Go
Out of the Closet

Out of the Closet: 7 Fall Fashions Great for Travel

By Charlotte on October 6, 2013 1:20 AM

My dear friend Linda has always known how to throw a party. But she topped herself recently by planning the ultimate girl's trip to none other than Paris, France to celebrate her birthday.

She asked her beautiful daughter Emily (what a great way to help us feel young!), me and others in our group to join her on this to-die-for excursion. Although some guys might not want their wives traveling so far without them, Bob was quick to say "Go for it" (especially since I'd be gone during dove season.)

Becky Elder, Linda's beautiful daughter Emily, our party planner Linda Storer, me, Shelley Tyler, Debbie Williams and Debbi Comparin recently celebrated Linda's birthday in Paris, France.

All Before Dinner in Shadow of Eiffel Tower 600.jpg

Linda handled all the details, arranging tours of must-see sights like the Lourve, Claude Monet's house and the Eiffel Tower plus a fabulous dinner cruise on the Seine River. All I had to do was pack!

We were set to arrive in the fashion capital of the world only days before Fashion Week 2013.

George V Fashion 600.jpgThat might sound simple but I shopped, stressed and spent HOURS modeling different options. After all, we're talkin' seven days in the fashion capital of the world with girlfriends who always notice what you wear. And we were set to arrive just days before Fashion Week 2013.

But these seven favorite finds helped me relax. Besides being stylish enough for the streets of Paree (Ooh la la!), they're affordable, easy to pack and even helped me feel more comfortable.

Shoes Made for Walking

Finding cute shoes that didn't kill my feet was top priority. When traveling with Bob, I usually wear black tennies when we walk a lot. Since that simply would not do in Paris, I thought about taking my go-to, black flats. But I quickly nixed them after a 50-block test drive in New York City left blisters all over my poor feet. Ouch!

1 Fall Metallics Composite 350.jpgPluggz metallic ballet slippers come in plum, pewter, bronze and black (my fav for travel) leather.

Then I remembered hearing about Pluggz flats. They're cute, cushy and designed to go the distance. Each pair contains black, carbon-and-rubber "plugs" that sit under a weight-bearing part of your feet to ensure electrical contact between the earth and your body. These plugs ground you when walking on grass, sand, soil -- even concrete sidewalks. And that is said to be good for your overall well-being.

Sounds crazy I know but guess what? It works! Pluggs' black metallic ballet flats kept me comfy and looked great (love the patent toe cap!) everywhere from strolling through Paris parks to window shopping along the Champs-Élysées. Lucky for me, they run a little small so I could wear a 6, the smallest size, evenCharlotte in White Garden 600.jpg though I'm normally a 5 1/2. And since I had no pain, I was even able to give my band aids to sister travelers who were fighting blisters. ($129.99 for sizes 6 - 11 at Pluggz.com)

An orange, polka dot Ann Taylor scarf and Pluggz flats were naturals for our stoll through Monet's gardens.

A Statement Scarf

We enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather every day in Paris but it was cooler than Texas. To add a pop of color while guarding against the chill, I packed a drop-dead gorgeous, orange scarf with large, white polka dots from Ann Taylor.

Perfect for early fall, this lightweight scarf is large enough to sub as a pashmina. It was a standout when paired with a leather jacket, Chambray shirt, leopard belt and dark skinny jeans for this picture in Monet's garden. Although it's no longer available, there are many other covet-worthy choices at AnnTaylor.com. Prices start at $38.

Charlotte atop the Arc de Triomphe 450.jpg

Rose-Colored Sunglasses

When Bob and I went on our anniversary cruise in June, the ultra-BRIGHT sun reflecting off the Adriatic Sea made my eyes water constantly. So a hip pair of sunglasses with glare-blocking polarized lens like these Cypress stunners from Smith Optics was an absolute must for my bag.

I'm wild about the red color (it's straight from my wish list for fall) as well as the fun, cat-eye style with its vintage, Mad Men vibe. Although there wasn't a cloud in the sky. these babies kept the tears from my eyes atop the Arc de Triomphe. ($98 at Coastal.com)

 
Although there wasn't a cloud in the sky, Smith Optics' stunning Cypress sunglasses kept the tears from my eyes atop the Arc de Triomphe.

 

smith-cypress-al4dz-transparent-red-lobster+me 600.jpg

Night-on-the-Town Necessities

To celebrate her birthday in high style, Linda planned a memorable evening at Les Ombres restaurant. With its glass ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular rooftop terrace, Les Ombres offers what could be the most magnifique view of the Eiffel Tower in all of Paris.

