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Here Come the Storm Clouds—Looking Your Best on a Rainy Day

01.24.2019 by Catherine Jane //

Last week I watched from my office window as the wind and rain pelted masses of hunched over pedestrians. They grabbed their hoods over their foreheads trying to avoid the unavoidable—wet weather. I was surprised that very few carried umbrellas. However, when they did their umbrellas were all black. There was a familiar theme in how everyone dressed for these less than sexy conditions—sports parka and hiking boots in colors that matched the stormy dark sky. I get it. It’s difficult to wrap your head around dressing in anything stylish when the conditions are bleak.

Is it that we don’t invest in a stylish raincoat because after all it doesn’t really make sense to dress up when it’s raining? Or is it that we have a Northface parka which will do just fine to protect us from the rain? Either way I would like to make an argument for being fashionable even when it pours.

Dark, damp, and depressing weather can do the same for your mood. My advice is to add a few key pieces to your wardrobe that will turn your day around. Remember never underestimate the power of dressing up on a miserable day.

Invest in a raincoat—a raincoat is a better investment than a rain jacket because when it pours you will have more coverage. If you are purchasing a raincoat for the first time go for a lighter-weight coat, one that you can layer with a sweater or a down jacket underneath your raincoat for extra warmth when the weather gets seriously frigid. The other reason to consider a lighter-weight raincoat is that you can wear it for several seasons.

Think about wearing lighter and brighter colors.

Jane Post–High Shine Slicker
On Sale $225
Also available in black

However, if you are looking for a raincoat with a heavier lining have a look at this one by Jane Post with down padding.

If you travel a lot this one by Rain is perfect for layering . It’s lightweight and is washable.

Rains-LTD Mirage Capsule Translucent Coat
$155
Also available in black

Prints are also a good option.

There is nothing worse than getting caught in a down pour and having to spend the better part of a day with wet feet. These rainbows are guaranteed to keep your feet dry.

Hunter Navy Quilted Boot
On Sale $78
Also available in black

The next time you are in the market for an umbrella choose one that will pull your outfit together.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

Rolling vs. Folding—The Big Packing Debate

01.17.2019 by Catherine Jane //

There’s a lot of buzz in the world of Packing Tips that suggests rolling your clothing is more efficient than folding when it comes to packing. I always incorporate a little of both. I approach packing like a puzzle and place items strategically as I pack.

In our video we are going to get to the bottom of this debate by rolling everything in a suitcase and then repacking the exact same items by folding them.

Keep in mind this video is not about what to pack on vacation. It is merely demonstrating which method of packing is best.

Let the games begin!

Remember the next time you pack to be methodical. Use the method that works best for you and the things you are packing.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and travel chic!

How the 60s Shaped Modern Style and Paved the Way for Fashion Trends of Today

01.11.2019 by Catherine Jane //

Throughout history fashion has had serious mood swings. The most obvious example is the fluctuations of hemlines—once short they return to longer lengths and then move back up again. However, more extreme examples reside with the corseted silhouette. This trend had graced the pages of magazines and street styles since the 16th century. It reached its pinnacle during the Victorian era and then died off during the 20s. It reappeared in a more subtle form in the 50s with Christian Dior’s wasp waist. Then the 60s happened and turned fashion on its head.

From feminine florals of the 50s to groovy geometric prints of the 60s, the dictates of style were radically transformed. Ever since the Mary Quant gave us the mini-skirt the mood in fashion has embraced a more relaxed look at least where everyday style is concerned.

“Letting go” and “Being Free” were messages that clothing of the 60s represented. Unencumbered of anything that hinted of the past establishment was considered hip by the new guards of style.

Finally free from the constraints of tailored garments of past generations the Mod Movement led the charge for today’s ultra relaxed sensibility towards fashion. But has it gone too far?

That is exactly what fashion does! It is there to impose a constant newness and rebellion to conformity. However, deciphering what is considered inspired street style in this current culture of relaxed dressing and what is merely poor judgement is anyone’s guess.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and by all means be chic!