How to Pack a Suitcase, Travel Cluster Tutorial Part 2 of 2

As promised: 8 outfits from 8 items of clothing,
ensuring a sleek little suitcase and a chic travel wardrobe.

Saturday Lap Transport
Normally I would have belted this, added a necklace, styling etcetera, but imagine having an over stimulated 20 month old baby octopus on your lap for several hours, and you'll understand why I didn't. 

Sunday Services
Mister B connects it to Christmas, I prefer tying it back to a sun ripened watermelon

Monday is for Patriotism
Mixing some gold into my red and blue balances the color triage and keeps me from feeling the need to pair it with earrings featuring little bears holding flags.

Tuesday Family Photography
Wearing solids and understated neutrals will keep the family portrait from looking like an Ode to Reachel 

Wednesday Park Picnic
Andrew will make me change into my flats before we leave, but can you blame me for trying to eat frankfurters in those hot pink heeled pumps?

Thursday Gateway Stroll
Layering ensures I won't be too hot in the outdoor terraces or too cold in the air conditioned emporiums

Fancy Friday
Can't wait to see my godkids and eat some pretty platings with dear Stephy and Christian

Saturday Art Stroll
Can you believe I wore this same shirt 9 months pregnant?  I can't believe I have to go home :(

What's your favorite look? 

Need help assembling your travel trousseau...

1 hundred 98 cents = your own Traveling fashion look book cheat sheet

Or book a Virtual shopping session to compile a complete portfolio for your upcoming adventure.

How to Pack a Suitcase, Travel Cluster Tutorial Part 1 of 2

As foretold, today we pack a suitcase.  Specifically we pack 8 days of adventure into a single piece of carry-on luggage. 

Behold my assemblage for a patriotic, heat escaping holiday in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Besides under danties and toiletries this is the complete package.

 Follow me through the process.

Step One: Select a Color Palette

As a confessed print junkie, I commonly commence with an inspiring pattern.  A triage of colors is plenty for most trips, but you can expand to a color constellation of five for longer holidays. If you flock to solids, the same principles apply.  Simply select colors with a similar heritage and blend harmoniously (ie jewel tones, pastels, etc).

Step Two: Select One Item of Clothing per Day of Travel

Packing light equals packing formulaically.  Rather than planning one outfit per day, aim for one garment of clothing per 24 hours. Each item needs to provide at least two outfit applications to make the suitcase cut. Putting your wardrobe on such a strict diet may tempt you to avoid layers, don't. Layering is the key to flexible fashion. 

Step Three: Select Shoes

We could dedicate an entire suitcase to shoes: wedges, gladiators, booties, moccasins, topsiders, who knows what you might need right? wrong.  When selecting footwear, choose shoes with unique purposes.  You only need one set of heels, one pair of flats, one couplet of sneakers, etc.  Most trips can be amply enjoyed in no more than three pairs of shoes. 

 

Step Four: Add Accessories

Balance your skimp on shoes by splurging on accessories.  Jewelry, scarves, and belts take up a small amount of room and can significantly extend the variety of your traveling closet.  The exception being hats.  Save it from being crushed as well as room in your suitcase by donning it as you embark and return along with your bulkiest layer and chunkiest shoes.

Come back tomorrow for the outfit possibilities.

Need help assembling your travel trousseau...

1 hundred 98 cents = your own Traveling fashion look book cheat sheet

Or book a Virtual shopping session to compile a complete portfolio for your upcoming adventure.

Beauty-full Tuesday: Melissa of Write it in Lipstick

Beautiful is as beautiful does, meet Melissa of Write it In Lipstick

After I had children, I was introduced to a new body.  At times I look in the mirror and compare myself to what I used to look like.   But I know my children don’t care if my skinny jeans fit, or if I'm wearing lipstick, or if my hair is done.  They love me because I kiss their “ouchie” away, because I make them smile when they are sad.   Their love makes me feel happy, special, beautiful.

