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Dereon Dresses Things Up

I went over to Dereon on one of my usual clothes shopping sprees, and I was surprised at what I found- new pieces with an extra bit of style, and in plus sizes, too! If you wear a larger size jeans or tops, you won't need to go to another location just to find a full-figured option--it's all right there. I like larger tops that a roomy, swingier shape, and those can be found at Dereon along with skinny jeans and low-cut trousers.

But you know what really helped me out over there? Their featured Style Mixer. If you're looking for a way to mix and match cool pieces that you've run into over at Dereon, you can slide the Collection button to find full looks and reduce your personal coordination time.

Dereon Jeans: My Top Pick
My favorite jeans surprised me over at Dereon: I ended up adoring the Heavy Metal pair despite my usually classic style. With stitching and charm details, they're certainly not for the faint-of-heart, but they're just what you need when you're having one of those I-need-a-makeover-and-fast kind of days. It has silver stitching along the rear and above the pockets, as well as some heavy metal accessories that are interesting and tastefully added.

Tip: Imagine this with a black smock top complete with sash as well as killer heels.

Amazing Blouse Alert!
Are you on the search for your best feature-- or your skinniest? This Gold Rope Top hows off a peek of skin on the side, under your bust, for an unusual little view that's both sexy and unexpected. It's available in both white and pink--I'm partial to the white myself for matching purposes.

Featured Design: Band Fresh Hoody
I was surprised at the design elements going on with this Dereon sweat top. It's certainly unlike any of my other gym pieces, and it could make for a great present for teens, too.

Metallic elements jazz up an already cool sweatshirt that has logo engraved buttons and a peplum flounce. If pink isn't your style, you can try black instead. I can even imagine this top with a comfy woolen skirt.

Plus Piece: Jumpsuits!
I can't say that I've seen many jumpsuits designed for full-figured women, but I like that we have that option, thanks to Dereon's Ds Zipper Chain Jumpsuit. A hood and a square neckline frame your face-- and you can't beat a kangaroo pocket with Lurex details.

Let me know what you find over at Dereon. These may be my top picks, but I'd love to know what catches your eye.

Bon Voyage

There's nothing more exciting than a pair of sailor's pants, dear reader. Unless there happens to be a very cute sailor in them, of course.

Luckily for us (and all the available cute sailors out there), nautical themes are (once again) popping up on runways and in retail locations both near and far from the sea. For those of us who get carsick during the three-block taxi ride from our apartment to the dry cleaners--never fear. Just because you look like you know your way around a winch doesn't mean you'll ever have to prove it.

Foreshadow the June America's Cup race with the following must-have items:

Rope bracelets. Ahhhh... What girl doesn't like a little rope around the wrist? I certainly do. Indulge your fantasy with Chanel's cheeky golden metallic take on the traditional Nantucket sailor's bracelet. Double stranded, the bracelet fits snugly about the wrist--so chic. Or, go in the opposite direction and slap on a pewter hemp version adorned with gold cowrie shells. Luis Morais (a Brazilian from Miami who knows good nautical when he sees it) is more "noveau riche mermaid" than Chanel's "this old thing?" classicism.

Buttons. Yes, it is a pain in the rear to unbutton all those tiny appendages located on the front of the tratitional sailor pant but just think about it this way: Every button is a miniature dam holding back your winter excess (you know who you are, Krispy Kreme girl). It's industrial slimming at it's best. It's a girdle that you can show in public. In short, it makes you look fabulous coming and going. So suck it up, suck it in, and get those nimble fingers a-working.

Stripes. Not only for convicts and the emaciated, stripes are back. Not that they ever really left, of course, just...went on vacation. To someplace warm and sandy far, far away. And, if you feel like channeling this wanderlust in your clothing choices, look no further than the loose tunics Sonia Rykiel or (seriously) L.L. Bean churned out in alarming numbers. Strange, I know, but it really is the perfect layering piece as we cross that dreaded section of the year feared by fashionable sailors everywhere--The Doldrums.

What the heck is that, you say? I shall tell you, dear reader. It is, traditionally, a spot located around the Equator where converging winds and other atmospheric phenomena combine to give you...nothing. Yes, nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zippo.

No wind. No waves. No action. (In that respect, it's much like being single.) Feared by sailors for centuries (and the bane of the America's Cup) The Doldrums is the nautical equivalent of the No-Go Zone. It is the wedding ring, heretofore unseen, on the hand of the really cute guy at the bar. The Not-Quite-As-Marked-Down-As-I-Thought-It-Was designer top that didn't quite make the cut. The Taxes Owed Shockarama instead of the Hooray-For-The-Refund-What-Shall-I-Blow-It-On moment at your accountant's.

It is, dear reader, that nasty combination of sunny days, crisp winds, intermittent showers, and pasty-pale legs. It is spring. When else will a sweater be too hot but a T-shirt too cold? Stockings or hypothermia? Hmmm... That is a toughie.

So, snap out of that funk and double-time it down to your nearest Center for Excessive Consumerism (aka, the mall) and stock up on stripes (vertical please, unless you have the genetic makeup of a string bean), rope accents, crisp white shirts, and lots and lots of navy blue. Throw some red in there if you're feeling adventurous.

