...you are traveling to Paris - daywear.

Oui!  I'm heading to Paris in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait!  Over the next few weeks, I hope to write about the questions we all ask ourselves when preparing for a trip like this:

• What do I wear on an overnight flight?
• What on earth do I pack?
• How many bags am I allowed to check? (Ok, might not write about this, but it's a question that has been frequently popping into my head!)

Let's start with what to pack for daywear.  I'll be walking miles everyday and will want to be blister-free and look fashionable at the same time.  Whether I'm going into Boston, down to New York, or over to Paris, it's the same look.  In Paris, there's a little more pressure to be tailored and elegant.

So - since it's April, I'll start with outerwear.  After all, I'll be in some kind of jacket most of the day while traipsing around, and it needs to look good.  I'll start by packing my rain jacket, a Postcard one I found in New York last spring when I found my winter coat.  It hangs to mid-thigh, stylish, cinches at the waist, and was a GREAT purchase.  It looks similar to this Moncler one at Bloomingdale's:

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Additionally, I'll be packing my short cotton trench coat.  I purchased it about 3 years ago at Comptoir des Cotonniers, after trying on every Burberry short trench I could get my hands on, only to find that they really didn't fit me well at all.  (Altering was an option, but Burberry trenches have very narrow shoulders, so the entire body of any trench I purchased would have needed altering.)  So, I settled on this one, and love it:

Images from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

Between those 2 jackets, I think I'll be set.

Now, onto outfits.  I'll have to pack scarves, and layer, layer, layer.  I'll be out the door of my rented apartment relatively early and out all day, so I need to be prepared for cooler mornings and warmer afternoon temps.  Back to playing meteorologist.

The good news it that Parisians have embraced jeans!  Phew.  10 years ago, not so much.  2 Thanksgivings ago, jeans everywhere.  That's a huge relief, since I kind of live in them.

So, I'll be packing some white jeans - my J. Crew Bootcut white denim...

Image from jcrew.com.

...and some AG Ballads...

Image from agjeans.com.

...and some DL1961 straight-leg jeans that look great with ballet flats.  That and a couple of black ankle length pants should do the trick.

Next, tops.  There will be navy v-neck sweaters in my bag, along with a chambray blouse from J. Crew, a crisp white blouse, tank tops for layering underneath, some linen Vince sweaters, and scarves, scarves, scarves.  Some fun day jackets, like that Milly one I picked up during my Nordstrom shopping appointment back in February.

Image from nordstrom.com.

I won't be packing any t-shirts.  Blouses (with scarved tucked in the neckline) and spring sweaters are the way to go in the day.

Shoes are the last important piece of the puzzle.  While I've been on a heel-craze, it's not really going to help me out in Paris during the day (but stay tuned for dinner attire!).  Too many cobblestones and miles to cover.

I have been on a hunt for a great neutral wedge to wear during the day...any of you who follow my Pinterest boards have been inundated with images of neutral wedges.  I think I've finally found the pair.  These Tory Burch Sally Wedges are just what the doctor ordered!  2 1/2" heel, relatively neutral color tan (I wish it was lighter), a rubber sole, comfortable, and all of my longer pants fall perfectly with the heel height.  So, I'll be traipsing around Paris in these in a few weeks!

Image from toryburch.com.

To cope if the weather is less than perfect, I'll include some patent leather ballet flats for those days.  Similar to these French Sole ones at ASOS, the patent is great in wet conditions while continuing to be stylish.  And most Parisians are running around in ballet flats too!

Image from asos.com.

Finally, I just might back a pair of booties I purchased this past fall - Comptoir des Cotonniers tan suede booties - I have a feeling that they'll come in handy on a cooler day.

Image from pinterest.com.

That's it for daywear!  I guess I'm going to have to print this as my packing list. :-) ~ JH

...it's 80° one day and 50° the next.

New England weather has thrown us for a loop this March.  The high is supposed to be 80° today, but declining over the weekend to more seasonable temperatures.  Sometimes I feel like a meteorologist in the morning when I'm picking out my outfit for the day.  "The jacket worn in the morning will be removed by noon, with a 40% chance of the scarf coming off too."

