by Renae Virata

It seems from the questions we’ve been getting that you guys are ready to pick up your travel schedules once again, which we love!  Versatility, of course, is a benchmark of a good trip wardrobe, so we checked out a line called Chick on the Go, a travel-ready collection of FIVE pieces that can create 25 different looks!

At first, I was a bit skeptical. Really – that many looks with so few pieces?  But this collection, started by uber-Travelista and fashion industry veteran Silvia Allegrini, can truly be a savior for an easy spring/summer travel wardrobe.

“What we’ve created is an all-in-one wardrobe with just five basic pieces and two accessories. By switching around and combining the garments, women can create 25 different outfits! The pieces fit all body-types and have no buttons or zippers, for ultimate comfort.”

All of the pieces come in a lightweight travel case, come in a basic palette of black and white, and are made of rayon and spandex.  We have yet to try the set, which sells for $289, but here are the WeareverTheWeather.com tenants it follows (read: why we love it already!):

• Sticks to a specific color palette.
• Lightweight and minimal packing.
• Versatility for different types of occasions/events (they have multiple looks for three different types of occasions: professional, flirty, casual, night out – like our Fashion Forecast occasions!).
  
• Basic silhouettes that can go together or with other pieces easily.

The pieces included in the kit:

1. A black wide leg pant.
2. A black slip dress.
3. A white long-sleeve shirt.
4. A white tank top.
5. A black poncho that can be worn as a skirt and a shirt.
6. Two sashes (one black, one white) that can be worn as a belt, a scarf or a headband.

‘Course, you don’t HAVE to stick with just this clothing for a trip, but you can certainly carry it on easily and incorporate it into other outfits in your suitcase.  In fact, that may be the smart thing to do so that you add dashes of yourself and pops of color, pattern and texture.  Just think how many MORE outfits you will have for your trip!

You can buy it exclusively at http://www.thechickonthego.com and see the entire group of items and a how-to-wear-’em video.

Has anyone ever tried Chick on the Go?  Let us know, we’d love to hear from you or see pics of you in your outfits!

by Renae Virata

A break from the winter doldrums is just what many of us need. So if you’re lucky enough to make an escape to somewhere warm and far away, then you need to trade in your sweaters and boots for brightly-colored tanks and sandals.You can get a head start on your spring and summer wardrobes with the fabulous resortwear on racks now.  Despite the limited selection this time of year, it’s easy to put together the few chic looks you’ll need for your trip.

Rebecca Minkoff offers a sophisticated and breezy collection of brightly colored pieces that go well together – no work required! We’re especially digging the bright blue pants in a nouveau seventies cut.

Click here to see all resort looks by Rebecca Minkoff >>

Left outfit: Rebecca Minkoff Hali shorts (multiple colors), $188; printed top, $278. Right outfit: Rebecca Minkoff turquoise Sanna pants, $298; Alissa Cami, $198.

The secret to a beautifully unfussy resort wardrobe is surprisingly easy:

• Stick to two or three bright colors and intersperse with one neutral.
• A pair of shorts or pants, a tank, a long sleeve blouse that doubles as a cover-up, a day dress, a night dress, a cardigan, casual sandals (wedge if you need height!) and a pair of bright-colored heels for night can take you through three to four days.
• Accessories are key!  A pair of statement earrings or a statement necklace can dress up a tank for night while natural pieces made of wood or stones can decorate a casual look.
• Don’t be afraid to mix colors!  This is what gives a resort wardrobe mileage (and interest in those pics you’ll be posting).
• Don’t forget your bag!  A simple python shoulder bag can take you from the plane to day to night and goes with all colors.  (Check out the Rebecca Minkoff silver snakeskin version here.)

Rebecca Minkoff Silver Snake Embossed Purse, $450

Athleta. Click to shop.

by Renae Virata

Even the most die-hard dress haters have to admit: Nothing is easier to wear and to pack than a reliable and stylish dress.  Dressed up or down, the right dress in the right fabric and color goes from day to night with just a switch of accessories and (pending the swing in weather throughout the day) some strategic layering. Here are our five travel dress picks for any Travelista out there!

