Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Traveling in Style: Clothing, Part 2


Before we move on to tops and sweaters/jackets for travel, I wanted to add my own thoughts to a couple of common themes that seem to come up whenever travel wardrobes are discussed.

I don't want to look like a tourist!
Having expressed this sentiment myself before our first Paris trip, I have sympathy for those who post to travel forums asking what to pack for a European vacation, often concluding with "I don't want to stick out/look like a tourist." There can be such a negative association with the word "tourist" which often conjures an image of a loud person in loud clothing, wearing a fanny pack and behaving in a generally clueless manner. But the truth is if you're traveling for pleasure, you're a tourist, and will be identifiable as one the minute you whip out a camera or consult a map, or even just stroll and look around you, taking in the sights. Even if you don't do any of those, remember that the locals will probably be dressed for work and not for leisure, so trying to "dress like a local" is pointless. My goal is to be a *stylish* (yet comfortable) tourist, and a gracious guest wherever we're visiting.

Buy what you need when you get there!
This is one I see often on various websites that offer advice on packing light. While this might work for some, I'd be cautious about over-reliance on this strategy, especially on a first visit to any given locale. First, one must consider how much time you will have. This was brought home to us after we'd spent the better part of one precious morning in Paris trying to locate and purchase an electrical adapter when the one we'd brought with us bit the dust. Shopping for clothing can be tricky too. You need a warm sweater but it's early summer and the shops are full of linen and sun dresses?  You're 5'1" and need every pair of pants hemmed before you can wear them? You have a wide, hard-to-fit foot but need a pair of walking sandals?  Probably not the best idea to count on finding clothing you need to wear on the trip while *on the trip.* I'm not saying don't shop, I'm just cautioning against assuming that what you need will be immediately available. (This generally isn't a problem at resort destinations, which will carry clothing and other items for use while there. Which brings up another point: be careful when shopping at resorts. The prices tend to be high, and you might wind up with clothing that will never be worn back at home.)

Topping it off
My very favorite tops for travel are my Eileen Fisher silk jersey tanks and tees (long and short-sleeved).  These are lightweight, breathable, washable (and dry overnight), and can be layered if needed for warmth without bulk. (When we visited the glacier in Alaska two years ago, I wore one tank and three long-sleeve tees layered underneath a fleece vest and was plenty warm.) Bien sur, I'll be bringing my new Babette tops on this trip as well.

I love cardigans for travel, especially cashmere which provide warmth without a lot of bulk. But the weather in Italy in late May might be too warm for cashmere, and if so I'll be bringing a longer lightweight wool EF cardigan, and possibly an elbow-sleeve EF cotton lace cardigan for warmer days. (We've been advised that women need to have shoulders covered when visiting many churches/cathedrals in Italy.)

I no longer pack or bring woven jackets when I travel as they take up too much space and often require pressing/steaming. My new Babette cream shirt will also work as a lightweight jacket worn open over a tank, and I have another black Eileen Fisher knit silk/cotton 3/4 sleeve jacket from last year that should work for any other circumstances.

As we get close to our departure date, I'll put together a Polyvore on the Floor with my final travel wardrobe selections.

Next installment, some clothing care tips and tricks for the road.

Please share your favorite tops, sweaters or jackets for travel. Do you pack everything you need, or shop once you reach your destination?


~

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

My Kind of White Shirt

Well, cream actually.  This is one of the two Babette shirts I came home with last week. I've always loved the idea of a white, button-front shirt, but have never found one that looked good on me, until now. I think my shirt is the cream version of this one:

This blouse can be worn with the collar either up or open. It also works under a jacket or cardigan, and will be a great option for dressing up a bit for dinner in Italy or Paris.

I also picked up the taupe/tan tunic shirt from the top picture in yesterday's post. I lost the light before I could snap this pic, so color is pretty funky.

I love it with the palazzo pants!  This top could go either casual or dressy, depending on what it's paired with.

Thanks so much to Susan Tiner, who posted a link to this fabulous video in comments yesterday, showing the intricate and labor-intensive pleating techniques used in Babette's designs. The workmanship is just amazing!
~

Monday, April 25, 2011

New (Clothing) Crush: Babette

Simple, yes. Boring, no. Picture with a favorite necklace or statement cuff bracelet!