After all, there's no reason at all that you can't look as if you rolled out of your bunk looking like the goddess you are, all wind-whipped and sea salt-glowing. Even if you do live in Poughkeepsie.

by Christina Kale

Travel a Deux

Traveling with children (or your significant other) is always difficult and with today's new security regulations it can be even more migraine-inducing than usual. Here are some tips that will make traveling a deux a more pleasurable experience:

Where's Wally?
Don't lose your child in the crush of people during mass transit. Try a child-size identification band in a bright plastic or even a sterling silver emblazoned with your contact information. Make sure that the band cannot be removed by inquisitive fingers (what would be the point if Junior could take it off himself?). Harnesses for children seem to be strangely popular still even though I find it rather disconcerting to see a toddler traveling through the airport much like a mini schnauzer tethered at the end of a nylon strap. However, if you have more than one child at that certain curious age you may consider harnessing the lot of them and let public perception take care of itself.

It's Electric
Recently the Travel Security Administration (TSA) released this warning on their website: "Never leave babies in an infant carrier while it goes through the x-ray machine." What?! Is this really an issue? It must be since it necessitated a warning on that august travel safety site. Still, there are a few common sense things that should be said (apart from not x-raying your child).
Make sure that all your toys are contained in a zip-up bag otherwise they'll be fishing nerf footballs from the conveyor belt for weeks.
Plastic bins are available for a reason--use them. Stash loose items like shoes, telephones, diaper bags, etc., in a bin for easy security access. Also, the screeners are there to help you so don't be shy about asking for assistance.
Private screenings are available for people traveling with more than one child. Hint. Hint. You may pass through security faster and with less hassle if you volunteer for personal attention.
Tell your kids (and your spouse, if need be) not to joke about bombs or explosives while standing in the security line. Actually, tell them not to joke about it while in the airport all-together. Please. For all our sakes.

Play It Again, Sam
While handheld gamers like Nintendo DS and Playstation are immensely popular these days, please try to be considerate of other travelers and either mute the sound or make your child use ear phones. Nothing drives a weary traveler to madness more than the incessant sound of dinging coming from the seat in front of them. It's the travel equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. I am convinced that most incidents of air rage are related directly to portable DVD players and handheld game systems blasting SCORE! SCORE! at ear-splitting levels ad nauseum.

Bottom line? Think about what others would like--quick security checks and quiet flights. Don't be the terrible travel story told at home around the dinner table.

Next week: Train travel. Yes, people still use trains and we'll talk about packing, traveling, and arriving at your destination.

by Christina Kale

Gladiator Airlines Now Boarding

It's difficult enough these days to pass through airport security without adding Balenciaga's armored tights and spaceman-goes-to-market looks entering the fashion forum this season. If I can't take an eyelash curler through the checkpoint I can hardly imagine that they will let me wear a pair of pants with the equivalent of fashion Ginsu knives dangling exotically from each seam. What in the world am I supposed to do with this fantastic new trend, dear reader?

I am saved by one thing: no one (least of all me) wants to sit in PVC pants for eight hours. This is very much in evidence as I test drive a pair on an interisland flight to Maui. You see, these flights are the aviation equivalent of the KMart blue-light special. You are crammed into a tiny executive jet, launched up into space as from a slingshot and--horror of horrors--you must pay for your refreshments.

That, and the flights usually last approximately 22 minutes each way so the flight is more of a sprint than a marathon. Passengers, usually covered in sand from frolicking on far-off beaches, are squashed into this air express mailing tube, vertical take-off, flight attendants in sneakers and gym shorts run down the aisles, "Drinks? Drinks? Drink?" and, upon return, "Trash? Trash? Trash?" and a plummeting descent. It is fabulous.

It is this environment that I test-sat my Balenciaga gladiator-of-the-2060's pantaloons. This, dear reader, was not a pleasant experience.

The first snag was shoe choice. I am sure you remember, dear reader, my exhortation to wear sneakers and bring the big guns in your bag for deplaning. I did not follow my own advice and I have the blisters to prove it. Still, have you ever seen those fantastic black-armored segmented beetle pants with anything but a mod, futuristic shoe? Sneakers? I think not.

This necessitated me stepping aside in the security line, bending gingerly from the waist (my legs wouldn't really bend from the knees; I have sympathy for King Arthus and his knights now) and struggle to untie the tiny laces on my sky-high platform tie-up boots. Actual security was the next obstacle.

It was, evidently, difficult for the TSA to believe that I wasn't the fashion equivalent of a smart bomb. They were sure that my pants detached into....what? A Texas Hold'em game for four? A hang glider? One can only assume what they were wispering about as I stood, arms akimbo, as they tried gingerly to pry the shiny plates off one of my thighs. I told them it was fashion, safe, and worth more than their day's salary times thirty and they quickly stopped prodding me as if I was a prize heifer at the fair.

Sitting on the plane was also an exercise in futility. Thank god for exit row seating with the gratis leg room. And, of course, these are not clothing items for the socially shy since most passersby assumed I was some sort of Terminator redux come down for some Maui sun and shave ice. There are approximately three hundred pictures of me in various Japanese family vacation albums at last count.

