It’s been 10 days since I’ve sat in front of a computer. I’ve been on vacation and decided to stay “unplugged” for the most part. Although I remained “social” on Twitter and Facebook through my iPhone,  I didn’t turn on a PC during that time to do any work. I actually went out of town rather than taking my normal “staycation” and “let the good times roll.”

A co-worker, Jill Moon, and I, hit the Big Easy for four days to attend the Rotary International convention. Our journey started on May 22 in the early morning hours. We drove through the night and arrived in New Orleans around noon. The first day we had just enough time to get settled into the condo where we stayed, change and head off to the convention center.

Vacations/travel can present all kinds of fashion dilemmas. One, you never know what to pack and two, what if you forget something. If you’re flying you pack lighter to save on the costs of possibly checking a bag. Since we drove we were able to take whatever we wanted.  I stuck to my rule of only bringing one suitcase and a smaller bag with all my essentials (hairdryer, flatiron, makeup, etc.)  Jill brought way more than me.

I packed a total of six outfits (You just never know what a girl will need.) I packed things that didn’t ironed and since I checked the weather before leaving I was prepared for the southern “scorch.” The temperatures were in the mid-90′s and it was humid as “all get out” too. The first day I wore capris, the second a maxi dress, the third an maxi skirt and the fourth, shorts.  I took pics of three of my outfits – for some reason one of the days I forgot to take one of my look.

No. 1 – I’ve had the capris and top for awhile.  The Arizona flip-flops were purchased this year for $.75 at a yard sale. (I wore them twice)

No. 2 – I purchased the maxi-dress at Fashion Bug a few years ago on clearance. It was $9.99 when I got it. I wore my zebra flip-flops.

No. 3 – I paired this vintage top with white shorts and wore the braided sandals that I picked up in NOLA for $16. (They were much more comfortable than the other shoes I had pack too.)

The only “style” problem I had while visiting the Crescent City was my shoes. It really wouldn’t have mattered what I packed my feet would have hurt because we did so much walking. During the  four days we spent in town we walked from our residence on Bourbon Street to the streetcar along the riverfront to catch a ride to the convention center.  Everywhere we went we walked. For the most part I stuck with flip-flops and flats. I was comfortable to start the day, but by the end – ouch. Another great trick when you’re wearing skirts and walking a lot make sure to put deodorant or baby powder on your thighs to prevent chaffing. Since I didn’t have baby powder, only my baby powder scented Secret, I used it instead. It worked perfect too.

Jill and I stayed for the most part in the French Quarter. One our condo was located directly across from Lafitte Blacksmith Shop ( it is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States) at Bourbon and St. Philip streets.  Two, most of what we wanted to do was situated around where we stayed – that is after we got back from the convention center. We did however make a trip into the Garden District to visit a thrift shop. Yes, I thrifted something and will share that with you later this week.  We also went checked out a few clubs in Treme. The cool part was I actually got to sit next to NOLA legend Coco Robicheaux at one stop. How cool is that?

I thought I would share a few extra photos. The first is Jill and I in front of Cafe du Monde. It’s a must when you visit New Orleans. The second is of us in the “House of Friendship” at the convention center, which is where we got to meet Rotarians from around the world.

Here are some artistic shots I took around the city.

Some other great spots we visited were Pat O’Brien’s, which is famous for their hurricanes; Tropical Isle, hand grenades; and Louisiana Bistro, a unique and fantastic restaurant ran by a former Illinoisan. This trip wasn’t my first to NOLA. I visited with my son months before Hurricane Katrina struck. I enjoyed it just as much this time as I did back then. I know I’ll go back again. Jill and I met some great people while we were there.

So when you go on a vacation what’s your biggest fashion dilemma? Do you check the weather before you go so you know exactly what to pack, or do you chance it and hope that you brought the right thing to wear? Do you go for style over comfort, or do look for something that’s a little bit of both?

I could have worn jeans to work today, instead I opted for a skirt and top.

I’ve had this black ruffle skirt for years. I got this top with belt from Cato earlier this year on clearance for $9. The Anne Klien shoes are thrifted. Although this top has more of a cowl neck I took a pin and gave it an asymmetrical look. My black pearl necklace and earrings match the pin that I picked up for a $.25 at a yard sale.