In comments on last week's Traveling in Style post, Nancy Friedman of Fritinancy (whose blog is a must-read if you enjoy the amusing intricacies of language, marketing and branding) mentioned the Babette clothing she likes for travel. I hopped over to check out Babette's website and was immediately and absolutely smitten with what I saw.

Easy elegance, my favorite kind.

All of the clothing is manufactured in the Oakland, California factory, utilizing special equipment to achieve the unique pleating, which is all done by hand. Babette herself still owns/runs the company and designs all of the clothing.
Oh la la!
As you might imagine, these are not inexpensive pieces, but in doing a bit of online research since reading Nancy's recommendation, I've read many other mentions of how well this clothing is made, how easy it is to care for and that it holds up for years. In fact, at a family gathering over the weekend, I mentioned this line to a cousin whom I thought might like it, and she said "oh, I love Babette! I've had a couple of the tops for years and they're what I pull out when I'm not sure what to wear."

Want. This. Tunic!!!
I stopped by their Santa Monica store on Friday to see the clothes for myself, and wound up trying on at least 20 pieces. At first glance, I didn't think a lot of them would work for me (especially the pants) but was delighted to find that the cuts and especially the fluid drape of the the fabrics were quite flattering. The texture and pleating must be seen up close and felt to be fully appreciated. I was also very impressed with the simple-but-elegant designs in neutral colors which can be dressed up or down, and would coordinate easily with items already in my wardrobe. And *every* piece is hand washable! Even the pleated pants and the jackets. Among my very favorite details are the snap closings (rather than buttons), both on blouses and pants.

According to the very helpful Sales Associates, these garments can be stuffed into a suitcase and come out of it ready-to-wear, and as mentioned above, can be hand washed and dried overnight. But these clothes aren't just for travel; they really punch up an otherwise basic outfit, and many items I tried could easily achieve Hero status in my everyday wardrobe. 

The sizing is also mature-woman-friendly; unlike some designers who produce clothing only for the very tiny, these clothes would probably be wearable for women from US size 4 up to a size 16-18. The pleating gives most of what I tried on that wonderful "fits-and-skims-but-doesn't-cling" quality that makes a piece flattering for those with curves.  Some of the pieces pictured here may look voluminous, but again, drape in such a way as to be flattering, even on a short stack comme moi meme.

But the line isn't exclusively color-neutral; for those of you who crave color and pattern, feast your eyes....
This jacket is Absolutely Gorgeous™ up close, fabric has a unique texture.
J'adore this color story!
Not your grandmother's polka dots...
Love the shape and vintage look of this top.
The clothing isn't sold online, but here are lists of their Babette boutiques and other retail stores that carry this line. It's well worth scheduling a trip to the nearest one to see and try these!!

No, bien sur I didn't walk out of the store empty-handed; check back tomorrow to see what came home with me. (Actually checked off another item from my Wardrobe Needs list!
~

Friday, April 22, 2011

Orange Blossom Special

Dwarf Valencia orange blossoms. These are SO fragrant!!



~

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Traveling in Style: Clothing, Part 1


As we started with shoes last week, let's work our way up from there.


I'm not a big believer in purchasing a special wardrobe of travel clothing. For one thing, it goes against my "fewer but better" wardrobe mantra. For another, when in unfamiliar surroundings, I prefer to wear the tried-and-true and feel like myself. Why wear something on the road that you'd never wear at home?  In the last few years, I've also shifted toward more lightweight knit pieces in my day-to-day wardrobe which happen to pack and travel well and can be layered as needed.


To jean or not to jean...
Read discussion forums on travel sites or travel blogs and you'll find convincing arguments on both sides of the debate. Yes, jeans are heavier when packed and take longer to dry when wet than synthetic fabrics. But I've packed jeans on most of our trips, and end up wearing them more than just about any other type of clothing. They can be worn multiple times without washing (unless one gets spilled upon), and a pair of simple dark wash jeans will look classic and work for most non-formal venues. For our upcoming trip, I'm planning to pack one pair, my 7's bootcuts. The fabric on these is a lighter weight, and they're comfortable in temperatures into the low 80's F and of course in cooler weather.

In addition to a pair of jeans, on our upcoming trip I'm planning to take:

--a pair of Eileen Fisher stretch crepe pants. Actually I'm planning to wear these on the plane for comfort, but they'll also work as a dressier-than-jeans option for evenings. These can also be washed in the sink and hung to dry overnight if needed.

