...you are going to Australia in May.

One of our readers finds herself in the enviable position of heading to Australia this coming May.  She is already concerned about her wardrobe.  Here are her needs:

"Black Ballet flats (think I'll suck it up and get these) unless you have alt suggestion.
Black pants  - have wool jcrew mini but too hot. All my other black pants stink.  Please advise.  
Some type of Jersey tunic for flight.  How about this?  With cozy leggings???  Probably brown family since tunic s navy.  Would prefer black legs and shoes/booties and other colored top if poss.
Great pair of dark denim jeans.  Have given away all fancy jeans - need to update here. 
Dress for dinner - yes? 
Still have great white jeans and few tops.  Might need camel cotton cardigan (seen any?)  All my neutral wedges are open in one way or another do you think that's ok for that time of year?  Will I need low boots?"

That's a mighty long list.  

First thing, May in Australia = early fall.  I was in Australia in late May about 12 years ago and I wore my trench coat and a scarf the whole time.  

Let's tackle each part one at a time.

Ballet Flats:  The ones our reader picked out are certainly fine.  I personally lean towards a solid ballet flat (the Attilio Giusti Leombruni ones have a cap toe).  I do love classic Tory Burch ballet flats and goodness knows I've worn them all over in my travels.  I also love Vera Wang Lavender ballet flats.  Check out the 2 below for inspiration.  PS - the Tory one is all patent which holds up well in inclement weather.

Image from neimanmarcus.com.

Image from neimanmarcus.com.

Black Pants:  This is easy for us to recommend: the Michael by Michael Kors Black Ponte Pants.  We have recommended them many times.  They are great for traveling, packing, and being wrinkle fee.  Stick on a silk blouse or blazer and blouse and call it a day.  They are good for day, evening, and the plane.  Run, do not walk, to add these pants to your wardrobe.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Jersey Tunic:  I love the Vince one she picked out.  

Image from saks.com.

It's really perfect.  I'd put a long sleeve white t-shirt under it to keep warm.  30,000 feet over the Pacific can be chilly.  Finish it with a scarf like this rag & bone one for additional warmth and comfort.

Image from rag-bone.com.

As for leggings, I think grey and navy are more compatible than navy and brown.  Why not check out these Not Your Daughter's Jeans leggings at Nordstrom - they look completely comfortable and are a buy at $58.96.  Then you can pair them with your new black ballet flats.  (2 hints:  If they are too long, please get them hemmed to flat length and bring a pair of cosy socks to change into on the plane.)

Image from nordstrom.com.

Dark Denim Jeans: Lisa and I are huge fans of Adriano Goldschmied jeans (otherwise known as AG Jeans).  Just today (yes, I know, I have to stop buying pants), I fell in love with the AG 'Stevie' Jeans that I found at Anthropologie.  I had ducked in on my way to a hair appointment and decided that these straight-leg jeans needed to be tried on.  I needed a new pair of jeans to be worn with flats and these are them.  The stylist at Anthropologie did say that these stretch a lot, so if you are too comfortable when you try them on, go down one size.

Image from anthropologie.com.

If our reader is looking for dark jeans to wear with heels, the AG Ballad's are our go-to.  They are a slim bootcut that I LOVE (and am wearing a very worn pair as I type).  Check out these at Anthropologie.

Image from anthropologie.com.

And as a note, DO NOT TRY TO HEM AG Ballad Jeans.  I tried it, only to ruin a perfectly good pair.  The slight bootcut flare gets ruined if you do.

Dress for Dinner:  Again, our reader is doing well.  Any DVF wrap dress is a hit!  Throw on tights and heels/boots for dinner.  Australia is pretty casual, but a good wrap dress is a great item to pack.

Camel cardigan:  For 'cardigans', I like 'open cardigans', meaning, no fasteners.  I have a camel sweater that I wear to death; it's a great color to have and wear with jeans (both white and blue) as well as black.  However, they are few and far between this time of year.  I love this one by Tory, especially with the self-belt that highlights your waistline.  Put it over the black pants above with a cream shell and a pair of black pumps and there's your travel dinner outfit.  Over a white blouse with jeans?  Daywear.

Image from toryburch.com.

Neutral wedge:  I myself love a neutral wedge for traveling. I like a little heel, and if it's comfortable, even better!  I think our reader needs to consider a closed wedge (which again are really hard to find!).  For a trip to Paris last spring (in April, and it was cool weather), I specifically purchased these from Tory Burch.  I wore them every day and have loved them ever since.  (I did spray them to waterproof them.  Just a hint.)  These are the 'Sally' wedges.

