Little Navy Blue Dress - Resort Style with Designer Nora Gardner, NYC

Office to Beach - Alyssa Dress by fashion designer Nora Gardner, NYC

Resort Style means being ready for everything with a dress that packs well yet has a bit of structure for just the right amount of "polish". My go to designer is Nora Gardner, NYC who understands the needs of the professional or corporate woman who is in Manhattan at a board meeting in the afternoon but attending a resort event in the evening.

Easy to Pack
This is a feature I look for when choosing an outfit. I can pack this dress along with all of these accessories you see here and quickly hop a flight to The Hamptons. It is really very wrinkle resistant and fits inside of my pink tote you see here below in the room at Montauk. This is important to me because the last thing I want to do is iron once I arrive at my destination. The Alyssa Dress was lightly folded, packed and required little or no ironing before the cocktail party.

Yes, this dress plus accessories all arrived in that tiny pink tote----------^

I also specifically choose shoes and accessories which are lightweight. This is important when traveling by private plane as weight is going to be a major issue. Get even more helpful resort packing advice by reading "What's in My Day Bag?"

A shell necklace, jeweled sandals and a sea-themed clutch complete this resort look.

Accessorizing for the Occasion

As you can see here, I am on the beach at the Bridgehampton Surf & Tennis Club for the annual Party Under the Stars charity event. My accessories and even the dress in Navy Blue are a nod to the obvious nautical and ocean resort themed beauty.

Statement Necklace - Pearls would also work here but I wanted to go with the warmer golden tones of my evening clutch. My necklace is made from Mother of Pearl and shells native to the island of Maui, off  Hawaii.
  
Clutch - My evening clutch is by Loeffler Randall and has a beautiful sea coral bow on the front. Easy magnetic closure, a zippered inner pocket and stow away wrist strap made it the perfect cocktail accessory.

Sandals - My sandals are by Fergie (Fergalicious) and have sewn on gold-silver beads. Very comfortable suede foot-bed makes them a wear all day sandal. As you can see, I've kicked them off to enjoy the delicious surf and sand!

Bracelet - This is one of my resort favorites from the Horizon Collection in white calf leather with a rose gold icon (Natural Frequency Technology) by watch luxury designer Philip Stein.

RAPP Black's Lady Angry Dragon in Rose Gold

Watch - My lovely RAPP Black Lady Angry Dragon Timepiece is done in rose gold with an interchangeable pink patent finish strap. It has a chic chronograph or seconds sub-dial with Japanese quartz movement. This is a bold, yet chic statement watch that adds a pop of color and a bit of interest to the outfit.

Easy care, easy wear Alyssa in Navy.

The Alyssa Dress shown here in NAVY is made of a three season machine washable fabric and is a wardrobe essential. I also have this same dress in black and it's my go-to Little Black Dress. The V-neck is very flattering but not too deep and the hemline is just right. The Alyssa also has two pockets, is fully lined and has a generous zipper in the back. The dress does have a little stretch as well for total comfort. 

A beautifully sound investment for your business to pleasure wardrobe! See Nora Gardner's complete collection of elegant professional-wear at NoraGardner.com

Hamptons Chic

Dress c/o Nora Gardner, NYC
Watch c/o RAPP Black, CA
Bracelet c/o Philip Stein Watches
Hair by Christo 5th Avenue

Destination Beach Wedding with Carve Designs, Carrie Dunham, Naturalizer Shoes

Attending a tropical, destination wedding? Here are some beach-worthy outfits and accessories to pack.

SOMEWHERE WARM AND SUNNY Whether you are the bride or a bridesmaid, a destination wedding or anniversary celebration is definitely in your not too distant future. Wedding season may be in full swing but here's how to get ready for beach nuptials plus all the dinners and outings these invitations often include. First check out how to get ready for your flight using my super streamlined packing list by reading: "What's in My Resort Bag?"

Getting Your Beach Body Back
Summer is HERE so look for not only those beach wedding invites but pool parties, trips to the shore and water sports such as kayaking and boating. A really quick way to get in shape is to do Dry Body Brushing at least 3x per week. Long strokes with a firm boar bristle brush followed by an application of Cellulite Whisperer Gel and Lotion by Sublime Beauty will shape you up in about 2 weeks. Get some extra exercise too. Walk about 3 hours total per week and cut down on the saturated fat.

Dry Body Brushing =big results! Sublime Beauty's Cellulite Whisperer & Wilma Schumann Algae Contouring Soap.