To me beauty isn't something you possess, it is something you create.  Beauty is making a positive difference, even a little one.  In the end no one will remember what type of shoe you wore, they will only remember the beauty you created for them. Smile at a neighbor, open the door for a co-worker, and if you can, kiss an “ouchie” away. Just make sure it's not a stranger's kid :) 

“You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, she is beautiful because you love her” – source unknown

Travel Plans

Where will the empress be next?

Greater Salt Lake Valley, Utah: July 2nd-10th, 2011
(That ending date is flexible, give me a reason not to go back home to my soggy, salty, overheated home state)

San Diego, California: R&R, February 10th-11th, 2012(I'm planning on either coming early or staying late, let me know what you would prefer)

And make sure you sign up for the R&R conference:  It's the answer to breaking out of auto-pilot.  Read more and register here.

Message me anon if you're pining for a closet cleaning, shopping session, charm school class, or any fashion consultation. Limited spots will fill quickly.

In the meantime, we will be packing luggage, and you and your mouse have an exclusive invitation.

Modbe Summer Wear Winner

Random says: Staci J of Just Sew Sassy

I can see her noshing on Honeydew and Cantaloupe in her Stylin Sleeves top in Melon right now.

Fitting Room Friday: Sophisticated Summer Trends

Traveling from Tacoma, Mrs. Kirsten allowed me the pleasure of styling her with some of the summer 2011 edition trends.

Mrs. Kirsten's Diagnosis: Mature, Lower, Romantic, Warm & Fresh

 Summer Trend 1: Flares

(Blazing Blouse, Climate Control Cardi, J Brand Love Story Petite)
After season, season, season of skinny silhouettes dominating runways, the 70's inspired wide leg and flare has made its triumphal return.  Prolific in denim, it also flatters in twill and summer friendly linen. But while the leg line universally flatters straight and curved, tall and short, select your rise carefully.  While a high retro rise might look lovely on a linear, the uninterrupted contrast between a lower figure's narrow waist and voluptuous bottom could create an unfair comparison.

More Anthropologie...

Summer Trend 2: Green

(Phoenix Rising Top, Shape Suggestion Skirt)
Apple, aquamarine, blue-green, fir, grass, jade, kelly, lime, moss, olive, peacock, sage, sea, viridian, willow, whether you favor its association with ecofriendly habits, capitalistic currency, or its calming consequences, green is summer 2011's chroma of choice.  Warm skin tones with yellow undertones may favor moss, Warm and Fresh could opt for apple.   Cool and Brilliant complexions may choose to compliment with blue-tinged emeralds or spruces while Cool and Delicates  experiment with paler shades of mint.

More Anthropologie...

Summer Trend 3: Pattern Play

(Kirsten: Pleated Yoke Tee, Plait & Pleat Skirt; Reachel: Pleated Yoke Tee, Goldfield Skirt)

Mix a bold extroverted print (such as a floral) with a soft spoken, shy print (like a small polka dot, stripe, or even a texture like lace). This strategy keeps prints from bickering and competing with each other for leadership.  Next make sure the pieces of clothing share a color story.  They can either include marks of the same hue or they can descend from the same color family.

More Anthropologie...

Summer Trend 4: Colorblocking

(Winner's Circle Tee, Climate Control Cardi, Plait & Pleat Skirt)
If you’re not into mixing patterns or prints, one can utilize color blocking into their summer wardrobe. Color blocking is great for someone who is not as bold or daring when it comes to mixing prints, so instead they can mix color. The trick is to pair the colors in a fashion in which they complement each other. For example, you could do a hibiscus red blouse paired with a brownish maroon skirt. The skirt off plays as a neutral. Make sure the colors are either grouped next to each other on the color wheel or you can go opposite, like a navy blue pencil skirt with a lovely satin one-sleeve tangerine tone blouse. Make sure you know what fits you properly and what colors complement your skintone.

