Kendra's Challenge Part 2 - What to Wear during the Day at Disney

Image from sugarsavvygirl.files.wordpress.com.

Alice in Wonderland clearly liked her options.  The days and nights at Disney are fun-filled and can require quite a few wardrobe changes.  If you recall from our "Kendra's Challenge Part 1" post, Kendra Thornton, a travel industry publicist and spokeswoman, reached out to us last week with a question!  Entitled "Kendra's Fashion Challenge", Kendra is challenging fashion bloggers to help her with her wardrobe on an upcoming trip to Epcot Center at Disney in Orlando.

"...I am asking some of my favorite bloggers for fashion help! This contest is called “Kendra’s Fashion Challenge.” I knew that bloggers such as Lisa and Jen could help me find the right styles, trends and colors that would enhance my personal look! They will be assisting me with a fashion wardrobe in order to look great for my upcoming vacation."

And Jen and I are happy to help out.   Kendra, when you wake up from your night on the town, here are a few tips on daywear at Disney.

I put together a few pieces that mix and match so you have lots of outfit options...and more room in your suitcase for all the "mouse ear" souvenirs!  A couple of guidelines for your 'day at Disney':

1.  Stick with shorts.  You're going to be climbing, whirling, spinning, and splashing. This is no time for a skirt! I like orange and classic stripes that are hot right now. They are basic, yet punchy, and pair easily with tops galore...from a white tee to a gauzy floral blouse.  

2.  Keep a cardigan and scarf in your bag.  Think lightweight.   Easy to grab when you hit the AC.

3.  I love this white packable windbreaker from the Ines de la Fressange collection from Uniqlo (see below!).  It packs down to the size of a pocket size tissue pack and is handy for a sudden shower or blast of AC.

4.  Hands free baby!  Get yourself a stylish backpack for all the stuff you'll need to carry for the rest of the family in addition to your own.   There are so many fun styles and colors that not only look smashingly cool but are blissfully functional.  

5. To keep your feet happy, go with a fabulous pair of canvas sneakers.   Tory Burch, Superga and Old Navy have some great choices.  Go solid or funky.

6.  Save the long necklaces and big earrings for evening wear.  A short choker necklace and stack of colorful bracelets look pretty and won't get in the way when you're navigating the rides around the park.

7.   A jaunty straw hat is breathable and will keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your hair (if you color) from sun bleaching.  And sunglasses are a must in sunny Florida!

Bon voyage Kendra!  Hope we helped with your fashion dilemmas! ~ LB

W2WW - Daywear at Disney

Rebecca Taylor cardigan / Duffy cardigan / BCBGMAXAZRIA top / A P C top / Versace shorts / J.Crew short shorts / Uniqlo / Tory burch shoes / Victoria's Secret victoria secret shoes / Free People drawstring bag / Accessorize drawstring backpack / Gemstone jewelry / TOMS round sunglasses / Nordstrom scarve / Michael Stars hat / Vintage sunglasses / Fun Summer Stack

Kendra's Challenge Part 1 - What to Wear during the Evening at Disney

Last week, Kendra Thornton, a travel industry publicist and spokeswoman, reached out to us with a question!  Entitled "Kendra's Fashion Challenge", Kendra is challenging fashion bloggers to help her with her wardrobe on an upcoming trip:

"I am absolutely ecstatic to visit Epcot theme park in Orlando with my family this spring! The only aspect I am not very thrilled with is my wardrobe. I am asking some of my favorite bloggers for fashion help! This contest is called “Kendra’s Fashion Challenge.” I knew that bloggers such as Lisa and Jen could help me find the right styles, trends and colors that would enhance my personal look! They will be assisting me with a fashion wardrobe in order to look great for my upcoming vacation."

You all know that Lisa and I love a challenge so here we go!  I'll be tackling 'evening' in this post while Lisa will be tackling 'day' in the next one.  Here are some thoughts from Kendra:

"I am really looking forward to having some outfits that will enhance my Epcot experience, whether I am visiting the Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium, swimming with my children in a hotel pool or having a romantic dinner with my husband. Whatever the experience is, it is important that I look fantastic for it. With help from my wonderful bloggers, I will truly look the part. Orlando, here I come."

Fortunately, I have been to Disney and Epcot in Orlando and a few logistical things pop into my mind when it comes to evening:

1.  You will be walking.  Even in the evening.  To the monorail, to the restaurant, to the fireworks.  So much to see and do.

