The 7 Night Warm Weather Vacation- blog comment response

One of our awesome followers had a question that I’m sure other readers can relate to. With that we decided to dedicate an entire post to answering her. 
 
Original comment:
Here’s one, we’re going on an adult vacation! The biggest decision we have is if we head to the beach or the pool!!! What to pack for 7 nights without bringing the entire closet? Simple, sexy evenings! Any suggestions?
 
This is a great question! When traveling you don’t want to overpack and pay those luggage fees but you certainly want to be prepared…so how do you determine what stays and what goes? We’ve broken it down for you in 5 steps.
 
1. Pack by outfit
Packing by outfit will help you pack less. Having an idea ahead of time (whether you actually wear each option or not) will take the stress out of getting dressed. For a 7 night vacation you should have 10 complete outfits using versatile pieces that can serve dual purposes. If you plan to spend most days at the pool and beach bring 2-3 bathing suits to interchange.
2. Build outfits from the shoe up
Shoes tend to weigh the most and take up the most room when packing so it’s important to be mindful of which shoes you’ll bring. 3-4 shoes is perfect for a 7 night Vacation. You’ll need 1 flip flop for the pool or beach, 1 casual chic sandal that can be worn with a cute daytime outfit to shop in or lunch and transition into evening for a great flat option, 1 evening heel or wedge, and a great travel shoe that can possibly double for certain activities (maybe you’re a person that exercises on vaca, if so, a sneaker might be a good option). These shoes are the starting point to building your outfits, make sure they compliment each other.
3. Choose versatile Day to Night pieces
This is key! With warm weather travel the lax feel of your environment can sometimes allow easy day to night transitions. Think about a cute daytime dress with flip flops for the beach or pool, make it evening appropriate with the switch of the shoe and jewelry. SEE EXAMPLE BELOW.
4. Keep activities in mind
It’s important to think about what you’ll be doing on vacation. You don’t have to compromise function for fashion or vice versa. Be mindful of your activities and make sure you have the right outfits head to toe (hat/sunglasses/apparel/shoes) for these. If you plan on going out every night to dressy dinners, then you may want to focus more on outfits that cater to that need. If you will be working out or doing outdoor activities, a comfortable athletic shoe is probably a necessity. Being prepared with the right items will keep your vacation easy breezy.
5. Don’t forget practical travel wear! 
Traveling is part of the process and shouldn’t be left out. I’m a firm believer in JET SET chic but will not compromise my comfort in doing so. TSA can be a hassle so mentally and physically prepare yourself. An easy slip on flat or sneaker is quick to remove/ put on, a comfortable pant (not sweats or pj’s, we’re talking jet set here), a tank or tee and an open or zip cozy sweater or cardigan. Planes are always cold and you’re flying somewhere warm so layers will be your best friend! I’m a huge fan of the travel line ANATOMIE clothing – so much so that I have started representing the line (contact me for more information). It’s extremely comfortable, super chic, lightweight, functional, and made for travel!
Tip: Try on outfits before packing…If you like it and plan on wearing it take a picture! Make sure to include accessories and shoes in photo for reference.
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The Well Balanced Shoe Wardrobe for Cold Weather

Shoes are such an important part of completing the outfit. The wrong shoe can has the ability to throw off the entire look. Many times I will recommend a certain style of shoe to someone and have found that there is a variation between my ideal example of a certain shoe style and the other persons. This was the impetus to create what I feel is the a balanced cold weather shoe wardrobe – I’ll compile a warm weather version in the spring… The shoes pictured are just an example of the correct silhouette and style to look for, price point and designer are irrelevant. These are classic and versatile options that will be sure to Take the Stress Out Getting Dressed!

These 3 shoe options are essential! Everyone needs a classic black pump. To add a novelty option try this same classic silhouette in a subtle color like Oxblood. When looking for the perfect ankle bootie the key point is finding one that actually does show your ankle. That little arc makes all the difference in elongating your leg. The dress boot is the perfect option for dresses or skirts in winter. It helps create a long, streamlined look. Finding the perfect one for you may be a bit of work when considering the shaft height, width, and heel but I assure you will be well worth it in the long run.

A flat bootie is a modern option that is easy to throw on and go. This style of shoe looks best with a cropped pant, rolled denim (to show the ankle), or a dress or skirt with an opaque tight. The riding boot is a great everyday option too. Remember that a legging or slim fit jean will look best tucked in. You don’t want the material from your pants bagging around the boot shaft, not only is it unappealing but also uncomfortable for you! The snow boot is needed as a weather proof option on those blistery, cold winter days.

I personally still wear flats in cold weather depending on the temperature and if there happens to be snow on the ground. A flat is a needed transitional weather shoe (perfect for those times when neither boots or sandals are appropriate) so it will probably be in the warm weather list too. Any of these styles work, its all a matter of preference. A flat is another good way to incorporate a novelty shoe – whether its in an animal print, polka dot, or bold color.

Building a well balanced shoe wardrobe is a process that takes time. Remember Necessity 1st, Novelty 2nd!

Fashion Hmmmmms by Erin Pollock

Can someone out there please educate me?

If you’ve been invited to an event, a wedding, a bar mitzvah, an anniversary party, etc.. (and odds are you have), you have received an invite. And on the invite there is usually a dress code. So, that being said, you should have a clear picture of what to wear – I mean it’s written (or embossed) in front of you. Right? Wrong, because it never makes sense. Ever.  Here’s what I mean –
Black-tie optional  – Really, what’s the optional all about? I never want to be under-dressed so I tend to land on the dressier side of things, but then I never want to be over-dressed either… Can’t someone just tell me what they want?

Dressy casual – Oxymoron if I’ve ever seen one. Hello? Aren’t dressy and casual two totally different things?

Country club attire – What is this the 1950”s? I picture white gloves and shift dresses

And my favorite, the invite said “Night Club Fabulous” – I haven’t been to a nightclub since I had kids. I don’t know about anyone else.

It would be great if someone could create a little handbook, a glossary so to speak, with the terms and little pictures of appropriate clothing next to them to help take all the guess-work out of this. Hallie, are you listening?

Actually, maybe Hallie can help (how about that for an idea?)

Post what befuddles you here and Hallie will answer our questions later in the week.