The Closet Coach

Spring Break’s just around the corner for my family, and when you’re vacationing with hubby and kids, that’s a whole different kind of Spring Break than the Daytona Beach ‘n’ beer variety.

And a whole different kind of packing list, too.

Last year I outlined a one-carry-on version that worked in a warm climate for 7 days.

This year, I’m packing for a 5-day road trip Spring Break in the northeast.

Some items are going to change (more long sleeves, no pool stuff, sigh), but many are going to be very similar (denim and sneakers and cardigans).

Even though I technically have more room and can bring more, because it’s a shorter trip I’m going to keep it light. Besides, I find that when I plan my items and outfits in advance like this, there’s really no need for a lot of extra options.

That’s the beauty of identifying a core set of packable pieces in your wardrobe; it gives you an easy starting point for assembling a packing list that’s customized for each trip.

Packing List for a 5-Day Spring Vacation Road Trip

Here’s what I’ll be bringing.

Clothing

• Jeans
• Long pants (black/khaki)
• Second pair jeans or long pants
• Cropped pants
• Grey hoodie
• 2 cardigans
• 2 knit shirts (short sleeves)
• 3 T-shirts (long sleeves)
• 1 knit shirt (3/4-length sleeves)
• Pajamas
• Underwear (5 panties, 2 bras)
• Socks (5 pair)

Accessories

• Belt
• Medium weight jacket (denim, leather or heavy knit)
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Hat/cap
• Tote bag/Backpack
• Camera(s)
• 1 pair flats
• 1 pair sneakers
• Chargers for phone, cameras
• Hair dryer (if not available in hotel)

Outfits

Day 1 (travel)

• jeans
• long-sleeved T-shirt #1
• hoodie
• flats

Day 2

• pants
• short-sleeved knit shirt #1
• cardigan #1
• sneakers

Day 3

• pants
• short-sleeved knit shirt #2
• cardigan #2
• sneakers

Day 4

• jeans
• long-sleeved T-shirt #2
• hoodie
• flats

Day 5 (travel)

• jeans #2
• long-sleeved T-shirt #3
• hoodie
• sneakers

What to buy

Like the items in the photo illustration above? Here’s where to find them.

• Wallis coral top, $44
• Hollister Co cotton cardigan, $35
• Wallis indigo jeans, $52
• Vans Lo Pro shoes, $50
• Travel hat, $36
• Wallis pink shades, $18

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

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This week’s question for Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays asks “What are the top 5 Summer trends that you are looking forward to wearing this season?”

I’m a fashion blogger. I read Lucky and Allure and have 12 different style apps on my phone. If anyone should be aware of the season’s trends, it should be me, right?

And I am. I mean, I pay attention to them. I’m aware that they’re there. I see them popping up online and at the mall.

But I don’t shop that way.

Call it a benefit of being older, perhaps, but I look for items that will complement what I already own or fill a gap in my wardrobe. Wardrobe building tends to be the opposite of trend shopping.

When I’m influenced by the trends, it’s a more subtle influence. If I’m looking for a T-shirt, for example, I may choose the more brightly colored one over my typical neutral option because the color-blocking trend is front and center this spring.

So while I can’t say that there are 5 trends for Spring 2011 (and into this summer) I am actively looking forward to wearing, here are the trends that have influenced my shopping this season:

• Color-blocking. I haven’t gone head-to-toe brights (yet?), but I have incorporated more color into my wardrobe.
• Animal prints. I’ve always loved a nice animal print, but I’ve never tried to pull it off in a garment. Instead, I tend to wear accessories in animal print: a scarf, a cuff. Now I’m looking for a way to work it in with larger pieces. I also just ordered up a safari style Calvin Klein dress from Rue La La that I think will work great with print accessories (fingers crossed it fits!).
• ‘70s. I’m 41, my dears. I was born in the ‘70s. I remember the ‘70s. And I never thought I’d find myself wearing those styles again. But dang if I don’t lust after a pair of tab-waisted wide-legged pants like the ones above. It’s so Cheryl Tiegs as Charlie Girl.

That’s my take on the trends. What about yours? Do you love to buy the latest and greatest? Or do you prefer to stick to the styles that work for you?

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What to pack for a spring trip by closetcoach

Juicy Couture cotton tee, $48
Eddie Bauer Long-Sleeve Open Cardigan, $30
J Crew striped top, $40
Victoria s Secret graphic hoodie, $40
Hive Honey ruffle top, $29
TopShop printed top, $36
Cami top, $19
J Crew denim jacket, $98
American Eagle Outfitters cropped jeans, $50
TOMS glitter shoes, $54
Nicole Coolio black flats, $90
Buckle belt, $47
AUGUST HAT cap hat, $28

It seems like spring has barely started while at the same time summer is just around the corner. But if you’re traveling in the next few weeks, chances are you’ll still be packing for a trip in warm but pleasant weather.

So what should you pack for a 7-day trip in the spring? We just got back from our Spring Break journey to California, so here’s a road-tested packing list for warm weather and variations in climate. Best of all, it fits into a carry-on sized suitcase.

Packing List for a 7-Day Spring Vacation

Read the rest of this entry »

Kitten Heels for Spring 2011 by closetcoach

For their combination of classic style and walkability, nothing beats a cute pair of kitten heels. Working moms on the go can especially appreciate their ability to take you from home to office.

Here are 11 fabulous pairs of kitten heels you can wear right now.

(Price tags a little scary? Use these styles as inspiration and look for their cousins at Zappos, Bluefly, DSW or other retailers.)

Let’s dish

• Do you like to rock some kitten heels?
• What’s your favorite pair and where did you get them?

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What to wear to a spring wedding by closetcoach featuring a leaf dress

The leaves are budding, the bulbs are blooming and invitations are in the mail for weddings this spring. So let’s talk about what to wear to a spring wedding.

This is a fun time and occasion to wear florals and prints, in palettes from bright to pastel. Flatter your silhouette with a skirt that’s flowing and nips in a bit at the waist, or is even highlighted with a belt.

Concerned about unpredictable weather for an outside ceremony? Try a long-sleeved dress. And in all instances, carry a coordinating wrap or wear a dress coat in a neutral shade. You can always take them off at the reception.

Keep the springtime feel in your outfit with delicate, nature-inspired jewelry. On your feet, try a “nude” pump for more formal feeling dresses–especially at an indoor evening ceremony–or an embellished sandal for outdoor afternoon wear.

What to wear to a spring wedding idea list:

• Modcloth Flash of Foliage dress, $58
• Born Smooch Flast sandals, $85
• Coach jewelry, $88
• River Island enamel jewelry, 6.99 GBP
• Kara Ross leaf jewelry, $170
• Modcloth Drinks on Me Dress, $102
• Maggy London Women’s Ruffle V Neck, $148
• Rampage Women’s Malika Pump, $45

Let’s talk wedding wear

• Have you been invited to a spring wedding? What are you planning to wear?
• If you don’t know, what are your major concerns?
• Super bright colors at a wedding: yes or no? Discuss!

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