TRAVEL CHIC: ONE SUITCASE/5 EASY PIECES (c) By Polly Guerin

As the summer travel season draws near it reminds me of the student trips I planned for twenty young women from the Fashion Institute of Technology, 20 total, traveling with me to London, Paris/St. Tropez, Milano, Florence/Venice, and Barcelona. The trip was designated as a 3-credit summer course of exploration visiting the fashion capitals of Europe. Believe me it was a formidable task to be the sole professor escorting this sometimes unruly group of ‘in-no-sense’young women. However, my travel tips may also serve any woman planning such a trip even on her own.
A SAVVY TRAVELER I say that because before we would travel I always held meetings in which I discussed and distributed information on what to expect and how to travel sensibly. While so many of the young women seemed genuinely interested in the fashion aspects of the trip they did not heed my warning that this was a student trip and not a luxury vacation and that they would have to abide by the rules of deportment. Most important they could bring only one medium-size roll-on suitcase and one combination handbag/carryon bag. The girls who did not comply wound up with great difficulties during the trip, but they were forewarned. Often porters are not so handy so several ‘in-no-sense’ girls who decided to bring their summer wardrobe had to fend for themselves when it came to lugging extra suitcases down or up stairs at various stations or airports.
FASHIONABLE ATTIRE Five easy pieces is what I recommended. That means packing minimally with color- coordinated pieces in easy-care fabrics. Five easy pieces include a (1) a classic stretch-linen-like jacket, (2) a printed blouse or printed sleeveless shell, (3) one solid-color microfiber dress, (4) one pair microfiber pants and (5) one pencil slim skirt. Easy-care fabrics make it easy to wash an item during the trip. Always include a pair of comfortable walking shoes, which you can wear with your travel outfit, but pack one pair of heels which will look perfect with the dress, glitter or pearls. Navy blue is always an easy color scheme to coordinate. Brown/beige with coral is another alternative, but always stick to one color scheme. Matching accessories such as a silk Hermes-inspired scarf and a colorful Pashmina printed shawl can add panache to the ensemble as do costume jewelry earrings and necklaces. If you want to relieve yourself of any theft concern never travel with genuine jewelry. However, you should also pack a collapsible tote just in case your retail therapy goes wild with extra purchases.
CHIC NECESSITIES It’s a good idea to put personal necessities in your combination carryon/handbag, in which you can pack a small purse with shoulder strap. This item can be used as an evening accessory or to use on lighter days when you do museum hopping. You can utilize this small purse in your suitcase to stash cosmetics and hair necessities. Keep lingerie to a minimum wash-and-wear status. Toss in a bikini bathing suit with a matching cover-up that can serve as a nightgown, and pair of flip-flops. When we took the Chunnel from London to Paris (a first class experience) another 'in-no-sense' girl piped up, “I thought that you said that we were going first class?” Obviously she did not recognize the classy décor and lamps
DOCUMENTS BE SAFE As for documents I always suggest that you make a copy of your passport and place it safely inside your suitcase, so heavens, if the original gets lost you will have the information for a replacement at the local U.S. Consulate. Always keep a copy of the travel itinerary with you at all times and at each hotel remember when you go out in the evening, if you do not take the itinerary with you, be sure to pick up a business card with the hotel’s name and address. Many a night I had a frantic concern when several girls did not show up because they couldn’t remember the hotel in which they were staying.
DINING AL FRESCO Often meal plans were included on the trip and we even accommodated vegetarian requests. However, some girls were not adventurous when it came to dining and much to my dismay in Venice I saw several students in a MacDonald’s. When I appeared and wondered what they were doing there. They announced, “This is the best meal we have had on the trip.” So much for trying to broaden one’s taste palate. When it came to the old pension in Florence, where students from other universities were also staying, some of the ‘in-no-sense’ students complained bitterly about the ancient elevator that accommodated one person at a time. Although the atmosphere in the place had a convent-like austerity, alas, most of us thought the experience was quaint.
SO MUCH FOR INNOCENTS ABROAD WHO I HAVE DUBBED ‘IN-NO-SENSE’ BUT ON THE WHOLE DESPITE THESE NAYSAYERS FASHION AND TRAVEL IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPERIENCE EUROPE.

THE PERFECT DINNER GUEST (c) By Polly Guerin

Formal Dinner Setting

Some people just seem to know how to be the perfect dinner guest, others may be in a quandary about proper etiquette for business invitations and still there is the casual dinner with close friends that usually has no restrictions at all where you can be at ease. Guidelines herewith provide pointers for attending modern semi formal and formal dinner parties. These tips will help you to avoid a faux pas and worst have your name removed from any further invitations. Dinner parties are not to be trifled with, but given their due respect, and you should always be prompt but never earlier than the time designated for arrival.