Image from toryburch.com.

Tory Burch also features the 'Molly' wedge.  These come in black and this VERY cool python print.  Which I might have to buy.  Right now.  They are fab.

Image from toryburch.com.

I hate to focus on one designer here, but honestly, I searched all over for a closed wedge last spring, and Tory Burch was the only designer to have good ones.  J. Crew features a few this spring both in patent and in suede.  Must check out.

As for low boots, maybe pack a riding boot to tuck your AG Stevie jeans or Michael Kors pants into.  

Hope we answered all of your questions.  Have a g'day mate! ~ JH

W2WW Around Town - W by Worth Show Recap

Lisa and I haven't had the chance to shop for spring clothing together yet, until Friday when we hit the Worth show.  If you are local in town, you should really check it out (click here for show details).  I had to stop myself from buying too many things, but I think I'll get lots of use of what I purchased.  Here's what happened:

Enter seeing 4 racks of clothing, all color coordinated.  I'm immediately drawn to these black and white pants and they fit like a dream.

Image from wbyworth.com.

While W showed them paired with a chartreuse tunic top, I chose to go with the cobalt blue version.  Yes, I now have 2 outfits featuring cobalt for spring.  Stop the madness!  Although, they call the color 'ultramarine', so it's really not cobalt, right? (And in person, it's really a brighter blue.)

Image from wbyworth.com.

To top it off, I had to get the black oblong scarf.  I've been looking for one for a while, and am so glad to have found one.  The material is a lovely linen, and at $78, I'm really not going to find a better option.

Image from wbyworth.com.

I must take a moment to talk about the scarves because Lisa and I went N-U-T-S for them!  They were all gorgeous, and between us, we bought 4.  I ended up with the black one above and a navy silk oblong scarf (below); she ended up with a white (which everyone should have for spring!) and a chartreuse.  The material is dreamy, soft, and will maintain it's light volume rather than sag after a few wears.  Seriously consider looking at them.

Image by wbyworth.com.

Lisa looked GREAT in this shell pink pullover with a longer back than front.  Totally easy and a go to piece for spring.  

Image from wbyworth.com.

She also picked up a carbon and white striped blouse that looked great - I'm bummed I cannot find a picture of it online!

I also fell in love with this cardigan/jacket, which came in black and cream.  Yummy for chilly April days and cool Maine summer nights.  I'm thinking a black t-shirt underneath with cropped white pants.  No?

Image from wbyworth.com.

And speaking of white pants.  Ahem.  Confession time.  Of course there was a pair of white pants that fit perfectly that I HAD to buy.  But seriously, they are GREAT.  Straight leg, slightly below waist fit.  Not 'see through' and not too stiff. If you happen by, check out the 'Scout' pant.  

And, if you happen upon any 'White Pants Anonymous' groups, please send me the details. ~ JH

W2WW Around Town - W by Worth Spring Show starts Friday, January 25th

I know we've been a little slow this month.  Lisa's had the flu and I have no excuse.  But what it comes down to is that we're between seasons.  Resort is rolling out and the fall/holiday stuff that is left on the sale racks is sad at this point.

That all changes on Friday!  Time to roll up our sleeves and start digging into Spring 2013 starting with the W by Worth show.  

I have an appointment on Friday afternoon and I've already had a sneak peak at some of the goods.  I'm particularly interested in the color jeans (really, any bottoms that are not white), a black silk scarf, some long-sided tunics that might be fun over skinny pants, and a couple of jackets.  Take a peek at these images below.

Images from Heather Steele.

The show runs in Wellesley from Friday, January 25th to Monday, February 4th.  Contact Heather Steele (who is very low-key and easy to shop with) by email or phone (617.519.6810) to make an appointment.  Let her know you just want to check it out.  In the meantime, check out the Spring 2013 lookbook online for more details. ~ JH

W2WW Around Town - Joie a la Plage 'Nice' sandals.

I had a very rare and much needed 'free' day yesterday.   In the morning, I had a couple of hours to wander around Wellesley center, poking in and out of stores along the way.  Trying to focus on spring items, I happened upon these sandals in Moxie.  Made by Joie, the Joie a la Plage 'Nice' sandals are, in my humble opinion, a perfect summer sandal!  Comfortable, leather upper and sole, reminiscent of K. Jackques sandals, kind of unique, no logo to be found, and priced well below the leather Tory Burch leather sandals ($115 versus $195).

