Your Travel Wardrobe

Spring must be the time for travel, for may of you have been emailing me about what to take on a holiday – be it a long weekend in Mexico or New York City, a 10-day cruise to the Caribbean or two weeks in Europe. More often than not, we travel to a place with a nice climate (Spring or Summer-like temperatures and not terribly rainy) and we travel to places with great sightseeing (museums, famous houses of worship), and often have evening of food, drink, dancing, and experiencing local culture and merriment. Your traditional work wardrobe of trousers and oxfords and your casual collection of jeans, sneaks and fleece will not do. However you can build a wonderful travel wardrobe full of pieces that can fit perfectly into your “normal” life.

The Flight
I have written about this before, there is nothing worse than boarding a plane with a woman in the equivalent of her pajamas. Baggy velour lounge pants, oversized sweatshirt, flip flops and hair thrown into a messy topknot. Yes, you should be comfortable for your flight but you can do this with class and respect to yourself. My mom just went to Mexico for a week – on her flight there and back she wore a pair of refined knit straight-leg trousers, matching fabric shell and cardigan all in black. The knit is comfortable and resists wrinkles, the matching set looked polished and elegant. She was just as comfortable in this as a hot pink Juicy sweatsuit, but looked so much better. I have a matte jersey tunic and pants that I have often worn on flights – again it is comfortable yet refined.

For shoes, wear something that is easy to slip off for your in-flight nap and for security checkpoints. You may have to trek across an airport for transfers, or stand for a long time at the terminal awaiting your taxi or bus, so it’s best to have the shoes be comfortable. This doesn’t mean flip flops or scrubby sneakers; a pair of flats, sandals or simple shoes will suffice and look more elegant. Loafers for men may also be a great option to look nice, stay comfy and be able to remove them easily.

I always travel with a pashmina – I use it as my blanket on the plane, wrap it around myself if it’s cold in the terminal waiting for my flight. I must admit I have even flung it around my throat to cover a stain that came from my dinner on the plane. I then have it for the trip to use as a shawl with dresses or as a scarf for cool days.

New flight restrictions make it harder to pack for the flight. Ensure you have a quart-sized baggie for all your essentials or else they WILL be confiscated (I know, I lost my favorite lipgloss in the Indianapolis airport…). I carry a hydrating lipbalm, my lipcolor, eye drops (I wear contacts), a Tide to Go pen, a bottle of Purell (I use this on my hands and on the tray table on the flight), and a facial mist (this helps with the dry plane air – I love The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Face Mist) in my quart-sized bag. I also carry a bronzer or powder for post-flight to look presentable and composed, a wide-toothed comb to brush out any bedhead, and a clip or chopsticks to put up hair that is beyond repair from the flight. Be sure to have a variety of reading material – sometimes you just don’t want to read War and Peace on a trip overseas; a magazine can be a lovely diversion (my favorite for flights is Oprah’s magazine – it combines fashion, beauty, finance, philanthropy and self-awareness in one and has lots of color).

The Trip
You should have a general idea of what you will be doing on your journey. Long days lounging at the beach? Hiking through forests to visit Mayan ruins? Pounding the pavement as you venture from one cathedral to another? If you will be doing special activities or athletics, do your homework on Google. With a few searches you can easily find pictures of other travelers who have enjoyed ziplines through rain forests or African safaris. You’ll find travel boards suggesting appropriate gear and attire. These excursions are not about fashion, but function. Just keep in mind that if you do need to wear all neutral shades on your safari, that does not mean you must wear ugly, ill-fitting garments from Sunny’s Surplus. It is possible to find sturdy, appropriate yet flattering garments. Never shop in haste, and then you will be less likely to don clothing you dislike.

Hiking and Nature Walks
This is not the time for you dainty cotton sundress and strappy sandals, yet there is no need to wear hideous garb. Consider the temperature and climate and look for items that provide style as well as function.

If you will be walking through brush or tall grass, no matter the heat you are best to be wearing long pants. This will protect your skin from scrapes, barbs and bugs. Traditional chinos can do; I found a really cute pair of bootcut trousers at REI that has a modern fit, in a neutral color and is of quick-drying fabric. They have a bit of stretch and don’t cling to my legs in humidity. If you know you will be on bare ground, capris can be a great choice. I don’t recommend shorts – I find them to be unflattering, inappropriate in many cultures, they ride up and are not good coverage when sitting on hot vinyl bus seats and performing certain activities. I promise you – a few extra inches will not make you die from hyperthermia.

As for tops, again it depends on the climate. For hot and humid climates, a sleeveless or short-sleeved knit top is a good choice. Companies like L.L. Bean offer Coolmax versions of tops that look like regular knit but wick away moisture but still provide a feminine shape and a bevy of pretty colors. There is no need to go out in public in that stretched-out and oversized silkscreened tee from Hilton Head; respect your body and wear something that flatters your shape and adds color to highlight your face. It’s good to carry a layer – a windbreaker for cool or possibly damp days, a lightweight pullover to guard against brush, bugs and gentle breezes or a sweatshirt if you plan to be out after dark. As with your daily wardrobe, solids are your best bet for versatility, mixing and matching and being less trendy/memorable so they work year after year in your closet.

This is not a time to worry about hat head; wear a hat with a brim to protect your face. Nothing is more unflattering than a burn, age spots and gosh forbid, melanoma. This doesn’t mean you can get away with wearing one of your husband’s baseball caps; look for a flattering hat that can work for this trip, sightseeing in the city and weekends at the pool and beach. I have a crushable straw hat with floppy brim that I bought on sale at a department store that has protected me and made me look attractive for almost a decade. Travelsmith has a packable Panama that comes in a variety of colors.

As for shoes, sneakers can work for simple ground. If you plan on doing major hiking over rough terrain, invest in some hiking shoes. L.L. Bean has versions starting under $50 that are as sassy as your favorite pair of trainers. I recommend a closed shoe to protect your feet from gravel, bugs and nature in general. Make sure these shoes have been worn before your trip and you have a comfortable pair of socks so you finish you day blister-free.