FASHIONABLE ATTIRE A dinner party is the kind of social affair that requires particular savoir faire, manners and dressing for the occasion. Yes, it is important to coordinate your attire to emulate the dinner party’s theme. In other words, save your jeans for a backyard barbecue invitation. Quite often, the host will tell you in advance why the dinner party is being held; an anniversary celebration, a birthday, a promotion---there are numerous reasons why a host will hold a dinner party and that will give you a clue as to the dress code for the evening. An invitation to a business dinner means you will have to be clear about the attire expected, mind your manners and avoid excess drinking of libations.

A FORMAL AFFAIR Formal black tie and evening gown dinners are usually banquet affairs; testimonials, award ceremonies or the like, held in a hotel ballroom. For such occasions you know instinctively that the dress code is formal. In a home setting a formal dressy affair, a tuxedo and gown invitation, reminds me of something out of the past, like a 1920’s movie set. However, I have found that on rare occasions a formal dinner lends a special flair to the celebration. I held a formal dinner for six one time to celebrate birthday milestone, and the fact that everyone dressed up to the occasion gave the affair a tone of elegance and panache.

HOSPITALITY POINTERS The matter of a hospitality gift is a courtesy, so you might ask the host, “May I bring some wine?” If you are told, “No, do not bring anything, just yourself,” ignore the hosts protestation and bring something anyway. If you do bring wine, and the host does not open it that evening, do not be disappointed. The host may have planned the choice of wines for the dinner with such precision that your wine will be kept for another occasion. Instead of wine consider gourmet chocolates or a designer scented candle. Flowers are also a lovely choice, but then the busy hostess, greeting guests, has to find a vase. Anyway she or he may have already coordinated flower arrangements to suit the color scheme of the evening. Sending flowers the next day as a ‘thank you’ is a better choice.

INTERACTING WITH GUESTS That said, depending upon the occasion, you might politely ask the host who will also be attending the dinner and explain that your inquiry is merely to be prepared so that you can interact with the guests on their cultural level. If foreigners are among the guests, be prepared and know in advance the customs of their country in order to avoid any faux pas. Some men still gallantly take a woman’s hand and kiss it, but that is a gesture that is reserved for people they know. When introductions are made a polite handshake is sufficient.

THE PERFECT DINNER GUEST The perfect dinner guest is someone who is interesting and interested in the people to the left and right of him or her at the dinner table. However, a brash guest should never monopolize the conversation and talk about himself. The best way to open up the conversation is to ask a question, which you could easily do since you have received beforehand information about the guests. Look for ways to connect. A woman can easily chat with another woman by merely admiring her jewelry or her dress. A gentleman might open up a conversation by discussing some artifact in the dining room or a newspaper item that is fresh on everyone’s mind, but nothing too controversial. By all means wait for your host to sit down and invite everyone to start eating. A toast may be offered first, so follow the host’s lead and rise to the occasion.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH It’s never quite clear how long to linger after the dinner. Guests may be urged to stay for an after dinner drink while others may have a train to catch or pressing business and need to leave early right after the dinner has concluded. Remember, before you exit be sure to say something about how much you enjoyed the dinner, and thank the host. Whether you stay on at the host’s request or not, remember to send a ‘thank you note’ the very next day expressing how much you enjoyed the dinner party, and mention something special about the evening.

WRITE FROM THE HEART “It was such a delightful evening and I was glad to be counted among your special guests. The salmon cordon blue was excellent as was the entire dinner, which I so very much enjoyed, especially the pot de crème dessert. I particularly enjoyed meeting Mr. and Mrs. So and So, and the lady from India. Thank you again for inviting me. I hope to see you soon again.” Okay that’s not your style, but it is just an example; say something from the heart, something that will make the host smile and feel appreciated.

NEW YORK STATE'S 'I LOVE NEW YORK' SCENT(c) By Polly Guerin

New York State Scents with Iconic Tourism Logo

New York may have a bad rap when it comes to smelling fresh like a spring breeze of crystal clean air, but NoHo-based perfumery Bond9, long known for creating artisanal fragrances—now in partnership with the State of New York--- has launched ‘I Love New York,' a perfume collection, whose inspiration is the entire New York State. The collection, created by the brand’s owner Laurice Rahme was launched at the New York State Summer Media Night, held to promote travel within the state. The iconic I Love New York tourisim logo adorns shapely bottles of in different colored bottles. Regardless of what you pick for your vacation signature scent there’s something for almost everyone in this collection.

INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY From landmark waterfalls and wine trails, to a splendor of cultural icons and a wealth of local food and drink, New York offers endless surprises and adventure in every corner. The 'I Love New York' fragrance collection seems to be meant to capture the endless vacation possibilities in New York State. Each fragance has its own distinct message in aromas that inspire one’s desire to travel and enjoy the many wonderful opportunities of discovery and leisure-time pursuits. Even if you journey vicariously there’s a great deal of thought that has gone into each fragrance.

