jessica mcdougall

Suzi from Nesting recommended I visit Amelie's - A French Bakery (in Charlotte's NODA district) and I am so happy she did. What a delightful little spot to have a meal or meet with a friend.

When we walked in, Gabrielle was checking out all the pastries and I wanted to say "I'll have whatever is cooking" because the smell was incredible.

I decided on the Sandwich Jambon (thinly sliced ham on a buttered baguette) with added gruyere cheese and a lemonade. And brought home two cream puffs and a sourdough loaf to share with Jeffrey.

And they have this delightful chandelier hanging in the foyer that I'm having Brend Ische of Ische Interiors recreate for our kitchen!

Received this request from Ashley:

Jessica, Could you recommend some winter boots that are fashionable but also practical for snow?

Your question came at the right time!

 

I just saw the above image of how to customize your Hunter boots on Neiman Marcus's site. (I love their boots and can't wait to get them for Gabrielle when she is big enough!). 

And then I saw a post of the "Top 10 Chicest Snow Boots" from W Magazine. My favorite from their selections (circled above) is the MoovBoot. I've never seen these before! Simple, chic, and lined with sheepskin - with a reasonable price of US$128 for the tall boot and US$199 for the mid-calf. Definitely check out their fun website.

Received this question/comment from Robin:

I love looking at your "today's style." You have such great tops. Love how you layer and manage to change it up. Was wondering what to have as basics for tops in your wardrobe for day to day and a good place to purchase these "basics." I have a hard time finding tops that fit well and wash well, still look hip, and weaning myself from shopping in the junior department.

Hi Robin - Thanks for your comments and for visiting my blog! I've been at a bit of a disadvantage over the last few months while breastfeeding! Every outfit I've worn has a nursing tank at the base of it. I am looking forward to being able to wear dresses again and not having to lift my shirt up and get it wrinkled and wet (although I am loving every moment of breastfeeding!).

Here are the three basic categories of tops I would build into a wardrobe:

1. Snug fitting tanks to use as your first layer. If you have have any problem areas, this base tank can give you comfort or a more smooth appearance. (Try Spanx.) I like tank tops that are neutral colors - black, white, beige. And my favorite lines are James Perse and MIchael Stars.

2. High quality t-shirts. There are so many brands on the market now. American Apparel is a good go to for t-shirts. Sometimes their men's tees are a better fit. I like J.Crew (their sale section always has lots of basic tees), Splendid (they also have super cute kids stuff), and LnA. To keep your tees in top-notch condition, use a mild detergent and don't put them in the dryer. Let them hang dry and iron them. They'll last longer, maintain their quality better, and you'll feel more polished in a pressed garment.

3. Fun, flirty tops that could be dressed up or dressed down. This is where you can play with the trends and color. Take a chance. Look for things that are different. I wish I could suggest to go vintage here so you could find some one of kind pieces - but a lot of the vintage tops I've found don't always have the best fit. So unless you're willing to invest in some tailoring, stick with new clothing. And when you're thinking of purchasing a top that may be too trendy, outside your comfort zone, or a risky color choice imagine it as part of two to three different outfits. If you can't think of that many ways of wearing it, pass.

Here's an example: With this Tibi top, my first thought is to pair it with black leggings with more of a tunic look. Second thought to pair it with some casual shorts and a chic sandal. Third thought is tucked into black denim (as they show in their example). It would also be fun to wear this with something really bright like a hot pink pair of jeans, or another black/white print that contrasts but compliments. Because the ideas for this one keep popping into my head, this would be a good choice. (Note that because the fit of this top is versatile, that opens up more options - let loose, tucked or untucked, etc.)

On the other side of the fence, I really like this D&G top too. But because it's a more structured piece, it's limited in the amount of ways you can wear it. Their stylist paired it with white short shorts. I'd rather see it with a slim fitting pair rolled up boyfriend jeans. That's about the extent of how I would want to wear this one, because I don't think it would look good with many other shapes (especially not a skirt).

I think many people stay shopping in the junior department because the fit may be better (if you're slim or petite) or the prices may be more in your budget range. The best way to get out of the junior department is to invest in some great lifetime pieces that you can wear again and again because they have an exception fit and quality. The you can use inexpensive pieces from the junior department (or shops like Forever 21) to spice the better staples up now and again.

