Pack It All In

For Mother's Day, I spent the weekend in Indianapolis shopping and eating (my two favorite activities) with my two daughters. Going for a weekend doesn't require a lot of packing, but as I unpack, I find myself transferring to another suitcase - my extra large, pink, you can see me coming from a mile away, suitcase. I am leaving for the AICI Conference on Wednesday. AICI is the Association of Image Consutlants International. Can you image being in one hotel with Image Consultants from 26 other countries? It is exciting but gives an entirely new meaning to "what will I wear"?

At some point this summer I'm sure you will be packing for business or pleasure. Here are a few of my travel tips:

1. I started putting outfits together a week ago. You might not need a week but don't think you can begin packing at 11:00pm for a 7:00am flight. Doing this is like going to the grocery store hungry - you'll throw anything in the suitcase "just in case". Not only have I planned my outfits but had my manicure, pedicure, botox, tan, and will have my hair colored tomorrow. I know I sound high maintence - but it's all these little things that add up to one happy, confident, traveler.

2. In the perfect world, you would choose a "color of the week". This minimizes the amount of shoes, handbags, and jewelry needed to pack. Rotate pants, jackets and skirts. Try on all the outfits to make sure you still love them and they still fit. Darker colors are easier to dress up and down - such as the little black dress or black suit.

3. Once I decide what it is I want to wear, I take a look at my schedule and write down what outfit I am wearing on each day. Perfect planning makes perfect. I can get up each morning at conference and not have to think about what I'm going to wear and why I packed a piece of clothing. Visually going through the week keeps me from forgetting to pack something and keeps me from packing too much. Check all garments for loose buttons etc. This eliminates any surprises when getting dressed in the hotel room such as a missing button.

4. Once I have my game plan, I like to lay everything flat in my suitcase. I find there is less wrinkling when I do this. You could also roll your clothing if you prefer. Pack shoes in seperate plastic bags. If you are a frequent traveler you will want to have duplicate makeup and skin care products in travel size bottles in leak proof bags. I pack only costume jewelry in a jewelry pouch. A friend gave me a lingerie bag years ago for my birthday - love it! Keeps lingerie together and free of snags.

People don't dress up anymore while flying so I like to wear something comfortable yet stylish. If you need anything such as directions, help with luggage, a taxi, or a door held for you, you don't even have to ask if you stand out above the crowd.

Don't forget to pack your wardrobe plan. Pack something for extreme weather and you'll have yourself a worry free trip.

I'm looking forward to seeing all my AICI friends from around the country. I'll tell you all about it next week. Have a wonderful week.

Joyfully,
Chris

Beauty in the Bluegrass

This past Tuesday I was at Churchhill Downs participating in a Morning Line Radio Network. I was interviewed by several regional radio stations about Derby Fashions and Derby Hats.

What I found interesting is the "awe" that out of town folks experience when seeing the beautiful women at Derby. Louisville takes center stage this weekend with the running of the Oaks and Derby but the women's fashion and hats get as much commentary as the horses.

Derby 2009 will see an explosion of color. Fushia, tangerine, (those two colors combined) yellow, pink, and aqua top the list. You will see more dresses than suits however, suits are always a sure bet. It is the year of the tiny hat and tall heels. You will see hats called "fastenators". These are small hats attached to the head with an elastic strap - perfect for the car, elevators and ladies room. I personally love the large brim hats - they give a chic, sophisticated look to any ensemble. You will see checks, dots and stripes in interesting combinations. You might even see a few "Barbies" in the crowd. Mattel came out with the 135 Kentucky Derby Barbie. Hat desinger Christine Moore has replicated Barbies hat - can't wait to see who is wearing one.

The Bluegrass state does produce beautiful women. Not only an outer beauty but an inner beauty as well. Women all across the state are opening their homes to guests, party goers, and everyone who wants to be a "Kentuckian" for a day.

No one comes close to being as stylish as Kentuckians, and on Derby Day - everyone is a Kentuckian, regardless of where they live. Kentucky has a rich legacy of horses, food, and bourbon - a real Southern charm oozing with warmth and character. I'm proud to be part of Kentucky's rich tradition.

Happy Derby,
Chris