Day Tripping
Day tripping can be a trip to Venice to see the cathedrals, ride in a gondola and have lunch at a sunny outside café. It could be heading to our Nation’s Capital for a few museum exhibits and a stroll through the White House, it could be most any city or established town where your walking will be predominately on solid ground and you will be indoors as well as out, often standing for long hours, visiting houses of worship and dining with friends.

You may be walking all over the city, but that doesn’t mean you need to look as though you are climbing Mt. McKinley. You wouldn’t wear zip-off ripstop pants, big hiking boots and a camera around your neck if you were in your hometown; then why do it in a different one on the globe? You can be comfortable on your feet and still look stylish. Same with the typical tourist look – there is nothing wrong with being a tourist, but that does not mean you have to look like one. Leave at home the fanny packs, the Hawaiian shirts (unless you are in Hawaii), the bright white sneakers, the silkscreened tee shirts, the foam sun visors and the tote bags with logos from another tourist locale. The world is excited that you are a world traveler, but we would rather see your photos than the names of famous cities on your outfit. In many cities around the globe, dressing in this manner is almost a neon sign for pickpockets. Save yourself some grief (and get better service in stores and cafes), and dress in a way that is similar to the locals.

First is shoes – there are shoes out there that are not clunky, athletic but are still comfortable for hours on end. Dependant on the temperature and your taste, a sandal, clog or closed-toe shoe can be quite tasteful and appropriate. Born is a brand that carries extremely comfortable, well made AND stylish footwear. The shoes are not cheap, but they will last you for years of world travel and miles of walking. Merrell shoes are made for the outdoors – some of their styles are very athletic-inspired but many styles would look quite nice for work or for a day of museums. I have a style that looks like a Mary Jane but is comfortable enough to wear all day pounding the pavement.

To prevent slipping, sweating and blisters, peds are a great choice to wear in these shoes. Virtually invisible, they provide the comfort of a sock without ruining your look. I even have peds made specifically for slides that cover the part of the foot that holds the shoe and leaves my toes free. These days, peds come in colors other than white so you can find one that matches your shoe in case part of it peeps out.

Even if it is hot as all heck, there is no reason why you should wear flip flops in public. Flops are for the beach, around the house and pool. They are not real shoes, and podiatrists will tell you they aren’t even that good for your feet. If you care for your walking shoes, they will last you for many many years.

As for clothing, you need to keep in mind that you are visiting a different culture and you need to be respectful of it. Better safe than sorry, leave the spaghetti-straps, minis and shorts at home. As always it’s safer to dress up than down for a day – you never know where you may end up visiting or dining. I do not believe jeans are a good travel garment – they aren’t especially comfortable, they aren’t versatile when placed in social situations and usually look grungy. This is the same with logoed tee shirts (fitted baby tees with logos, or larger shirts with silkscreens) and sweatshirts and most any athletic-inspired clothing.

For day, a pair of capris, trousers or a skirt to the knee or lower is quite lovely. Many houses of worship ask women to cover their knees, so prepare for the day by being properly dressed. A-line skirts in cotton or a cotton blend can be comfortable as well as flattering on a warm day. Capris always look festive on a warm day, and a simple pair of trousers with some stretch will get you through the day and into the night without any wrinkles or bunching.

For your top, a cotton or knit top in a flattering color is always a safe bet. Ensure the top has a feminine shape so you look your very best. A candy pink knit shell with black capris and slides will look cheerful and classic. A leaf green scoop-neck feminine tee with a black and white patterned skirt and sandals will be lovely for any occasion. Be sure to carry a cardigan or shawl with you for air conditioned buildings and to be more modest for houses of worship.

As for a bag, I like microfiber because it works with all seasons of clothing, it’s stain resistant and can be dressed up or down. I have a DJ bag I got at Target a few years ago – it’s about the size of a spiral notebook but thicker, and has a strap that can be adjusted so the bag can be slung over your torso or rest on one shoulder. The bag has a long flap that is secured with a snap and several zippered compartments inside to keep my passport, cash and other valuables safe from pickpockets. The bag is big enough for my camera, a small bottle of water, cosmetic essentials, sunglasses, a travel guide or map and my pashmina. No decoration, no adornments and no logos. It’s simple and works for almost any occasion. I wear it across my body for day trips and shorten the strap to make it a shoulder bag for casual evenings. If your bag is much larger than this, you will not only have sore feet but sore shoulders come the end of the day. Unless you have children in tow, there isn’t much need for a larger bag.

If you will be in a sunny city, make sure you bring that packable hat and your sunglasses!

Evening Affairs
Come evening, you will often be out on the town having dinner, visiting friends or enjoying the city’s nightlife. It is possible to have a packable collection of pieces for an evening out.

I never travel without my wrinkle-free version of the Little Black Dress. Currently I have a matte jersey sleeveless shift I got for less than $30 at Old Navy – it has a surplice bodice and empire waist for interest and hit just at the knees. With pearls and heels I am ready for a cocktail party, with sandals and a turquoise necklace I am appropriate for any restaurant in town. Accessories take little space in your suitcase – consider taking a few extra pieces to dress up or down a simple dress so you are ready for any occasion on your trip. Many companies sell “traveler fabric,” often a version of matte jersey or another synthetic material. Chico’s has an entire Traveler Fabric collection and a nice tank-style dress perfect for evenings on the town. Even Title Nine Sports has a great dress that is available in sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-sleeved versions that can go from museum-hopping to dinner out with ease. You will find that a dress like this will get much mileage on travel and at home – my LBD was worn to my company’s holiday party, a day wedding, to work with a cardigan and on a Caribbean cruise on Formal Night. How many other pieces in your wardrobe are that versatile?

For other evenings, consider similar types of items – dark colors, simple shapes and fabrics that travel nicely and have a bit dressier of a sheen. You can also take your daytime skirts and capris and dress them up with a nicer blouse and more elegant of shoes.

As for shoes, for more casual affairs your day-tripping shoes can suffice. I usually bring one pair of dressier shoes in black leather in case of a more formal affair. For me it’s a strappy black leather sandal with a 2” heel, for you it may be a simple pair of pumps or even some dressy flats. Keep the shoes very simple; if they are black and leather they will usually work for any occasion that isn’t Black Tie.

