SS2015 Work and Travelwear: Nora Gardner NYC, Oscar de la Renta, Pineda Covalin and SofiaZ Accessorized

Travel essentials for the jet-set! Nora Gardner Gabrielle Dress. Mulholland Leather Bag, SofiaZ Leather Pumps

NYC SS2015 Fashion is all about the accessories and metamorphosing your outfit selections to go from work to travel as the two are often one in the same. Most of us either commute or are required to travel from time to time for our job. Even so, you're going to have time for some FUN so let's plan for that too. This is how we're doing it this spring!

A Working Wardrobe
We all have that favorite power-suit that we always wear for presentations and meetings.  This spring you might want to stand out a little and breathe some fresh life into your everyday work wear with: a bold, colorful dress, silk scarf, bright bag and fashionable shoes.

Large Leather Bag, Pineda Covalin Silk Scarf, SofiaZ Simone Navy Pumps

Your New "Briefcase"! 
If you are still using a laptop bag or open tote for your trip to the office consider an over-sized, zippered leather bag.
This is so much more chic and can also be used as extra on board luggage for an overnight trip. Make sure it has a full zipper to keep everything inside safe. Mine also has a little lock on the flap. Look for one that has metal feet and lots of organizing pockets for your cell, pens, business cards and more. The leather on my Mulholland is beautiful but VERY tough. I don't baby it and it goes everywhere in style with a feminine touch. Tie a silk scarf on the handle and you're good to go!

Your New Briefcase! Try an over-sized leather bag in a bright color.

Fashion Designer Nora Gardner, NYC
This spring, take a look at what NYC Fashion Designer, Nora Gardner has going on. Her collection easily goes from the board room to boarding your plane. Her clothing is made in NYC and she really understands what professional women need from our clothes. In the lead photo I'm wearing her most popular style, the Gabrielle in Fuchsia with Simone Leather Pumps by designer Usha Patel of SofiaZ. Silk Scarf by Pineda Covalin - Mexico. 

Gabrielle in Fuchsia, Simone Leather Pumps

The Gabrielle Dress
So ready for spring in this gorgeous shade of fuchsia. The slits at the elbow length sleeves are genius as are the very deep yet invisible pockets.  Full zipper in the back gives the dress an incredible fit and easy access. Just enough stretch to keep it interesting. Watch how I switch it up a bit by adding a necklace and a different silk scarf!

Gold and Stone necklace by Jaimie Nicole

Here's the 411 on The Gabrielle from Nora Gardner's Website:

Description

Simply put, Gabrielle is your new best friend. Machine washable? Check. Sleeves and pockets? Check. Cute elbow vents that add style and personality and allow your arms to move around easily? Check. A flattering waistline and roomy hips? Check. Luxurious stretch fabric? Check. Need we say more?

Fully lined, zipper at back, hook-and-eye-closure

Runs true to size. Find a sizing chart here.

Model is 5'8" wearing a Size 2

Care: Machine was cold, line dry

Content: Shell 72% Polyester, 24% Rayon, 4% Spandex; Lining 100% Polyester

Proudly made in NYC

Gabrielle Dress with Oscar de la Renta Silk Scarf

Simone Leather Pumps in Navy by SofiaZ
Designer Usha Patel created her line of beautiful high fashion leather shoes with real women in mind. 
These Simone Pumps are easily a 5 inch heel but I was very comfortable wearing them. Nicely balanced and padded in all the right areas, especially the ball area of the foot. The leather is gorgeous and both the soles and heels have grip. See SofiaZ's Spring/Summer Shoe Collection online.

Travel Time - Pack You Bag!
As I mentioned before, investing in a leather bag like this gives you more than a briefcase. It's like having an extra piece of luggage when you fly or hop a train. I like to keep everything close at hand. Still, even if I'm only boarding the train into the city for the day, there are certain things that go with me everywhere as you never know if you will need to spend an unexpected night away from home. 
So this is my Work Survival Kit: 
Mason Pearson Comb, Silk & Cotton Travel Sheets, Mini Emergency Kit, Croc Leather Organizer Wallet, (doubles as an evening clutch), Hand Sanitizer, Phone/Mobile Device Re-charger.

Travel light but travel right!

Pack Some Play Things Too
Lole's Soho Shop has some lovely pieces this SS2015 in the way of Travelwear.  While Lole is primarily known for their active-wear, the Leena Dress (shown below blue), packs easily and resists wrinkling. It is a faux wrap dress and the V-neck details are lovely. Dress it up or down. See Lole's SS2015 Travel Wear Collection online at LoleWomen.com

Leena Faux Wrap Dress in Blue

Packing Tips: Roll everything up to optimize space and keep things from wrinkling. I like to use a steamer at home to take the wrinkles out. Use it before you pack the clothes and you'll be pleased once you arrive at your hotel.