1. The sweater dress

Athleta sweater dress

Our top pick this fall for a great travel dress.  We love the criss-cross action on the front and the simple lines of this piece.  Look for something in a light knit that can easily be layered under a coat or over leggings/tights and boots.  Add some panache with printed tights or a cool fall hat.  If you opt for a dressier look, make sure you do a fall/winter wedge or a stacked heel to match the weight of the dress (read: dainty shoes won’t work with this look!).

2. A layerable shift

ApartStyle Print Dress

Keeping it simple is key when you travel.  A shift dress is just that easy piece!  Layer over a slim long-sleeve tee and boots for a casual look, slip under a blazer for work with pumps, or leave it bare with just sandals and a luscious statement necklace for a night out on the town.

3. Long-sleeve knit dress

Mango Long-sleeve Dress

If you have to step off sexy for an immediate date or happy hour, nothing works better than a simple long-sleeve knit dress. In a solid or print, it’s comfortable on the plane and versatile for a variety of activities.  Belt a long cardigan over it with ankle boots and tights for a cozy look, a simple jacket for work (make sure it covers your derriere!), and simply with a statement necklace, statement earrings or a fur vest and heels for dinner.

4. The cotton tee dress

Isabella Oliver tee dress

Talk about easy!  This will be your favorite dress, travel or not!  Easy on the plane with leggings and flats and a denim jacket. Wear with a cozy cardigan, colored tights and black booties for a chic London fall look.  Tuck into a pencil skirt and wear your favorite moto-blazer for a cool work look.  Wear alone with a long black vest, tights, and wedge heels when grabbing drinks. The possibilities are endless!

5. The wrap dress

Boden Wrap Dress

The no-fail dress for traveling: Virtually wrinkle-free, easy movement, comfy as a blanket, and super easy to wear.  Great for work, play, and everything in between.  Layer under a cozy cardi with boots, wear with heels for work or drinks, add a turtleneck and scarf for extra warmth.  To change it up a bit, add a thick leather belt.

]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/09/5-easy-travel-dresses/feed/ 0 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/06/packing-tip-road-trip-with-friends/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/06/packing-tip-road-trip-with-friends/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:35:11 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=4734

Photo | Explorer Girls

by Renae Virata

We got this question from a Travelista who is going on a super fun road trip this summer with two of her friends.  She wanted to know how she and her fashionable (read: overpacking!) friends could pack better and with only one weekend bag each.  They also would have access to a laundry facility.  Luckily, I had just experienced this with some friends and have some great tips to share.  (And if you have any other tips, be sure to leave a comment below!)

I shared this light boho shirt with my friend Jenn – and no one was the wiser!  We wore it differently and for different occasions, so with one piece, we expanded our outfit choices in a snap.  It almost made a complete round when our friend Eva considered wearing it over a very light black romper and letting it hang off the shoulder.

A fedora is the perfect piece to add polish to any casual beach outfit.

by Renae Virata

When I traveled to Europe for one month, I was SO glad that I had packed light!  Running up and down hundreds of steps to catch the only train to my next destination with a heavy bag let alone more than one would have seriously cramped my style.  At the end of the day, I ended up with a medium-sized piece of luggage and one medium carry-on!

To be honest, I wasn’t thinking of the crowded subways, the cobblestoned streets and lack of elevators in most major thoroughfares when I planned my trip wardrobe and how much luggage to bring.  I was more concerned with the flight to and from (and extra baggage fees!).  But my obsession with versatile and creative dressing forced me to bring as little as I possibly could without feeling like I’d forgotten something. So, how did I do it?

1. I worked around basics.  My everyday style lives by this rule, so it was easy to translate for a trip.  And basics does NOT mean boring – don’t just try a plain tee, opt instead for a one with shirring on the sleeve or a keyhole detail.