If you have the room and do know you will go to dressier places for the evening, consider packing a small evening bag. I have a small crepe clutch or a leather one that I often take – it has a detachable strap that comes in handy if you decide to do a little more sight-seeing after dinner. This bag only needs to be large enough to hold your lipstick, passport, cash, and maybe a small camera. Again, you don’t have to carry all of your wares with you. As for a coverup, the pashmina you wore on the plane is a good choice. For more casual affairs feel free to wear a cardigan, though the pashmina would still be appropriate.

Personal Care:
How long does it take for you to do your hair in the morning? Do you fight nature with straightening products, curling irons and such? You may want to rethink your hair while on travel (and possibly once you return home). Hair doesn’t have to be a chore if you have the right cut and tools. All your straightening and smoothing may be a waste in a tropical climate. Try letting your hair air-dry before you leave to see the result. Consider a simpler style. When I travel I let my hair go wavy; I try to wash it at night and let it air-dry as I sleep, adding a bit of styling lotion for definition. I use chopsticks and elastics for updos and ponytails when my hair loses the battle to climate. Nothing is worse than starting your day of vacation cursing your hair or reflection.

This goes for your cosmetics. You should be able to take one “look” of makeup and just intensify it for evening. On my recent cruise I took my foundation, a blush, mascara, one lipstick and one shadow trio. For day I applied just a light shadow, for night I added a darker color to the crease and along the lash lines in place of liner. Spend the least amount of time in your hotel room and the most out in the world. I carried a powder and lipstick for touchups, but because the look was so simple, it required less maintenance.

Sample Wardrobe for Long Weekend in a Mild Climate:

• Flight – black knit trousers and matching boatneck ¾ sleeve top, candy pink pashmina, black leather Mary Jane-style walking shoes, small silver hoops and bracelet
• Day One: Black and white print cotton a-line skirt, French blue round-neck tee with a feminine shape, black microfiber bag with pashmina tucked inside, black leather Mary Jane-style walking shoes, silver hoops and bracelet, large black plastic sunglasses
• Evening One: Black matte jersey shift dress, black leather sandals with a 1.5” heel, interesting silver necklace bought at a market that day, black leather clutch, the silver bracelet and pink pashmina as a shawl
• Day Two: black stretch twill capris, leaf green sleeveless knit shell, black cardigan tied around the shoulders, small silver hoops, Mary Jane-style walking shoes, microfiber bag, sunglasses
• Evening Two: The black and white print skirt with a black silk/jersey sleeveless wrap-style blouse, silver hoops and bracelet, the black leather sandals and clutch and the pashmina as a pop of color and for warmth
• Day Three: the black boatneck from the flight, khaki twill capris, black Mary Jane-style walking shoes, the interesting silver necklace and slim bracelet, black microfiber bag, straw hat and large black plastic sunglasses
• Flight – Black knit trousers, red round-neck tee with a feminine shape, black cardigan, black walking shoes, silver hoops and bracelet

What Else You Need:

• Nightclothes. You may sleep commando at home, but on a trip, it’s good to have something on in case of emergency.
• Small bar of Ivory Soap or equivalent: So great if you have to spot-wash an item in your bathroom sink.
• Spot Remover: Same reason. I am partial to Tide to Go sticks because they seem to remove EVERYTHING without leaving a ring.
• Undergarments: Make sure they are comfortable, in good condition and breathable. You will often be hot and not in place to adjust your garments. Take more than one bra because your day bra will get sweaty. Take one more pair of underwear than you think you will need.
• Proper Appliance Converters: Before you head to your destination, look into their electric plug and voltage. Make sure what you take will work.
• Body Powder: This is great for humid climates, long days of walking and times when you have to dash to dinner without a chance to freshen your hair. Some powder applied to the warmer spots of your body will help absorb sweat, reduce odor and chafing. A small amount of powder to the scalp and then brushed out (VERY small amount) will absorb sweat and oil, refreshing your style. You can also add it to your shoes to reduce rubbing.

A vacation should not induce stress, but remove it. Start planning your wardrobe ahead – try packing it before the actual date to see if it all fits. Write down scenarios on a piece of paper and match them to your clothes. Why are you taking a cocktail dress if you will be staying at a dude ranch? Do you have enough tops (you will not want to re-wear a top after a day of hiking or sightseeing)? The time you take to properly organize and pack before your trip will give you all the more time once you arrive to enjoy yourself!

Tuesday

I could imagine being 76 and still wearing this skirt. It's not terribly complicated, just a simple corduroy skirt in a cool pattern. Thank you Isaac Mizrahi. Some of your pieces in your collection for target are HORRIFIC, but sometimes... sometimes I find a real gem.

So, black and ivory zebra-print cord skirt from Isaac Mizrahi for Target, black merino v-neck from Ann Taylor, black tights from Target, black round-toe high heeled pumps from Jessica Simpson, large pearl necklace from Ross (dress for less! Have had this necklace since high school).

Hair is on it's second day, just hit it with a round brush and dryer on the bed head bent pieces.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, a light dusting of The Body Shop's bronzing powder in light over the whole face and neck, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on the cheeks, and then some Nars Orgasm blush over it for a real flushed cheek. On eyes, ivory ColorStay shadow from Revlon in inner corners and along brow bone, light dusting of The Body Shop's Slate shadow on the lids, lashes curled and DiorShow Unlimited in black applied. then a line of Ultra Liner from Maybelline in Black. On lips is L'Oreal's Glam Shine in Jubilee.

Monday

Snow to remove from the car, an early morning dental appointment and then work. A chi chi look was not at the top of the list.

Black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor, Gap Curvy Bootcut jeans, black city boots from Impo, silver cuff and white gold and diamond studs from the husband back when he was still a boyfriend (yes, I do own some delicate girly jewelry!).

Hair was washed, conditioned, a bit of Samy's Mucho Volume sprayed in, then blown straight with a round brush.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on the apples of the cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in neutral - ivory on inner corners and at brow bone, khaki on the lid (though there was still some body Shop Slate shadow in the brush so it's a combo). Lashes curled and coated with DiorShow Unlimited mascara in Black. A line of black Ultra Liner from Maybelline on the top lash line. Lips is The Body Shop's lipcolor in Damson.