I like vintage pins and broaches. I like wearing them in new ways. Until this morning I had never worn this top this way and I’m kind of liking the “pin up” look.

Do you ever wear pins and brooches? How do you wear them?

As we all know the weather this past weekend in the River Bend was rainy, so I didn’t visit any yard sales. However, I did go to a few thrift stores with a friend. There wasn’t much to find, but I did manage scavenge three tops for $9. All three are printed and I knew they would pair nicely with items already in my closet.

No. 1 Blue Hawaii — I love this top. It’s vintage and reminds me of clothing you would wear on a cruise or at the beach. I thought of Hawaiian resort wear when I saw it. The colors remind me of the ocean too. It goes nicely with my white jeans and my pink and blue sandals (thrifted, fall 2009) and pink and silver floral necklace (clearance, $1.99 Fashion Bug, fall 2010) and silver earrings (free with $10 Fashion Bug coupon.)

No. 2 Paisley Pretty — I like the bright orange in this paisley Tommy Hilfiger top. I went for a more casual look with a denim skirt, navy tank and silver jewelry. The white and tan ribbon style belt pairs well with my tan sandals. (I’ve got orange board shorts that I plan on pairing with it next.)

No. 3 City Safari — This CJ Banks black and white cheetah print blouse looks good with my peach top and black capris. I accessorized with a wide belt, black peep-toe pumps (thrifted, Anne Klein) and silver jewelry.

I wore the first outfit to a Tapas party I attended Saturday night. I thought since we would be having “little plates” of Spanish hors d’oeuvres it would be like having dinner while vacationing somewhere exotic. I think Spain is that kind of place. They drink wine and eat tapas and some of their activities include bullfighting, flamenco dancing and spending time on the country’s 5,000 miles of beaches.

Speaking of vacations, next week I will be in New Orleans for the Rotary International convention and although it’s doesn’t have the exotic beach/resort vibe, it will be a culture experience all on its own. I’ve been to NOLA once before. I was there the spring before Katrina with my son. This time I’m going to “the Big Easy” with my co-worker and fellow Rotarian Jill Moon.

Although our purpose for being there will be the convention I’m looking forward to the fellowship, food, fun and fashion. Yes, fashion in NOLA.  I’ve already looked up a few thrift shops I want to visit while we’re there. Can’t wait to see what goodies are in store down south.

So is there any clothing style that gets you to thinking of faraway places? What kind of clothes do you like to wear/take on vacation, or as they say in Europe, holiday?

I’m attending an event tonight and I wanted a look that would take me from day to night easily.

I’ve worn this paisley print Apt. 9 dress a few times. I got earlier this year on clearance for $5.40 at Kohl’s. The shoes are Anne Kline (thrifted) and the jewelry is mostly Jewels By Park Lane. The ring I recently purchased from my friend, Rebecca Harper, who just happens to be a JPL consultant. It’s called Glitterati and it definitely suits my personality. Two of the three bracelets are JPL, but my earrings I ordered online from No More Rack . I spent $6 on them, but the original cost was $40. The only downside to ordering online is the weeks I had to wait for the hoops to arrive.

One of the cool accessories I wore today was the Kiss ExPress on Nails. A friend wore a pair to a function one night and said that she didn’t have time to get her nails done so she decided to try the instant French manicures. The best part is they were $5.49.  I of course had to try them too. Before going to a party one night I stopped and purchased a set. I wore the nails for the next five days. This is my second set and tomorrow night I have plans to see Jersey Boys at The Fox Theatre and wanted my nails to look good for that night too. (I’m excited because I’m attending the cast party after the production.)

Jewelry makes great accessories, but sometimes nice nails go a long way. When you’re in a pinch, or on a budget, these press on nails are perfect. They can make your “glitter,” or “Glitterati” in my case, sparkle even more.

OK girls, what’s your glitter?

It’s been a little hectic at work and then I was sick, so I haven’t been able to share my recent looks. So anyway here are few, which includes some of my recent finds. I hit Riverbend Resale in Wood River last week and then found a few items at yard sales on Saturday.