Personally, I don't want to go breaking out all of my spring/summer clothes because in 4 days or so, we'll be reaching for jackets again.  Like I wrote in November, the key thing there is to LAYER.  When the high is 80°, use less layers.  When it's 50°, use more.  I just think it's too early to be breaking out the sundresses and shorts.  Just saying.

So, what am I wearing?  Here's a sample of how I've managed to get through these odd weather days without tipping too far into a summer look.

I've brought out lighter sweaters, like this one from Vince.  It's made of linen, and the loose weave makes it breathable.  Over a tank top with skinny jeans and open sandals, it's perfect for the warmer days.  Add a scarf, throw on a jacket, and change to ballet flats when it's back to 50°.

Image from vince.com.

Another option is a lighter cotton sweater, again with more of an open weave.  I need to check out this one from Madewell, the striped portstitch pullover for $68.  Again, layer with a tank, scarf, and jacket when it's 50°, and keep it simple with a tank and a pendant necklace over ankle-length pants when it's 80°.

Image from madewell.com.

Scarves are a must right now, for when it's cooler in the morning and warmer in the day.  Simply remove the scarf when it gets too warm.  The material of the scarf is critical to this - must be lightweight (linen) and not too bulky.  Calypso St. Barth has GREAT scarves - some are really pricey (like, gulp, $250), and some are more reasonable.  Currently, the fringe linen scarf ($95) would be perfect for this weather, and it comes in a multitude of colors.  This pink one would lighten up any outfit in a minute.  (Shopping hint:  Get on Calypso's email blast list - they always have a sale going on!)

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

J. Crew has a similar one right now, for about 1/2 the price.  Their linen wrap, in 3 colors, is $49.50.  Wouldn't this blue (called 'oceanfront') look great with a navy sweater or blouse?

Image from jcrew.com.

Ballet flats play a big role in this weather.  If you are like me and haven't had a minute for a well-overdue-pedicure, you might want to have a perforated or woven ballet flat in your closet.  Not as warm and constricting as one that's full leather, it's a little nod to the weather, while keeping your un-pedicured toes out of sight.  I have a pair of Jimmy Choo perforated ballet flats in a platinum color I have worn for years; they have been on my feet for the past 3 days.  Try one of these on for size.

High end:  Prada Woven ballet flats.  Cool and cute.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Mid-range:  A Frye (yes, that boot company!) woven ballet flat in a huge range of colors, $178.

Image from zappos.com.

And the Prada-knock-off, available at J.Crew for $158 in 3 colors.  Kind of fabulous.

Image from jcrew.com.

Value:  The Celia Perforated Ballet Flats for $79.50.  The come in 3 colors and are really adorable.  I couldn't capture an image for here, so if you want to see them, please click the link above.

Happy spring! ~ JH

What to add to your spring wardrobe? Item #5 is...

...a pair of colored jeans.

More than a few of our readers are ready to jump on this trend and have turned to us for advice on where and what color to buy.  When I look at the pants in my 'transition' closet, it's all denim jeans, white jeans, black cropped pants.  There is the occasional trouser in white, navy, black.  Oh, yes, and there is a tan one too peeking out from the back!

I'm a huge fan of neutrals.  I really can't help myself.  But this year, I'm venturing out and adding some color to my spring wardrobe.  Knowing how many neutrals I have, I'm starting with a color that will match what I have already.  I purchased a pair of these red Tory Burch cropped denim jeans last month, and love wearing them (plus, they are easy to find in my otherwise neutral closet).

Photo from toryburch.com.

These will look great with all of my navy tops and sweaters, some greys with scarves, and of course, white.  I love the cut of these; I have them in white and they are a go-to for me so I thought I'd stick with a style that works for me and add color.  Lisa fell in love with these and had to pick them up too.  We'll have to follow our etiquette rules when pulling these out of the closet.  But, in all fairness, Lisa picked up a pair of red pants at Agnes B in New York City last spring, and I had been coveting them for a while.