More Anthropologie...

Summer Trend 5: Espadrilles

To finish any of these looks off? A espadrille wedge. Whether you select a leg lengthening neutral or a saturated statement, these will keep the look fresh and playful.

More Steve Madden...

Thanks to my super stylist interns

MacKenzi for assisting in styling Kirsten

And Martha for helping me research our Summer 2011 trends.

Summer Wear: How to Get Flawless Summer Legs

twenty-two

The current number of bruises on my legs, nine on the left, thirteen on the right, primarily congregated on the lower anterior portion of my legs.  Doctor professionals agree that there is nothing treatably wrong with me, unless there is a cure for clumsiness.  Whether your legs suffer from a pallid pelt, arachnid arteries, or purple polka-dots like me, read on:

 

1) Prevent

My mate cleverly recommended that I not thump my shins against our bed frame during 3 am baby rounds.  I'd cheerfully comply but my impertinent bed post incessantly shifts places and never apologizes for injuring my delicate lower limbs.  In cases such as these, it is generally best to grow a thicker skin, not only emotionally but physically.  There are a handful of exotic elixers and tonics to try, but Vitamin C is both affordable and accessible.  200 mg can assist your skin in synthesizing more collagen and other essentials that affect its ability to withstand the impacts that lead to bruises.

2) Heal

Once the damage is done there are cold compresses to apply, elevation to endure, but what about magic potions?  Arnica and Vitamin K combine to create a bruise healing, spot erasing cordial. Take them in isolation (Vitamin K can also treat blotchy skin, acne scars, spider veins, and dark undereye circles), but I plan to opt for the dual victory. Boiron - Arnicare Gel ($5), Vita-K Solution Super Vitamin K with Arnica, Bruises ($10)

2) Darken

Black stands out most prominently on white.  So does black and blue on ashen legs.  Therefore if we reduce the contrast and deepen the hue of the entire palette, bruises will be less visible.  The choice of Allure and capital Me is Clarins Instant Tanning Gel.  It meets all my self tanning criteria.  one) Gives Natural Glow: If Andrew asks if I used self tanner, we have failed. two) Works Quickly: Coco's attention can be consumed by Sesame Street for a maximum of 22 minutes.  I do not have several quarter hours to air dry in the buff.  three) Doesn't Smell: Showering is a luxury, whose results I would like to last as long as possible.  I do not want to smell like two days of running sweat as soon as I dry off.  This is a pricey product, but if you compare it to the price of one orange tinted white skirt or three pairs of stockings which have been sweated, soiled, and discarded, it's not unreasonable.  Other more affordable options: Extended Vacation Moroccan Mineral - Dark Self-Tanning Lotion ($26), Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion - Deep Dark ($7)

3) Airbrush

During the winter a pair of textured stockings clears things up rather simply, but during the summer I find it difficult to even consider adding another layer to my ensemble.  The solution painted on pantyhose.  They provide immediate color coverage for bruises, spider veins, scars, and other imperfections. I've selected Body Drench Quick Tan Mist $13 but Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Medium Glow ($15) is another reputable option.

Please add your own flawless leg suggestions in the comments.

Sponsored by

Another body area you want free from discoloration: your smile.  Sparkle those chompers with Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips ($54.99, 4 whitening strips).  Just ONE two-hour treatment will give you a sparkling white smile that will last for up to three months!
 

And to make sure your smile stays optic summer white in between whitening treatments, all you have to do is brush twice a day with the new Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Enamel Renewal Toothpaste (4.1 oz $4.25), which removes up to 90% of surface stains in just 14 days.

Beauty-full Tuesday: Ashley of Divorced at 20

With her bright smiling eyes, charming asymmetrical dimples, and power of perseverance, the adorable Ashley of Divorced at 20.

My hair was too short; my teeth weren’t white enough.  My eyes weren’t the perfect shade of blue; my dimples weren’t cute.  