Leena Travel Dresses by Lole. Silk Scarf by Oscar de la Renta.

Mulholland Leather Bag-Mine
Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses-Mine
Silk Scarves-Mine
Gabrielle Dress c/o Nora Gardner NYC
Leena Dresses c/o Lole
Simone Pumps  c/o SofiaZ

Resort Season - Sunsets Swimwear SS2015 Preview and Ryan McGinley, Raymond Pettibon Artist Collaborations

Travel-Ready Essentials for Resort Season!

December kicks off the Resort Season as many of us may fly to warmer places for the holidays or book a Caribbean cruise to a tropical island. If so, you will need something to wear to the beach and spa. Actually the ORIGINAL American resort wear was Lilly Pulitzer with her bright, bold floral and organic patterns. Nowadays, many fashion designers have added a Resort Collection to their line which allows them to sell more clothes throughout the year. Resort pieces also make great holiday gifts if you know someone has booked a vacation to a sandy destination. They can also work for a trip to a day spa or a ski resort which often has a Swedish Sauna, Jacuzzi or indoor pool. I really like the Biosphere indoor/outdoor pool at Crystal Springs Resort in Sparta!

UPDATE! Lilly Pulizer will be collaborating with Target for SS2015. April 19th 2015 will launch a 250 piece capsule collection of specially designed travel gear, apparel, shoes and home goods. Look for "Lilly for Target".

Sunsets Separates Swimwear SS2015 Collection

Works on Whatever Limited Edition Towel is part of the 2014 Artist Series with this original design by Ryan McGinley. As part of a collaboration with the non-profit Art Production Fund and having support from Sotheby's, WOW brings art into the everyday. This luxurious beach-blanket towel is made of 100% cotton and made in Brazil, the perfect Resort destination! Earthlust Stainless Steel Bottle for Cold Beverages has original artwork by Raymond Pettibon. Beautiful! Check all the artist collaborations and collections at WorksOnWhatever.com and ArtMarkit.com

Sunsets Separates Swimwear Island Life Bikini

Sunsets Separates Swimwear SS2015 Collection has beautiful tropical palm designs and cool aqua colorways. The Island Life Style 68T bikini top has double straps with silver clasps and removable pads. The Style 31 B bikini bottom can be folded down or up for extra coverage and has their signature "Sunsets Separates" metal logo sewn on the back.

Island Life Matching Cover Up

Sunsets Island Life Style 960 Cover Up has ruched sides and flat lock seams at the arms. Perfect for when the sun goes down but you want to stay on the beach. Beautiful compliment to the Bikini Separates.

Sunsets Separates - Sea Glass Bikini Top, Bottom and Skort

Sunsets Separates give you many ways to enjoy the surf, pool or spa. I really like the selection of matching pieces as shown in the collage above. The Skort bottom gives you a little more coverage and has a comfortable elastic waistband. Lovely watercolor design reminds me of colored New Jersey Diamonds.

Sunsets Separates in Sea Glass & Merlin Designs beach tote

The Accessories: 
Shades- I like to pack a few pairs of sunglasses and take along the Converse All Star Collection as they are so lightweight. My Rx Sunglasses are in Tortoise Shell from the JLo Collection.

Earphones- I enjoy listening to music when traveling and while on the beach so the Skullcandy Supreme Sound Chops are part of their Sport Performance line for good reason. They are water-resistant and loop over your ears for a secure, hassle free fit.

Silver Vines Cuff from India

Bracelet- Silver Vines Cuff from WorldVision.org is made by local Indian artisans.  It goes with the laid back feel of resort season but adds a bit of sparkle for a night out. Proceeds go to helping third world communities raise their own food and become self sufficient.

Sandals- These are my favorite Gladiator Sandals by Mossimo Supply Company that I picked up at Target. Very easy to get into with the zipper in the back. Despite the four inch heel, they are platformed and so are really very comfortable to wear. I've worn them to pool parties that went on for HOURS and they are amazing. NOTE: Gladiators are trending heavy for SS2015.

Mimi Mini Satchel by Helmer and Converse Sunglasses

Bag- Exotic destinations call for an exotic bag. This is the Mimi Mini Satchel by Helmer in Python. Has a lovely top handle and adjustable carry strap. It's just big enough for your essentials for the day. Remove the strap and carry it as a clutch for evening.

Sunsets Separates Sheer Mesh Tankini & Bikini bottom in Black Sand Crochet

These Sunsets Separates are beautiful together! Sheer Black Sand Crochet mesh tankini top with matching fabric for the bottom. A bit of added coverage while looking very sensual. Mix or match to make your own signature swimwear look. See all of the current Sunsets Separates Swimwear at SunsetsSeparates.com and order pieces from their SS2015 Collection HERE.

