...you are traveling to Paris - what to wear on the plane.

Now that I've tackled daywear and dinner attire, it's time to talk about the plane.  From the east coast, Europe is a relatively quick overnight flight away.  Around 6 hours, my strategy is to eat dinner on the plane, turn my watch to the new timezone, and get to sleep.  If I can manage to get 4 hours on the plane, I'm good to go when we land.

But, what to wear?  I have a 'uniform' that I've honed over the years.  The 'uniform' is all about comfort, neutral colors, and looking 'smart' as you deplane.

I start with the pants - I don't like wearing jeans on an overnight flight, so I usually pick my Michael Kors Ponte ankle pants.  These are stretchy, and don't wrinkle, so when I deplane, I look pretty fresh.

Image from nordstrom.com.

I usually always put on ballet flats, and I have a preference for Vera Wang or Tory Burch ballet flats in a metallic color.  Very comfortable, slipper like, they do the trick.  And, for some reason, the metallic Tory ones stand up to all kinds of weather.

Image from toryburch.com.

On top, I like to layer.  This time of year, I like to do a long sleeve t-shirt over a short sleeve one, topped off with a scarf.  Yes, sounds a little odd, but that extra layer of the short sleeve underneath adds the warmth you need on the overnight flight.  Let's be honest, it's C-O-L-D 30,000 feet over the Atlantic.   So, I usually wear a solid, long sleeve t-shirt, like this grey one from the Gap...

Image from gap.com.

...over a white crew-neck t-shirt, that is maybe even a little longer than the long-sleeve, so it hangs out a little bit at the hemline...

Image from gap.com.

...with a fabulous scarf wrapped around my neck.

Image from nordstrom.com.

It's a very neutral, dark look, but nothing wrinkles, so you'll be comfortable sleeping in coach (not!), and be wrinkle-free in the morning.  

But, I have yet to mention perhaps the most important item for the plane.  It's a pashmina shawl.  Remember?  You bought one or 2 back in the late 90s when they were all the rage?!  Well dig one out, because I cannot make it on an overnight flight without one.  

Image from thepashminastore.com.

My black one, purchased in Paris back in 1996, has been here, there, and everywhere with me.   It's cashmere, so it's lightweight, super soft, and acts as my blanket (because those plane blankets are awful, let's just be honest) and then in the 'morning', I wrap it around me as one more layer of warmth before deplaning.  I swear, wrap that thing around you, with your black ponte pants and your ballet flats and you actually look somewhat put together as you wander to the bathroom on the plane to put your contact lenses back in.  

You are now free to move about the cabin. ~ JH

A pause from the fashion fodder...

Last week, Lisa and I finally got around to ordering 'business cards' and they arrived!  Nothing fancy, but something to hand out to people when they ask "What's the name of your blog?".  I plan to take pictures of things in Paris next week and write about them, so I thought it would be nice if I had a card to give to a shopkeeper when I ask if I can take a photo.  How do you say 'blogger' in French?

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Finally having 'a card' brings me back to the night where our little blog idea was hatched.  And I realized, we never did share that story, did we?  So, dear readers, this is the story of how W2WW was born.

Back in October, Lisa had RSVP-ed that she would attend an event at Longchamp in Boston, co-hosted by InStyle magazine and Erin Gates, interior stylist and author of the blog, Elements of Style.  I became her plus one.  I put on my rag & bone fuzzy vest, AG Ballad Cords, black, long sleeve t-shirt, black rag & bone booties, ironed my hair, and ran out the door with Lisa.  (And, on my arm, my chocolate, togo leather, 35cm Hermes Birkin.  My treasured 40th birthday present.  I don't really ever talk about it, but it comes up in the story.)

Image from pinterest.com.

So, off we go, to glasses of champagne and neat hors d'oeuvres and a ton of people we don't know.  Fabulous!  The no mommies crowd!  Great people watching, great DJ, more champs!  (Lisa really loves champs by the way.)

So, we're examining the crowd, and notice a women, dressed in a cheetah print dress, checking us out.  She doesn't appear to be anyone we know, but she's definitely checking us out.  We spy Erin Gates (we are huge fans) and make our way over to say 'hi'.  Lisa asks if her husband is there (the champs talking), we make fools of ourselves by gushing over her blog, and go back to find more champagne.

Finally, in need of a real dinner (since we didn't eat with our children at 5pm!), we turn to head out, Lisa heading toward the door first.  The cheetah-dress lady approaches and stops me.  She says she loves my bag, loves my vest, loves my outfit, and who might I be?  I introduce myself, just as little old me, no 'title', no nothing.  She introduces herself.  Who is she?  Connie Anne Phillips, publisher of InStyle magazine.