Sorry for the weird second picture, I was walking down the stairs and turned the corner and realized I didn't take a face shot. This was taken while walking to let the dog out, hence the weird expression.

And, NO CAVITIES! Though the dentist suggested I put a veneer on my right front tooth because it is recessed. I guess the veneer would make the teeth look more even. At this point, I am happy with my smile, and don't see the need. Perfect teeth scare me, and I am far from perfect. And you know what? ia m okay with that. I will consider it when I get older and my gums recede and I start looking very uneven.

Friday

So happy it's Friday! Not sure why, but even with President's Day off this has felt like a very long week. Looking forward to a weekend of nothing major planned. Dinner with friends tonight, plans to finish painting the bathroom tomorrow so we can put everything back in there so I am not living out of a plastic crate of shower gels... then Sunday to just catch up on some Netflix and time with the spouse.

Today I am wearing a black tank from Banana Republic, a deep v-neck lightweight merino sweater also from Banana, French vanilla wool blend trousers from Ann Taylor Loft, and my city boots from Impo. Silver cuff and hoops.

Hair is washed and conditioned, a bit of Sexy Straight Hair's Shine On! Applied, and then blown dry with a round brush, this time reading about Michelle Pfeiffer in Allure magazine. Touch of Jonathan Dirt for some separation and flyaway reduction.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, little bit of the W4-5 concealer around the eyes. The Body Shop's bronzing powder in Light on the face and collarbone for some color and Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on the apples of the cheeks. Eyes are smoky with The Body Shop's Slate shadow on the lid and Soft Black in crease and along lash lines. Lots of DiorShow mascara in Black on curled lashes. On lips is L'Oreal Juice Stick in Strawberry Fields that smells like strawberry Mentos.

Thursday

When today started I really thought it was Friday. I dressed thinking it was Friday.

Black cherry tissue-weight merino v-neck from J. Crew, white ribbed tank from J. Crew, denim trousers from Gap, black city boots from Impo, silver hoops and cuff bracelet.

Hair was not washed, brushed out and then blown straight with a round brush and dryer on dry hair in a few places.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, concealer in W4-5, a bit of Body Shop powder bronzer in Light and Smashbox's Soft Light in Tint ont he apples of the cheeks. Eyes are done with the Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral - Ivory in inner corners and on brown bone, khaki on lid, chocolate in crease and along lash line. DiorShow mascara in Black on curled lashes. On lips is Revlon ColorGlide Sheer in Sheer Burgundy.

The Hair Trap

Lately I have been hating my hair. I have been coloring it for a long time, but only now does it look fried and brassy and damaged. I wonder why, I baby it with expensive shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair. I try to hold back on the heating elements to style it, and I haven’t been in chlorine or sun lately. I walk the aisles at CVS, Target and Sephora looking for the next miracle product that will take my straw and make it silk.

Then I realize that the reason I do not like my hair right now is because I am way past due for a trim and color touch-up. I have held off on seeing my stylist because my wallet is still reeling from Christmas, a vacation for New Year’s and a short cruise to celebrate my birthday. I thought I was being frugal, adding a few (okay several) weeks between my salon appointments. What’s funny about this reasoning is that in these extra weeks I have stayed away from the salon, I have spent more at drug stores, big box retailers and specialty boutiques trying to find something to fix my look. Deep conditioners for my hair, a straightening iron that is gentler, even a blush, a highlighter and a new foundation that would hopefully give me a rosier glow to counteract the lifeless head of hair. The scariest purchase in these few weeks away from the salon? I bought a pack of hair elastics and a few barrettes to hold back my wild and annoying mane.

As I have said before on this site, a good haircut is your best investment. If you have a good cut and properly maintain it, you won’t need the shine products, the major repairing conditioners, the temporary colors that are bought at 11pm from the all-night drugstore at a point of utter frustration. And you won’t need the elastics in your change purse, around your car’s gear shift and always on your wrist. Elastics will be left for the gym, chores and when applying a face mask.

As I applied my third product this morning and reached for the new pack of elastics, I realized I had gone off the hair deep end. Today as soon as the salon opened, I would be calling to make an appointment.

We feel that we can’t afford those gorgeous yet expensive leather pumps, so we buy three cheap versions in an attempt to replicate. We feel we can’t afford a nice salon cut and color, but we spend essentially the same amount in shampoos, conditioners, color enhancers, shine increasers, frizz reducers, volumizers and texturizers. We shy away from higher-end clothing stores and spend as much on disposable pieces at discount retailers. We often settle, and then we spend more because we aren’t fully satisfied.

Look through your linen closet, your medicine cabinet and on top of your bureau – how many beauty products do you have? And how many do you actually use on a regular basis? What are you really trying to accomplish with that new item?

As with our wardrobes, so should our hair follow the “quality, not quantity” mantra. When you concentrate on quality, in the long run you spend less. A $100 visit to the salon every other month will be far cheaper in the long run than trying to buy products, cosmetics, new clothes to counteract the rat’s nest on the top of your head.

Think how much you will save in elastics and barrettes.

Wednesday

Blackberry kimono sleeve lightweight sweater from Ann Taylor Loft, black nubby textured trousers from Ann Taylor, silver necklace from Ann Taylor Loft, silver cuff and hoops. Black leather city boots from Impo.

Hair was washed the night before and allowed to air dry. Then in the AM it was thrown in an elastic and survived a 6am yoga session. Then I brushed it with a padded wood-bristle brush from The Body Shop and then hit pieces with a curling iron, finger combed out the curls and used some Jonathan Dirt for separation and hold.

Makeup is L'Oreal True match foundation in C3, concealer in W4-5, a bit of The Body Shop's bronzing powder in Light on the face and neck, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on the cheeks. The eyes are done in my smoky style - The Body Shop's Slate on the lid, Soft Black in the crease and along the lash lines. Lashes curled and coated with DiorShow mascara in Black. On lips is The Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Strawberry with a coat of The Body Shop's Liquid Lipcolor in 13 (a sheer sparkly pink) over it.

Today was the first day i felt safe wearing fragrance and not breaking out - two squirts of Burberry London makes me feel complete! Perfect timing for tonight after work I am meeting two friends for dinner that I have not seen in a while!