--a pair of linen blend ankle pants similar to these, for warmer days.

--my stretch crepe Eileen Fisher pencil skirt in black. This is also sink-washable, and can easily be dressed up should we wind up going someplace fancy.

--possibly a second pair of ankle pants or capris or a pair of lightweight silk jersey wide-leg pants (which are a great warm-weather option for more dressy evenings) depending on weather predictions and dining plans firming up closer to our departure.

--tights, maybe leggings to wear with skirt.

No, there are no dresses on my packing list. I don't wear them much at home, and generally find separates to be more workable when traveling.

Next week, tops!

Are there any particular items of clothing you prefer to take on the road? Do you tend to dress differently when you travel, or adapt your regular wardrobe?


~

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Une femme recommends...




Best. Blush. Ever.  And I owe this discovery to my lovely commenters, a few of whom recommended this product in response to an earlier maquillage post.
A little bit of the right blush can make us look healthy, rested and vibrant, though we want to avoid the "war paint" slashes of obvious color. Though I'm not always crazy about the texture of powder blushes, I've been even less enamored of most cream blushes I've tried. I've found it difficult to get a consistent result with cream formulations, and the color often looked too strong and was hard to blend. Boomstick comes in a short tube like a fat lipstick, and deposits a sheer color that gives a natural glow.

When you open the tube: Don't Panic!  It looks very dark, almost purple, but is actually quite sheer, and the formulation allows your own color to come through once applied. I apply by tapping on my cheeks sparingly where I normally would apply blush. It will look dark at first. Don't Panic! Blend it (it blends easily with fingers). You'll see that it's much more sheer than it initially appears, but still may look a bit red and forte. Don't Panic! Walk away for a few minutes, then come back and look again. What I've found is that the warmth of my skin tends to make it absorb a bit and blend in even more after the initial application, and results in a very natural blush color with just a hint of sheen that stays put all day. (Much better than that "dusted" look some powder blushes deliver.)

Here's Cindy Joseph demonstrating the Boomstick color.



I tried on the lips, but found it doesn't last very long as a lip color, and I don't use on my neck, which is red enough already (sun damage).

Have you tried this product? What do you think?
~

Monday, April 18, 2011

Spring, finally!

Happy lavender
Enfin, we had a few lovely warm sunny days, though we appear to be back to cool and cloudy weather again today. Very busy weekend chez femme! There was a picnic/birthday party for the five-year-old son of some good friends, a shoe-shopping expedition for le monsieur who needed new walking shoes for our upcoming trip, a major trip to the grocery store to restock shelves and fridge, a lovely piece of salmon cooked on an alder wood plank on the grill, many loads of laundry, the premiere of Game of Thrones....all of this as my excuse for not getting the post I'd planned for today written.

But the weather was lovely, and I made time to clean out the fountain and start back up for the season.


Last year we were advised to add a little salt to the water to prevent algae.  Not only did that not work, but also caused some discoloration to the fountain.  Oh well, live and learn. I'm going to check at a nearby aquarium store to see if they can recommend an algicide.

We've had considerable problems with the fancy irrigation system installed last year. Apparently our water supply is very high in minerals that quickly clogged the drip irrigation tubes. So many of the plants in the front have died, and we're in the process of replacing and manually watering until we can find someone to fix/replace the irrigation. :-(  The architect/designer who installed it can't be bothered with us now, so he gets two thumbs down. We did plant a lot of lavender which is thriving both in the front and back yards.

Coming up this week, some maquillage, another installment of Traveling in Style, and more about shoes.
~

Friday, April 15, 2011

And the winners are...


First, thanks to all who entered une femme's contest to win a copy of Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange, and thank you especially for sharing your fabulous tips!  They were so much fun to read.



I enlisted le monsieur to draw the winning names.


Without further ado, the winners are....


Congratulations!  Please email me at pseub (at) sbcglobal (dot) net with your mailing address, and I'll get the books shipped out to you.
~

Thursday, April 14, 2011

A gift of words...