That meant we'd be dressing for dinner! Thank goodness, I had just enough space in my suitcase for a knockout dress, small clutch and stiletto heels.

We played "Who are you wearing?" when dining at Les Ombres in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

Charlotte at Shadow of Eiffel Tower Dinner.jpgSleek, Red-and-Black SheathThis 50s-inspired, shirt-waist number with a polka-dot embellished, polynylon taffeta skirt caught my eye immediately. As you can tell from the scarf I wore to Monet's garden, I'm all about polka dots. Plus, its machine washable (don't you just hate dry cleaning bills?), the red top complements my Smith sunglasses and the pencil skirt has pockets.

Even better, since the dress came from eShakti.com, I knew none of my friends had it (we always seem to end up with the same things in our closets!). It was also affordable ($79.95) and I was able to get a perfect custom fit without going to a tailor. That's HUGE when you're a 0 petite and salespeople often laugh when you ask for your size.

When ordering from eShakti, you can pick a standard size from 0 to 36W. Or pay $7.50 extra for sizing to your height, bust, waist, and so on. Also, it takes about 14 business days (18 calendar days) for delivery. If you're anything like me, now you're wondering "But can I return it?" Yes, however, shipping and the customization charge aren't refundable and there are other exclusions.

Since styles come and go quickly, my dress is no longer available. But there are tons of other head-turning, under-$100 options at eShakti.com and you can watch the site for discounts.

Killer Clutch - This chic Jemma clutch wallet in faux ostrich added noticeable fun to my outfit. The girls even paused from ogling my friend Becky's gorgeous, vintage Channel bag to compliment my choice.Clava ostrich clutch interior 350.jpg

A great size for evening as well as easy packing, the Jemma has handy compartments for carrying cash, credit cards, and other essentials like lipstick, a comb and your phone. The rosy fuchsia color paired well with my reds but you can also choose black, gray, green or any of six other cool colors. ($50 at Clava.com)

Clava's Jemma clutch has handy pockets for carrying cash, credit cards, and other essentials like lipstick, a comb and your phone.

Studded, Black Patent Stilettoes - Right on trend for fall, these sensational, silver-studded pumps make anything from skinny jeans to skirts and dresses more elegant.

Pumps 350.jpgAlthough I adore high heels, I wondered about trying these 3 1/4-inch kicks from Kohl's on the cobblestone streets of Paris but they didn't feel too tall. In fact, I had zero problems walking the blocks we often had to cover to catch a taxi. So this sexy Jennifer Lopez style has earned a spot on the dance floor at the after-5 wedding Bob and I have on the calendar later this month. ($74.99 at Kohls.com)

Besides being right on trend, these Jennifer Lopez studded pumps from Kohl's are surprizingly comfortable.

Meanwhile, Kohl's has become my latest resource for size 5 and 5 1/2 shoes. Since many stores don't stock anything below a 6, I love, love, love that they have an assortment of fashion-forward styles in smaller sizes and so many are on sale!

A Bag of Beauty Basics

I got on a blue bent when Bob and I went to Florence in June. While there, I picked up a beautiful, cobalt blue bag that goes with just about everything I own. Now, I'm collecting that color because it's become one of the hottest shades for fall.Pacific Ill Starter Set 400.jpg

This Pacific Illusions Starter Set includes an eye-catching cosmetic case and three, full-size beauty must-haves.

So you know I was thrilled to find this terrific, beauty-on-the-go set. The super cute, cobalt blue cosmetic case from Stephanie Johnson includes three, full-size Pacific Illusions Beauty must-haves that became my morning go-to's in the City of Light:

Besides being a great basis for a natural-only-better look, this trio and all Pacific Illusions products are paraben free, fragrance free, talc free and hypoallergenic. In addition, the mini bag tucks easily inside most any medium to large tote. I enjoy carrying it in my every day bag as well as packing it on the road. ($65 at PacificIllusions.com; free shipping anywhere in the U.S.)


We'd like to shout out a big "Thank You" to the brands in this post for providing free samples for review and testing.

You might also enjoy:

Pingates
Comments
Go
Red Thong Strong: Girlfriends Little Secrets to Smoothing Lifes Panty Lines
Guest Room

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Continue Reading »

Playing Favorites

Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

Continue Reading »

Follow Us

Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief 

and @CharlotteBoomer

  
Follow Charlotte on Pinterest:  Follow Me on Pinterest

Follow Bob on Pinterest


Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.

Now Trending 

We Like These Sites 

Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel. 

Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.

The Huffington Post is the gold standard of political blogs.

You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.

More →