2.  It will be warm outside but air-conditioned in restaurants.  

So, what's a girl to do?!  Start with footwear - and I highly recommend wedges - either espadrilles or sandals for evening.  I LOVE wearing heels at night, and wedges are the comfortable option for this trip.  Try to pick one fabulous, neutral pair for easy packing. Wedges are everywhere and will make their way into your everyday wardrobe when you are home too. 

For the outfit, go with one of 2 'uniforms' - white, skinny pants and a bright silk top OR tunic-type or sleeved dress.  The pants uniform is easy - pack a couple of fun tops and statement necklaces to mix and match.  The dress uniform is pretty easy too - think of these things when picking out a dress for evening:

• Stay clear of a maxi dress as I find it swirls around your legs while walking, and you could be walking a good distance (from Epcot to monorail to Magic Kingdom for fireworks).  Personally, it annoys me to have a dress swirling around my legs even through I love maxi dresses. 
• Think of a short-sleeve instead of sleeveless - the air-conditioning is pumping at Disney and I get freezing in that environment.
• Choose a material that packs well, or be ready to get your iron out. 
• Honestly, I think a cocktail dress is too much.  Yes, Victoria and Alberts in the Grand Floridian requires sports coats for men; if you are dining there, think of the dress uniform.  Otherwise, these outfit choices should carry you through.

Time to put away your day tote bag or backpack and break out a cute clutch!  Maybe a cross-body bag to keep you hands-free while enjoying the sights.

Check out the Polyvore set I created with some inspirational outfits!  Kendra, I hope this helps you with your packing!  Have a fabulous trip! ~ JH

W2WW - Dining at Disney

Banana Republic dress / Tory Burch vneck dress / Tory Burch embroidery dress, $710 / Rebecca Taylor sheer cocktail dress / Diane Von Furstenberg long white shirt dress / Calypso St Barth jersey knit top / Joie shirt, $255 / Vince long loose top, $145 / Tory Burch light weight pants / Tory Burch high heel wedge shoes / Tory Burch ankle wrap wedge sandals / J.Crew high heel wedge shoes / Sperry Top-Sider high heel platform sandals / Tory Burch peep toe wedge sandals / MICHAEL Michael Kors black suede sandals / Rebecca Minkoff mini crossbody handbag / Lauren Merkin beige purse / Gucci 100 leather handbag / Turquoise jewellery / J Crew blossom jewelry / Teardrop pendant necklace / Kate Spade neon pink jewelry / Tory Burch wood stud earrings

Purse envy.

As I think I've mentioned before, I take my handbags pretty seriously.  I take my time, do research, and stalk them like prey in the store before actually pulling the trigger and purchasing.  While some of them have been love-at-first-sight, it's rare that a purse takes my breath away.  

But last night, that's just what happened.  The perfect, cross-body, convertible-to-clutch purse walked in my front door.  On a friend's shoulder.  I don't even think I said 'hi' to her.  I went straight for the purse.  Here it is, in all it's perfection, the Gucci Soho Chain Shoulder Bag.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Ironically, I had admired this bag on another friend a few weeks ago.  This friend has it in black and wore it to an event in Boston.

Image from gucci.com.

I fawned over it, told her I loved it, and even looked at it online.  Filed it away in that part of my brain.  But when that neutral, python, TASSELED bag walked in last night, I had to play with it.  It's a cross body - you can tuck the chain in and make it a clutch.  You can remove the tassel, but really, why on earth would you.  You can cross the chain under the flap and make it a shoulder bag.  Truly, it's heaven.  Kudos to the friend who purchased it.  I'm jealous. ~ JH

W2WW News Flash - Crazy sale at J.Crew!

Even though Lisa and I are fine with paying full retail, what we really love is a great deal.  And boy, does J.Crew have one right now, in stores.  I popped into the J.Crew at Legacy Place this morning to be pleasantly surprised that everything (excluding denim) in the store was 25% off.  And if the item was on sale already, it was 20% off AND THEN an additional 25% off.  CRAZY.  I talked to a salesperson, who said that the sale items are final sale and that the sale will go through March 27th.  

For example, I picked up this scarf.  Retail priced at $55.  25% off made it $41.25.  Excellent!