Monday

Black jersey dress from Velvet Torch. Underneath is an ivory synthetic camisole from Express. Green and silver necklace from target, silver cuff bracelet. Black heavy tights from target cut off at the ankle, black round toe high heel pumps from Jessica Simpson.

Hair was washed on Saturday night and allowed to air dry. Today random pieces were curled and the whole thing was brushed out and then BioSilk applied to get rid of fuzziness. With this snow and cold, dry weather I am trying to blow dry as little as possible.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, concealer in W4-5, a bit of Body Shop bronzer in Light on the face for color and shine reduction, then Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint applied to the apples of the cheeks. Eyes, the Revlon ColorStay quad in Neutral - its ivory shade on brow bone and inner corners of eyes, The Body Shop's Slate on the lid and along the lash lines. On lips is The Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Strawberry.

Product Reviews:
In the past few weeks I have tried a few new things, and thought I would share with you:

Lush: I was stuck in the Orlando airport for 12 hours and there was a Lush in there. I spent forever in there, let the very nice saleswoman try almost every product int he store on my hands and we got into huge conversations about organic produce, fair trade, and all kinds of hippie things we had in common. She told me about her favorite products and how she uses them versus how the company suggests they be used. We also had a long chat about The Body Shop vs. Lush, and what we love and what we do not about the two. Due to this visit being at the tail end of an expensive trip, I only bought two products...

Sweet Japanese Girl - The salesperson says after a shower while skin is warm and moist, she rubs this cocoa and shea butter-based bar on her face. Little grains help exfoliate. She then wipes with a washcloth or rinses and pats dry. This leaves her skin baby soft and glowing. As that I was suffering from a bit of sun and wind burn, I was eager to try a softening and moisturizing product.

The website says that this product is a cleanser as well, but I don't agree. I have tried it as a cleanser, after a cleaner, in the morning on clean skin and all times I am a little disappointed with the results. I like it best in the morning on clean skin, rubbing on moistened skin, rinsing clean and patting dry. I then use a moisturizer over it that provides extra moisture and sunscreen. The product leaves a bit of a waxy feel on my skin, but does seem to soothe dry places and not clog pores. It's fun to rub on the face and after several uses the face shape is still recognizable, but I don't see this as a Must Buy or a Repeat Buy.

Coconut Deodorant Powder - I am a coconut fanatic. I live the taste, and especially the smell. I own every coconut product that The Body Shop creates because I love how the smell is strong and pretty without being too sugary sweet (hello Philosophy and Bath and Body Works brands). The idea of a powder I can use in the summer on the body with the same yummy scent truly appealed to me.

The product is clumpy, but in a good way so it doesn't fly everywhere. it adheres to the skin without caking. I found the smell to me to be a bit medicinal, but my husband didn't think so. He also didn't notice it outside of my usual coconutty self. Alone, he slightly smelled coconut, but it wasn't too strong. He tried it as well, and I did notice a fresh and fruity fragrance, but couldn't distinguish it and also did not smell the medicinal odor that I smelled on myself.

As for preventing odor, I was not brave enough to hit the gym or a yoga session without my regular protection. I did use it in the places that women sweat and chafe (hello thighs and under the breasts) and found it very comfortable and long lasting. Even with my skin allergic reaction, I tried this product and did not find it to be irritating. I think this is a Repeat buy as a dusting powder in the warm summer months!

The Body Shop
Aloe Caring Body Balm - My husband came home from Mexico and was almost out of the now-discontinued Grapeseed Body Butter. He was looking for a replacement product that was a bit heavier for the winter months, but low on fragrance. I gave him the Aloe Caring Body Balm to try out as that I received a tub of it, but hadn't even cracked it open. He tried it, hated it and gave it back. I had to try it myself to see why he had a strong reaction to it.

The product is fragrance, color and preservative free, so I figured it would be safe on my dry and irritated skin. I was correct, it did not cause any irritation or reaction. However I do not think it moisturized half as well as the Eucerin calming Cream. This product also did not absorb well into the skin. It took hard rubbing to get even a minimal amount to soak in; rubbing that felt more like a Swedish massage than I desired. The scent is a bit strange, like something had gone bad int he fridge and was cleaned up with some anti-bacterial cleansing product. Very fain,t but still unpleasant (this scent was never noticed in the Body Shop Aloe skincare products that I have used). Two hours after application, my skin was itchy, dry and scaly.

The Body Shop's Body Butters are by far the best body moisturizers I have used in any price range. This Aloe Body Balm does not compare in any shape or way, and I would not be surprised if it ends up being discontinued.


And as for a skin allergy update - I am 90% back to normal, a bit on my forearms and a bit on my torso, but otherwise pretty healthy!

I Think I Figured it Out!

Blue cheese. Those who are allergic to mold and such are often allergic to things like blue cheese. Recently I have been eating every day for breakfast, oatmeal with blue cheese, some hot sauce and pepper. May sound disgusting to many, but for me I love it and look forward to it. I also often put gorgonzola or blue cheese in my lunchtime salad. I have always liked this kind of cheese, but only int he past month or two have I been consuming it almost daily.

It reminds me of college where after a night on the town, the next morning my neck would be swollen and stiff and I would feel swollen under my arms. My doctor said it was the large quantity of yeast I was consuming in the beers. Since college I haven't drank such large quantities of beer at one time so I forgot about that problem.

One week until i see the doctor, one week to go blue cheese-free. Today i haven't had any... let's see if taking it out of my diet will heal me!

Thursday

Purple kimono sleeved faux wrap top from Mossimo for Target. Underneath is a black cami from Victoria's Secret. Black wool blend nubby trousers from Ann Taylor, black and brown necklace that my husband got me while he was in Mexico, black city boots from Impo.

Hair is washed, conditioned, bit of Samy's Mucho Volume at the roots and Sexy Straight Hair's Shine On! on the rest. Blown dry, and a bit of Jonathan Dirt applied to ends for a piecey look.

Makeup is a touch of L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3 around eyes and mouth, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint as blush, eyes are my traditional smoky application - The Body Shop's Slate on lids and Soft Black in crease and along lash lines. DiorShow Unlimited mascara in black and L'Oreal's Volume Perfect lipcolor in Defining Mica.