Received this request from Vicki:

I have been on the hunt seems like forever for  neutral colored medium sized hobo bag that is great for everyday use. Any suggestions?

Here are a couple that I like...

And here are a few others (click on the image for more details and pricing)...

   

I received this fashion question from Vera:

I am a 37 year old mother of two and I love all of the flowy dresses that are out these days. Most of the dresses I see have spaghetti straps and I will wear a light cardigan over the dress.

My dilemma is that many of the pretty I dresses I love are very low cut in the front. I am very petite (5'1") so those dresses really are low in the front for me. I prefer to wear underwire bras to keep everything in the right place.

What type of undergarments would your recommend that won't distract from the pretty dress, but will provide modesty with the low cut front?

The image to the right is a similar bodice style that I'm not sure what to wear underneath. 

Below is my response. Deep v-neck lines are my most favorite. I also believe they are the most flattering - no matter what the chest size is. I wear them often under another layer like this.

Here are my suggestions for the most flattering way to enhance a deep v-neck look.

If you're starting with this (1.) as the dress neckline - be sure to keep whatever you wear underneath it in the same neckline family. Nothing should horizontally cross the v line. I would start with a plunge bra (2.). This will give you support and a beautiful beginning. You could stop there if you're going for a more dramatic look. If you're looking for something a bit more conservative, I would add a second layer (3.) or (4.). You can make these as conservative as you like, but the goal is to continue the v line, even if the undergarment v is much higher than the dress v. No straight across the chest camis! That ruins the flattering look of the v. I especially like a bit of detail (4.) to pop out from a very simple v-neck dress. But if the dress is busy, keep the undergarments that you may see simple (3.).

I received the following email from Barbara:

Hi Jessica, I've been a lurking fan of your blog and love your posts when you've offered advice to others. I would totally appreciate if you have the time for my small dilemma. My husband and I are going to a black tie event this Friday. I'm wearing this dress (see left image below) in this color (see right image below). It's a silvery blue with a shimmer to it. I bought silver strappy heels to wear with it and plan to put my hair up with a sparkly clip since I can't see a necklace with this. My question is, what type of bracelet and earrings would you wear with this?  I'm really looking for ideas like "silver bangle," "sparkly wide tennis bracelet,"  "cuff,"  "hoops," or  "dangles."  I'm not great at accessorizing so would appreciate any input on this. A little more info that might help too is that I'm 45 years old and 6' tall. So with my height I can do bold but usually prefer things that are more dainty. I'm willing to go out of my comfort zone though. Oh and finally, it must be costume. I won't be buying any diamonds for this event.  :)

Here is my response...

Because there are stones on the dress, I would keep the earrings either very simple or go with some loud, huge statement ones and very little other jewelry.I would go for a big statement bracelet and potentially a really fun ring. If you want to keep a color palette of blue/silver based on the dress and shoes, here are some accessory suggestions...

In hair – this would be super cute!

Bracelet — I love both this and this chunky bracelet.

You can also make a really chunky bracelet by wrapping a necklace like this around your wrist several times. Earrings - something sparkly and pretty and super inexpensive like these!

 
Ring – nice size, lots of sparkle, very diamond like (without the price) like this or this.

 

But if you’re wanting to take some risks...I think it would be fun to add a wild pop of color. Something like these. And this could be a definite conversation starter!

  I hope the event is wonderful!

Received an email from Tylene and here are the details of her request for dress suggestions...

Tylene is attending her sister's wedding this June in Los Angeles. She is looking for a dress for the rehearsal dinner. She is extremely petite (5'1" and 100 lbs). The dinner will be held at "a trendy Latin restaurant/club" and after dinner they will be going dancing so she needs a dress that "will transition from dinner to dancing." Something "elegant but fun."

She would prefer not to wear black since the event is in the summer and she'd like to spend no more than $200. She loves to wear jewel tone colors - purple, pinks, red, blues - but also black and chocolate brown. If she has a bit of a tan, she also likes oranges and lighter shades of green. I asked her what color she considers a risk and she said nude colors. She said, "I love the nudes J.Lo occasionally wears on the red carpet/special events but when I try on these colors I feel a bit washed out." And she is 40 but doesn't look it!

Her hair color and skin remind me a lot of Kourtney Kardashian - and I think she would be a great hair/makeup inspiration for Tylene to use when getting ready for the event.