Image from revolveclothing.com.

Image from lyst.com.

Image from joie.com.

If you are around Wellesley (or Beacon Hill at the Boston Moxie shop), stop by Moxie to check them out for yourself!  They come in snake, platinum (the ones I purchased!), mint, black, and white.  If you aren't near a Moxie, look them up online at joie.com,  shopbop.com, or bloomingdales.com.  ~ JH

it's Spring 2013: Cobalt Blue

This week, while returning some shoes purchased online at Saks on Christmas day (Sniff!  They didn't fit!), I couldn't help but wander into the women's apparel departments to see what is new for spring.  And, since I had a couple of hours, I began to dig deep.  

You see, I really dislike my spring/summer wardrobe right now.  It's tricky in New England.  I want to look springy in April, but there might still be snow on the ground and spring ballet flats don't work in slush.  It's still pretty cool in early May too, requiring jackets and layers for the most part.  I definitely have some good items, but it's not as coherent as I'd like it to be.  I'd like more 'outfits' so I can grab and go in the morning and still look stylish.  I have WAY TOO MANY white pairs of pants and jeans.  I need more bottoms that are NOT white pants/jeans or denim.  (It's mental;  I think white pants are hard to find, so when I find a good pair, I buy them.  Result:  All white pants.)  I need some cute tops for everyday wear; I purchased so many out-to-dinner-silk-tops last spring that I haven't even worn 2 of them.  Shhh.  Don't tell.

So, I started my spring shopping in Saks on Tuesday, trying to focus on things I don't own already.  I love Vince, and Saks had a HUGE selection of resort/spring Vince.  Vince was showing a ton of cobalt blue (or 'Pacific' or 'Bluebell',as Vince defined it), which, if you recall, I saw a ton of in Paris last April. The outfit fit perfectly, so I had to pick it up.

Images from shopbop.com.

The pants are actually navy with the cobalt stripe so I can throw on a white blazer or navy sweater to make the outfit more transitional with a closed toe pump.  Conversely, I can dress it down with a light gray or silver ballet flat.  

Even though Pantone says the color of the year is emerald, cobalt is out in force!  From Joie to Vince to Reed Krakoff, it's all over the place.  Consider one or 2 cobalt pieces this spring when looking to update your wardrobe.  The blue goes great with black, navy, white, and chartreuse.  Why limit blue to garments - I saw purses, shoes, and even sunglasses in cobalt!  Check out the Polyvore set below of items I saw at Saks on Tuesday as well as some others I've seen to give you an idea of the selection out there.  Onto spring 2013! ~ JH

W2WW Spring 2013: Cobalt Blue

Equipment long sleeve silk blouse / Joie silk blouse / Vince boat neck sweater / Proenza Schouler tie dye t shirt / Joie stripe sweater / GAP striped sweater / Trina Turk ponte pants / Madewell silk pants / J.Crew j crew / GAP suede loafer / Frye leather ballet flat / Manolo Blahnik pointed toe high heels / Reed Krakoff / Longchamp tote / C. Wonder genuine leather handbag / Loop scarve / Ray-Ban optical

...you need a winter hat.

Yes, it's January and so it's a little late to be tackling this topic.  Nonetheless, here I am, January 2nd, and I need a new winter hat to go along with my Post Card coat.  Just an everyday hat that's cool.  I realized at school pick-up today that I've been wearing my North Face Cable Fish Beanie hat for way too long.  If you know me, you're sick of looking at it.  And, quite frankly, it's been to the gym, spinning, apres ski, the stable, etc.  In other words, it's seen better days.  Oh, and this other mom had an AH-MA-ZING hat on and I was jealous.  There.  I said it.

So, while I was sitting at afternoon-kid-activity-number-1, I started trolling online sites on my phone and not only got an education, but found some interesting hats out there.

First, the education.  On Nordstrom's site, I could choose from 'beanie', 'cloche', 'fedora', 'cap', and 'wide brim'.  Instinctively, I knew I wanted a 'beanie', but needed to know what 'cloche' was.  They are small-brimmed hats, sometimes very elegant.  See below.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Enough with education; back to shopping for a 'beanie'.  They had plenty of choices, ranging from $20 to $130.  With free shipping and free returns, I had to order a couple.  Here are the ones that will be stopping over for examination.  First up, a Missoni.  Really, I couldn't resist.  You KNOW it's super soft angora.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Marc by Marc Jacobs had a cute, polka dot and striped cap that I want to try out as well.  A little flare with this one.