HIS & HER SENTIMENTAL SCENTS The fragrances for his and her have distinct aromas that conjure up sentimental yearnings for the great outdoors. ‘New York for Her,’ fashioned in a Vivid ruby red bottle with peony and patchouli notes suggests—close your eyes and you’ll be transported to the sunny blueberry farms in the Chautauqua-Allegheny area. Well, it certainly beats the unpleasant odors of New York City. Then there’s ‘New York for Him’ in royal blue bottle, which suggests the rugged outdoors, rivers and lakes. Other scents celebrate Earth Day in a Green bottle and ‘New York for All’ with street smart geranium infusions.

MOTHERS & FATHERS AROMAS ‘I Love New York for Mothers’ in a pink bottle, celebrates a state full of tea rooms, hat shops, shoe shops and charming hansom cabs. Not to forget our founding fathers like John Jacob Astor, fur trader andThomas Edison who set up his company in Corning (Finger Lakes) to blow the first light bulbs, and the National Hall of Fame in Cooperstown---this is an amber based scent ‘New York for Fathers.’ A contemporary wedding bouquet of aromas identifies with “I Love New York for Marriage Equality,’ which celebrates New York’s same-sex marriage law in a white bottle with rainbow heart.

Ms. Rahme’s focus on custom-blended scents are sold in five New York area boutiques as well as Saks Fifth Avenue. BondNo9 also has 58 scents for different neighborhoods in the city. For further details check the website: www.BondNo9.

MILLINERS GUILD's Bonnet Bash NIGHT and DAY Show

The Bonnet Bash: Night and Day

Fashionistas’ Millinery: An exciting and distinct way for a millinery designer to exhibit their unique creativity is the subject of a new exhibit, Bonnet Bash, the NIGHT & DAY SHOW show, which is featured in the spectacular venue of the National Arts Club, at 15 Gramercy Park South on 20th Street, New York City. The enchanting presentation, representing the work of some twenty-eight millinery designers, opened last night and is free and open to the public until Friday, March 15, at which time there is a closing night party. When the party is over The Millinery Guild continues to provide a platfrom for millinery designers with its educational seminars and millinery events

ORIGINS OF THE THEME Linda Ashton, the president of Milliners Guild wrote, “A song started to run through my head. It was the Lyrics from a l932 Cole Porter song, Night and Day--- “Night and day you are the one, Only you beneath the moon or under the sun, whether near to me or far it’s not matter darling, where you are, I think of you night and day. Linda continues, “Since each milliner was to create two hats for the event, it made perfect sense to use the tune, as it afforded us the idea for the two hats, ‘one for day’ and ‘one for night’ and the milliners were encouraged to interpret the theme any way they wished.”

THE MILLINERY DESIGNERS Millinery creations and concoctions kept the invited guests entranced by their whimsical quality or serious interpretation. I cannot mention each designer here but jaunty Top Hats by Janet Linville took notice, as did Wanda J. Chambers’s melon colored fedora with striking feather decoration. Most elegant and stylish were the hats of Sally Caswell, Sally Caswell Millinery wtih jaunty straw with floral trim and one delightful concoction of feather origin. Linda Ashton’s beige cloche with button detail tuned into the night’s theme as did Linda Pagan’s theatrical straw top hat with circle feather. My favorite, and I am entitled to have one, was Aaron Keppel’s flying saucer red straw with white brim really which took off with flying colors. Anne dePasquale's fedora stood out in striking contrast to a hat bouquet perched on the head like spring field flowers.

 THE CLOSING NIGHT PARTY Should be lots of fun!!! Dance to the vintage music of the Avalon Jazz Band, strut your headpiece in the hat parade, meet celebrity milliners, craft a chapeau of your own design and peruse the installation which enjoying vintage cocktails, a light supper and parlor entertainments. Vintage-inspired day or evening attire with matching chapeau is highly encouraged. Cost $75. For more info about the artists featured in the show: MillinersGuild.org  Prizes will be awarded for the most Glamorous, Most Outrageous and Best Period Hat.

The Milliners Guild is an essential resource for stylists, Art Directors, Accessories Editors, and distinctive fashioniasts who appreciate fine millinery. Through special events and educational seminars the Guild provides consistent communication to, and education of the public, press and students. For more information about the Guild contact: PR@Milliners Guild.org

LADY'S MAID ON DEMAND (c) By Polly Guerin

Movie: Shall We Dance Serving Ginger Rogers in Bed (1937)

When I hear people being downsized and out of a job I wonder if they have considered entering domestic service to satisfy the needs the tony, trendy people who can afford to pay high salaries for trained help.The increase in the demand for good, reliable help has also come about by the effects of Downton Abbey, and countless of women are fantasizing and yearning to hire a personal lady’s maid. That’s right, there’s a certain kind of glamour that the show projects and after watching characters like Lady Mary get impeccably dressed women, who can afford it are looking for someone to take great care of their seasonal wardrobe, maintain the garments in pristine clean condition and also prepare and layout clothing for special events.

