Charleston

Four Days in Charleston – a wardrobe capsule

I’ve got a few unexpected travel adventures happening this fall, with a planned trip to Charleston first on the list. My “must-do” activities include eating lots of fresh seafood, admiring the beautiful architecture, browsing top-tier stores, learning about Revolutionary and Civil War history, and spending time exploring the surrounding islands.

There are a lot of places in the U.S. I’ve been to, but Charleston isn’t one of them. You would think I might have squeezed in a visit or two during the years I spent living in the south, but no—this will be my first time visiting the Holy City, and I cannot wait.

I decided I wanted my wardrobe to match the locale. For me, that means evoking a Southern vibe with lightweight fabrics, opulent florals, and straw hats while spending leisurely afternoons poolside sipping a Planter’s Punch or two, followed by dressing up for some fine dining and dancing with my sweetie.

I took a look in my closet and realized I did NOT have the clothing to match that vision, so I did a little pre-trip shopping. Pinks, greens, florals, and a few new accessories later, I think I’m ready. I’ll be wearing some new duds to complement my visit to a new city, and I love the serendipity of discovering a new place while stepping out in a few new things, too.

*Carolina in the Morning – Dean Martin

The angels wanna wear my red shoes…

Red [Mary Janes], white and blue

One of this fall’s hot fashion trends is the Mary Jane shoe (preferably in red) which works out well for me since I’ve always had a thing for red shoes.  I selected three pairs on my ‘things to buy’ wish list and then went virtual shopping for some clothing to compliment each.

For some reason, red Mary Jane’s led me to search for wide leg pants, plaid skirts, tennis sweaters and varsity jackets, all used to build the 1-2-3 wardrobe pictured above.  What is a 1-2-3 wardrobe?  It’s all about getting creative with your fashion choices, and making less do more (see past versions of 1-2-3 dressing here and here). A few pairs of shoes and/or boots, 2-3 bottoms, 3-4 tops, 1 dress, 1 killer coat and some accessories allow you to create endless combinations you can wear for work or play. Wanna go casual? Pair the pants, red sweater, scarf, bag, and round toe flats for a day out with your friends. Looking for something for a night out? Pair the dress, pointy toe flats, and varsity jacket for dinner, a concert, or dancing at a club! With a 1-2-3 wardrobe your outfit possibilities are endless.

*The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes – Elvis Costello & the Attractions

Easy as 1, 2, 3….

back2school
23 Pieces = 960 Looks 

You know it’s bad when your mom wants to know if you are ever going to post again… I’ve been dealing with some significant life changes over the past month with have left me with zero free time and zapped all of my creative energy.  Still, its almost Labor Day and I always feel nostalgic for back-to-school shopping around this time of year.  I am also sick of wearing all of my summer things, so I decided to spend what little free time I’ve been able to muster surfing the web to create an adult version of a back-to-school wardrobe for the fall.

I’ve written before abut traveling light and making less do more (here)  so the 1 coat, 2 bags, 3 shoes, 4 bottoms, 5 tops strategy pictured above would provide me with enough outfit variety for well over 2 years.  Given lots of free time and a bottomless pocketbook here’s what I’d buy to make my back-to-school fantasy a reality:

Red Crepe Blazer
Rebecca Minkoff Darren Leather Backpack Alexandra de Curtis Red Bowling Bag
Red Stiletto Bootie  |  Kendall & Kylie Calla Slouch Boot Acne Studios  Jensen Boot
Caroline Rose Silk Crepe Trouser Three Dots Leopard Midi 1901 Button Front Plaid SkirtZara Flared Pant
Kensie V-Back Bell Sleeve TopMoncler Ciclista Sweater Alice & Olivia Meredith Slit-Sleeve Tie Neck TopAcne Studies Oversized Sweater  ATM Anthony Thomas Melillio Schoolboy Crewneck T
Norma Kamali Square Cat Eye Sunnies Elizabeth & James Frey Sunnies
Tom Ford Ultrashine Cherry Lipgloss Kate Spade Cactus Flower Scarf Pleated Necklace  |  Lauren Ralph Lauren Ana Silk Square Scarf Nest Cocoa Woods Rollerball     | Pearl Ball Earrings  |
Black/White Chandelier Earrings Ettika Disc Earrings

How about you?  Are you tired of summer clothing?  What kinds of fashion are you looking forward too this fall?  Drop me a line…I’d love to know…

*ABC – The Jackson 5

 

 

You got the silver…

silver2
Time for Silver Shoes

I am beyond OBSESSED with silver shoes right now!  It all started when I impulsively purchased #3 one dreary day during lunch.  I wore the shoes almost immediately and every time I looked down to admire my new purchase I smiled with shoe happiness.  There is no bad time to sport a silver shoe, although my personal favorite is at night after a day at the beach and accessorized with the perfect slip dress, silver jewelry and a fresh pedicure!

Since my first silver shoe purchase I have acquired #5 with plans to add #4 to my collection next payday.  I am also coveting #12 and #14 but those shoes may be mine in dreams only, since I live a decidedly non-12/14 lifestyle.  How about you?  Which number – or numbers – speaks to you?  I’d love to know…

12  |  3 |  45  | 67  |  8  |  9  |  10  |  11  |  12  |  13  |  14  
*You Got The Silver – Keith Richards