Image from nordstrom.com.

This Michael by Michael Kors one is something simple with it's cheetah print.  I think I ordered the last one they had online!

Image from nordstrom.com.

I was also looking for something a little off-the-beaten-path.  Something a little inspired.   At this point, I was home and instead of cooking dinner, I was surfing around net-a-porter.com and shopbop.com to see what they had.  It was on net-a-porter that I noticed Eugenia Kim hats for the first time.  (After more research, I found that she attended Parsons, won a CFDA award for accessories design in 2004, and her millinery work can be found/purchased everywhere from Bergdorf to Barneys. I know, more education!  Read about her here.) Not cheap, but certainly different and cute.  While pompoms look ridiculous on me, I love this hat!

Image from net-a-porter.com

Net-a-porter was also featuring the Marc by Marc Jacobs one above, so I knew I was in good company.

A trip over to shopbop.com featured MORE Eugenia Kim hats and I loved these in particular.  Both are fabulous, and I'm hoping to sample one or the other.  Probably the first one.  Grrr.

Images from shopbop.com.

In short, there's a whole world of winter hats and I have only scratched the surface.  If you have any great hats I need to know about, please let me know! I'm on the hunt! ~ JH

...you are on a ski weekend.

Happy New Year W2WW readers!  Lisa and I clearly took a nice break from our blogging duties, and we hope you took a break from whatever duties you have too!

My break consisted of a quiet Christmas, shopping at Saks on December 26th, and the start of the ski season.  We love to ski, but just because I'm skiing doesn't mean I slack on style.  There are entire catalogues devoted to ski and apres-ski attire, like Gorsuch (and Lord help me if I'm ever in Aspen/Vail/Snowmass/Beaver Creek and actually NEAR the store), but since I don't have a Gorsuch budget, I get to put together my own ski and apres ski outfits.

First, on the slopes.  There's really not too much to do here other than bundle up and bundle some more.  But, if you are in the market for a ski jacket, I think the louder the better.  After 15 years with an orange Patagonia jacket system, it was time to update this season.  I fell in love with this Obermeyer jacket;  I was told this weekend that it was very easy to find me on the mountain because it is so bright.  This picture doesn't do it justice.

Image from obermeyer.com.

There are a lot of bright jackets out right now, so if you are in the market, go for it.  The brighter the better!  Check out this great blue one from Patagonia.

Image from patagonia.com.

Of course, I'm still searching for the perfect hat (for apres ski) to go with my coral jacket, and at the end of the season, I'm hoping to pick up some white or gray ski pants to change it up from the normal black bottoms.  An outfit in constant change.

And off the slopes, a cute apres ski outfit is mandatory.  Whether you are sitting in your condo with friends drinking wine and eating cheese (90% of the time) or grabbing dinner at the nearest pub, I always want to shake off the layers and cozy up in something comfortable, warm, and stylish.  I think ponchos, updated fair isle sweaters, leggings, soft cords, and jeans plus soft leather boots, snow boots, and socks.  I put a couple of looks together on Polyvore to inspire...let us know what you wear on your ski weekends. ~ JH

W2WW Apres Ski 

J.Crew knit sweater / J.Crew intarsia sweater / J.Crew turtleneck sweater, $135 / Mango cotton turtleneck sweater / Marc by Marc Jacobs Fur Waist-coat marc jacob / Calypso St. Barth sweater vest / Ralph Lauren Black Label Poncho / J.Crew cord pants / AG Adriano Goldschmied low rise pants / James Jeans / Sorel black boots / Aquatalia by Marvin K. black leather boots / H&M high heel boots, $48 / Dries Van Noten silver bracelet, $97 / Bony Levy diamond jewelry / Tory Burch / prAna / Comptoir Des Cotonniers knit hat, $45 / Genie by Eugenia Kim beanie hat / Comptoir Des Cotonniers hat, $73 / Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses, $135 / Giorgio Armani metal sunglasses, $220 / Tory Burch cat eye sunglasses / Merino Turtleneck Sweater / Gorsuch / Links of London black jewelry