Look! Lovely reader Marieanne made me a Word Cloud!
Wordle: Une femme d'un certain age

Stay tuned, tomorrow I'll announce the two winners of "Parisian Chic" by Ines de la Fressange!
~

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Traveling in Style: les chaussures


When planning a travel wardrobe, there probably is no more important component than shoes. Shoes can make or break a vacation, as anyone who's ever hobbled around with blisters all day can attest. Some of the best packing advice I've ever read was "start with the shoes" and that's how I approach travel wardrobe planning these days. For our upcoming trip, I fully intend to limit myself to what I can fit into a carry on bag, which means that my shoe limit will be three pair (two packed, one worn on the plane). In this series of posts, I'm limiting myself to items that would be worn/used for a relatively urban travel destination. If your next vacation/travel plans involve backpacking through the Alps or sprawling on an uninhabited stretch of beach somewhere in the South Pacific, my recommendations probably won't apply. Likewise, I'm leaving out any coverage of footwear for extreme winter weather, as it's not an area of expertise for me.

Comfort and joy
It goes without saying that unless you plan to take taxis or limousines door-to-door everywhere you go, or plan to only walk between your hotel room and a poolside cabana, your shoes must be comfortable enough to accommodate hours on your feet each day. But there's "comfort" and there's comfort. On our first trip to Paris, I made the mistake the first day of wearing thin-soled ballet flats and was absolutely miserable within an hour. Sure, they were soft and felt like slippers, were broken in and fine for casual work days, running errands and the like, but the soles were far too thin for walking on cobblestones and gravel, and there was no arch support. The rest of that trip, I wore my somewhat clunky but very supportive plain black loafers and my feet thanked me for it, though I probably didn't win myself a spot in the Stylish Traveler Hall of Fame. However, ignore those who chatter on about les Parisiennes tottering about in their stilletto heels. I saw very few women out and about in Paris wearing any heel much over an inch and a half in height. If you look at the on-the-street pictures over at A Femme d'un Certain Age, almost to a woman they are wearing very low-heeled, sometimes sturdy, but walkable shoes.

Supportive comfort doesn't have to mean big plodding trainers or frumpy lace-ups. Unless you exclusively wear high heels and/or the latest trends, you probably already have shoes that will work for your next vacation, or at worst, won't have to sacrifice too much style to find some.

Here are some of une femme's recommendations for relatively stylish walking shoes for urban destinations.

Mary Janes

Mine are a few years old, made by ECCO. These are very versatile, can be worn with pants or skirts, and have a wedge heel and a sole that's sturdy enough to handle gravel, cobblestones and hours on concrete. What I like about a mary jane style is that they stay securely on the foot without heel slippage, and the strap can be adjusted for comfort if feet swell over the course of the day. These also can be dressed as much as is usually required. (Though people in Europe tend to dress up more than in the US, a more casual standard of dress has taken hold there too in recent years. Very few venues still require jacket-and-tie/cocktail dress levels of formality.)  I wish ECCO would bring back this style, but here are some similar options.
Ecco Kent Mary Jane, $96

Pikolinos Dinamarca mary jane, $93.50
Pikolinos Ginebra mary jane, $109.90

Sandals
ECCO Groove Gladiator, $130






In the past, I haven't packed sandals for our European travels as our previous visits have occurred during cooler months. But by late May it's probably not unreasonable to anticipate some hot days in Italy, so I'm planning to pack one pair. Again, versatility is key. These are sturdy enough for a day of walking but could also be worn with slacks or a skirt out to dinner. Here are some other options for walking sandals that don't sacrifice all style for comfort.


Dansko Sigrid sandal, $115


Loafers
It's hard to go wrong with a good pair of simple loafers if they're well constructed, supportive, and soft enough for comfort. They're appropriate for daytime strolling, sightseeing, and museum-hopping but will also work for most evening activities worn with a pair of slacks, or even a skirt/tights. Loafers beat sneakers hands down when going through airport security too!

A note about the vamp: while a lower/smaller vamp may win on looks, it's my own experience that a vamp high enough to cover the instep will give shoes more stability and support for walking. If the heel slips at all and you have to grip with your toes to keep the shoes on as you walk, your feet and legs might tire more quickly.