What to do? Try metallic fabrics instead of the literal translation, dear reader. A sculptural wedge with a cut-out heel still fills the technocraze without cramping your style during those long trecks from gate to baggage. A hefty bag with space-age accents is also nice. Suffice to say, dear reader, if you can't take it off quickly and throw it at a terrorist trying to light his shoe you shouldn't wear it to the airport. At least the bags have enough hardwear to make that one shot count, yes?

by Christina Kale

Will Travel for Romance

Ahhhh...dear reader. This last week has been quite exciting for me. It turns out I have attracted the interest of a certain gentleman who, for business reasons, resides in a different state. Now, that is normally not an issue of paramount importance but when you live on the most remote island chain in the world--as I do--it poses a problem with unique aspects.

Primarily, of course, what to wear? When one travels for romance it becomes a delicate balance of intrigue and sensibility. Of comfort and compatibility. Do I wear sneakers or stilettos? Which is more appropriate? Sneakers, of course. Stilettos are beautiful but inherently dangerous. Nothing kills an illusion faster than a fall down an escalator.

So, here is the solution I have discovered. Take the stilettos in your carry-on, place them on your feet before you round the corner to baggage claim. You are, therefore, grace under pressure. No one is the wiser. It is the perfect compromise.

There is, of course, more to traveling romance than the shoe dilemma. There is the "what do I wear to dinner" paradox particularly if you are seeing a gentleman who says to you, "We are attending an event. It is black tie." How am I supposed to arrive, unwrinkled and cool carrying a gigantic Dior dress swathed in canvas? I think not, dear reader. So, I utilize my personal favorite--FedEx. God bless those dashing knights in their big trucks and dangerously gaping side doors, rushing to my fashion rescue. Bless, also, the package designers who manage to put couture into cardboard and have it emerge practically wrinkle free.

Black tie, you say? How exciting. Yes, it is. Although not nearly as exciting as the statement that follows the announcement of black tie. "We will be going to the beach the next day so you'll need to be prepared for that, as well."

Yikes! Dior to sandals and back again in less than twenty-four hours. Whatever can I wear? Answer: Whatever I want! This means I will rescue my fabulous dress (a gift from said friend) from cardboard, leave it on the back of a chair hanging languidly in all it's splendor, and dress in a cheery sarong and bathing suit. Perhaps one from the Diane von F. resort line. Bright colors are in for spring and the California technicolor revolution looks particularly appropriate in, well, California.

In preparing for an evening out on the fly, a smart tuxedo jacket with a cropped sleeve and slim silhouette looks dashing over a shimmery low-cut maillot (double duty, dear reader, is always good as it leaves more room in your luggage for extra shoes). Add a high heel (yes, the same ones you traipsed off the plane in, very Grace Kelly) and a small jeweled clutch and no one will be able to look askance at you. In fact, you may find that more international gentlemen vie to be included in your quiver. However will you choose? The answer, dear reader, is not in choosing the right one. It's in choosing which one right now. And I will leave that decision fully in your capable hands. Variety is, after all, the spice of life.

by Christina Kale

Cheap and Easy: Travelocity Makes Travel Simple

The roaming gnome. Clearly a revolutionary concept in advertising by a remarkable company dedicated to making travel-dare I say it--fun?

Yes! It's true! Travelocity commercial manages to make checking into a hotel amusing (which is difficult at best unless you are, of course, traveling with Robin Williams) and their easy online reservation and purchase system helps take the sting out of those Indonesian shopping expedition first class tickets.

Their last-minute deals are fabulous for those "I must get out of town for various personal/business/legal reasons" impulse trips. Recently I booked a trip to Las Vegas for a friend and was pleasantly surprised at how easy the process was. I was additionally impressed that I have never had an issue with Travelocity e-tickets being rejected at the check-in counter. (And yes, this has happened to me before and no, I did not enjoy.)

As for the most important aspect of Travelocity--pricing--I can say honestly that they are competitive. They are not consistently the cheapest mass ticket retailer but neither are they the most expensive either. Their menu is easy to use, their selections are intuitive and last-minute deals and trip packages are competitive even against specialized web retailers. While it is true that you get what you pay for with Travelocity I have consistently gotten more than I paid for--and I paid very little.

Suggestion: Try their Last Minute Packages section if you are curious about unplanned of-the-moment trips to places like Las Vegas, Orlando, various skiing destinations and--my hometown du jour--Honolulu. I was able, once upon a time, to fly round trip to Washington, D.C., for less than $500. Total. Feel free to take a moment to recover and then get thee to Travelocity. The world is waiting.

by Christina Kale

Safari-So Good

When the going gets tough, the tough put on Manolos and head for the outback. Caution: No need to tank your budget heading down under if you keep these tips in mind:

Don’t overdo the animal prints. The object is to look like something that is rare and desirable—not your Aunt Millie’s seventies-era couch. For goodness sake, keep anything that remotely resembles drapery or upholstery far away from your hips. If you can’t seem to restrain your passion for prints to a single piece of clothing do us all a favor and keep the madness confined to a handbag or fabulous pair of shoes.

