Hi everyone,
I recently spent the better part of 2 weeks in CA for work and fun, and wanted to share a few things. Of course my pictures aren't great, but I have a few to share.

First of all - I packed really, really well. I think I have this down to a science. I needed work, dress and play clothes, and I wore 98% of what I put in that suitcase, and did not wish I had brought anything else. From a recent thread about packing, I wanted to add a few comments - I wash out both running gear and lingerie in the hotel sinks, especially if I stay at least 2 nights and the stuff can dry. I either just use soap, or I bring Tide packets with me. Also, my biggest secret to packing well is to use packing cubes. I took a picture with my husband's phone that he hasn't sent to me, but I'll post it another time.

2nd - just before this trip, I hit Kohls late at night and it was one of those nights where the Vera Wang was talking to me. I got a bunch of things that I ended up bringing, and really loving. So inexpensive, so stylish. The only problem is the quality is just not there, and those items do not last long, in my experience. Every piece was extremely comfortable. I had no intention of doing this, but it worked out great.

#1 - a detail from a group photo, and not a great shot - but this dress is really cool, and I wish I had a pic without the jacket. The metallic colors were wonderful, and the drape of the dress as it crosses over is really interesting. The shoes are Dana Buchman, also from Kohls that night.

#2 - our work group in Montecito. Vera Vera Wang dress which felt like a t-shirt, and shoes. Loft sweater and scarf.

#3 - My husband and me on the way to Big Sur - I just love this photo! Big Sur was truly mind-blowing....wow, I was amazed.

#4 - better shot of the whole outfit. The skirt was fun, and super comfortable. Again, Loft sweater, and...Talbots belt.

#5 - Dress from earlier shot, with a jacket -- love the sheer fabric detail at bottom of jacket and bottom of skirt. Rombauer - good wine! The shot is washed, but the Pacific Ocean is shining out there on the horizon behind me!

So the moral of this story is, you can go to these fancy-schmancy high-end hotels where celebs hang out (Oprah had her 50th birthday at the hotel in Montecito and lives down the street, I jogged past the estate), but you don't have to break the bank on the wardrobe.

One last thing - I was stuck in ATL airport yesterday for hours, and asked a nice young woman to watch my stuff while I went to the ladies room. When I got back she said, "I love that skirt, I have 5 of them!" I was wearing my Norstrom pencil skirt in purple!