• Tops: A few tanks to wear alone or layer under, a few fitted tees (two long-sleeve, two short-sleeve), couple fun print blouses, a couple of sweaters (one long-sleeve, one short-sleeve), going-out top
• Bottoms: Cargo pants that can roll up and down, mid-thigh shorts, dark jeans, a basic cotton flared skirt, a more tailored but still casual skirt, two pairs of leggings (I live in them)
• Double-duty items: Tunic that work with leggings or alone, a shirtdress that can also be a “jacket,” almost-cocktail dress
• Outerwear: A simple 3/4-sleeve cardigan in a muted but fun color (mustard yellow went with everything I had!), a simple but chic nylon jacket, fun rain jacket to wear as an overcoat
• Other: One workout outfit, swimsuit

2. I coordinated with a specific color scheme.

• Think about shades.  I had muted colors like a deep orange, mustard yellow, olive green, for example.  You can choose from brights, pastels…as long as they have the same intensity.
• Vary your neutrals. I selected a “rainbow” of neutrals so I didn’t get bored – yet my colorful pieces still went with them! Olive cargoes, denim mini skirt, black flared skirt, gray cotton tunic, white shorts, black leggings.
• Use prints sparingly and with care. The few pieces I had complemented the rest of my wardrobe.  Small floral prints and stripes are always great options!

3. Accessories, accessories, ACCESSORIES! Not only are accessories so much fun, but they’re a great way to individualize and vary your look.

• Jewelry. Create, as the fabulous Rachel Zoe says, jewelry stories.  A silver story, a gold story, a bronze story, a “natural” story…whatever your style.  And go with what you were comfortable with back home to make it easier.
• Scarves and vests. That extra layer from a great scarf or vest adds dimension and color to your outfit.  And with scarves, you have multiple options on how to wear them! Make a tankextra special or add some panache around your waist.
• Hats. One great hat can make a huge difference! Find one that is easy and foldable.  Great for bad hair days, too!
• Belts. Bring three – a metallic one, a thick one and a skinny one to tie your outfits together.
• Purses. One muted metallic clutch (bronze or pewter, for example), a casual cross-body bag (wear on the plane, too) in a go-with-everything color (mine was olive green; one of my friends carries her burnt orange bag everywhere), and a tote.

4. Layer.  Need I say more?  Okay, so I’ve only said it a million times!  Pre-coordinate your items into outfits.  Trust me, it is worth the investment of a couple of days to do it. Make a party of it with a friend (or better yet, email me and I’ll be more than happy to help!).  Some examples:

• Floral dresses can go over long-sleeve tees or under a cute jacket.
• Short-sleeve tee or sweater over a blouse.
• Leggings under shorts, skirts, dresses and tunics.
• Vest over a shirtdress over a tank.

5. Last but not least – SHOES! I know, this is probably one of the worst parts about packing.  Questions of ‘What if we go here ‘ or ‘What if we go there’ run through your head, no doubt, as you scan your fabulous collection of footwear.  Here are some rules I followed:

• One pair of comfortable street sneakers.
• One pair of workout shoes (if you plan on working out or participating in major adventure activities)
• A pair of metallic wedges – can be worn casually or for a nice dinner.  Plus, as I’ve learned visiting many historical places, they work better on cobblestones, cracked roads and wooden planks.
• A pair of flat boots (in winter).
• A pair of neutral sandals or flip-flops – gray or nude work with everything!
• Two pairs of comfortable walking flats – different colors and ones that you know will go with everything (shorts, skirts, pants, dresses).

Before you plan your trip, just type in your destination, select a date, and choose a type of occasion.

Other Tips:

• Try to wear things, particularly bottoms, at least twice.  Just air out if they aren’t too dirty and steam in the shower to make them a little fresh.
• Bring travel-sized containers of detergent to handwash bras, swimsuits and to beat stains out before they set.
• Bring undies for everyday – and three extra!
• Bring two neutral, one black, one strapless bras (for a one-week trip).
• Roll your cotton pieces and fold everything else in squares.
• Pack clothes first then tuck in shoes in between.  Pack shoes in cloth or plastic bags.
• Bring and use those super helpful space bags that don’t require a vacuum – trust me, they work, especially when you add some shopping treasures to the mix.
• If you’d like to go the extra mile, write out your outfit ideas!  It’s better to spend time at home doing this than on your trip when you could be out and about enjoying your vacation.