Tailor it. Sean Connery ala James Bond-era always looked debonair and dashing partly because his clothing actually fit close to his body. Leave the schlumpy oversized sweatshirts and sweaters on the slopes in Vail and pick up a khaki shirt in a body-conscious cotton. Lighter versions of jewel tones are always good. A good rule of thumb is if the color it reminds you of an African sunset—buy it. Remember, pockets are good but body-conscious pockets are always better.

Short list. Safari shorts (which are all the rage) usually hit at the knee. If this length seems too frumpy for you it’s entirely acceptable to go shorter. In fact, the shorter your leg is the shorter the short should be. Keep it tasteful, though. Don’t let the pocket linings fall out from under the shorts ala Britney Spears which says “look, there’s my beer can in the bushes” instead of “scenic lion-watching in the veldt.”

Made in the shade. Glasses and hats are a must whether you are braving the wilds of the New York Zoo or the Zimbabwe nature preserves. One hundred percent UV-blocking sunglasses in an aviator style are perfect with a traditional pith helmet. Don’t want hard hat hair? Stick with a cotton topper with at least a three-inch brim. Wash all fabrics with a UV-protecting laundry additive like Sun Guard, from RIT, which gives you SPF 30+ for at least eight washings.

Go forth and conquer, dear hunters, and make sure you snag an extra handsome man for yours truly. Till next time, happy hunting.

by Christina Kale

Resort-o-Rama: Looking Good at the Beach

It's always a double-edged sword--a fantastic invite to a beach house sounds relaxing but parading around in the social equivalent of underwear can inspire dread in even the skinniest female.

What to do? Well, here are a few tips on what to pack and how to wear it.

First, make sure that you pack your bathing suit in your carry-on.
This is important as luggage is often late and occasionally never arrives at your end destination. If you take care to pack a bathing suit (two-piece), a lightweight sarong and a pair of flip flops you are set for at least two days without luggage. You see, the bathing suit can be used in place of underwear and washing it every night involves wearing it during your before-bed shower. It's Lycra, so it will dry quickly and be ready for wear once again in the morning. Plus, for those of us who feel uncomfortable showing our stomachs (that would be 99.9% of the female population, thank you very much) you can use the sarong as a waist tie coverup or loop it around the neck and then the bustline like a halter dress. You would be surprised how far an opaque sarong in a silk or silk blend can get you. Cocktails, anyone?

Secondly, pasty pale skin is an invitation for gawking (not to mention sunburn). High SPF is crucial especially when you've been hiding under sweaters for months. Try the L'Oreal line with Mexoryl. The top-notch european sunscreen additive gives you the highest SPF protection without the greasy zinc oxide-lifeguard look of the '80s. Keep an eye out for L'Oreal La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX. Neutrogena's Helioplex additives in their long-wearing sunscreen provide nearly the same effect for half the cost.

If you're embarassed to have your ghostly legs out and about for everyone to see, try a little body bronzer. A lotion with self-tanner additives will provide you some light color if you begin applying it at least two weeks in advance but body bronzers such as Scott Barnes' Body Bling can give you a light toasty glow in just minutes without the harsh orange undertones of most self-tanning sprays and lotions. Plus, no orange palms to give away your secret!

Third, be realistic about your vacation. Sure, it's nice to think that you'll be wearing heels in the sand at fabulous cocktail parties but how many times does that actually happen? And when it does, do you ever really enjoy yourself as you try to avoid teetering into the ocean navigating the ubiquitous beach-side BBQ? Take some cute flats and slip-ons and be done with it. As always, pedicures are a necessity, ladies, since those feet have been hiding in winter boots and are probably looking a little scary.

Lastly, a hat. Yes, I know, you look like Ethel Merman in a hat but think of the alternative. A hat now saves a facelift later. Sun exposure is the number one aging influence on our skin. Would you rather wear a hat today or look like a leather handbag in 10 years?
Hmmmm? I'd rather find a snappy hat with at least a three-inch brim and wear that sucker with confidence knowing that all those wake-and- bakes that are snickering at me behind my back will be envious of my youthful unlined un-sun spotted skin down the road. Keep a pair of sunglasses on at all times when you are outside as well. Not only does it prevent crows-feet from squinting and keep harmful UV rays away from the thinnest skin on your face but it helps prevent macular degeneration (that would be going blind because of damage to your eyes from UV rays). Prevention is the key to long-lasting beauty so put on that hat and work it!

Other things to bring along to the beach include reading material, water bottle (hydrated skin is plump skin), an army of t-shirts in quick-dry fabrics with Lycra-blends, at least three bathing suits for rotational purposes (no one likes to put on a wet bathing suit--ick), and a pair of walking shorts. Shopping is always on the agenda but you may occasionally foray off into the wilderness of whatever locale you are visiting to view, say, Mayan ruins. It helps to have a pair of shorts you are comfortable walking distances in so you don't have to trek through the jungle in a pair of terrycloth short-shorts and a tank top. Your cute slip-ons (try the new ones from Keds) will suffice for medium-distance jaunts but consider an actual hybrid hiking shoe if you are going anywhere that involves rocks, steep inclines, or lots of stairs.