No. 1 — I wore my denim capris to work along with my Dana Buchman linen shirt that I thrifted for $3 several years ago with the original $120 price tags still on. Before having a clothing line at Kohl ’s Dana Buchman had her own line. I paired my recently thrifted espredrille wedges with jewelry in the same hue.

No. 2 — For a night out I kept my capris, but changed my top for this metallic sleeveless turtleneck that I purchased for $3 at Riverbend Resale. I picked up the Simply Vera Wang slingback peep-toe pumps at Kohl’s for $4 on clearance ($69.99 original) after using a $10 coupon. The necklace was a yard sale find for $.25 cents.

No. 3 — All I did for the second outfit was add this long black sweater I found at a yard sale last month for $2. It was new with $115 tags still on.

No. 4 — This look was inspired by a recent catalog I got in the mail. I got this top from Lane Bryant last year on clearance. I paired it with white for an island feel. The Jessica Simpson shoes were found new at a yard sale for $5.

No. 5 — Three pieces I’m wearing were purchased from three different yard sales I went to this past weekend. I got the blue Lane Bryant top for $1.50, a new pair of Arizona flip flops for $.75 and the earrings for $.25. The capris I already had in my closet as well as the other jewelry.

No. 6 — This look reminds me of a shirt-dress. The white top and tank I’ve had for some time, but I picked this skirt up from a yard sale for $1.50 as well as the earrings, which were $.25. The belt I purchased last summer at a yard sale and the shoes were on clearance at Macy’s in winter 2010.

My total from both the thrift store finds and yard sale outing was just under $18. I ended up with three pairs of shoes (all new too) a skirt, two tops, two pair of earrings and a metallic clutch. I think I did rather well, especially with the shoes and that doesn’t even include my Kohl’s bargain.

I mean I actually got four brand new pair of shoes for $13. Who can beat that?

Have you hit the yard sales this season? If so, what are your thrifty finds? I’m looking forward to going again soon — hope to see you out there.

Cinco de Mayo, or Spanish for May 5, is popular in the United States. It’s become the holiday of tequila an Tex-Mex. Contrary to what some may believe, it’s not Mexican Independence Day

Cinco De Mayo marks the 1862 battle of Puebla, during which Mexican troops defeated the French army in an underdog victory regarded as a symbol of national unity. Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on Sept. 16.

The date is observed in this country as celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. In honor of it, I decided to dress in some festive colors.

I picked this top up last weekend on clearance at Wal-Mart for $5.  I just love the colors in it. I wore it once already as more of a resort wear look. Today though I paired it with my nice bright red skirt (Target, clearance) and yellow slides (Kohl’s, clearance $5. I accessorized with bold and bright colors, including the flower in my hair.

I love the strong and vivid colors that are a part of Mexican culture. Although the top doesn’t have the exact colors of the country, which are red, white and green, there are hues of it.

I don’t think the outfit is kitschy either. To me it just says “fiesta.” When I think about Mexican fashion, I think of fun.

While doing a little research I found there were not that many Mexican fashion designers, or at least one that the entire world’s heard about. I did however come across one man, Manuel Arturo Jose Cuevas Martinez, or simply Manuel as he is most commonly referred.

For a Nashville musician to say “I’ve arrived” is to take the stage in a custom-made Western suit from fashion’s “Rhinestone Rembrandt.”

Manual is responsible for creating Johnny Cash’s “man in black” look. He crafted Elvis’ signature gold lame suit. His client list includes A-list celebrities and musicians such as Dolly Parton, Raquel Welch, k.d. Lang, George W. Bush. Jack White, Keith Urban, The Beatles, Taylor Swift and many more.

I’ve seen his style for years and never realized he was the man behind the “cloth.” If planning a trip to Nashville anytime soon he has a shop and museum at 1922 Broadway.

How would you define modern Mexican fashion?

Just the sound of the word peach evokes childhood memories of the sweet nectar and juicy fruit. Other than strawberries there aren’t many fruits that conjure up the image of summer like this one.

When it comes to fabric colors the same thing came be said. It’s a perfectly feminine color without being over the top. It has a bright cheerfulness associated with orange and girliness related to pink.

The past two days I wore peachy colors and didn’t even realize I had done it.

