Resort Fashions Newport Mansions The Great Gatsby Style!

PHOTO: Rosecliff, where portions of the original 1970's Great Gatsby was shot.
Travel Ready Go-To Ruffle Dress in Framboise by ExOfficio transitions from day to nightlife. Yves St Laurent Golden Gloss.

Maybe you're excited that today The Great Gatsby is coming out on DVD?  I say take a tour of Rosecliff, one of the Newport Mansions where the ORIGINAL Gatsby was filmed. Sorry but the beautiful scenes, landscaping and interiors of Rosecliff totally outshine the remake. This is the perfect time to plan your get-away and a sight-seeing tour along the Cliff Walk all can be extra special with a few essential pieces that just happen to travel well.  Start with a LBD (or in my case, a Little Red Dress) for an extra pop of color this fall.

The LBD that travels. The Go-To Ruffled Dress also comes in black!

Travel Style Made Simple
Rather than fill your bag with multiple separates and pieces you'll most likely never wear, pack a DRESS that can go from the plane to lunch to an evening out and more. Just be sure to pack a scarf, some jewelry and other essentials to dress it up or down. I love my easy-traveling ExOfficio pieces for that same reason. The Go-To Ruffled Dress packs well and resists wrinkles. The 1/2 sleeve design is perfect for fall touring when it is often cool in the morning, hot at midday but chilly after sundown.  It also has an invisible zippered pocket (you can look but you won't see it!) for extra cash, some lip gloss or anything you want to keep with you.

Vintage Python Leather Shoulder Bag coverts to a chic clutch for evening. O' Keefe Scarf by Pistil Designs

Double-Wear
You'll find that you can pack less if you choose outfits which will easily convert to evening wear. Sometimes you may not have time to get to your hotel and change or your flight was delayed so everything has been rescheduled. Simply freshen your look with a pretty scarf, necklace and earrings. My shoulder bag is black python and has a recessible strap. It converts to a clutch in a flash so I'm out the door and off to dinner. 

  

Dansko's Buttery Bethany Black Nappa boots from their

Bordeaux Collection . These Leather Boots have a stretchy panel in the back for extra comfort.

ExOfficio's Go To Ruffled 1/2 Sleeve Dress in Framboise
The Go-To Ruffled Dress, crafted from drirelease® performance fabric, will live up to its name as you reach for it again and again. This quick drying, moisture wicking travel dress is perfect to keep you fresh, wrinkle free and always looking great. The ruffle detail is a stylish feminine touch, and a security zip pocket in the side hem holds small essentials.

Accessorize!

Scarf - A scarf is SO versatile! Traveling can sometimes mean having your hair blown all over the place. I've has to take a smaller aircraft with dual propellers and forget about how windy a helicopter ride is! A scarf can be laid down on a seat, wrapped around your head or neck. It can also be used as an evening shawl or wrap.

Convertible Shoulder - Clutch Bag - Take along a bag that does double duty while traveling and once you arrive. Black is always classic and dark colors travel well, resisting smudges and dirt.


Comfortable Boots - As the weather gets cooler, you'll appreciate having a bit of extra coverage and protection for your legs. Also, fall tends to be quite rainy in many zones. These Dansko Bethany Black Nappa leather boots are from their fall 2013 Bordeaux Collection.
These Leather Boots are just the right heel height to give you a bit of elegance but totally comfortable for 
walking.

Bring Some Stilettos! - You'll need some evening shoes! Believe it or not these Cage Stilettos by Mossimo Co. are really comfortable to wear. I just wouldn't go touring in them. I've worn them to an afternoon to evening pool party and I was still happy after over 8+ hours.

Sunglasses - Daytime travel is a little bit easier if you have eye protection from the sun and wind. These sunglasses are from the new France 1 Collection by XX2i Optics in Tortoise. This is sports-quality eye wear so they are sturdy enough for travel and walking excursions.

Go-To Ruffled Dress in Flamboise

Go To Dress and Bethany Boots c/o ExOfficio and Dansko respectively.

On the Go? How to Pack a 24 Hour Bag

Pack 'n Go! Some must-have travel essentials to put in your 24 hour Bag.

If I've learned anything from backpacking and camping, it is always to be prepared! When I travel, I incorporate many things that I use for survival in the back country to staying healthy and comfortable in an urban setting.  Just like backpacking, you need to pack a back that is light and has items which offer multiple uses.

Packing Your Toiletries
Invest in a clear bag such as this wet bathing suit by Captiva. It completely seals shut so if any other your products spill or explode, your clothes won't get stained. A clear bag like this also allows you to immediately spot the items you need and get to them.

My Toiletries Check List:

Embryolisse Lait Cream Moussant soap free face, body wash and shampoo/conditioner. Four products in one actually. Naturally rich in sweet almond oil and shea butter, it will quickly re-moisturize your skin and hair while gently cleansing it.

Mission Ultra-Hydrating Lip Protector SPF 20 Gel
Can be worn over or under your favorite lip color. Adds moisture and sun protection on the go.

Embryolisse Artist Secret BB Cream SPF 20
This complexion illuminating veil is for all skin types and can be worn with or without makeup. It is moisturizing thanks to the hyaluronic acid and protects against UV rays. Like having primer, foundation and sunblock all in one.