Use the My Stylist app on the WeareverTheWeather.com homepage to know what to wear for the weather for your next trip and look for our next post to see a visual representation of a sample two-week packing list!

What tips do you have?  Leave your comments below and share your fabulous ideas!

Photo | Nassau Paradise Island

by Renae Virata

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.

by Sameera Ahmed

One of the questions I get asked most is how to put together a complete look in five minutes or less.  And for good reason!  Whether you’re a busy professional or mom, or a traveler on the go, putting together a complete look in a short amount of time is a necessity!  Here are my tips for a quick, flawless face, all with travel-approved products.

1.     Start with a tinted moisturizer with SPF.  By combining light-weight coverage with hydrating spf protection and skin-soothing vitamins, tinted moisturizers are the perfect way to cut down on time and on layers of skin care and makeup.  Just start by evenly applying a layer all over the face with fingertips.  I like Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer, and this lovely kit contains everything you need for a flawless complexion, all in travel sizes.

Laura Mercier $65 (valued at $159)

2.     Add additional coverage where needed. For most skins, the tinted moisturizer will provide sufficient coverage for the whole face.  Now, use concealer to cover dark under-eye circles and any blemishes.  The peachy concealer in this kit is perfect for blending away blue or dark-toned under eye circles, and the yellow is perfect for blending away redness.  I always focus concealer under the eyes, around the nose and mouth, and between the brows – this is where women have a tendency to get red or ruddy due to hormones.  Use the brushes to pat on concealer, and then use the egg-shaped sponge to blend away any edges.  Using the puff, lightly press powder over the concealer to set it, and dust it everywhere else to finish the face.

3.     Add color. Blush is the most important way to add a finished effect to the face.  Using a cheek stain like these from Stila is a great way to get natural-looking, no fuss color.  Just rub a dab using fingers into the apples of the cheeks and up the cheek bone.  Apply to lips as well for a lasting lip color without having to reapply all day.

Stila $24

4.     Highlight. Highlighters are very important to give the skin a fresh glow and to brighten dull, tired skin and eyes. Just dab under eyes (under concealer) or on cheek bones to brighten and visually lift the face and define bone structure.  You can even forego eyeshadow by just applying highlighter to brow bones and the inner corners of the eyes for a fresh, bright eye look.  Also very pretty on arms and chest!!  Pick a formula that isn’t too sparkly, or you’ll look like you ran into a disco ball.  For dry skin, try a cream or liquid formula, like this highlight palette by Fresh.  It has natural oils that leave skin with the perfect dewy glow, and has a range of colors to choose from.

Fresh $45

For oily skin, opt for a powder formula with silica, which will control shine and add radiance.  I like the Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder by Too Faced.  It gives skin a great glow without too much shimmer, and has the added benefit of vitamins and skin-soothing plant extracts.

Two-Faced $25

5.     Define Eyebrows and Eyes. Filling the brows is the easiest way to bring interest to the face and frame the eyes without a lot of fuss or an overly “made-up” look. Choose an eyeshadow or brow powder that closely matches your natural hair or brow color. Apply using an angled liner brush in short, quick strokes following the direction of the brow hairs. You can also use this same product as a subtle eyeliner by pressing color into the lashline.  This will add just enough definition to the lashline to make eyes pop.  Finish eyes with a few strokes of mascara and you’re set!

About Sameera

Sameera Ahmed is a Denver-based freelance writer, makeup artist and skin care consultant.  Bitten early on by the travel bug, her dream is to seek out indulgent spas and well-kept beauty secrets in every corner of the world.  See her tips on her blog Makeup by Sameera and follow her on twitter @makeupsam.