 

Here are some of the dresses I think would be great for Tylene based on the picture she sent me, what she wrote above, and my own style instincts.
 
 
I think this J.Crew brown and pink dress would be adorable and fun to wear. The bright blue T-bags dress is flirty but fun and the material they use feels incredible against the skin. I love both the color and the back of this turquoise Banana Republic dress. I think the color would look incredible on Tylene - she'd need to do a more nude lip and eye, similar to the right Kourtney K picture above.

This nude Caroline Hedaya dress is more of a color risk for Tylene, but with the right hair and makeup, it would look amazing! The orange Banana Republic dress is a bit more casual, but still fun, flirty, age appropriate, and would be a blast to dance in. The last T-Bags dress is a unique mix of color and I love the one strap look.

The key will be in alterations because of your super small frame. Make sure whatever dress you do choose fits you right and flatters your best assets.

I received a question from Carrie in AZ that read...

My husband and I are planning a 7-day trip to a theme park where we plan on being at the theme parks for 6 of the 7 days, from open to close. We will be visiting when the temperatures will be cold, so I know that I will be wearing jeans and close-toed shoes. In the past, I have typically worn athletic shoes, jeans and polo shirts, but I'm wondering what my options out there are to be fashionable, yet comfortable (especially the shoes since I'll be walking/standing for about 12 hours each day). What would your words of wisdom be?

Here's my response: Start with the shoes. My favorites - that can still be comfortable - are flat boots. To make them even more comfortable for the long day on your feet and lots of walking, you can easily add Dr. Scholls comfort inserts. I love leggings tucked into boots. It's chic and warm and comfortable. It gives a sleek look too.

Athletic shoes can be stylish if they're lightweight ones that aren't super bulky. (And adding the inserts can give them extra padding as well.) When trying on flat shoes, I typically buy at least a half bigger size that what feels comfortable in the store. That gives you extra room for socks!

Carrie's question comes to me at a great time - because I have been much more comfort concerned as a traveler lately. Below are a couple of outfit ideas I pulled from my outfit archive that may inspire Carrie for the upcoming trip. (They're all traveling outfits.) I think the key to feeling chic at any time is lightweight layers that give you the warmth you need - but help keep you from feeling too bulky.

 
Specifically for an amusement park, I would stick with leggings, denim, super soft t-shirts, and warm but lightweight sweaters. I'd add a great little backpack for snacks, wallet, and goodies. I'll be packing this weekend for a trip to Europe next week. I'm including the above items as well as a couple floor length dresses that I can wear leggings underneath.

The final thing I've found that helps me feel more stylish, even in sportier gear, is taking the time to do my hair really cute. I'd love to hear if you have any other recommendations for Carrie.

Have a great trip, Carrie!

I received a question from Jennifer that reads:

I love reading the fashion tips on your blog and I know you sometimes discuss make up and skin care. What suggestions do you have for under eye circles? I've always had somewhat dark circles under my eyes, but as I've gotten older I feel like maybe they are more prominent. If it helps or makes any difference, I'm of Asian descent, and I never wear makeup, ever. Thanks so much, and have a great day! Jen

Thanks for the question, Jen. Each person and their situation is different, but I'm happy to share what has worked best for me in the hope that you can takeaway the pieces you'd like to try and implement them for your own success.

Under eye circles have been one of my biggest complaints as well. But the more I looked at photographs of myself, the more it became apparent that the hollow line was more what I was concerned about than a dark circle. I don't believe in any cream or potion having the ability to positively impact dark under eye circles or hollows. Quit buying them! You can spend a fortune on them because they're always trying to convince you of their latest and greatest invention to combat your issue.

Last March, I had some Restylane filler put into my undereye hollows and that is the best, true cure I have found that actually works. There are lots of little things you can do like get more sleep, elevate your head while sleeping, put iced cucumbers on your eyes early in the morning, and find a great concealer.

The filler worked excellent for me because it filled in the hollow area that was casting a shadow and creating the appearance of the dark under eye area. I haven't had it done again since then, and the hollows have begun to reappear. I'd like to do it again in the future because it was the best fix I've discovered. The procedure cost around $250 and was mildly uncomfortable. The benefit was that it created a smooth area that made me feel comfortable enough to go without concealer. If you compare the cost of buying under eye creams and concealers for one year to the one-time filler injection, it's quite equal.