Get a little color before you leave with FakeBake!

FakeBake Tanning Butter for Dry Skin is perfect for dry winter air that is part of this season. It really does go on like butter and a little goes a long way. Comes with gloves, the resulting color is very natural and deep. Visit FakeBake.com

Lole's Leena Dress shown in Campari is Travel Ready

Lole's Travel 2015 Collection
I enjoy my Lole fitness wear but this Faux Wrap Leena Dress caught my eye. Made with a combination of organic cotton, polyester and elastane, this dress earns its place in their Travel 2015 Collection. Cool, yet flattering to wear, it offers a UPF of 50+. Has a metal Lole Logo sewn by the right hem. I especially like the V-Neck, wrap lines and elbow length sleeves. Easy to wear right out of the suitcase with no ironing.
Vacationing in a snowy area for some skiing? Check out my review of Lole's Sidonie Ski Bib on LuckyMag.com HERE. See Lole's entire Travel 2015 Collection online at LoleWomen.com

The Perfect LBD for Travel

LBD to Go
I always like to pack a comfortable LBD when I travel. This one is in stretch cool cotton knit by Hanna Andersson. It has lovely, flattering princess seams and pockets. No zippers or clasps to dig in while sitting on the plane. Just slip it over your head. Travels really well and resists wrinkles. Who has time for ironing? Dress it up or down, wear it touring the town and then out to dinner. I'm wearing it here with my Black Onyx necklace my husband gave me last Christmas.

So this Resort Season, be sure to get in some "me time". I've found some lovely hats and bags shopping the resort stores while traveling on vacation. They have become some of my favorite souvenirs, reminding me of those special places every time I wear them!

Grabbing some coffee while shopping!

Hosiery by Bollywood
Swimwear c/o Sunsets Separates
Artist Towel and Water Bottle c/o WOW
Leena Dress c/o Lole

Best Picks Christmas List!

Yes, there's still time to get ready for the holidays with these last minute gift and entertaining ideas. You can also enter to win our Healthy Holiday Gift Basket listed at the top of the page so hurry! It's almost Christmas!

Lord & Taylor's Holiday Fashion + Makeup

Holiday Fashion combined with the hottest cosmetic colors and trends for the 2010 season came together at Lord & Taylor, Freehold Raceway Mall, New Jersey. The show stopper was this lovely model for Christian Dior in a gold lame' strapless evening gown. The evening purse is actually a full palette eyes & lips makeup set with mirror. The Dior ‘Minaudiere’ is what the French call small, ornamental clutch bags.

Lovely Mistress of Ceremonies, Jaime Brown, kept the show moving with fashion tips, fantastic raffles and make-up savvy. Each attendee enjoyed a buffet of bagels, pastries, fruit and coffee. They also received a schwag bag of facial spa certificates, beauty and makeup product samples from Lord & Taylor's cosmetics department.

Model wearing pieces from the Free People Collection with the massive gift with purchase being offered by Lancome this holiday season. One of the best buys because with a $35 purchase, you get to pick the FREE 8 piece set you want. Total value is up to $110! This Holiday 2010 Glam More Gift is going on until November 28th 2010 so I recommend that you jump on this one. I did!

Here is a little black dress that goes...perfect for the Holidays utilizing a few ideas from the fashion show. This ExOfficio Go-To 3/4 Sleeve Dress is so comfortable because it's engineered with Dri-release fabric. It even has a secret invisible zippered pocket for your theatre ticket, credit card or lip gloss. Get on a plane, arrive at your in-laws looking fabulous! No ironing needed. We dressed it up with this natural animal fur ring that has a Velcro clasp. You'll want something soft and warm like this next to your skin this winter!

It's a wrap! Just another look for our Exoffico 3/4 Sleeve Dress from their Go-To Collection. This Joolay Ruffled Natural Brown Rabbit Fur Scarf is so soft and warm, it can be worn in a number of ways. Comes in white and gray but I took THIS one home! Warm, toasty and perfect for traveling to that office party or family affair when showing too much skin is just too much. Make-up by Melissa, artist for Bobbi Brown, Lord & Taylor. Right now, Bobbi has a Beauty Rules tote bag and deluxe sized samples with any $75 purchase while supplies last. Also, check out their SUPER VIP event on December 7th 2010 with BB's elite make-up artist, Ricky Gurtman.

Don't forget our Healthy Holiday Give-Away with a stainless steel Half Twist Polar Bottle, a set of Author Signed copies of The Secret of Staying Young and The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide, Totally Calcium and Topricin Soothing Homeopathic Creams! Deadline is MIDNIGHT December 10th, 2010 so enter NOW!