Snow Day!

Today I am working from home because the roads are snow coated with an inch or two of ice. Add to that I parked on the street last night and they plowed the roads onto my car and then it iced over.

Too bad my work's FTP site is not letting me access it from my home and my work laptop has decided to not access my wireless internet. I am on my husband's computer typing this, checking email but otherwise unable to be productive. He is shoveling the front walk so the mail lady doesn't break her neck, I am sitting in my robe writing this.

We think we'll get all bundled up and walk to the town center to see if there is a movie, maybe check out the new yoga studio he will be substituting at, get some Chinese, maybe some chai at the cafe and see the winter wonderland.

Tuesday

My collection of soft cotton garments is dwindling and I am not sure what to do with this itchy skin without breaking the bank. So you will be seeing outfits worn again more regularly until this rash is finally gone kaput!

Coral scoop necked tee from Gap, denim trousers from Gap, two coal glass chip necklaces from a boutique at the beach, black glossy leather city boots from Impo, silver hoops and silver cuff bracelet.

Hair is washed, conditioned and then a bit of Sexy Straight Hair's Shine On! applied and then blown straight while reading the latest issue of Food and Wine (means I didn't concentrate so it's anly a mediocre job of drying).

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match in C3 around eyes and mouth, a touch of the concealer in W4-5 around the inner corners of the eyes and the edge of the nose. Nars Orgasm blush on the apples of the cheeks. On eyes is the Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral - Ivory on brow bone and inner corners of the eyes, khaki light on the lid, chocolate in crease and along lash lines. DiorShow Unlimited mascara in black on curled lashes and Revlon LipGlide Sheer in Sheer Burgundy on the lips.

Monday

Skin is still miserable. Can't get a dermatologist or GP appointment until mid-to late next week. Seem to be better when away from the home. Completed the bathroom, the husband is back, he's taking the dog to the vet to check on his shedding and I vacuum nightly now. Oh well... life goes on!

Running out of comfy clothing for work. Today I pulled out the too-big black triacetate trousers from Ann Taylor that are part of a suit. Not the best look, but at least clean and professional. With it is a black merino v-neck sweater from Ann Taylor. I just got new city boots by Impo. my old Enzo ones were practically falling apart and not quality enough to invest in reheeling and resoling. These boots are a glossy leather with a 2.5" sculpted heel and from Gotham City Shoes I got them for $39.95, no shipping or tax! Very awesome! Oh, silver necklace from Ann Taylor Loft, silver hoops and silver cuff bracelet.

Hair is on it's... I washed it Saturday and curled it to welcome the hubby home from Mexico. The next day I showered but piled it up to stay dry. Recurled. Then today again showered but pulled it up, then took a few pieces and pulled them back with two barrettes. Curled a few straggly pieces and put a small bit of Sebastian Shaper spray on the top to hold back fuzzies.

Makeup is a small amount of L'Oreal True match foundation in C3 around eyes and mouth. Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint as my blush/highlighter combo. Eyes are with Slate shadow from The Body Shop applied to the lids and along the lower lash line, and a very small amount of Soft Black in the crease. Lashes curled and DiorShow Unlimited mascara in Black applied. On lips is L'Oreal Volume Perfect in #600-Defining Mica.

Friday

Last night my stomach was on fire from the waistband of my pants. Today I decided I need to do something major. Maybe it was my bathroom.

I have been working on redoing my bathroom, but haven't accomplished much. Several years I decoupaged the walls with pages of playbills from the 60's and 70's that belonged to my dad. Over the years, humidity has snuck behind the polyurethane coating and pages are beginning to pull up from the wall and bubble. Recently I have sanded down the bubbled areas, planning to remove the playbills all together and prime and paint the walls. Maybe the walls were making me sick? they weren't moldy as far as I could tell... just not looking as nice.

Today I called out sick the first half of the day and spent it sanding down the rest of the walls and applying KILZ to them. I wore a face mask, a tank and an old log sleeved shirt to cover my angry skin. Every couple of minutes I would bring in the vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust. I left the window open for ventilation.

I finished and my entire neck was all red welts - as bad as it was two days ago. Wearing a pair of yoga pants, no bra and a soft knit tank, my torso was looking a bit better. It made me really think that this is environmental and not food or viral or anything.

I decided I needed to get out of the house. I left the windows open, vacuumed and wet dusted, and then took a lukewarm oatmeal bath and slathered myself in the Eucerin. I didn't wash my hair because my scalp is covered with the welts too. By the time I was dressed and ready, the welts had calmed down a bit to the point you see in the third picture.

So I am wearing soft knits that are layered for warmth. White ribbed tank from J. Crew, Black jersey dress from Velvet Torch, black footless tights (that are baggy at the waist) from Old Navy, black round toe high heel pumps from Jessica Simpson, silver necklace from Ann Taylor Loft, silver cuff bracelet.

Hair is just blown straight while dry from the weird flat curls leftover from yesterday. A touch of BioSilk to the ends to make them look less fried.

Makeup is a little bit of L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3 around the eyes and mouth, Body Shop bronzer in Light on cheeks and Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint over it for some highlight. On eyes is a light dusting of Slate shadow from the Body Shop on the lids and along the lower lash line. DioShow mascara in Black on curled lashes and a thin line of Maybelline Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. On lips is an e.l.f. gloss in a salmon pink over Neosporin LT.

After work I am meeting friends for a short happy hour, then plan to go back home to finish the painting so tomorrow I can clean the rest of the house, feel all sterile and get a bit healthy before my husband returns from his month away at school! Ack!

Thursday

Black merino crewneck from Banana Republic, honey colored wool blend coin-pocket trousers from Ann Taylor Loft, teal suede wedges from Seychelles (it's like wearing Business Casual slippers!), silver dangle earrings from Nordstrom, silver cuff bracelet, a heck of a lot of Eucerin Calming Cream.

Hair was allowed to air dry last night. That combined with a warm room and a humidifier left me with very wavy and wild tresses. Hit a few pieces with a curling iron, but didn't brush because my scalp hurt.