Bronzed & Buffed
You can go the salon spray tan route but I prefer Fake Bake Tanning Butter and Tinted Body Glow. Both formulas are very moisturizing and give a beautiful, natural tan. I also like Australian Gold SprayGel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer which has a SPF of 30. This product is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and contains both tea tree and olive oils as well as aloe. Protect your face with something like Yes to Cucumbers, Calming Moisturizer - SPF 30 or Obagi Medical's Hydra-Factor which also has SPF 30. Always remember to wear your sunglasses for all outdoor events.

Air travel can take the moisture out of your skin

Your Plane Trip
Staying Moist is easy with Wilma Schumann European Skin Care Hydrating Facial Mist. At under 3 ozs, it is the perfect size to take on your flight and combat dry cabin air. 

Stay moist and protected in the summer sun.

Summer Outfit Ideas-Because Life's a Beach
What do you bring when you may be spending days on the sand and nights on the town? It's easier than you think and won't mean emptying your closet into your suitcase! Bring the basics and switch up your look with accessories.

Expect to attend bridal and anniversary luncheons. The Cooper-West Palm Beach

The first outfit is The Gansett Dress by Carve Designs of California and will take you from the beach to shopping or even lunch. The Pebble Leather Tote is by designer Carrie Dunham. Looks much more posh than a rustic tote but is fully lined in nautical striped fabric. The Sag Harbor and Nantucket ladies do lunch like this. Fabulous!

Gansett Dress in color Anchor Bali by Carve Designs, CA

Leather Bag by Carrie Dunham, Dahnny Sandals by Naturalizer

Switch it Up with a Cover Up!
Here's how a few accessories can change up this Gansett Dress. I've topped this sweet frock with the Lagoon Tunic in White with Anchor details. This works for blocking a bit of sun and keeping off the chill when the sun goes down or when you encounter AC. Looks like a completely different outfit layered this way so be sure to pack both.

The Lagoon Tunic changes up this whole outfit.

Your Evening Out
An easy way to transition from a day at the beach to dinner out is to bring a maxi dress. This Maxi Tank Dress is made of 100% Pure Organic Cotton and is the softest dress I own. Made by Indigenous, it is fully lined and so easy to wear. You will feel extremely elegant in a longer dress like this.

Maxi Tank Dress by Indigenous

Take Cover
One thing I was happy to have brought when I visited West Palm Beach last month was a little cover up. Just the thing for going out to dinner in air conditioned restaurants or for taking a walk at sunset. Some of my favorite toppers are those made by Carve Designs. 

Stylish yet comfy evening outfit.

Get one in WHITE and it will top most any and everything you'll wear this summer. Here, I'm wearing The Anderson Cardigan by Carve Designs while going to dinner. It can be draped over the shoulders as a shawl. Tres chic!

Anderson Cardigan tops my Maxi Tank Dress in style.

Indigenous Maxi Tank Dress in Organic Cotton

Shoes & Bag
I purchased these beautiful yet comfortable coral sandals by Sofia-Z Natalia Designer Shoes for dressier evenings out. Despite the  5 inch heels, they are reasonably easy on your feet. I paired these shoes with my Dsenyo Fair Trade Adriana Clutch with lovely woven floral textures.

Dsenyo Clutch & Sofia-Z Designer Sandals

Summer Beach Accessories
A straw hat like the one in the lead photo from Pistil Designs and sunglasses are obvious choices. Your jewelry can be cool jade, tan and white leather with rose gold. My jewelry choices for this shoot were more aquatic, natural and organic. Follow these points and you will be so ready for that upcoming beach wedding, trip or vacation as you can mix and match these outfits into several stunning looks.

Summer beach accessories take a cue from nature. 

Philip Stein Bracelet & Daniel Wellington Classic Ladies Watch

Garments c/o Carve Designs and Indigenous respectively.
Dahnny Leather Sandals c/o Naturalizer Shoes available at Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom's
On Location Set Design & Photography by Magda
Makeup: Kett Cosmetics

What's In My Resort Bag? Packing Light for Your Flight

Summer Vacation or Sunny Resort - here's how to pack efficiently.

Summer Vacation and Resort Season often include trips to sunny, warm locations where you may be doing lots of various fun activities. This is also the season for exotic destination weddings. The first thing you need to do is get hold of the itinerary. Will there be dinners out at exclusive restaurants? Are walking tours and sight-seeing planned? If you are traveling by car, bus or train you may have a bit of leeway as far as luggage is concerned. If you are flying via private plane or commercial craft, well let's just say you are going to have to be a bit more strategic!

Flying along the eastern seaboard.