Madewell makes a super skinny jean in red too.  Check these out, at $88.  I love how they used the cheetah print ballet flats as a neutral here too.

Photo from madewell.com.

If red's not your color, J. Crew is featuring their toothpick jean in 5 vivid colors.  Here is the neon persimmon.

Photo from jcrew.com.

They also come in a cobalt blue, 'festival' green, and a light citron, which I just have to show you.  How good would these look with a navy, black, gray, chambray, or white top?

Photo from jcrew.com.

And, if skinny legged jeans don't appeal to you, think about these boot-cut CJ by Cookie Johnson jeans in apple green at Nordstrom.

Photo from nordstrom.com.

Not to completely overwhelm you, but Nordstrom has an entire link to all of their colored jeans, in all lengths (long, cropped), cuts (skinny, straight, boot-but, flare) and rises (low-cut, mid-rise).  It's a little overwhelming for me too, but fascinating to look through.  Click here to check it out.

Whatever you decide, be sure to make your decisions FAST!  Not only are these colorful hues selling out at lightning speed, but mid-March transition weather is begging for brights to liven up our spirits. Let us know what your pair of colored jeans turns out to be! ~ JH

what to add to your spring wardrobe? Item #4 is...

Bracelets, and lots of them!  

Hang up your statement necklaces ladies, it's all in the wrist this season.  Piling on a curated assortment of bracelets in every color, texture and size is a trendsetting look that can effortlessly update a casual daytime look or transform a nighttime ensemble.   A sleek cuff or simple bangle, beads, braids, leather, studs, rhinestones or ropes...layer it on like icing on a birthday cake.  But how many?  In what colors and materials?  So much for effortlessly.

I was delighted to find this "cheat sheet" for stacked arms on Pinterest which can help you get your arms around (heh, heh) this fun trend for spring.   I myself will play with 4+3+1 and completely drop 6.  2, 3, and 4 can stand alone and do the job.   There's really no right way to layer...that's the beauty of it!  You Pile & Play until you find a look you love.  There's no denying an armful of stacked mix and match bracelets that together become so chic.

Image from pinterest.com.

Here are some personal picks that I would love to work onto my wrist.

C. Wonder features their logo bangle at $38.  Look at these fabulous colors!  And equally fabulous prices.  Pick one and build around it.  Choose two or three complimentary colors when working on a color scheme for your stack.

Photo from cwonder.com.

J. Crew has some fantastic bracelets in store but not on line.  Check them out next time you're there.  This bad boy can stand by itself or bring the bling to an armful of wrist candy. Their classic gold bangle is just $28.  

Photo from jcrew.com.

How about a premixed set that's ready for stacking?  The textures on these are so interesting and will mix with just about anything you pair with it.  The Madewell stephan & co. metal bangle 7 pack is only ONLY and only $38.

Photo from madewell.com.

Another great anchor piece from Kate Spade to build around with more delicate, thinner pieces. The Kate Spade triple threat faceted bangle is $88.  

Photo from katespade.com.

Henri Bendel in NYC has a dazzling selection of bangles in all sizes and colors.  The chevron pattern is a classic and the white, a nod to summer.  The Henri Bendel Chevron bangle is $118.

Photo from henribendel.com.

Another fabulous anchor piece that would pair well with so many different looks or shine on its own. The tortoise and hammered gold cuff is featured at C. Wonder for $58.

Photo from cwonder.com.

Add some friendship bracelets - get a kit for your daughter and once she gets in a groove, you'll have a rainbow of custom designs, made with love, worn with sentimentality!  Otherwise, try these:

Love Miansai by Michael Saiger's rope bracelets.  $60 each.

Photo from miansai.com.

Add a shot of color with the indego africa bangle - 100% of profits go back to African communities.  Each is handmade and individual; $10 each at Madewell.

Photo from madewell.com.

I love this little number with Swarovski thrown into the mix. The Girlfriend Wrap bracelet is at Henri Bendel for $78.

Photo from henribendel.com.

Another chain wrapped silk cord for a splash of color! $10.74 at ASOS.

Photo from asos.com.