Makeup is L'Oreal True match foundation in C3, concealer in W4-5,a bit of Body Shop bronzer in light, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on the cheeks. On eyes is the smoky look - The Body Shop's Slate on the lid, Soft Black in crease and along lash lines. L'Oreal Full Definition Voluminous mascara in black (my DiorShow should be arriving today thank goodness!), and on the lips is Neosporin LT. Feeling good enough to wear normal clothing today, though I am still and itchy mess!

Winning the War Against my Skin – Part I

Last night after work I went on a shopping marathon – unfortunately my trips were to Home Depot instead of Sephora and Nordstrom. Le sigh. But unlike the pony-hair roundtoe heels with the green grosgrain bows of my dreams, these purchases were investments for my best item in my wardrobe – my skin.

As I mentioned yesterday, my allergies are in full-effect. I have always been a sneezy headachy mess in deep winter and in early fall. Birthday and back to school I wouldn’t be in top form. From age 4 until high school I took allergy shots, but then allergy medication became advanced enough that a prescription to Claritin or Zyrtec took care of me without weekly visits to the doctor. I learned to wash my hands a lot when visiting homes with pets, up Vitamin C intakes at the bad times of the year, keep away from smoky places and use my A/C during high ragweed seasons. Doing this, I was sturdy, well-functioning and often forgetting that I even had allergies.

Then this winter came, and for the first time in my life, my skin is participating in the Allergy Game. Feet so dry and itchy that toenails as well as skin is cracking. Hands that feel as though they belong to an amphibian, and red welts and terrible itching from chin to thigh. Add to this a cough, post-nasal drip, wheezing and very hot and itchy eyes, I am looking like a real glamour-puss.

Last night at Home Depot I bought face masks, All Free Clear, Febreeze Allergen Reducer and the plastic made to shrink-wrap over windows in the winter to keep in heat. I went to the Depot to get stuff necessary to redo my bathroom (I decoupaged it 6 years ago with old playbills but it’s getting a bit worn and icky looking, so removing them and replacing with a fabu color and some framed photos done by my hubby), and in hopes of finding flaps or draft covers for my exterior doors to keep out the cold. No such luck on the door draft covers.

My next stop was Target where I bought four allergen-barrier pillow covers for the bed, Eucerin Calming Cream (it’s on sale!), a humidifier (wow, 2/$29.99! Anyone in the DC/Metro area in need of a humidifier? My house is too small for two), and Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash.

Came home, shrink-wrapped plastic over the windows in the dining room and living room that are on the side of the house where the curtains are usually drawn, put a load in the washer with the All Free Clear, and filled up the humidifier. This version of humidifier by Holmes can be cleaned in your dishwasher, which is a lovely feature. Not especially quiet, but it’s small, easy to use and I just pretended it was purposeful white noise to help me sleep.

I then took a short, lukewarm shower where I washed my hair, trying to avoid the shampoo and conditioner from dripping on my neck and body. I washed my body with the Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash which had their trademark almondy-oatmeal smell that I like ( I use Aveeno’s shave cream). NO shaving for fear of irritation. Patted the skin dry then liberally applied Eucerin Calming Cream to every possible part of my body except my face. Wrapped up in a Allergist-Approved detergent-washed robe, slathered on the Calming Cream on my tootsies, and put on a pair of cotton socks. My Neutrogena eye cream and Olay night cream and I felt soft and not as itchy as before. I put on my new pillow covers after giving the bed pillows a tumble in the dryer – boy I hate them. They sound like paper though they are machine washable. They make me feel as though I am at a hospital or something. New bedding with the new detergent. After all this, I was READY FOR BED!

This morning I woke up with the scratchy thick throat, but it wasn’t as bad as previous nights. I somehow did not tear the socks off in the middle of the night, nor did I have dreams (and realities) of scratching my skin. I still have the welts, but I do not have more. I still itch, but no worse than before. And the parts of my skin that are welt-free? Well they feel very soft and do not smell medicinal or sicky-poo.

Review:

If you have winter dry skin, I highly recommend investing in a humidifier. For $30 I am able to breathe better and my skin feels hydrated. A humidifier is also good for your furniture and home to keep everything properly hydrated. Unfortunately I cannot find my specific humidifier style online, but Target.com and Amazon.com have many styles online for great prices. Mine is a Holmes Cool Mist Humidifier for Small Rooms, style number HM1200TK, one box holds two humidifiers.

Eucerin Calming Cream – I may not covet it as much as my Body Shop Coconut Body Butter, but it did help me sleep, reduced the itching, has almost no smell and made my skin feel luxuriously soft. It feels like an expensive moisturizer and hydrates like one as well (the big container is on sale at Target for $6.74, usually around $9.50). I am glad I bought the big tube because I can see myself slathering this on post-accidental sunburn, on mosquito bites, and any times my skin is very dry and angry with me. Me likey very much.

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash – This product comes in Fragrance Free and a version with a small amount of their trademark fragrance. I chose the one with fragrance because I feared the Fragrance Free would smell medicinal. The product is thick and luxurious – it lathers up beautifully and glides over the skin like a moisturizer than a cleanser. It didn’t burn on the welts that had gotten raw and left my skin very faintly fragranced and quite soft. I will be using this until the bottle is empty, whether my skin is angry or not.

All Free Clear – As a woman raised on Tide detergent and Bounce dryer sheets, it’s hard to change. I did a year ago to high-efficiency brands that come in smaller bottles and require less. The All only seemed to come in the big honking jug, which saddened me. However, it worked well, it didn’t smell medicinal like many fragrance-free products, and I slept soundly in fragrance-free sheets, socks and am now typing in a fragrance-free bathrobe. So it did it’s job.

Oprah Magazine – So I treated myself to a magazine. I was feeling awful, so I took myself to dinner, had myself a glass of red wine with a very lovely meal. And I read the Oprah magazine and loved it. I only buy magazines a few times a year (through Gold Points I get many popular beauty and fashion magazines for free) and when I do, it’s usually Oprah. Her articles are jammed pack with inspiring and useful information. Every inch of the page is covered with facts, poems, ideas. I never want to throw them away because like a good book, you can flip open an old issue to a random page and become inspired. Though I ate my meal slowly, I could only get through maybe a quarter of the magazine. I didn’t read it at home because I have a book I am completing; instead I will take it to work and savor a bit with my lunch. Such a good rag to pick up when you are feeling sad and blue!