Best of luck to you!

I received this email from Chellie:

I am 5'8" and weigh about 132. I wear size 8. I'm 30 years old and have 9, 3, and 1 year old... so I'm a mom. I'm headed to Mexico the second week of June, it will be in the 90's. We're going to a small fishing town to do some deep sea fishing and lay out by the pool. There is a small town we can walk into for food or to do souvenir shopping, but that is it. It's no Puerto Vallerta or Cabo or Cancun, etc. Here's is the catch. We are meeting up with three of my dad's brothers and their wives and some of their kids (my cousins). I have never met any of these cousins before and the couple I have were just little babies when I did. They are now 18 years old and older! I haven't seen my dad's brothers for 7 years. The last time I saw them I was almost 200 lbs and wearing a size 18. I will love to look good while I'm there, but not sure where to start. I want to look fashionable and all put together and be proud of my almost 70 lb weight loss. Last time they saw me, I was big and it's my first time meeting some of the cousins. I need swim gear, cover-ups, outfits/sundresses. I'm not even sure what is cool and what to get anymore! I need help. I also don't have a huge budget to blow for a week of clothes, so I need help putting some things together. Is this something you can help me with? 

Wow, this is so exciting. I'm always intrigued by weight loss and how it can positively affect not only how people feel physically, but the tremendous improvement it creates in one's mental health. Nice work, Chellie. Whenever I'm going on a beach or relaxing vacation, I try to remember in packing that that is the point of the trip. So the first rule is don't stress too much about what you bring. Make some wise choices, bring cute accessories (that you can find for very cheap), and try to focus on enjoying the time with your family. Soak in the sun (use suncreen!) and come back feeling better than ever with the motivation to continue on your path of healthy living. I've wrote before about how packing for beach trips is one of my favorite things because I get to bring out items that I don't often get to wear. In Chellie's situation, I would use funds to get two great bathing suits that make you feel amazing - then work some outfits around them with what you already own - and finally, get some great accessories (hats, jewelry, fancy sandals, sunglasses) that are inexpensive but festive. Those little things will tie your outfits together and make you feel fashionable. Your family is going to be so blown away by your effort and drive to lose weight - they may not even notice your outfits - and that's a good reminder to pick things YOU like as opposed to dressing for someone else.

NOTE: If you're going to do heels at the pool, make sure they're a wedge heel. Stilettos are too over the top with a bathing suit.

I'm loving all the retro bathing suit styles this year. I think they compliment a lot of body types and you can make them modern by what you pair them with. Here are some delightful accessories that can help bring the flair and fashion to your outfits that you're hoping for!

And here are some of my beach and swim inspirations:

Hope you have a great trip!

Received a question from Tammy T that read:

I'm going on a family trip to Hawaii and could use your help in planning what to pack! I just did a little spree of shopping at the Gap for some t-shirts, dresses, etc. but could use your help. It's a trip with my family of four and my extended family (parents, my sis, her hub, and their 8-year-old daughter). My question is this: How can I pack and be fashionable, but not be told I'm "fussy" or "high-maintenance." As you can guess, my extended family can be my support but also my biggest critic! I understand that Hawaii can be humid, which my husband and I experienced in Ziha, Mexico. Thinking back on that trip I wore lots of skirts with suits and dresses. I'm thinking the same thing could be suitable for this trip, but would also like to be ready for action and be more of a "beachy/relaxed/groovy girl!" Because of my body type I can't get away with the cool bermuda length shorts so I purchased a neutral shorter pair from the Gap. I have some fun graphic tees that I thought would be reasonable. But overall I am just at a loss! Could you help me figure out how to be all things to myself without overpacking? I know that you are fantastic at being able to mix and match and would love to emulate that!

Packing for beach trips is one of my favorite hobbies. It's a great chance to pull things out that I don't normally get to wear and a chance to use fun accessories to make my outfits unique. When I pack for beach trips, I pick out a different bathing suit for each day and then build an outfit around the suit - using the color or pattern as the inspiration for the rest of the ensemble. (I grew up at the pool, swim team practice at 6AM every summer morning for 10 years. It wasn't fashionable. It was all about function. Those days are over!)