On a recent trip to West Palm Beach County, when checking out of the Hotel I was asked "How did you fit everything in that little bag?" I will tell you how I pack:

Flying the Friendly Skies
I've flown for business and pleasure for years and never once checked my bag. Most airlines still allow 1 on board luggage piece and one personal bag to carry on the craft. Keep in mind a coat, umbrella or hat does not count as an extra personal item. Your carry on must fit in the airline's sizing box (some of which have been scaled back to be even smaller) or it will have to be checked and weighed which will entail a fee. United requires all carry on luggage to be 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches max. Since flights are booked at full capacity these days, the overhead bins fill very quickly. They will try to get you to gate check your on board luggage for that reason.

My on board luggage is actually an Overnight Bag weighing only 6 lbs.

Think Outside the Box
Un-box everything possible and stow your items in TSA friendly clear plastic totes. If your baggage is opened, the agent can get a quick visual without ripping everything out. I saw this happen to the woman behind me in the airport security line and it wasn't pretty. Wear shoes that can easily be kicked off prior to going through the body scanner (forget any lace up shoes no matter how comfortable). One of my favorite travel kits that goes with me EVERYWHERE is Pinch Provision's Distressed Skinny Minimergency Kit. It has over 20 flight friendly essentials for nearly any away from home emergency.

Leaving extra packaging behind on as many items as possible will give you more room while lightening the load. Remember that the limit on liquids is 3 ozs so utilize those tiny samples from the cosmetics counter or magazine ads. I especially enjoy flying with my Sublime Beauty Travel Sampler shown below. Just the right size for my favorite skincare and body creams.

TSA Friendly Clear Plastic Tote by Molton Brown.

Organize and Conquer
I have one clear zippered tote for my personal items (I even had space for my Sonicare Toothbrush) and another one for my makeup.  I pack these cases in the outer zippered pockets of my carry on bag because there is always some last-minute item you need to add. As for my jewelry, I don't want it damaged so I would recommend getting a MagBag. It holds your jewelry in place by way of magnets in a velvet lined case. Your chained necklaces especially will love this Cartier treatment! See all the case sizes and colors at GetMagBag.com

MagBag Jewelry Cases for a Tangle Free Flight

Roll with It
Roll socks and place them in shoes which should be separated to maximize space. To maximize space, roll your clothing tightly like a Tacquito! Most every hotel room has an iron and ironing board. You don't need a dozen pairs of undies and bras either. Just bring two or three of each and hand-wash. Same thing with swimsuits. Bring two sets of separates. You can then mix and match the tops/bottoms for different looks every day. Remember to include a "wet bag" just in case your swimsuit is still a little damp when you leave.

Sunsets Separates

SS2015 Sunsets Swimwear Separates Collection. Swim skort in Seaglass.

Personal Luggage
I've always flown with an over-sized handbag as my personal item. While your on board luggage gets stowed in the bin above your seat, your personal item(s) are to go under your seat or the seat in front of you. Just as long as your personal item, shoulder bag or laptop case measures within x 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
My favorite bag for this is my Pierotucci Toscanella Overnight Bag which looks more like a fine Italian leather handbag. Since it stays with me, I keep my travel ballet flats, iPod/earphones, money and other necessities there. The cabin air is very drying so pack a little spray or bottle of moisturizer in your personal bag.

Pierotucci Toscanella Overnight Italian Leather Bag

Packing Those Creature Comforts
There are little things that help make you feel at home when traveling. You will have saved so much space with my tips that you'll more than likely be able to fit them in! My favorite comfy things for summer-resort trips are my Fair Trade Dsenyo Vipambi Pajama Pants in Purple Burst made in Malawi and my Coco-Mat Organic Cotton Slippers. 

Enjoying a snack in my Vipambi PJ Pants

Organic Cotton Slippers weigh next to nothing, pack flat

They feel like air on your feet and are just enough to wear in the hotel room especially when you come out of the shower. They are super light and pack flat. I also like my Luxe Me Now slippers which are so elegant, you can wear them to breakfast at the Hotel lobby or restaurant.