Cheating

So I have been cheating. I haven’t posted in two days, and I haven’t taken pictures. I can provide dozens of excuses – I woke up late, my camera is broken, yadda. But really I haven’t posted because I haven’t looked too good.

Yesterday I wore my Curvy boot cut jeans from Gap, my black cashmere crewneck from Isaac Mizrahi for Target, and a gray ribbed tank from old Navy underneath. Old New Balance sneakers. Hair was clean, blown straight using Samy Mucho Volume and Sexy Straight Hair’s Shine On! Makeup was L’Oreal True Match foundation in C3, some Body Shop bronzer in Light, L’Oreal Full Definition Voluminous mascara in Black on curled lashes and my brows colored in. Nothing exciting. I didn’t sleep well the night before, my heat isn’t working terribly well in my home, I am feeling a bit under the weather.

Today it’s even more glamorous and fashionable. The Curvy jeans are replaced by a pair of Express boot cut jeans that I got from my friend (we both lost weight so I fit into her old jeans) that are lighter than I find fashionable or flattering, and are so short they can only be worn with sneaks or flats. The gray tank replaced by a white J. Crew one. The cashmere crewneck replaced by a 1960’s sweater originally belonging to my father that is navy and berry marled yarn, wide rib with a turtleneck. Hair is on it’s second day, makeup is the same except some Neosporin LT on the lips.

Today’s excuse? My body had waged a full-on war against me. This has been going on since my cruise. I have been coughing, wheezing and being full of icky snotty stuff. I know one reason is because I am allergic to pets and well, I have a large dog who sheds like crazy (so bad, my work desk chair is covered with his fur!). Usually I can handle pets if I have regular contact with them – grow a tolerance and just sneeze a bit more when it’s winter or fall. Well since my cruise I am vacuuming every other day, I have washed my bedding and his every couple of days, wet-dusting flat surfaces nightly, and taking my Claritin every morning with my oatmeal. I have upped my Vitamin C intake. The dog does not sleep with me, I have hardwood floors and I have brushed him when possible. Even so, my allergies seem to be getting worse. Yesterday I started itching at work. I got home and took off my top and saw red welts below my breasts and a few on my neck. I gently washed the areas for fear that something on the skin was causing the irritation. Moisturized after with a cream for sensitive skin. By time I went to bed, the welts were all over my torso and on my forearms. When I woke they had crept up to my chin and on my temples. I sit at work in the only item in my closet that is not washed in the detergent of my bedding and air dried and not synthetic or wool, wanting to peel my skin from my bones. No hairspray, no perfume, no fun beauty products. I am away from the dog so I can breathe easy, but my skin is fighting against me.

In all my years of allergy shots, pills, herbs and preventative action, I have never had a skin reaction to my allergies. I have survived with humidifiers, hardwood floors and even a screen door on my bedroom growing up to offer ventilation with pet-proofing. On my way home from work I plan on picking up a new humidifier, Eucarin Calming Cream, face masks, rubber gloves, and some products to make the house more energy-efficient (I don’t think the cold is helping the situation). Once my skin has calmed down, I will post again. But for now, I am a sneezy itchy mess who is just covering her body enough to be functional at work and hoping to be healthy and back to normal before the hubby comes home on Saturday night.

Monday

Pink merino v-neck from J. Crew, white ribbed tank from J. Crew, black wool blend coin-pocket trousers from Ann Taylor Loft, black city boots from Enzo, silver dangle earrings from Nordstrom, silver cuff bracelet.

Hair is on it's third day, blown dry from the shower but not washed. This weather is horrible - so cold and so dry. I am trying to hold onto whatever natural oils my body is producing. My hands are rough and scaly though I exfoliate and moisturize. My toes have cracked and bled though I lotion up and wear socks. My scalp and neck is itchy and getting red welts. The winter is horrible for me - my allergies are at their worst (nasal and skin) and I get ridiculously dry. I don't know what I would do without The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector - I use it on my hands, feet, elbows, knees, lips and weird super dry patches on my legs. It doesn't hurt and I think it really heals. The smell is not my favorite, but it's worth it for the results (no cracking knuckles and feet that can still handle heels without crying).

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, concealer in W4-5, a bit of Body Shop bronzer in Light for color and powder and then Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint over it on the cheeks for color and highlight. On eyes is The Body Shop's shadow in Pink Champagne on lids (slightly blended with their Slate shadow) and Slate applied to crease and along lash lines. L'Oreal Full Definition Voluminous mascara in black and on lips is a slight tint of The Body Shop's Damson lipcolor, and then post-picture I put French Kiss lip gloss from Victoria's Secret over it.

Friday

Black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor, dark denim pencil skirt from Gap, heavy tights from target cut off at the feet to make leggings, black round toe high heels from Jessica Simpson, silver dangle earrings from Nordstrom and silver cuff bracelet.

Hair is second day, blew out the curls while dry with a round brush and dryer. No added product.

Makeup is L'Oreal true Match foundation in C3, concealer in W4-5, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on cheeks for color and shine. On eyes is The Body Shop's Slate shadow on lids, Soft Black in crease and along lash lines, L'Oreal True Definition Voluminous mascara in black and Victoria's Secret French Kiss lipgloss.

Thursday

Coral scoopneck tee from Gap (it's new and online and only $25 and very nice quality), denim trousers from Gap, two coal glass chip necklaces, silver dangle earrings from nordstrom, silver cuff bracelet, leopard peeptoe heels from BCBGirls.

Hair is done curly. Washed and conditioned, then some FrizzEase Dream Curls sprayed in and a bit of Suave Professionals Healthy Curls mousse in the front and at the scalp. Blown dry with a diffuser and then a curling iron the unruly pieces and a bit of Sebastian Shaper spray to keep it all in place.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, concealer in W4-5, The Body Shop bronzer in Light as powder and color, some Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint also for cheek color. Eyes are back to basics with my Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral - ivory in inner corners and on borw bone, khaki on the lid, chocolate int he crease and along lash lines. L'Oreal Full Definition mascara in black on curled lashes. On lips is Victoria's Secret lip gloss in French Kiss.