Jackets Required

This season is ALL about the jacket. Not only is a jacket a necessity with our unpredictable climate changes, it is an accessory for your fall and winder wardrobe. Jackets are the perfect answer for easy layering and there are just soooooooo many to choose from. The military look is hot right now and how cute to pair up with jeans and boots, or for a dressier look a cute skirt with tights.

The colder the weather gets, the warmer your jacket should get. Add a pretty scarf and some great little gloves, and you are warm and well dressed for whatever your day holds for you.

I do have one simple tip to keep in mind. If you end up with a jacket that is too swingy or boxy and you where that over a skirt or pants that are wider in the hip and leg, you're going to look BIG. Avoid this illusion of extra poundage by wearing a voluminous coat over leggings or skinny pants.....Just saying.... So run out there ladies and load up on JACKETS!! check out Zappos.com and Bluefly.com for some great jackets at great prices..

SPRING FORWARD!!

Spring is right around the corner if you can believe it, and it's time to start thinking about cleaning out your closet again, re-organizing, re-grouping and filling in any gaps you may have in your wardrobe. As the warm weather approaches, you can ditch the heavy winter coat, but before going totally "coatless" you need an in between. My favorite buy of the season is the TRENCH COAT. How amazingly versatile and stylish the trench is. It can be worn as a dress all buttoned up, tied at the waist with tights and boots, or as a jacket of course paired with anything from jeans to capris. Go for one in vibrant color like fucshia, cobalt blue, or lipstick red!!. The trench is the perfect jacket to go from day to night, it can look either casual or dressy and for the messy New England springs we tend to get, it's also useful! There are lots of great bargains out there right now, and one can be purchased without breaking the bank Target has some right now for $39.99. for now, wear the trench with jeans and boots and as the temperature rises, so should the hem of your pants!, Switch out the jeans for capris, slip a fitted tee or tank on under the trench add a wedge sandal or flip flop and you're good to go. Don't forget when you start baring you're toes, you're going to need to paint those piggies and moisturize them well after the long, dry winter. (for added bling, get a toe ring!) I like color on the toes and neutrals on the hands this season. Unless you're diligent about keeping up with chips and dings, colored nails can be a bummer, nothing looks trashier than chipped polish on an other-wise polished girl.. Enjoy the weather ladies!!!

Vacation? Style From Your Suitcase!

Winter...yuck...I am NOT a cold weather person at all. So far no vacation plans for me, but lots of my friends are going places, so this one is for them. The prospect of going away on vacation is a true mixed bag of several emotions. First of course you're excited and full of anticipation. The weather will be beautiful, you're leaving all your cares behind, it's a great feeling. A great feeling that for many lasts only a few fleeting moments when we drag the dusty suitcase out of the attic and realize we have to put everything we want to wear for ONE WHOLE WEEK in that little tiny bag!!, (Even if it's the largest of the 3 in the set..let's face it, it's still not big enough). It's hard enough some mornings just picking out what you're going to wear for the DAY, let alone a whole week.

The first suggestion I have is to first check the long-term weather forecast for the area you're traveling too. You want to make sure you have at least the proper inclement essentials, umbrella, closed toed shoes, snow boots..yuck again, but for those traveling to a ski resort. Next jot down a list of activities you're most likely going to be participating in. Do you run or work out on vacation? Don't forget the proper footwear, layered workout wear and extra underwear for each day you plan on getting some exercise in. Are you going to be doing a lot of sightseeing, walking, will you be in air conditioning? Once you have that down, you can begin by laying out each days worth of clothing, giving you're self some mix and match options. It's a great idea to also plan what you're going to wear while traveling, you certainly want to be comfy in the plane (or if you're me...in the car).

I like an outfit that can go from day to night (unless you're on the beach all day and can't wear a swim suit to dinner) you can sight see in a pretty sundress and flip flops or wedgies (which may prove to be the more comfortable option) and dress it up for dinner adding some special accessories, changing your big straw bag for a small evening one. Cold weather? How jeans and turtle neck during the day (with a colorful scarf of course) switch out the pants for a skirt and tights.

They key here is to get the most wardrobe options while taking the least amount of clothes. It is best however to pack one or two extra tops just in case of any mishaps during the day.

Most importantly leave enough room in your suit case to BRING home more STUFF!!!!