My best advice for Tammy in packing for a vacation at the beach is to have one thing for each day that will make dressing for the day exciting. A fun pair of sandals. A special magazine to read at the pool. One thing that you can look forward to wearing or incorporating into your outfit for each of the days that you're there. Maybe it's your sexy cover up. Or a new bikini for the second day. Or a great sun hat for the third day. And a fresh pedicure at the spa to debut on the fourth day. Plan it way in advance. Get excited. It doesn't have to be expensive - it just has to make YOU feel great.

Tammy also wrote:

I would love it if I could find a cute two piece with enough coverage for my stomach to cover all that fun that comes with childbearing years....namely a belly with stretch marks (I know, lovely and probably too much information!) But I would love to try and be sassy!

Some of the best tankinis I have seen are at J.Crew. And there are many, many beautiful one piece suits that are out there now that are flattering on all shapes and sizes. I prefer solid color suits because they're timeless and you can totally change their look by what you pair them with. Prints lock you into a specific look and are typically not timeless.

Here are some of my current favorite tankinis and one pieces:
   

Received a comment from Karen that read...

We are heading to Vegas for some fun and I look forward to being the exception to the rule in Vegas by looking stylish. Have you been to the show Zumanity? It is a "spicy" show and I am finalizing what to wear...would love your ideas.

I have not been to Zumanity. But from what I've read online, you can go a little edgier than normal. Jeffrey (who has been) told me it's an event that celebrates sexuality and if you're going with a date you should wear something provocative. If you're going on your own, you should wear something more provocative to find a date! (HA! Men always have the best outlook on life!)

My instinct (after a quick glimpse at the Zumanity site) is to wear something red or go for a solid color with a red lip. Here are some price-based suggestions...

Received a fashion/travel request from Alison that read:

My husband and I are going to Europe for the first time this spring! Because we'll be traveling between London, Paris, Nice, Venice, and Rome mostly by train, I need to keep my packing limited to one suitcase, which I know will be difficult. Here are some other details of the trip:

1.) Temperatures between London (our starting point) and Rome (our ending point) might be quite different. I need to pack for both cooler and warmer temps. I'm definitely planning on bringing my pashmina collection with me.

2.) Since this is our first time to Europe, we'll be doing a lot of walking/sightseeing. Because of some issues with my feet, I'll need to wear well-supported shoes throughout the trip. It doesn't need to be sneakers necessarily but it can't be flats or heels during the days we will be walking a lot. At the same time, I want to be stylish and "non-touristy" (especially in Paris!).

3.) How in the world will I pack for 14 days in one bag?!?

Any advice you have for me would be much appreciated - particularly on the packing issue since I definitely tend to overpack. I know you travel quite a bit and I'm sure you've picked up some great tips along the way.

Here's my response...

This is an excellent challenge for me because I don't consider myself a "light" packer. However, I know how to do it if I need to and in the situation above with train travel, I know how important it is to be able to maneuver your stuff, keep it safe, and keep it contained in one suitcase. For this particular situation, I would plan to be able to put EVERYTHING into my suitcase, including a purse and small pillow for comfort on the train. With everything contained in one piece, it's easier to maneuver and get on and off the train. It's also a great idea to bring a medium-size foldable duffel bag inside your other bag in case you make some purchases during the trip!

I'm anal in that I don't like to wear something more than once without washing because it feels dirty (which is often true getting on the airplane every other day or so) - but in this situation, you'll either have to plan to wear things again, or find a laundromat - which could prove to be a great way to meet locals!

Okay, to address Alison's questions...

1. Because of the variance of temperatures throughout the counties, your best method is to pack thin layers that you can remove or add to if needed. This means tights, leggings, long sleeve t-shirts, and merino or cashmere sweaters. If you're going to bring and wear pashminas, be sure to wear them in a flattering way. I'm not a fan because I feel that most women wear them lazily (just thrown around themselves) instead of wearing them in a way that compliments their figure. Here's a great page that will help you decide which way to wear them is best for you. In their place, I prefer lightweight scarfs.