Coco-Mat and LMN Luxury Slippers

Packing List for a 5 Day Resort Stay

3 bras (one should be a convertible) & 3 undies max
2 Sets of Swimsuit Separates will give you 4 different looks
1 Silk Kimona
1 pair cotton or silk pajama pants
1 Paper Folding Sunhat
Sunscreen
Lip Moisturizer with Sunscreen
Sunglasses
1 pair rubber flip flops
1 pair heeled sandals (can work in place of evening heels)
1 pair athletic shoes (sneakers as we call them in the NYC area)
1 pair bedroom slippers
1 pair socks
1 pair of folding ballet flats
1 tank top
1 tee shirt
1 pair of skirted exercise pants
1 skirt in a neutral color
1 sleeveless blouse
1 white, light-weight cardigan
2 Daytime Dresses 
1 Evening Dress
3 Large Designer Silk Scarves to change up your look
Jewelry, something organic or tropical would be perfect
1 Clutch in a neutral color for evening (textured will work well)
Foldable Tote like a Baggu or Leather Tote from Carrie Dunham. Use for shopping, beach or pool.

All of these items plus my toiletries and makeup fit inside my American Tourister Atomosphera 2 Overnight Bag. I had plenty of outfits with accessories for meetings, a Pilates Class, lunches, tours and dinners out not to mention a full on swim in the hotel pool and lounging in the hot tub.
Remember not to over-pack because you will most likely be bringing home a few souvenirs and gifts from your trip. So pack your flight bag for that resort vacation and travel in style!

Carve Designs Beach Dress & Cover Up. Carrie Dunham Leather Tote.

American Tourister Overnight Bag-Mine
Designer JLo Rx Eyewear-Mine
Swimwear c/o Sunsets Separates, USA
Special thanks to Garden of Life for scheduling/providing my accommodations and amenities during my stay in West Palm Beach.

Resorts: Diana Kauffman Designs Jewelry

Hitting the Resorts this season? Beautiful selections from Diana Kauffman Designer Jewelry Collection.

Crystal Springs Resort, NJ One of the most exclusive resorts in the NYC/NJ area is at Crystal Springs as they offer a variety of amenities including golf, a spa, hot tub, sauna and Biosphere Pool. When you think of Resort Wear, it's got to be chic yet comfortable for days on the beach and nights at the country club.

Striking just the right balance are these lovely statement pieces from Diana Kauffman Designs Jewelry. This jewelry takes its cues from nature but uses beautiful, precious metals to enhance the richness and flair of stone & glass.  Handcrafted in the USA, no two are exactly alike as the semi-precious stones offer a one off creation due to their own uniqueness and formations.

Diana Kauffman Sea Star Earrings 2 and Sea Star Signature Necklace

These designer pieces offer the essences of both sea and land which compliments resort wear so elegantly  for most any occasion. In the lead photo, I wore these beautiful drop earrings at Crystal Springs Resort with ancient Roman Glass to and in the pool. They were the perfect accessory to a rather simple black bikini but added just the right amount of sparkle.

DK's Laurels Collection with Roman Glass

"The Laurels Collection" Roman Glass Earrings
These beautiful drop earrings are handcrafted in Pennsylvania from real laurel leaves electroformed in sterling silver. Notice the accents of copper and sterling beads with genuine ancient Roman glass which is dated to be between 900-1200 years old. The iridescence is caused by centuries of natural weathering as the glass interacts with earth minerals.
These earrings are very light and comfortable to wear. Even with long wet hair, these earrings hang low enough not to tangle your mane. They look amazing with a swimsuit and dazzle in the candlelight at dinner.

The Laurels Collection Roman Glass Earrings

Sand Star Signature Bracelet:
Greek leather bracelet in cool gray with crackle glazed ceramic beads, copper starfish and silver clam shell spacers. Magnetic closure.
My wrists are really tiny so I tend to shy away from bracelets that are difficult to put on and keep on. Not so with the Sand Star Signature & River Rock natural bangles. The leather makes them very comfortable to wear and is a lovely contrast to the metal accents. The crackle glaze on the ceramic beads adds a layering of textures to the piece. The starfish and scallop shell complete the nautical theme on the Sand Star. Perfect for a day out on the water.

Sea Star and River Rock Bracelets

River Rock Bracelet
Genuine Greek leather bracelet with handmade ceramic beads glazed in tan and gray. Antique bronze magnetic closure.
The River Rock Bracelet reminds me of vacationing at Lake Hapatcong, near where I grew up. You would see sailboats and yachts skimming over the rounded rocks, worn by the lake into such interesting shapes. Again, the leather is gorgeous on this piece and contrasts with the crackled glaze on the ceramic beads of tan and grey.  

Diana Kauffman Simple Statement Pieces compliment a variety of fashion selections. However, I found these pieces to be perfect for my resort stay from lounging at the pool to enjoying a delicious dinner and wine with friends.
Want to see more jewelry collections for your resort getaway?  Visit Diana Kauffman Designs online HERE.

UPDATE!!!