Mali Africa Bangles are so colorful and fun.  Handmade in Mali, and available at Need Supply Co. for $14.

Photo from needsupply.com.

Leather will add some grounding.  I could build a whole arm around either of these - the Logo Stud Wrap bracelets or the Hook Leather Wrap bracelet both from Tory Burch, each $95 at Nordstrom.

Photos from nordstrom.com.

When J. Crew started making jewelry, I got a chain link bracelet that I still reach for in a pinch.  If you don't have one, Michael Kors makes a pretty good one.  His Goldtone Link Bracelet is $125 at Saks.

Photo from saksfifthavenue.com

Finally, some inspirational photos....

Photo from pinterest.com.

Image from talkingwithtami.com.

Image from pinterest.com.

And from the Queen of the stacked bracelets, Atlantic-Pacific.

Images from atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com.

Happy stacking! ~ LB

W2WW News Flash - A closet intervention chronicled.

Image from containerstore.com.

Our dear friend, Liz, over at Manners for Modern Mothers, called us for a closet intervention a few weeks ago.  She thought she had no transitional, spring clothing, and felt adrift in the mall on her last attempt to shop.  Which she doesn't like to do.  Shop, that is.

Lisa and I hurried over, assessed, made lists, styled outfits, and organized.  Later, we emailed Liz an inventory of her wardrobe and a shopping list.  No more shopping aimlessly!

She kindly wrote about her experience; click on over to her post, Spring in her Closet, for an overview of our afternoon together. Enjoy her witty post! ~ JH

...you are attending an event with your husband's boss and his wife?

I went for a run this week with a friend who had this very question.  Here is her situation:

• big, corporate fundraiser, not black tie, but dressy, at the end of April
• husband's boss and wife have invited my friend and her husband to sit at their table
• my friend has never met the boss or wife before
• she told me that dress can't be too short, really shouldn't be too sexy, that she'd love a cap sleeve, and she was thinking of something navy or blue.

So, my first thought is 'cocktail dress'.  I promised my friend I would look into it, and here is what I've found.

I love this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress.  The lace over jersey makes it conservative with a little twist - the mid-section is interesting, but not revealing.  I'd pair it with a colored clutch too, but maybe some nude pumps instead of black.

Photo from net-a-porter.com.

This Rachel Roy dress is simple, but has a lovely draped back for some interest.  Love the not-quite-navy color of it as well.

Photo from nordstrom.com.

I love Reiss (a UK company) for dresses, and they have a couple that might fit the bill.  The Sophia dress is a great faux-wrap dress in cobalt blue.

Photo from reissonline.com.

The Magda dress from Reiss is also great - another cobalt blue - with which you can wear a nude pump and call it a day. (Full disclosure - I purchased this dress this spring because it fit so ridiculously well. Don't have an occasion for it, but can't wait to wear it!)

Photo from reissonline.com.

This next dress is a great one from Elie Tahari at Bloomingdales.  The silhouette is classic, but the lace overlay makes it current.  Not too trendy, yet not boring.  My only concern about this dress is the length - might it be too short?  Or, is the model too tall?

Photo from bloomingdales.com.

How about a wardrobe staple, a la Kate Middleton?  This Issa dress at Bloomingdales is a solid little black dress.  (Kate Middleton wears a lot of Issa.) They aren't cheap (at $555) but they are completely fabulous.  The dress is a silk jersey, faux wrap, which means no fidgeting around with a wrap.

Photo from bloomingdales.com

Diane Von Furstenberg makes great dresses, although most of the time, they are too short in length for me to consider.  This DVF dress, the Jori, in purple (also comes in cherry and blue jay) is pretty fabulous though.  The length looks to hit right above the knee, and the classic style will keep it in your closet for years.

Photo from dvf.com.

DVF also made this lace overlay dress - the Zarita dress - featured at bloomingdales.com.  It screams cocktail dress, but I would go bare legged with it with a nude pump for the illusion of endless legs.

Photo from bloomingdales.com.

I hope that gives my friend a good place to start!  You know who you are, and I'm happy to help with more choices!  ~ JH