Image from Jennifer Houston.

I had originally gone into J.Crew for a present, but remembered I needed a light-weight, black sweater too.  I combed through the sale section, and found this.

Image from jcrew.com.

Plain and simple, light merino wool - just what I needed.  The original retail price is $79.50.  It was already on sale for $59.99.  20% off the final sale brought it to $47.99, and the additional 25% off brought it down to $35.99.  Excellent!

Oh, and I did pick up the present, but I can't discuss it, because it's for a friend who is a reader.  He-he-he.  Get to a J.Crew this week (maybe say 'hi' to Sylvia in the Natick, MA store!)! ~ JH

Text Conversation #3

Just when you think it's going to be an ordinary day, you walk into Saks and BOOM!  Tara Jarmon and Tara Jarmon Mademoiselle, two of THE most inspirational Parisian lines, right here in Boston.  I had to text Jen immediately.  My text started with this photo.

And Jen, whose texting is in blue, responded below.  I'm in grey.

Images from Jennifer Houston.

Look at the color, beautiful patterns and classic silhouettes of the spring line.  Simple, elegant cuts in beautiful fabrics with luscious textures.   Tres chic and ultimately timeless, to be loved and worn for years to come.  After much online searching, these are some images that I've found of the spring line:

Images from monshowroom.com.

In the United States, Tara Jarmon is only available Saks, and only in-store as of now.  And our most stylish stylist, Claudine Eaton, is the person to help you find a gem in this line in the Boston store.  Check it out next time you are in Saks! ~ LB

…attending a reception for the Democratic Governors Association National meeting?

Yes, dear readers, this is an actual question send by a faithful reader in Montana.  So why not answer?!  She asked:

"What do you wear to a Saturday night reception at Big Sky Ski Resort Montana when you're invited to the Democratic Governors Association meeting? Après ski? Western wear? Cocktail attire? Dress jeans? Sorrels or heels??? Fur? Black turtleneck w suede skirt- or is that too 80's?  I'm assuming lots of non-Montanans will be there as it's a national event. Help!"

Well, the first thing I like to do in completely unknown situations is to Google the event to see if there are photographs from the prior year's event.  It looks like the DGA event (see, already have the lingo down) is a ski weekend in Big Sky, from March 21-23.  The receptions are being held in the Huntely Lodge at Big Sky and the Yellowstone Club.  That's all I can find…so let's look at the venues to see if we can gather any clues.

The Huntely Lodge is a hotel within the resort with meeting rooms.  Basically, a ski resort reception facility.  The Yellowstone Club looks to be a private ski community.  Fancy.  

That's all I can gather about the event.  So, here's what my gut tells me.  In a word - 'Gorsuch'.  Upscale apres ski.  My thoughts are:    

Skip: jeans, western wear, cocktail dress, Sorrel boots, skiwear.
Do:  fur, trousers, suede, skirt, jewelry, silk blouse.

Since Gorsuch's online site is currently showing beachwear, I went to Pinterest to see what I could find.  Check these images out:

Images from pinterest.com.

Since it's a late March date, I'd think about a silk blouse layered under a vest.  Booties rather than tall boots.  Reader, I like the suede skirt - maybe tuck in a silk blouse?! with tights and booties?  And a clutch with bangles?  Check out the Polyvore set below for more ideas.  Good luck! ~ JH

Update:  Since writing this post less than 24 hours ago, our dear reader emailed this morning with an update - turns out I was off, what's a girl to do?!  I think she'd still rock it in one of these outfits. ~ JH

"Ha!  You're off the hook, as am I. just got the dress code. How's this for funny! I'm all set! Thanks!

Dress Code: The dress code for the weekend will be Cowboy Casual.  Jeans, boots, and sweaters are appropriate, and remember to pack necessary outdoor gear.  While our Breakfast and Policy Panel session tend to be more formal, please do not feel required to wear a suit."

W2WW Dressy Apres Ski

Theory silk blouse / Theory white blouse / Equipment shirts blouse / Equipment white shirt / Equipment shirts blouse, $290 / OTTE vest / Calypso St Barth vest / VILA black vest, $83 / Proenza Schouler short skirt / Theory black pants / Tara Jarmon wide leg pants / SPANX black tight / Rag & Bone high heel boots / Rag & Bone high heel boots / Cole Haan high heel boots / Dolce Vita high heel boots / Hermès hermes bracelet / Hermès hermes bracelet / J Crew j crew jewelry / J Crew j crew jewelry / Hermès silver bracelet

Shoes for Spring 2015!