Each morning I'd awake disgusted by my own reflection.   Stepping on the scale while tightly closing my eyes in fear of seeing I'd gained 1.4 pounds in 24 hours. Ugh.  

I started to compare myself to every single women I came across. I would see photos of myself and dissect them into a series of flaws…tearing myself apart until I had no leg to stand on.

My divorce led to even more nitpicking.  I began to believe all the horrible words that were said about me, as well as all the horrible things I imagined they were saying about me.  I hated myself. I allowed others to take every last piece of dignity I had.  

This spring I engulfed the saying “I am me” and it really changed my perspective on what I thought about myself.    So that is who I am: I am me…. What are you going to do about it?

When I smile my eyes disappear and become little slits that I can barely see out of.  My dimples are unusual and don’t match.  My hair takes over everything in my house.  I am a beautiful strong woman who could punch the lights out of anyone if I had to.  I have curves and love every line that they make.  I am a pasty white color that shows how
healthy my skin really is.

The best thing about being yourself is that you are you, love every ounce of it!  If people want to put you down, and tell you what you should be… just look at them and say I AM ME! What are you going to do about it?

Giveaway: Modbe Summer Wear-Closed

Kindly sponsored by Modbe

I fancy dressing rather fancy: crisply starched blouses, waist nipping belts, cashmere overlay.

But Arizona is baked, blazing, blistering.  So torrid that as soon as I cross the boundaries of air conditioning my middle is sweating beneath its leather girdle, my cardigan is begging for a trip to the dry cleaner, and my blouse is soggy and limp from perspiration.

Solution: embellished cotton t-shirts,  fancy yet so functional. 

My most recent closet bestie?  This  pragmatic pretty from Modbe.  Partnered with a breezy silk skirt I look refreshingly ritzy. 

Stylin Sleeves Top, $34.00

Win your own Modbe New Arrival by commenting what you would like to invite into your closet as well as where you would wear your new friend.  Winner will be announced Friday, June 24, 2011. 

My new knit told me she loved to travel.  We've discussed how smashing we would look eating a beach centered supper in Costa Rica. But we both agreed that we need to invite a straw hat on our adventure.

 Speaking of fabulous straw hats, check out my ex-neighbor, sewing savant, bosom friend Amy Barragan, featured assistant designer at Modbe's sister company Downeast Basics.

Mens Fashion: Free Fathers Day Printable

 

My Mister is a compulsive returner.  While Andy does enjoy opening gifts, he can't always follow through to keeping them.  That's why I try to endow Andrew with experiences and service as often as possible.  It saves me from waiting in line or accepting dirty looks from cash wrap clerks.

Coco, Levi, and I have been tidying Father Andrew's wardrobe in preparation for his celebratory Sunday.

Sunday morning we will post the above notice on our bedroom door.

This tag will hang from his closet doorknob.

(click here for ironing tips)

 

 

Mini-ster, Mini-moiselle, and I have taken some of our favorite garments and made them into a functional scrapbook.  Coco and I wrote a note on the shirt he wore the first day we met her.  And Levi extended this message to his progenitor.
(click here for closet organization helps)

These notes will rest atop his meticulously organized dresser drawers.  (And I say this with no touch of jest.  Andrew did mention his need for a few more gray t-shirts.)

(click here for folding hints)

 

Finally, this tag will be tied to his buffed and polished pedial protectors. 

You can adore your papa
with organization too! 

Download the free printables below.  And accept our blessing to share them, we only request that you return credit to the Empire.

Father Day Closet Cleaning Letter Download

Father Day Closet Cleaning Tags Download


Should you like another gift for your gentleman of choice during this weekend's upcoming celebrations of male leadership, gift him his very own masculine lookbook, manly virtual shopping session, or a complete fashion package which includes both XY chromosome addressing services.  Gift certificates deliver digitally pronto.