2. For the walking and sightseeing portions — it’s okay to dress uber-comfortable and not worry about “looking like a tourist” because you ARE a tourist! Take time to focus on the sights and absorb everything around you (comfortably) — then bring back what you expose yourself to and incorporate it into your daily fashion at home! You’ll look like a tourist regardless of whether you dress the part! I read a quote once that said “Sometimes you have to venture outside your world to find yourself.” My biggest inner growth and understanding of who I am has come from international travel. It's a wonderful experience. (Another hint to make ANY shoe more comfortable are these.)

3. Now for the hard part. Below is a suggested list for what to bring for 14 days of travel. NOTE: Plan around special events you'll be going to. Bring those outfits in full so you'll be excited to wear those outfits. Make the rest of the pieces coordinating so they can be worn interchangeably. When I pack for travel, I always first pack the seminar outfits first. I make sure they are developed in full and that makes getting ready for the seminars fun. (For those of you planting your feet in one location abroad, bring the biggest bag you can. Most airlines allow up to 70 pounds for international travel. That’s room for a lot of fashion choices!)

What I have learned packing for and traveling over 250,000 miles a year is that if I plan by the outfit, I have less tendency to not wear certain things and that eliminates some of the excess packing. If you start with one main piece, a pair of jeans, and make three outfits, then take a pair of shoes from the outfits you just made and build an outfit around that, you’ll be on the way to a delightful trip!

Here are some sample outfits of what I would wear for a springtime trip to Europe:

A cute and casual mix of North American legends. Star Wars and Jack Purcell.

Capri jeans call for delightful shoes. A nice slim jacket tops off the airy white shirt.
 
With the wide-leg trousers, you want to keep the top slim. I would pair them with either a short sleeve cashmere tee with a lightweight scarf or a long sleeve v-neck slim fit sweater. (The trench below paired with these pants would make the look too sloppy.)

I love these black leggings. Look for this outfit in my future outfit of the day choices!

Hats are great during travel when you'd rather sightsee than spend time doing your hair.

To make an outfit with tennis shoes cute, start with narrow shoes (not the bulky, heavy ones) and wear with wide-leg trousers that show just the toe of the shoe and cute-but-casual tops.

And here's a basic packing list of what (and the kind of) things I would bring...
My favorite underwear • comfortable walking socks • knee high socks • tights - colorful ones! • a couple great bras • two bathing suits • lightweight denim - in a length that looks great with both flats and small heels • fancy demin - that you can dress up or dress down • lighweight trousers • leggings • extra soft sweaters • cute coats • tank tops -- the closest layer to your skin • fun date outfits • a groom bag to hold all toiletries AND makeup. I love the ones that hang. Get one that's big enough to hold everything for the trip (this can help eliminate a lot of space that would otherwise be taken by bringing too much shampoo, lotion, etc). It's worth it to transfer your stuff to carry-on bottle sizes • a travel size hairdryer with 220 volt capability • fun hats and a silk scarf in case the hairdryer doesn't cooperate • a couple fun graphic tees • trouser shorts • flat boots • flip flops • comfortable heels • walking shoes • plug adapter • a good travel book •

What words of wisdom do YOU have for Alison? What's your "must bring" travel item?

Received a request from Sarah...

"Wondering if you have a recommendation for a pair of nude colored, peep-toe pumps. Ever since seeing a picture of Jessica Simpson wearing a pair, I’ve been searching, but not having much luck. I love tall, tall shoes and I really can’t afford any over $150 right now."

The best place I have found online to do a search by shoe type and color is Zappos. They don't always have my most favorite shoes, but it gives you a great idea of what's out there at a variety of price points. I'm quite specific in selecting shoes. They have to have the perfect heel. Here's a couple that I would select - can you guess by looking which ones would fall within Sarah's budget? I'll post all the links and prices tomorrow!

UPDATE on February 14th: Links and prices now posted. Interesting to note, when you find a pair of shoes that you like online, it's best to buy right away. Several of these shoes became unavailable within one day. Happy Shopping!

Received an email from Paula requesting suggestions for boots to take on an upcoming visit to Chantilly, Virginia. Here are the details:

Have you seen any cold weather boots that would be stylish yet practice for seeing the sights around DC? I have some tall boots but all with a three-inch heel or too nice to brave the salted streets. Need to have them by Feb 14th.

