Despite having traveled for years both for business and pleasure, I still manage to occasionally pack the wrong things. With the odd hard lesson learned, my packing skills have improved greatly over time – here are a few things that work for me:  

• Layer for the plane trip – it might be hot at home and even hotter at your destination; but it’s always cold on that aeroplane. Smaller planes rarely carry blankets, so be sure take a piece of knitwear or jacket when you board.
• Condense your toiletries – glass is heavy, which makes popping your cosmetics into smaller plastic containers a super idea (you can get these at any travel shop). It’s also practical to have a filled toiletry bag on standby ready to pack at anytime. Keeping two of every cosmetic might be costly at the beginning, but extremely useful when you travel frequently and pack last minute. Consider doing the same for a first aid kit.
• Bring two pairs of shoes – you’ll need to pack a pair you can walk well in (see blog entry comfortable holiday feet) and a dressier pair for other occasions. Travel in your walking shoes.
• Plan your outfits – there is no way of getting around the “planning part” of what you need to pack. You need to prepare an outfit for every day and mix and match the pieces that you have selected accordingly. If your agenda is different at night, you’ll need to plan for that as well.
• Come up with a uniform – walk shorts, longer length tee’s and sandals is one example. Skirts, knit tops and thongs is another. You might want to combine the two and add a few layering garments to change your look.
• Remember your accessories – accessories articulate your sense of style and personality. Remember to pack the correct items for your clothing selection.
• Bring two bags – traveling with a large tote that zips up is best (pick pockets are always a concern). You’ll be able to keep so much in it. Bring a smaller bag along as well and make sure that that’s the one you pack.
• Take the kitchen sink if you travel by car – there is no need to pack lightly if you are traveling on the road. Pack 5 pairs of shoes and 3 extra outfits if you feel the need – it can all stay in the car anyway!

Lightweight crease resistant fabrics are key. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and hat – you are a tourist so it won’t matter if you look like one. Feel free to share any other traveling tips for warm weather holidays – I’m always keen to improve my packing skills.

What would we do without our jeans? Denim must be one of the best things that happened to textiles and fashion (the fact that Coco Chanel made it acceptable for women to wear slacks comes a close second). Denim dates back to 16th century Europe when Genovese sailors wore the fabric as everyday work wear trousers. The fabric now fuels the multi billion dollar fashion industry and there isn’t a catwalk designer that excludes this incredibly versatile fabric from their collections. It’s possibly the only item of clothing that defies age and lifestyle.

If you are a woman – it’s probably also one of the most impossible things to shop for! Jeans and Accessories can help. It is an excellent denim-focused website. It’s thoroughly researched, informative and easy to understand. Of particular interest on the side bar are topics such as:

• Denim and body type
• Jeans Styles
• Cut and fit
• Sizing
• Petite jeans
• Tall jeans
• Maternity jeans

With variations in fit, leg style, waist treatment and wash type – who wouldn’t welcome all the help that they can get when buying that perfect pair of jeans. Have fun perusing this site and look good in denim today.

Most stores are on sale and it’s your last chance to get summer merchandise for you and the family. Autumn collections will start hitting stores in a week or two. Pickings are already slim as sizes and colours become depleted. Remember that you won’t find summer merchandise in stores in August and September – this is how the crazy retail cycle works. If you need beachwear for a trip to Hawaii in October – now is the time to get it.

• Macy’s July 4th Sale – starts today. There is nothing more summery then a dress – go to this department if you fancy the idea of that. Sandals are also a good option here.
• Banana Republic Summer Sale – has been on sale for a week (both men and women). They haven’t been looking their best this season, but still worth a look for the “modern classics” among us.
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (14 July) – mark your calendars! Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise and offer it at crazy prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This is when we can start shopping for autumn and winter. Stay tuned for Fall 2006/2007 tidbits so that we can make some savvy shopping decisions for this occasion.  

My top summer picks for all remain: walk shorts (dressy and casual), cropped jacket, knitted dress, longer length t-shirts and knitted tops, layering camisoles and tanks, metallic shoes, metallic belt, metallic bag.

When packing for travel, I always plan my footwear carefully. This is especially true for trips that require a great deal of walking. My days of being uncomfortable for the sake of being on the cutting edge of fashion are over. I am now, forever more, kind to my feet. But, we need to be kind to our feet with style.

Wearing socks and athletic shoes with jeans is unsightly and it’s even worse with shorts!  Is there such a thing as a comfortable yet stylish walking shoe? Absolutely. There are many fashionable and practical alternatives to the work-out sneaker:

• For jeans and casual pants, wear a “fashion sneaker”. Don’t wear thick colourful socks with these – opt for discreet ankle socks instead. If your pants are at the correct length (see perfect pant lengths please), you shouldn’t be revealing your socks – even when you sit or cross your legs.
• For walk shorts and skirts, wear a “dainty fashion sneaker”. It’s best to keep your sneaker looking more like a ballet shoe when you expose your legs. There are some super retro options at PF Flyers; otherwise any department store will stock what you are looking for.
• Pop in an insole. I like to get air foam insoles for extra comfort. They are available at any drugstore for a couple of dollars.
• Find a comfortable thong sandal. If you can wear thong sandals, try a cushioned version for walking if you don’t require arch support. I am more comfortable in these than in walking sandals with ankle straps. Ankle straps eventually chafe – throngs somehow seem more forgiving.

Fabulous feet deserve to fashionable and comfortable. Have a look at the dainty fashion sneaker options below – perfect for when you need to be light and quick on your feet.

PF Flyers has the nice dainty Lo Fi (and an online store).

Fashion sneakers from Nordstrom.