Next week: Safari! How to look good in the outback.

by Christina Kale

Ski Boots Roasting on an Open Fire

A lodge, a roaring fire, a cup of hot chocolate what's better than a ski vacation in the dead of winter? Of course, a ski trip is only enjoyable if you don't get frostbite on your nose, toes, and other exposed digits so listen up. Here's what to wear (and be seen wearing) on the slopes this winter.

1. Jacket. Obviously you'll need to wear a coat and there are lots of stylish options this season. Pick one with a windproof and/or waterproof outer shell and a reasonably thick inner layer. It helps to have a removable inner layer if you're a sweaty skier who strips down halfway through the day from overheating. Anatomically shaped jackets make for a cleaner, streamlined silhouette. Try the ones from Nike with the handy stereo inner pocket or Columbia's new models with an inner water bottle pocket.

Taped seams and waterproof zippers round out the options. Bright citrus color blocks, lilacs, slate grays, and other earth tones are a great option this season and you'll never go wrong with the classic monochrome silhouette in black or gray. Just stay away from the one-piece suit unless you enjoy looking like a cast member from That 70s Show.

2. The layers underneath. Underlayers should be polypropylene, fleece, wool or silk. Stay away from cotton as it absorbs moisture and holds it close to your skin. Better choices are long underwear shirts from The North Face, Burton, or Columbia. Stick with something opaque so you can disrobe down to your inner layer if you have to.

3. Captain Underpants. Waterproof pants that are slim-fitting but still allow you to move comfortably are a necessity. Try a classic snowboarding pant instead of the traditional ski pant. They are cut roomier through the thigh (where we all need help, yes?) and have that extra length at the bottom to give you a edgy look sans high-waters.

4. Sock me once, shame on me. Thick socks in a water-wicking fabric will help keep the blisters from forming and the frostbite from kicking in. The North Face makes some fantastic ones that are high enough to peek out from under your snow boots a must so your socks don't get bunched up around your ankle or rub against your calf during the day.

5. Hat head. It goes without saying that hats and gloves are mandatory as well. Although, if you aren't a hat lover you should at least wear a headband to cover your ears. After all, something has to hold those iPod earbuds in, right?

Remember to choose a waterproof glove. New models have snotwipers built into the thumb/wrist section so you can wipe your nose or squeegee your goggles with a handy index finger micro-squeegee. Burton and Columbia make nice models that fit women's hands without excess fabric around the wrist.

6. I can't see you. Goggles should be 100% UV ray blocking and should fit comfortably on your face without leaving you feeling like your eyes are being sucked out of your head. I recently bought a pair of Dragon goggles with the breast cancer pink ribbon on it. A certain percentage of my purchase was donated to breast cancer research which I thought made the $80.00 price tag a bit more palatable.

Lastly, here are three extra things you should never ski (or snowboard) without:

A fabric handkerchief: Snotty tissues freeze up and get crusty. No one like to wipe their nose with a tissue all squashed up into the size of a silver dollar. Get a nice cotton or other fabric handkerchief and you will find your nose feels better (and you can blow it more often) and you'll be less chapped by the end of the day.

Original Chapstick: the clear type can be used for everything from chapped lips to chapped noses, blisters, and anything in between. Don't use Cherry Chapstick, though, unless you purposely want to look like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

A helmet: Yes, I know, it sometimes looks dorky. However, vegetablizing yourself on the slopes your third day out is a lot more painful than dealing with helmet head. Besides, my helmet (from the Burton R.E.D. Line) has a cool skull and crossbones on it so it's stylish as well as protective Just remember, you can always brush your hat head out but you can't always repair a fractured noggin.

Enjoy your ski vacation!

Next week: Tropical islands preparing for Spring Break!

by Christina Kale

Hotel, Sweet Hotel

So now you've arrived at your destination. Hot, tired, cranky, blister-ridden (if you didn't wear cute sneakers like I told you to)--at least you look presentable, right? Right. The only thing worse than traveling in style is arriving in style at a $39.99 per night lodging establishment where a Denny's next door qualifies as the hotel's hot breakfast facility.

Fear not, dear traveler, I have two magic words that will make your heart sing. Executive living. Say it with me. Synonymous with elegance, comfort, and most importantly space, executive living is actually cheaper than the average hotel room per night.

Feast your eyes on these numbers.

Executive apartment = $55-$60 per night
Hotel = $80 and up per night

I could stop right there, but I won't.

Average square footage in a hotel room = 250 Average square footage in an executive short-term rental = 750

Plus, executive rentals are fully-furnished, have full kitchen facilities, and offer apartment living amenities such as washers/dryers in every unit. I've stayed in executive quarters with granite counter tops, leather furniture and hot tubs on balconies that overlooked high-priced parcels of land like Central Park. Yummy, yes? (Note to self: There are variations on this theme, of course, such as bed-and-breakfasts and condotels hotels comprised of condos which the owners lease back to the hotel for use as room space.)

Of course, no home-away-from-home is quite as dear as the real thing but there are several ways to make your sojourn more bearable.