Gulp!  Who am I?  Emma's mom?!  Um.  Um.  I thank her for the compliment (the best I've ever received in my life!), gush about the magazine, talk about how long I've been a subscriber, etc.  We part, and out the door she goes.  Nothing.  After years of styling people and personal shopping for friends and acquaintances, I had nothing to tell her, give her, hand her.

Lisa, who would have never let her walk out, comes up to a shell-shocked me, and asks who she was.  I tell her, and she practically pushes me out the door of Longchamp after Ms. Phillips.  My mind was racing.  What do I say, what do I do?  In the end, I knew I had nothing 'canned' to capture her attention.  Presumably, she dashed off to catch her flight back to New York.

Still hungry and high on adrenaline, Lisa and I raced off to Tico for some fish tacos and to debrief.  We talked about how we always wanted to do 'something' in styling or fashion together.  There was a period of time when we even tried out styling people, having a pilot client or 2 to style through multiple seasons, did research on how to monetize it, but neither of us had the time to really launch a business with 3 kids between us in 1/2 day Kindergarten.  After some food and thought, we decided we needed to blog.  To build content, to write down our ridiculous conversations on fashion and clothing, to answer our friends' questions of what to wear when...

And so it began.  And now, it seems so official, with just a little business card, and dozens (not yet hundreds, but getting closer) of readers.  Thank you so much for tuning in and reading.  We love to see your comments, field your questions, and do research for your fashion crises.  And if you really like us, please feel free to share our blog with your friends.   Merci beaucoup! ~ JH

Image from Jennifer Houston.

W2WW News Flash - A living room in the news!

Image from articles.boston.com.

A quick congratulations to Lisa for not only being stylish with her wardrobe, but having her style translate to her home.  Click here to see an article about her living room in the Sunday Boston Globe! ~ JH

...you are traveling to Paris - evening wear.

With less than 2 weeks to a trip to Paris, serious outfit planning has commenced.  After tackling daywear a few days back, I'm onto thinking about evening wear.  At the end of a day of walking, there's nothing better than hanging out in your hotel room or apartment (or napping), refreshing with a shower, and putting on a crisp outfit for dinner.  

With 8 nights (but who is counting?!) in the City of Lights, I'll want to have great looks for each night, but not pack 8 separate outfits.  To minimize packing and maximize look, I'm planning to use 2 pairs of cropped black pants with a variety of tops and jackets.  I have one pair of pants from Reiss that I love and will take; they have a cute zipper at the bottom of the crop which makes for a neat detail.  Ironically, they are called the 'Paris' pant, so how can I leave them here?!

Image from reissonline.com.

The other pair I'll be taking is a black, cropped leather pant.  They are the MOST comfortable pants, and can accommodate those extra croissants and baguettes I'll be devouring.  I got these Vince leggings on S-A-L-E, one of the best purchases I've ever made!

Image from revolveclothing.com.

Now, what to put on top?!  I'll be taking some blazer-type jackets (maybe 2) to layer over silk blouses (maybe 2 or 3).  The Theory white blouse in the photo set below is a great travel blouse to stick under a blazer with a scarf tied around your neck.  A couple of colored blouses to either layer under a jacket or wear alone should round out tops.

As for shoes, I'm bringing my heels baby!  One pair of neutral pumps, just like the Stuart Weitzman ones below, and one colored, to rock out an otherwise neutral outfit.  The Stuart Weitzman ones are patent too, which as I said in an earlier post, I love to include for inclement weather.  My Stuart Weitzman pumps have been wiped clean from the heels sinking into lawns, spilled drinks at a nightclub, etc., and have stood the test of time and abuse.  

Finally, the accessories.  A silk scarf or 2 for the more neutral look.  A couple of bracelets and pendant necklaces.  And, as I learned from Ines de la Fressange in her book, 'Parisian Chic', Parisian women wear either earrings or a necklace, but never both together.  Neutral makeup with lipstick is best.  For handbag, I prefer a clutch in the US, but in Paris, a shoulder bag makes me feel more secure with my Euros and passport.  And yes, when you are there, you and your attire are being examined.  People-watch back and enjoy the show! ~ JH

Dinner in Paris by jenhma featuring gold plated jewelry

Batwing shirt
$120 - reissonline.com

Theory sleeveless top
£63 - farfetch.com

Silk screen t shirt
$75 - reissonline.com

Rag bone blazer
$450 - barneys.com

Flat front pants
$180 - reissonline.com

Stuart Weitzman patent high heels
$195 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Manolo Blahnik high heel shoes
$595 - barneys.com

Rebecca minkoff handbag
$330 - stefanibags.com

Jigsaw cuff bangle
£39 - jigsaw-online.com

Gorjana gold plated jewelry
$120 - endless.com

Dolce Gabbana satin shawl
$445 - net-a-porter.com

...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