Here are my suggestions:
I recently came across (and love) this Stella McCartney boot. It could be ultra chic with the right outfit. It’s different, yet practical and functional. The clean lines of this wedge boot are appealing and the boot appears comfortable and feminine. They’re waterproof suede. This fun Fly London pair (one of my favorite boot brands) would be another great choice. They’re unique, but difficult to find in the United States. I came across the brand during my last trip to London. I have several pair and have never seen
anyone (anywhere) in them.
                                
Here's the boot I'm loving to travel in right now. Patent means they never get dirty, or, if they do, I can wipe them clean with a damp cloth. There's a small wedge heel. And they're incredbily easy to slip on and off through the security lines. They're an investment pair, bui I plan to wearn mine for many, many years. This is a cute Tory Burch boot - love the classic quilted look with a bit of wedge for added height. And here are a couple coloroful alternatives from Fly London. Love the red ones!

Received an urgent fashion request from Carrie for what to wear to an upcoming formal dinner. Here are the details:

I'm corporate reserves manager for an energy company (engineer undergrad, MBA student now). I coordinate all of our engineering results and translate them into financial results. And I communicate extensively with our bankers which also means I get on the invitation list for banking social events! 

One of our banks is Bank of Scotland. The big annual party they throw is the Burns Supper, a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. It's a formal event. (Last year, I wore a simple black cocktail dress.)  It's a bit of an irreverent, boisterous, fun event. Spouses don't attend, so the party population is about 95% male bankers (most age 50+). And then there's me! These people are already familiar with my technical and professional skills, so I'm fine with something fun to wear! But yet you have to remember that it's a bunch of conservative bankers and executives, so nothing too over the top.

I really do not want to spend an extravagant amount. Plus, this event isn't necessarily special to me personally, although it is important that I make a splash and make a good impression! One thing that might help is that I already own some fairly good shoe options. I'm 5'10", size 4 dress.

Well, my friend, you've come to the right place! The land of McDougall, where extraordinary Scottish themed outfits abound. I just so happen to have evolved from the great McDougall Clan of Oban, Scotland. (I visited my ancestoral home in 2005, pictured here.)

And I've been to many a family event where the men are kilt-clad and underwear-less and the women don their tartan. How exciting to receive a request of this familial magnitude!

Okay, so let's get down to business on this fashion challenge... If you follow celebrity fashion, you may have had the same initial mental picture that I did when I read Carrie's request.

But...this might be a little "too over the top!" And, being that she (well "she" on Sex and The City) has the same name, it's just too much of a coincidence.

In my experience, people are most appreciative of an outfit that has some symbolic or well-thought-out aspect. In this case, with the Scottish undertones, it's imperative that some type of tartan or plaid is infused!

Here's what I would do. Pick out your favorite tartan ribbon from this site. Buy a roll, and then do something extra fun with it.

Put it in your hair, or tie it around your waist as a belt or sash, similar to how the bow appears in this long black dress. Or take this "Pride of Scotland" tartan ribbon and wrap it around the waist of this lighter color dress.

You could rock the McDougall tartan for a little red infusion! Or this black and white tartan is "Burns" as in "Burns Supper" and it would be an excellent conversation piece at the party that shows you "did your homework." Or, if you'd rather have a little color you could go with the "Campbell of Argyll" ribbon that is also associated with the Burns Clan.

I also like the idea of this dress, with the fun blue ribbon across the top part in place of the current black ribbon and you could do the black tights too! And ooh, here's one that could look really cute with your height and the great "Stewart" tartan ribbon around the waist. (Lose the tights and booties on this one though!)

And for the benefit of your wallet, all the ribbons are very inexpensive and all the dresses are on sale! Man, I wish I could go to this event and represent my clan!

I received the following fashion question from Anastasia...

I'm going to the Kentucky Derby in May, and I am EXTREMELY excited about it. I've never been, and I need help on what to wear. I know I need an extravagant hat, and I'd like to wear a color that really POPS!

Just to give you a brief description of myself - I am of mixed race and have caramel color skin, I wear a size 4, and I'm about 5'6". I am willing to spend between $300-$600 on the total outfit.

Here's what I think would be delightful:
 
As most of you know, the key to Kentucky Derby dressing is the hat. So in choosing an outfit for this event, I would always first select a hat. This particular one ($95) I love because of its simplistic class and flair. (The feathers go to the back.) I also came across this little delight which I have purchased for my collection!