(I've done well with Cole Haan loafers; they are comfortable, durable and stylish with almost any outfit. Great choices for men too.)
Cole Haan Air Penny Tantivy, $148.50


Clarks Timeless loafer, $90

Lace ups/sneakers:
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, $45

I started wearing Converse All-Stars with more casual ensembles a couple of years ago once I discovered they accommodated my orthotics (couldn't wear them otherwise, too flat!). I don't know about other European cities, but if you wear these in Paris you'll fit right in. I'm considering taking these instead of my loafers this trip as they may be more suitable for warmer weather. TBD.  "Trainers" or big athletic shoes will peg you as an American tourist, but so will consulting a map, taking pictures of everything in sight, etc. If you really prefer athletic shoes for walking but want to up the style quotient, look for a sleeker version like one of these below. (And leave the Skechers Shape-Ups at home!!!)

Puma Drift Cat III, $68
Puma Future Cat Remix, $80
You'll notice that all of my travel shoes are black, except the Converse which are grey. I'm utilizing the packing light strategy of picking a single neutral color to organize around. Some people choose brown or navy.

Do you have a favorite pair or style of shoes for travel?  Any styles you've learned to avoid?
~

Monday, April 11, 2011

Reader Question: Scarf Storage and Care


In recent weeks I've been asked a few times how I store and care for my scarves. First though, I want to talk about wearing and enjoying your scarves.  Over on my sidebar is something my grandmother once told me, "There's no point in having nice things if you don't use them." If you've been lusting after an Hermès or other nice scarf, but worry about ruining it, stop worrying. First, the fabric is more resilient than you'd think. Twist it, knot it, and you'll be amazed at how those wrinkles and creases disappear overnight. Silk is an incredibly strong fiber. I have a sheer silk scarf that belonged to my grandmother that's probably 50+ years old, and it still looks almost new.  With some sensible precautions* and care, your good silk scarves can be passed to the next generation with years of wear still ahead.

While some fold their silk carrés meticulously and store in their original boxes, I'm more of a visual creature, and need to see colors and patterns when choosing which scarf to wear.


I utilize this semi-clear three-drawer thingy, purchased at one of those container stores.  It protects scarves from dust, yet allows air to circulate and allows me to readily see what I have available. I fold the squares along the original fold lines plus one and stack inside the drawer. My large carrés are in the bottom drawer, with smaller silk squares in the middle drawer, and those irregular pieces collected here and there in the top drawer. They're easy to get to and easy to put away at the end of the day. Because this mini-armoire is kept on a shelf in a dark closet, I don't worry about fading, but if you keep your scarves out where sunlight can get to them, I'd recommend something more opaque.


The only storage exception are the plissés which I do carefully re-roll by wrapping around my hand and store in their circular boxes to preserve the pleats.


My larger oblong scarves get the hanger treatment.  Again, I need to readily see what I have or I won't wear it. None of these are particularly pricey or delicate items; if they were I'd fold and store flat.


That's a cedar block hanging middle top of the picture to keep moths away. Watch out for sharp edges on hangers which can snag scarves.  I probably should replace the rest of those plastic ones with wood.

Cleaning good silk scarves can be intimidating.  Many of the Hermès printed silk scarves have dyes that can run if wet (which is why I never wear mine in the rain).  Many people swear by hand washing in very mild soap with a Shout Color Catcher in the water to pick up any dyes that run, and then hanging to dry, and pressing with an iron (no steam) on the cool silk setting, using a pressing cloth between iron and silk.  I haven't worked up the courage to try this yet.

I've had two of my Hermès silk carrés dry cleaned, mostly successfully.  If you have a dry cleaner you trust, ask them NOT to press the hems out flat.  I did, however both times my instructions were not followed.  But with a little steam and some patience, I was able to roll the hems back out between thumb and forefinger and restore to their original rounded shape. Otherwise I was pleased with the results.

Mostly though, I avoid cleaning or laundering my silks.  Most of the time, all they need is a bit of airing out, draped over a hanger for a day or two. * I try to avoid contact with makeup or moisture, and remove my scarves before eating.

For my other scarves made of cotton or rayon, I'll hand wash or sometimes machine wash in a lingerie bag and hang to dry.  Cashmere voile scarves can also be handwashed in gentle soap (many recommend The Laundress, haven't tried this yet) and hung to dry.

Do you have any scarf care tips or techniques?  Any to avoid?
~

Friday, April 8, 2011

Working It Out


This will probably be my last Working It Out post for a while, as I'm mostly recycling the same items, and will continue to do so until the weather starts to warm up a bit.