No, it's not a typo.  We are indeed looking ahead to 2015.  Why?  Well, why not?  Wouldn't it be nice to know if the pumps and sandals we are buying NOW will be relevant next Spring?

I had the great fortune to spend some time this weekend with my fabulous friend and former colleague, Julie Rando.  Julie is a shoe designer and one of the best I ever had the pleasure to work with.  She's done it all, from athletic for PF Flyers and New Balance, lifestyle for Keds, women's casual for Clarks, fashion for Taryn Rose, Adrienne Vitadini, Tahari and Anne Klein.

The conversation turned, as it inevitably does, to what's trending in shoes.  With Julie designing for Spring 2015 right now, I like to get her take on what will be in the market a year from now so I’m making good purchase decisions right now in 2014!

Lucky us!  Julie is sharing some of the key trends for Spring 2015 that she’ll translate to everyday wearable footwear.  Enjoy!

Chop Outs

The perforated looks we’re seeing now (top) will transition to large cut outs (bottom). 

Ankle Interest

Single straps around the ankle and more.   I love all the attention on ankles and that it’s becoming a focus for shoe designers.  Shoes from Balenciaga, Helmut Lang, and Michael Kors.

Straps

Gorgeous straps in all heel heights. Both from Tod’s. 

Chunky Wedges 
Really chunky with natural covering, like cork wood.  Michael Kors and Chloe pairs highlighted below.

Sporty
The heel is clearly not for running around the block, but the neoprene and leather combo is a nod to the sporty trend.  These 2 are by Balenciaga and adidas by Stella McCartney.

Large simple straps
Note the chunky heel in a very wearable height.  Chunky heels are fresh and will be through 2015.  These 2 are from 3.1 Philip Lim and Pedro Garcia.

Buckles
And other hardware.  Like jewelry for your feet.  Check these out from Tod's.

Oxfords
Tailored with a twist. Kind of a crazy shoe. Take cues from the oxford and color blocking on these Thom Brown's.

Up the back

Rear zips and leather up the back of the ankle.  Zippers are not new but up the back is emerging and will be relevant through 2015.

Thank you Julie for the insight and commentary!  While these examples might not fit your lifestyle to a 't', take away the elements that inspire you and apply them to your Spring 2014 footwear purchases! ~ LB, with commentary and images from Julie Rando.

…it's Spring 2014: the Blue Oxford Shirt

Yes, it sounds so plain and easy, and it's just that!  I kind of became a little obsessed with finding a perfect one for spring.  Easy to wear and easily accessorized!  And I knew I was onto something when I read in Bazaar that it was one of the 10 Key Pieces for Spring.

I satisfied my obsession at my Saks appointment with a Boy Band of Outsiders oxford.  Yes, it looks PLAIN AND DULL in this photo.

Image from gaaie.com.

But roll up the sleeves, do a "half-tuck" (tuck the front of the shirt in your pants and leave the back out, add a tank top and unbutton the front to the tank, and it's a whole different look!  Check out these images for inspiration!

Images from pinterest.com.

I totally plan to wear mine with white jeans, white cords, jeans, black cropped pants, black waxed jeans (did you get those black waxed jeans from Madewell? - just add a blue oxford shirt and ballet flats!).  Add a tank when it's cooler or a scarf, stack some bracelets.  Feeling it?! ~ JH

W2WW Blue Oxford Shirt 

Joie chambray top / Ann Taylor button front shirt / Uniqlo blue top / T By Alexander Wang pleated shirt / H M blue long sleeve shirt / Theory top / John Lewis sleeveless tank / Vince jacket / Foxcroft blue long sleeve shirt / J.Crew white straight leg jeans / Diane Von Furstenberg zip pants / AG Adriano Goldschmied ag+adriano+goldschmied jeans / J.Crew strap shoes / Prada animal print loafer / Givenchy black ankle strap sandals / Superga laced up shoes / Tory Burch cage sandals / Tory Burch ankle wrap shoes / STELLA McCARTNEY white flat sandals / Hermès wide bracelet / Hermès leather bangle / Cartier bezel watch / Hermès leather bangle / J Crew belt