1.Pictures of loved ones. Carry them. Preferably in a tasteful leather flip album small enough to fit in a carry-on but large enough to stand upright on an end table. After all, they're who you're working for, right? My album happens to have a picture of my dog, two parakeets, and the sailboat I've been hungering after for many long years of saving. Perhaps yours will contain spouses, children, that sort of thing. Whatever it is that your heart desires most should always be close at hand; so get an album and pack it full of what you love most.

2.Sheets. Yes, I know, it is terrible to think about lugging your Egyptian cotton 400-counts all the way to Milwaukee, but think about the alternative! First things first enter the hotel room and take that bedspread off the bed and throw it in the corner of the room. And leave it there. That dirty piece of fabric harbors more germs than a public restroom floor. Why would you want to put your face or any other body part near it? Ick. At least endeavor to bring your own pillowcase.

3.Travel candle. Of course, don't leave anything burning unattended; but do bring a scented candle to help relax you after a hard-charging day of business machinations. Soy-based candles are best as they burn for quite a long time. Always choose a hemp or natural zinc wick since most other commercial wicks contain lead. Not good. Most travel-size candles come in sizes around 4 ounces and usually have some sort of lid so your high heels don't poke a hole in them during transit.

4.Small bottle of Woolite. My mother told me to always have Woolite and, not surprisingly, it has saved my bacon more than once. If you need to quick-clean an item of clothing or undergarment you can use Woolite in the sink and the item will clean up just as nicely as if you had put it in the washer. Also, a handy packet of stain-remover wipes or the fancy to-go pens from Tide comes in handy if you and your spaghetti lunch got a little too close for comfort.

5.A robe. It would seem redundant to pack this; but it really comes in useful uses include after showering, answering a room-service order, running down to the ice-machine or out to get the newspaper on the front porch of your fancy executive apartment. Plus, there are times when we realize the last thing we want to lounge around in is a pair of business slacks but we don't exactly want to lounge around naked either. This fills the gap. Try a mid-length robe in satin or silk to bring a sense of luxury to everyday activities.

Next week we'll discuss travel fashion such as what to wear to destinations such as ski lodges, tropical resorts, weddings, etc. First up: Skiing

by Christina Kale

Wash the Meeting Right Out of Your...Suit?

A washable suit, you say? Yes! And no, I haven't been breathing too much dry cleaning chemicals—it's true! It's fashionable! It's CHEAP!

And it's from Lands End. Don't stop reading—I know you are as surprised as I am to see Lands End and fashionable in the same sentence but they have long been an underutilized resource for low-priced durable clothing basics.

Their 2-button Peak Label Commuter Blazer is a soft, flexible polyester/rayon/spandex blend that hugs your figure without constricting your blood flow. It's fully lined, options include regular lapels and peak lapels and flapped welt pockets. Plus, it comes with matching pants in a variety of colors like heather gray, black, and some nice herringbone/plaid combos that actually look pretty spiffy. For only $89.00 (jacket) and $79.00 for the pants it's a steal of a deal traveling businesswomen shouldn't pass up.

No wrinkles allowed. As with faces, pants look better without wrinkles.
The clothing equivalent of Botox happens to be (gasp) microfiber pants from LL Bean. I don't know what it is about major retailers nowadays, but they have really stepped up to the plate in practical women's fashion. These pants (retailing at $69) come in great neutrals and have clean tailored lines that won't pile excess baggage on your hips even when you're lugging major baggage through the airport. Plus, like the Lands End suit, these LL Bean pants are machine washable. Available with a matching slim-line blazer ($129) in a variety of sizes—even petites—these pants are a fantastic “I've been sitting for 12 hours but you'd never know it” wardrobe choice.

No shirt, no shoes, no upgrade. Yes, it is possible to get an upgrade to first class if you ask nicely, check in early, and do lots of other things recommend by top travel sites like WikiHow (see bottom of article for link to article) but you'll never get past that eagle-eyed flight attendant manning the curtain that separates the cattle in economy from the exalted few in first class if you don't look the part. This means the following—if your toes are visible, your pants have more than three holes (that would be where your waist and legs stick out), or your luggage involves the words bag, Walmart, and soiled beyond repair you may as well give up, honey, cause it ain't happening.

First of all, you need to look like you belong in First Class. This means you need to look like money. No need to dress in green, however, just keep in mind these simple tips--

a. Clothing should be conservative. Look like you're going to a meeting even if you aren't. No slogans, pajama pants, sloppy sweatshirts with stains from who-knows-what. Covered shoes. High heels are good if you can manage to swing it but a spiffy sneaker (that has never seen the inside of a gymnasium, please) or a driving moccasin would be just fine. Get thee a washable, non-wrinkling suit from the fine purveyors mentioned in the above paragraphs and you should be well on your way.

b. Hair should be reasonably styled. No bedhead. No pink streaks (unless you really are a rock star in which case Hello! Why are you reading this!?). Make an effort to appear well-groomed. A sleek ponytail or bun works well and you can easily repair any damage done on previous flights with a little touch-up time in the concourse bathrooms.

c.Carry-on items should be in good condition. I saw a woman bring a Walmart bag on board once as a carry-on. And I don't mean bought-this-in-the-airport-last-minute Walmart bag. There was clearly thought that had gone into this as she sat down and pulled out a hairbrush—which she promptly started using eewww—and a paperback novel.
And a granola bar.

