fashionable heels, Aerosoles has been coming up with some pretty sweet dress shoes in recent years.  No one would ever guess that the Benefit shoe, with its sleek lines and kitschy but cute striped bow styling also includes the signature Aerosoles comfort promise.  They also come in black with the striped bow or not, but we couldn’t resist this go-with-it-all rich brown color.

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!

ROWALLAN BAG TO GARMENT BAG - $149.99

by Renae Virata

C’mon, ladies, we know you have one – that carry-all into which you stuff basically every travel doc, electronic, spare sweater, and personal accessory that you will need for your trip but that mimics a black hole when you actually need to find something.  Well, here’s our mini-guide to the most stylish carry-on bags that will make life a lot easier on your next trip.What to Look for:

VERA BRADLEY - OVERNIGHTER - $75!

•   Consider your personal traveling style. Are you just fine with your purse and a magazine, or do you like to pack a made-for-a-woman baby bag to keep the stuff you think you might need on your flight?  Either way, it is important to know that when choosing a bag.  Simple passengers may only need a good purse or simple tote.  A multi-pocketed duffle or bowler may be just the thing for a woman with more accoutrements.

•   Structure and organization. Don’t you just hate looking into your bag to find crumpled papers, tangled cords, and…where IS that darned gloss?!    A structured bag can help reduce the amount of shifting in your bag by keeping things contained.  Look for those with lots of dividers and pockets on the outside to keep everything organized.

EBAGS.COM ACE GENE TRIFOLD - $249.99

•   Closure. Not the kind after you break up, but how your bag closes.  Opt for fitted flap-over bags with strong clasps or one that completely zips closed.  It will help against pickpockets of the possibility of anything accidentally slipping out.

•   Texture. More for aesthetics than anything else, bags with a tough exterior texture to the fabric will help you feel more put-together when it comes to your carry-on.  Textured bags tend to show less wear, also, as the more three-dimensional effect will hide scratches, scrapes, and worn-out areas.

•   Color. Don’t be afraid to experiment with “color” neutrals!  Black and brown are THE classics, but why not opt for a dark green number, a deep burgundy, or a pattern that says ‘you’?

•   Material. Tough but smooth leather is always a stylish option that can only look better the more you use it.  But fabrics like microfiber and thick nylon tweeds are also great choices to get you through many trips.   Plus, texture will already be built in, so you can rest assured you’ve got both areas covered.

•   Shape. Sizeable bowlers not only look great but can help you fit your necessities.  A mini-duffel of the none-gym-bag variety are also perfect to carry by hand or over your shoulder.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ROLLING BAG - $110

•   Roll or carry? Why choose?  Sometimes it’s just easier to carry something (not to mention more comforting), but when you have a heavier load than usual, wheels can be of huge benefit.  Find both in one bag and never have to worry about how to carry your essentials around.

•   Matching not required. Don’t worry about coordinating all of your bags together and with your clothes. Unless you want to start a carry-on bag collection, a couple of reliable pieces that speak to your style and mode of travel will let you choose one to suit your mood.

More tips

•    Pack an extra flat-folding, thinner tote or mini-duffle for those possible impromptu airport shopping sprees.

EAGLE CREEK 20" PACKING FOLDER - $27.50

•    If your favorite bag lacks pockets, organize all of your items in separate cases or folders.  Make it more fun with coordinating patterns.

BAAEKGAARD MATCHING SET - $36

•    Try not to overstuff your bag.  Many are tough and roomy, but you’ll end up compromising the bag’s closure, your things, and probably your sanity, if you must dig through everything to find anything.

•   Cute luggage tags are a must! Express yourself with luggage tags from .

BOYT MACH5 MULTIPKT - $159.99

WILSON'S LEATHER - LEADERS IN LEATHER DUFFLE - $225

KORCHMAR LEATHER EXPANDABLE DUFFLE - $500

•   TSA Restrictions | What you can’t bring with you on the plane.

•   Airline Carry-On Luggage Requirements | Scroll down this page to find out general restrictions on number, size, and weight of your carry-on bags.

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!