Keeping the bright colors in the dress (versus the hat) maintains a more pulled-together look. The dress ($225) is from J.Crew. An excellent color. Just the right amount of POP. And I like the higher neck. (Cleavage is not necessary at the Derby!) It keeps the focus on your face and the all-important hat. The secret to this particular dress is having it altered to your body for the best fit. The hem should hit just at or above the knee line, as pictured.

From what I've read, it's important to have comfortable shoes. These Pelle Moda shoes ($118.76) provide a good balance between comfort and style - and they perfectly enhance both the orange of the dress and the iridescent browns in the hat feathers. Here's another equestrian inspired pair that could look great.

At a total of $438.76 for those three items - there's money to spend on some delightful accessories (or save it for more mint juleps)! I would keep the jewelry very simple with this outfit. Remember, the hat is the focal point. I think a feather-inspired pocketbook would take away from the hat, so instead I went on a search for a clutch to accentuate the entire look. And then the magic happened... and I came across this wallet ($10.80) that's a must have with this outfit. It could be delightfully tucked away in your clutch of choice. Could it be any more perfect?!

Here's where I need YOUR help. Which one of these clutches (all oversized, around 12-14 inches in length) would you pick to complete the outfit?

      

Choice one, a Rafe bag (on sale for $198) from Zappos that would put me over Anastasia's budget? Choice two, a unique vintage find ($45) on Etsy? Or choice three, a classic Banana Republic clutch ($110)?

And here's the finishing touch I would add to make the outfit complete and unique.

I would order these "Good Luck Pony Charms" ($5 on Etsy) or these and tie them to a beautiful piece of ribbon that I had lying around the house to wear as a bracelet. Giddy up!

Here's a good travel test: Can you pack your bags and be ready for a five-hour flight to Las Vegas in twenty minutes or less?

I just discovered that I can!

Because of winter storm warnings in Charlotte for late tonight and tomorrow, Jeffrey and I made a last-minute executive decision to take the final flight out of town tonight to avoid any delays tomorrow morning with the potential incoming weather. And in a short space of time, I put together some great outfits for the trip.

Experience pays when you're a traveler!

Travel (packing) Tips. By Request.

Here's one thing I learned after traveling over 500,000 miles in the last two years. PACK BY OUTFIT. In the beginning, I used to bring a variety of items to mix and match and several pairs of shoes. But when I arrived where I was going, I never really felt like I had good outfits to wear. Or in the back of my mind, when I put something on, I knew that I had cooler things back home that would better complement the outfit. I can't remember why I made the switch, but doing so has made a world of difference in being able to enjoy fashion on the road.

Here's the process I am currently using:

1. When it's pack time, I get out my wheeling clothes racks. These are currently on sale here. I buy the heavy duty ones that don't fall apart when you've got a ton of clothes on them. The the process of outfit creation occurs. My current closet is a pretty confined space, so bringing the things I want to pack out into a larger area and hanging them on the rack, I can fully develop outfits. It sounds like an intense process. But it's worth it.

2. Once I have the outfits created (typically by day, or event, and a couple extras), which means everything is picked out, including jewelry, underwear, and shoes, I put each individual outfit into 14 x 20" Uline 4 Mil Reclosable Bags. You can find them here. This keeps everything separated nicely and protects your clothing from being touched by TSA (evil!). One of the coolest parts about using the bags for me is that if I don't wear the outfit on the intended trip, it's ready to go for the next trip.

3. I leave dresses and delicate items hanging on black velvet-covered hangers (that prevent slipping) with clear plastic garment bags over the top. Those can be lightly folded in half and placed on the top of your suitcase. The hanging clothes are ready to be put into a closet when you arrive and they will be nearly wrinkle free.

I read a Diane Von Furstenberg article where she talked about how packing was some of her best creative time. Putting things together. Discovering items she forgot she had. I love that. And I feel the same way when I take the time to pack the right way.

Got a request from Mary for new ideas of what to wear with this adorable shoe.

Since the heel is a bit on the chunky side, I really like it with a short dress, and perhaps an overcoat. The cream colors leave the attention on the shoe.

But I also envision it with shorts and a fun top. And if you'd rather not show some leg, these wide leg jeans would look superb with just a bit of the shoe popping out the bottom.

I would suggest spraying this shoe with protectant, wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper, and storing it for the winter when the weather begins to cool off.