For the first outfit I had been looking through a magazine when I spotted a pretty peach-colored top and thought “wow, I think I have one like that.” I found it and put it together with a metallic skirt (clearance, Macy’s) and cream cardigan (fall 2009, Target) I wore my Vera Wang nude sandals (clearance, Kohl’s) and faux pearl jewelry.

The second look includes my recent yard sale find. I got the skirt last weekend for $2. I paired it with a peach top I’ve had for at least five years, black jacket, wide belt (clearance, Cato) and peach-colored floral pin (free with coupon, Lane Bryant.) I also wore my Coach wedges (thrifted, March 2011,) which I love.

Sometimes I plan out what I wear to work for the week. Other times I’m inspired by a photo. The best part about all of it though is I’m always trying to “shop my closet.”

Earlier this year I told you I was on a shopping diet. I will say that’s I’ve done really well too. Since January I’ve spent less and less. That was my goal — to cut back. It’s not that I’m compulsive or ever spent lots of money, I just wanted start incorporating what I had in my closet.

I’m excited because last month I spent a quarter of what I spent in January.

For all the ladies who like to shop I know it’s hard not to go out and just buy something, especially when you’re on a “diet,” but I realize I can still get nice and pretty things, I just have to change the way I do it.  It’s similar to changing your eating habits, it’s tough at first, however if you really want make changes you will.

Next up is I want to host a frock swap. So ladies, if interested let me know and we’ll get together, drink some cocktails and exchange some clothes.

Do you ever wear the color peach? What color do you like to wear most?

Last week was pretty crazy and because it warmed up a bit by Friday I decided that instead of wearing jeans to work, I would pick a denim skirt instead. I got a lot of weekend wear from it too. I attended an event Friday night and all I did was change my top. I also went to a birthday party Saturday night and decided it would look good with one of my new yard sale finds.

I really like this Apt. 9 skirt from Kohl’s as you can tell. I don’t think it’s any different than wearing a pair of jeans more than once.

No. 1 - I wore this Dana Buchman top ( Kohl’s, clearance.) I wore my pewter flats and accesorized with jewelry I picked up at yard sales ($.50 total.)

No. 2 – I recently purchased this Charter Club sweater at Macy’s.  I got it on sale for $10. It’s original price $69. I once again accessorized with a various jewelry.

No. 3 – I picked up this scarf at my friends yard sale Saturday for $.50. I like the fabric and soft colors in it. I thrifted the gray cardigan new last fall for $3.

Besides finding the scarf,  I also picked up a Valarie Scott sweater new with tags for $2 ( original price, $115 ) and two tops on clearance at Wal-Mart and Target.

No. 4 – This top was only $5 at Wal-Mart. It reminds me of a fiesta and with Cinco de Mayo this week I found it charming. I paired it with a navy tank, white capris and my red slide pumps. I accessorized with the straw hat and red jewelry. I picked up the necklace and bracelet at a yard sale several years ago for $.25.

No. 5 - This nude sheer top was $7 at Target. I layered it with a nude tank and paired it with my striped Palazzo pants, which I’ve had for 18 years. (They are one of the oldest items in my closet.) I wore bohemian style sandals and turquoise jewelry.

The last two outfits remind me of resort wear.  It looks like  something you would wear while  on vacation. I may not be away on holiday, but sometimes I feel I need to dress the part in order to relax. I’ve said it before, “I’m not a sweatpants kind of girl” and this type of look puts me in the right frame of mind when I want to “chill.”

I believe we all have outfits like that.  There are clothing items that make each and every one of us feel good about ourselves. A few years ago  I interviewed Clinton Kelley of What Not to Wear and his philosophy was “tennis shoes and sweats are meant for working out, not going out.” I agree, it’s a fashion faux pas.

If I’ve offended any of you who wears sweats I apologize, but it makes me wonder what you wear for special occasions? Wearing sweats too often says you don’t put any time or effort into getting ready.  The reason I like to dress nice is not for others, but for myself. It makes me feel good knowing I’ve taken the time to do something for me. (It’s why as women we get our hair , makeup or nails done.)

I’m not saying don’t dress for comfort. I believe you can be both comfortable and stylish at the same time.  I think resort wear offers a laid back attire so many are looking for and presents an image we can all admire.

What’s your fashion faux pas?