Diana Kauffman will showcase her jewelry collection at Accessories the Show at the Javits Center in New York City on August 3-5, 2014!  She will be at Booth# 1634, so be sure to check out her collection! More show & designer details HERE.

 

Jewelry c/o Diana Kauffman Designs

What's in My Resort Bag? Spa Swag

Resort faves: BioElixia Body Shapers and Sulwhasoo Age Veil.

Crystal Springs Resort & Spa, Hardyston, NJ I just got back from visiting one of the most beautiful resorts in the NYC/Metro area. We stayed at the Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort in a beautiful one bedroom suite replete with patio, living room, fireplace, kitchen and dining area. The bathrooms have both a shower and a full sized whirlpool tub. The best part was the gorgeous mountain view as seen here from the doorway of the Clubhouse.

View of the mountains that surround Crystal Springs Resort

Resort Amenities
While we always appreciate a beautiful room and a great view, the spa aspect of a resort is also key. Reflections Spa is among the top 30 retreats in the US and number ONE in New Jersey. We also enjoyed the Biosphere Pool and Hot Tub which allowed us to be outdoors in our swimsuits despite the cooler temps.

The Biosphere Pool & Hot Tub.  Relaxing in the shade.

So What's in My Resort Bag?
An upscale resort like Crystal Springs will provide you with towels by the pool and a cotton terry robe but I brought along my:

LMN (Luxe Me Now) Slippers in Bronze Lurex: I wore these downstairs to breakfast and to the pool. Non-slip soles means these posh slippers can be worn outside. Gorgeously feminine, these are the ULTIMATE in resort luxury and comfort. Sold at Saks 5th Ave.

A Swimsuit (or two)! You'll also need a swimsuit when using the spa's sauna and hot tub. I'm wearing my Voda Swim black string bikini here (as seen in Sports Illustrated) but I also brought my Carve Designs Lara Full Piece. It has a halter-tie top and pretty folds at the bust line.

Body Firming Creams: I use Bioelixia Body Shapers before my trip to the spa and while I'm there. Their Firming Toning Body Lotion gives skin an instant tightening boost due to high levels of green tea and caffeine. It's in a class all its own. I also use Bioelixia Cellulite Contour Creme after bathing with their Exfoliating Body Polish. The microdermabrasion beads in the scrub are just what the spas use and give amazing results of ultra smooth skin.

Carve Designs Lara Full Piece Swimsuit in Tulum & Luxe Me Now Slippers

Sunscreen: FACE: The sunblock for my face that I'm loving right now is from Korea. Sulwhasoo Age Veil 30+ UV Protection Creme is more like a skin treatment with added sunscreen. It goes on so smoothly with no white residue. Very moisturizing but light it is made with time honored Korean botanicals like ginseng.
BODY: I just started using this new Australian Gold SPF 50 Sunblock + Bronzer on my body. So rich, it gives you a little instant warmth of subtle color while protecting your skin . Made with Kona Coffee, it gives you a firming boost along with a bit of bronzing.

Spa Swag
Here are some goodies that most of the top resorts provide so you needn't bring them and can take them when you leave: Molton Brown London- Samphire Body Wash, Kumundu Volumising Conditioner, Kumundu Volumising Shampoo, Coco & Sandalwood Nourishing Body Lotion, Ultra Pure Milk Bath Soap.

More Resort Bag Must Haves:

Juicy Couture La La Malibu Eau de Toilette Spray has fresh summery top notes that remind you of the beach. The prefect resort fragrance for the spa and then out to dinner. Love the glass heart on the bottle! Available at Sephora.

G.M. Collin Instant Radiance Eye Patches & Embryolisse Artist Secret Radiant Eye Balm are spa quality treatments you can enjoy in your own hotel suite! The G.M. Collin Eye Patch packets are small enough to throw in your makeup bag and relax with in the whirlpool. The Embryolisse Artist Secret Radiant Eye is cool and refreshing, giving the skin an instant boost of moisture.

Elizabeth Arden Triple Protection Factor TPF50 was just released this spring but has already become one of my must-haves on the go. It's like having a tinted moisturizer and sunscreen (SPF 50+) in one. Wear it alone or over a primer like Miracle Blur and you're good. Read my full review of the TPF50 HERE.

Elizabeth Arden's New Triple Protection Factor

I'm booked for another stay at Crystal Springs Resort this summer. I will definitely be taking my favorites along again. You should too.

Swimsuits c/o Carve Designs & Voda Swim respectively.
Skincare c/o Bioelixia & Amorepacific respectively.
Slippers c/o Luxe Me Now
Fragrance c/o Juicy Couture