Please don't do this. Get a nice, basic black nylon bag if you can't afford anything else. If it gets scuffed or stained you can always redye it black and no one will notice. If you can afford a nicer bag, try a rolling briefcase or a leather handbag large enough to carry a magazine, your electronic reader and headphones (all mentioned in my last article).

d.Be polite and gracious. If you cower up to the flight attendant and meekly ask if it'd be ok—and it's really ok if you don't, I mean, if you're full and all—if you sat in first class she/he will look at you and think one thing and one thing only.

Loser. That's not a First Class word, people. At least try to stand up straight, look them in the eye, and politely ask them if it would be acceptable if you sat in First Class if there was an available seat.
Fake it till you make it, my mother always said. And she was right!

Well, I'm off on another trip to the exotic locale of Mishawauka (Land of Culture and Refinement) so I will leave you till next week. Keep an eye out for my next installment where we'll talk about looking great once you arrive at your destination (where, dear one, your luggage should already be waiting since you FedEx'd it, didn't you?). Till next week, happy traveling!

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-an-Upgrade-to-First-Class

by Christina Kale

Take Off, Plug In and Zone Out

Ahhh…What to do when a transatlantic flight is currently in its fifth straight showing of Little Miss Sunshine ? Pull out your handy travel gadgetry (which you will have stowed next to your important carry-on items detailed in the last article) and begin one of the following activities:

1. Watch a movie. Yes, I know you get free movies on board—sometimes. Those movies are more often than not on the same par with the snacks airlines give you nowadays. That is to say, short, unfulfilling, and few and far between. If Battlestar Galactica doesn’t interest you (or even if it does) you can always catch up on your must-see movie list with your portable DVD player from Panasonic. The LS50 will play CDs and DVDs for ten hours (yes, that’s probably more Sex and the City than any woman can take in one sitting especially the woman next to Mr. I-Hope-I-Remembered-To-Put-On-Deodorant). The $350 price tag makes this model a bit steep (cheaper ones can be found at Target, Circuit City, Walmart and other retailers) but the dual headphone jacks make sharing easy and the crystal-clear 7-inch screen (that’s a diagonal measurement, by the way) is big enough to catch the action but not so big that your the lid hits the seatback in front of you when it’s sitting on your fold-out tray.

2. Keep your laptop up and running. Not in the mood for movies? Prefer to work instead? Make sure you have a universal auto/airplane adapter like the $110 on from iPowerPro. I recently traveled on a 10-hour jaunt and left my airline adapter at home (stupid me). Luckily, the InMotion stores located in most major airports carry the iPowerPro in stock so get thee to one post-haste. This handy gadget provides you an all-in-one automobile adapter, airplane adapter, USB charging port, and AC output source. If you can’t charge it on the iPowerPro, it’s outdated and you probably need a new one anyway.

3. Laptop? What laptop? Gasp! No laptop? Get out of the technological dark ages by toting a fancy-schmancy Flybook . This laptops feature a touch-screen that rotates around closing flat into a tablet PC. You can use your fingers, a stylus, or open it up and use the keyboard. Plus, you can write on the screen with the stylus and the Flybook automatically converts your writing into text. How handy is that? It comes with all the top-shelf software and internet connectivity as well as accessories like Flyscan (an impossibly small yet powerful scanner that powers off a USB connection). Of course, you’ll pay upwards of two grand for the privilege of owning a Flybook but those of us who travel frequently wouldn’t be caught dead without one.

4. I can’t hear you. Bose has cheesy commercials but there’s no denying their best-selling noise cancelling headphones are a dream come true. Useful around the house (for those of you with family who enjoy extremely loud music or movies at odd hours) and a necessity on the plane, these headphones fold flat for easy storage. Just ask yourself which is more important—arriving well-rested and relaxed or irritated because you had bad seat juju and were stuck next to the crying infant/snoring guy/won’t-stop-talking-dude. Even if you don’t have them plugged into anything, these headphones put off a very businesslike “I’m resting for a long day of important business things and can’t be bothered” vibe that usually repels the most hardcore chatterers.

5. Read on, Oh Reading Reader. Tired of breaking your back lugging tons of books? If you’re like me and read quickly it can become really tiring really fast to lug enough books onboard to occupy yourself during a 10-hour flight. Solution? The Sony Reader. Hardcore bibliophiles will no doubt be skeptical—do not be deterred. As intoxicating as the smell and feel of a freshly-printed page may be, the ability to carry 7,500 pages of material, photographs, newsfeeds, and other printed materials in one 9 oz, ½ inch thick media device is too tempting to ignore. And so I bought one. And I love it.

The pages are clear, my eyes don’t hurt after six hours of reading, I don’t need the reading light on the plane to find out who-done-it and—most importantly—I never run out of bestsellers since new books are a download away. If you love to read more than you love to watch movies (as in number one) shell out the $350 for the Sony Reader instead—or in addition to—the DVD player and get ready to have your reading habits revolutionized.