Skirt and sweater: Eileen Fisher.  Skirt here. Sweater here. This longer cardigan has a bit of very gentle peplum in the back, which gives it movement and shape. It's incredibly flattering and one of my very favorite pieces. I hope they continue to make it, and add more colors!
Striped shirt: Talbots.
Earrings: Talbots (I think, have had them for a while)
Scarf: Eric Bompard cashmere voile.
Bracelets: Stella and Dot here, Hermès here.
Tights: Spanx Tight End tights.
Boots: Arche, purchased in Paris in 2009.  These boots were not cheap, but have been a great cost-per-wear value, as I not only wear with skirts, but also with my ponte knit slim pants and underneath straight or bootleg jeans. They are incredibly comfortable and I can walk all day in them.

Here's a closeup of the scarf.  It's they DIY Infinity tie that you can see in this video (don't know what happened to the music, somehow it was changed after uploading to youtube). Instead of keeping the knot in back, I decided to bring around to the side.


Bon weekend!
~

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Un cadeau pour vous!

Oui, c'est vrai!!
Last fall, when I heard that Ines de la Fressange had written a book on Parisian style, I jumped over to amazon.com, only to find out I'd have to wait until sometime in the spring to see it.  I also thought I'd want to give one away, but then changed my mind.  I ordered TWO extra to give away!!!  Spring is here, the books have arrived, and it's time for a giveaway!

Two parts style tips from Ines (for clothing, beauty, home decor, entertaining) and three parts an insider's guide to Paris shopping and destinations (there's even a wonderful section on what to do in Paris with small children), "Parisian Chic" is like a fancy cocktail that initially appears fun and frothy but ultimately packs an unexpected punch.  Witty and straightforward, Ines is your Rosetta Stone to understanding the elements of la mode Parisienne that many other authors allude to but never quite nail down. Whether you agree with all of her declarations about what TO wear, what NOT to wear and where to find it, you have to agree that she comes across as down-to-earth and très charmante.  My only disappointment was that there were no photos of Ines in the English version, only her daughter.  Did the publishers really think that American readers wouldn't want to see gorgeous 53-year-old Ines???

Some favorite quips so far...

On aging:  The Parisian is more worried about wrinkles at 20 than she is at 50....I pay no attention to wrinkles, I just stand back from the mirror!


On fashion faux pas: Sandals with white socks. Unless you're an actress in New York art-house film. In Paris, the combination is practically illegal.


Donc, les cadeaux.  I thought about doing something clever, but in the spirit of Parisian Chic, let's keep it simple.  Leave a comment in this post with your favorite style, beauty and/or Paris tip by 11:59 pm next Wednesday, April 13 and you're entered to win one of the two copies of the book.  One comment per person, please.  I'll draw two names next Thursday and post the winners on Friday.  Bon chance!
~

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Les bijoux de fantaisie

Printemps pretties: Stella and Dot bracelets and lavender blooms
When it comes to les bijoux, une femme is an Equal Opportunity Wearer.  Whether fine, semi-precious or costume, what matters to me is that the pieces in question fit my style and mood, and are well made.  I love the elegance of a long strand of real pearls, but sometimes my playful side prefers a necklace of gumball-sized faux baubles, a stack of stretchy or wrapped bracelets or some funky earrings with big, square CZ's dangling from the lobes. When it comes to costume jewelry I prefer pieces that don't pretend to be fine jewelry, but rather make a statement all their own.

My friend Karen, of Wear it Well Image Consulting, and formerly the author of the blog "Of A Certain Age" is now also a stylist for Stella and Dot Jewelry! Stella and Dot is sold primarily through representatives, but Karen also has a her own website where you can purchase online. The selection includes necklaces, bracelets, rings, charms, earrings, items for girls, and jewelry travel totes and rolls.

Above, I'm wearing (from left to right) the Vintage Twist Bracelet in Gold (though it's actually a mixed metal piece), the Nugget Wrap Bracelet in Gold, and the Clover Double Wrap Leather Bracelet in Black. I love these bracelets!! The quality is very nice, they're comfortable and fun to wear. Stella and Dot offers styles from delicate to bold, from more classic to bohemian.  If you're looking for some fun and gently-priced accents to brighten up your spring wardrobe, go check out Karen's Stella and Dot website here.

And here are some Stella and Dot earrings and bracelets perfect for a bon weekend stroll through Saint-Germain. Don't be afraid to mix up your faux and real, low- and high-end!


(All opinions expressed in this review are my own and no compensation was received.)
~