Smart Travel by Adventure Medical Kits. I add my own Visine A & meds.

Visine A
Dry cabin air during your flight can cause your eyes to be uncomfortable. Landing in an area where allergens are waiting can really be a problem too. This soothes my eyes, is safe with my contacts and gets the red out.

Secret Deodorant-Clinical Strength
This is the BEST deodorant for traveling as it offers serious 24+ protection from wetness and odor. TIP: Got an early am flight? Shower the night before and apply your deodorant before you go to bed. The next morning you will wake up fresh and ready to go.

Handcream with Hand Sanitizer
Bath and Body Works has a store full of these little gems. They moisturize and protect from bacteria and germs encountered in public areas.

Physician's Formula MatchMaker pH Powered Lip Gloss
This little beauty develops into the perfect shade for YOU in 90 seconds. Added bonus is the case has a mirror on the side and a makeup LIGHT! Perfect for applications in the dark.


Hydration & Nutrition on the Fly
Perhaps even more than food is the need to take along ways to stay hydrated. That's why I pick juicy, nutrient rich snacks over dry crackers and cookies.

 
Healthy Goodies to Go

CamelBak All Clear Microbiological UV Water Purifier
Water is SO important when traveling. Often times you may need to rely on a public water fountain or hotel sink. Yuck! Who knows who (or what) has been there before you? The CamelBak All Clear uses the same UV sterilization technology utilized for years in the food industry. Fill, zap and drink...as much as you want.

Fresh Veggies and Fruits
You can do this. Cool Gear makes a large array of chill-able containers that will keep your raw fruits and vegetables fresh and COLD for hours. A good way to get nutrition and water at the same time.

Bai Antioxidant Infusions
Each bottle gives you two servings of delicious fruit & antioxidant infused water. Only 5 calories per serving, it will give your spirits and immune system a much needed boost.

Rainbow Light Gummy Power Sours
These high-powered multis to-go contain extra vitamin C in a puckering array of sour fruit flavors. One 10g packet is all you need for the day and you don't need water to get them down. Lighter and easier than carrying bottles and pill holders.

Packing Your Clothes
This is a 24 hour bag that can go from the office to your flight. The best way to pack clothing is the roll method as you can get more items in a small space. Here are a few extras! 

Comforts of home should accompany your 24 hour Bag

Shoes and Clothing

Minnetonka Moccasins
These are my favorite suede leather moccasins! They can be worn as chic flats when you have to walk a lot. After hours, they make great bedroom slippers for your hotel room.

Victoria Secret PINK Sleep Shirt
These are great and pack very well for an overnight trip. They are so soft and when paired with some cozy sweats, make great lounge-wear.

Silk & Cotton Travel Sheets
I use these when we go camping at the cabin. Lightweight, compact and SO soft, you put them between you and the hotel sheets. The ultimate in comfort.

Silk and Cotton Travel Sheets were amazing on my goose down mattress.

The Wrap
What I do is keep a 24 hour Bag stocked and ready to go. That way if I have to be somewhere on a moment's notice, there's no scrambling to pack only to leave essentials like these behind. I also keep a little medical kit in my bag for things like bandages and aspirin. Also when you travel, be sure to take a large handkerchief or a shawl. It will have tons of uses and can offer extra warmth and comfort when traveling.

Travel Wrap by ExOfficio. Leather Luggage Bag by Mullholland 

 

Naturalizer Penny Leather Handbag ORANGE is the New Black

Summer 2013, NYC: I'm so ready to celebrate summer! Now you may be more familiar with Naturalizer shoes for their unparalleled comfort but their leather handbags are of equal beauty and quality.

This season, add a pop of color with this luxurious color way trending in orange.  All of the top designers from Hermes to MK (Michael Kors) are making similar bags in this rich color as a bold fashion statement. Personally for me black is blah for summer and fall so this was a refreshing change from the darker tones of winter. 

Naturalizer's Penny Handbag in Orange Leather & Italian Silk Scarf

From the Office to the Hamptons
What I like about this handbag is it's fine crafting and versatility. It's roomy enough to fit a file folder for the boardroom but pop on a little silk scarf and it's ready for vacation travel. In fact the leather itself is very close to being fine luggage quality. Like well made luggage, it has metal feet and metal reinforcements on the straps. There is an outside pouch for your cell and a slit/lined pouch in the back.

Above: Interior of the Penny.  Below Camelia Flower Makeup Bag by Chanel.

The Penny Handbag is richly appointed inside and out with a beautiful textile lined interior. The inside pouch is ample but the center zippered pouch is genius. It acts as a natural divider, keeping your purse contents in their place. There's a pouch for your sunglasses and what-nots but I like to pop my car keys in there for quick access. I like the magnetic center clasp that keeps everything together as this is the perfect bag to mix business and pleasure. Here are some other features of the Penny:
The Penny Handbag Has:

• Top zip closure
• Front and back pockets
• Interior features open and zipper compartments
• Textile lining
• Shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• 13 1/2 inches long X 10 inches high X 6 inches wide

 
 

Naturalizer Penny Handbag on a rainy day, this bag can hold its own in bad weather.

I paired this handbag with Earthies Solerno Too Wedges in Spice available at Nordstrom

C/O Naturalizer whose marvelous shoes I have purchased for many years and Earthies, a new level in comfort.