6. Just say no. Just say no to another sore shoulder tote-of-horrors, that is. Splurge on a McKlein W Series Glen Ellen travel case with detachable wheels/handle from eBags. Yes, we all want to be the streamlined chic woman dashing through the airport in stilettos and a handbag barely big enough for a breath mint , but face it—you are never going to be that woman. And neither am I. Which is why I broke down, bought a great leather bag in a fabulous color with a handle and wheels and crammed all my electronics in it. This way, when I am flying past the woman in stilettos (because I am wearing stylish sneakers and can move faster than she can) I will not have to choose between scoliosis or making my 10 a.m. connection. I can have both form and function because my McKlein bag goes from concourse to boardroom without losing its functionality. After all, $200 isn’t bad for a bag that does double duty, is it?

Next week…fashion on the go. A washable suit, pants that won’t wrinkle, and what outfits give you the best chance at a first-class complimentary upgrade.

Happy traveling!

by Christina Kale

Twice the Fun in Half the Luggage

Travel much? If you’ve even dared to venture into an airport lately you know how tiring it can be to stand in line at security, publicly disrobe, surrender all your liquids (who knew mascara was a liquid!?), and cram yourself cattle-car style into a metal tube with the rest of the impoverished masses. Fortunately, I am here to share several personal tips and tricks that will make your next trip much more enjoyable whether it be ninety minutes or nine hours.

One: We’ve all seen those crazy people at curbside check-in, bags falling down, hair all over the place, trying desperately to get identification tags on all their bags before the porter takes them away. Do yourself—and the rest of us—a favor and please use the cute luggage tags from flight001. Tongue-in-cheek labeling such as “This only looks like your black bag” and popular “go away” in large white letters insure your bags make it home with you—not the weird lady in aisle 6.

Two: Stop deluding yourself. You know you’re going to have to take off your shoes when you enter security so take a deep breath and be prepared for once, please. The cure is a cute retro-style sneaker sure to please both your fashion sense and your feet. Plus, you can slip the sneakers off easily for security checks and the socks (without holes, please) enable you avoid all those icky bare feet germs lurking on that suspicious rubber matting.

Three: Stash that boarding pass, luggage claim tag, and passport/identification in a handy microfiber document case. Of course, you can always upgrade from the dime-store zippered pencil holder to a snazzy leather number from Wilson’s Leather or eBags—just find something that works for you and keeps all those important papers organized and, most importantly, close at hand.

Four: Carryon with care. No, you do not need the entire contents of Borders Bookstore to survive the thirty minute commuter from Newark to JFK. You do, however, need the following items on any flight longer than half an hour.

Acupressure motion-sickness wristbands. The only thing worse than sitting next to the puking family is being the puking family. Turbulence—like seatmates—can never be predicted so arm yourself with a cure that doesn’t require liquid (which was confiscated in security anyway) or make you wait thirty minutes until the medicine kicks in by which time you have already humiliated yourself and met the airsickness bag up close and personal.

Floss. Those airplane mini-morsels they sell to you after your blood sugar—and your willpower—have hit rock bottom always leave a bad taste in your mouth and stuff stuck in between your teeth. Don’t brush your teeth in the airplane sink, however, since that water comes from tanks onboard that have been sitting stagnant for god knows how long. Instead, try a little floss and a finger toothbrush kit from Gerber. Yes, it’s for babies, but the delicious all-natural preservative-free apple and banana flavored gels will have you feeling fresh in no time.

Earplugs. A note of caution on the earplug issue: make sure you purchase airline-approved earplugs or all you’ll do is cause yourself a giant headache. Earplugs made for air travel allow your inner ear to equalize pressure while still blocking the sound of 34F’s ridiculous snoring. Plus, they give off a wonderful anti-social vibe that prevents even the most persistent chatterbox from verbally drowning you.

Eye Mask. This is a no-brainer. Whether you’re sitting next to Lucy Lookie-Loo performing her amazing windows-up, windows-down routine or Mr. Will Turn Into A Pile Of Dust If Exposed To Natural Light, a satin eyeshade blends your entire trip into one nice uniform shade of gray. However, dear reader, don’t purchase a velvet or microfiber eyeshade since the friction of the fabric against your eyelids can chafe after a few hours. Stick with satin, silk or another such slippery fabric.

Inflatable Neck Pillow: Yes, you make look a wee bit obsessive puffing into this plasticized pillow but you’ll thank me—and yourself—when you can squash it down post-flight to the size of a handi-wipe while everyone else throws their backs out lugging around gigantic chiropractic monstrosities.

Thing to splurge on: Your own blanket and a pair of disposable socks. Think about it—how many people’s faces (and other parts) have been on those “gently used” airline blankets? About four hundred. A day. Ick. Save yourself and your immune system by bringing along your own microfiber blanket. It’s the supermodel of cover-ups--machine-washable, fits in small places, and gives fantastic warmth for something so thin. Same story with the socks—sometimes a girl just needs to stretch her feet and a pair of socks you can toss on your way out the door make your economy coach seat a little less cramped without you having to worry your little head about catching some exotic toe fungus.

Next Article: More carryon essentials and my favorite travel-friendly gadgets.

by Christina Kale