Photo | DonnaKaran.com

by Renae Virata

At a private showing of Donna Karan’s Spring 2011 collection last month, I couldn’t help but feel a little excited at the lineup.  This season, the American designer (known for her understated but striking style) was focused on easy-to-wear pieces that are perfect for traveling.  Here’s what makes this season from Donna Karan so fabulous.

1) Easy fabrication.  Karan decided to do a very unique twist on her signature jersey with lots of overlays, shirring and funky details.  Other fabrics like weathered stretch linen create texture while making a little wrinkle-age part of the style.

2) Timeless shapes. You can’t go wrong with flattering, slim silhouettes, this season’s focus on draping, and lots of flow.

3) Neutral but still exciting color.  Black still peeks out here and there this spring for Karan, but the designer decided to move away from the classic for a lighter and fresh palette of creams, beiges and khakis.  She also introduces a pine green she calls Bengal which is very unique.

4) Versatility.  Pieces do double-duty as skirts or dresses, jackets can be tied in multiple ways, and, of course, everything mixed and matched to create myriad looks.

What I love:  The cool details in the gathering, draping and shirring.  They make the collection look tough, easy and romantic, all at the same time!

Click here to see the collection or click on an item below to shop it!  All pics below from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Photo | ApronsAndHeels

by Renae Virata

Now that you know the details of what to pack, here’s some visual inspiration!  Notice that even with each row of outfits, you can still mix and match tops, bottoms and outerwear.  Everything coordinates so the outfit possibilities are (almost!) endless. We ended up with thirteen total pieces for a four-day summer vacation, including multiple outfits for hanging out, more polished events and nightlife.

Document your packing list!  If you are going on a trip and are a whiz at packing, send a pic or video, and we’ll feature you on a post to help thousands of Travelistas like you pack better (and more stylishly!).  Email renae@wearevertheweather.com

• Five tops
• Three bottoms
• One sweater
• One dress
• Three pairs of shoes

CLICK ON ANY ITEM BELOW TO SHOP EACH LOOK!

Photo | Etsy

by Renae Virata

Now that you have your trip wardrobe all figured out, it’s time to focus on your accessories.  An easy way to be prepared and get organized is to create several jewelry stories.  Grouping your jewelry together according to style and color will make bringing your jewelry and using your pieces a breeze on your trip.

Pieces to Include

The best way to start getting organized is to select either a silver or gold story.  Next, select your core pieces: Simple studs; hoops (medium-sized ones about 1-2 inches tend to work for any occasion); statement earrings; 1 – 2 long strands (to wear either alone or to layer); chain with a charm or two; a favorite and / or statement ring; and a simple bracelet, cuff bracelet or set of bangles.

You can create different looks just by mixing up your core pieces:

Site-seeing: Simple studs + one long strand + favorite ring + bracelet

Club scene: Statement earrings + one long strand + statement ring + bracelet + bangles

Dinner and the theater: Hoops + all long strands + statement ring + bangles

Conference: Simple studs + long strand + chain with charm + favorite ring + bracelet

Having more than one jewelry story ensures variety.  If you start off with a gold story, bring a silver one, too, or vice versa.  Include a third story with a more unique look: All black jewels, a mix of colored stones, or natural jewelry (bone, wood, leather).

Organizing Your Jewelry

Once you’ve gathered together your stories, make them easy to pack and get to during your trip. Store each set of jewelry into its own pouch.  Wondering what to do with all those extra makeup bags you’ve collected over the years?  Sounds like they now have a use!  The perfect home for your jewelry on the road, however, is a zippered mini-bag with multiple compartments to separate your pieces and to keep them from getting tangled.

Click on the image to shop this handy set of jewelry bags.

More Tips:

• Make sure each of your outfits has at least one jewelry story to wear with it.
• Don’t be afraid to mix pieces if you are so inspired!  Just be sure to test them out before you pack them.  A mix of textures and colors can make for some interesting and fun combos.
• If you have a favorite set of jewelry that makes you feel good and look good with whatever you wear, bring it! As with anything in your trip wardrobe, the last thing you want to worry about is not feeling confident with what you are wearing, so why not go with what works?
  

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