LEND ME A STYLIST Some women associate the career as a ladies maid as a put down, but when you consider that salaries for such service can escalate way up to $60,000 a year and better, it’s worth considering. Of course, if you are too pretty for the job you may not get hired, so it would be wise to downplay your attractiveness, cause your lady boss may consider you competition for her husband. Training may also require some time and investment but it may be worth investigating at the Society of Staffing or check out The Butler Did It, Inc. for starters to a new profession, which often comes with some perks. Better yet to give yourself the finest of training head for England where professional training is at its peak to meet society’s demands.

PERKS OF THE PROFESSION If a client is wealthy the extra perks that come with a domestic service might mean performing the same service elsewhere; like a swanky apartment in New York or Paris, and in summer or at winter break go along to the beach or country house or accompany the same client on exotic vacations. You may have to wear a uniform that would save on your clothing budget,  but then again maybe not. Just look at the maid in the image above she is wearing an exotic form fitting dress, but of course that is a Hollywood version of a maid's attire. Some women don’t want a live-in domestic but prefer hiring on occasion a fashion stylist to put their image together for career or social events. No doubt, a well-trained lady’s maid can help you make the right appearance, but it is a pricey indulgence that most working women cannot afford. Celebrities often hire an all-in-one person called a personal assistant, who performs a myriad of jobs and these careers also pay extremely well. However, I’ve read that some of those celebs can be pretty demanding so take caution before you leap into this profession.

REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGH You may not be working for the English royals in a countryside estate or great palace but the surroundings of a posh apartment or mansion can be just as demanding. For one thing, most clients want staffers to be well-educated, fluent in at least one language, well-traveled with a valid passport and able to drive them about if necessary. Consider the consequences of the job as lady’s maid. Your role as staffer means that you have to cater to the client and what’s more drop everything at the client’s request to even arrange for the complete contents of a dinner party. If that be the case just be sure that additional services are woven into your contract. Yes, don’t forget to spell everything out that is expected of you for that great salary.

THE QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: ARE YOU CUT OUT OF THE CLOTH OF SENSIBILITY TO WORK AS A LADY’S MAID? IT MAY NOT BE A LIFE LONG CAREER BUT JUST THINK OF THE ADVANTAGES. IF YOU ARE A FULL TIME STAFFER YOU CAN SAVE MOST OF YOUR SALARY WHILE YOU ENJOY FREE RENT AND MEALS AS ANOTHER VALUE PERK OF YOUR CHOSEN CAREER. BONNE CHANCE!!! PS I have been told that it would help if you spoke French as well.

RECREATE A DOWNTON ABBEY-STYLE WEDDING FOR LESS by Cara Davis

Dear Readers: Weddings expert Cara Davis, and thefashionhistorianpollyguerin's Guest Blogger is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, a best-selling book on Amazon offering tips and tricks for planning a dream wedding on a budget. Cara also blogs from her home in Nashville, Tenn., about cheap ways to spend and save at her blog: CheapWaysTo.com She planned her wedding in under six months for $5,000 and has been offering tips and tricks to budget-savvy brides every since. Her tips have been featured in USAToday, The New York Times, Colorado Brides, Chicago Bride Magazine, Destination I Do Magazine, St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazineand many more.

Cara Davis writes : "Recreate a Downton Abbey-Style Wedding for Less."

The wedding of the season appears to be that of Downton Abbey's Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley. The popularity of the series has brought about a renewed interest in 20s-era fashion, as evidenced by the spring 2013 bridal collection from Jenny Packham and the fall 2013 styles of Sarah Seven.

If the grandeur of the Granthams has you dreaming of vintage touches and ornate headpieces, consider these
seven must-haves for a Downton-themed garden wedding.

1. The Venue
Shop around for an all-inclusive wedding package at a bed-and-breakfast, historical mansion or botanical garden. Package deals can be very affordable and the more options included mean less planning headaches for you. A church ceremony is perfectly suited for a Dowton theme and you can even get away with a quiet reception of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres afterward.

2. The Decor
Piece together vintage settings from your town's local flea markets and antique stores. Don't worry about getting all matchy-matchy at the reception; shop thrift stores for teacups and saucers, and load up on faux pearls to complete the look.

3. The Invites
To save on the cost of invites, create your own or print them from free templates. The monogram theme from WeddingChicks.com offers the perfect look for a Downton-inspired ceremony. Since printing your own invites also includes proofs, RSVP cards and reception information, head to InkjetWilly.com for discounts on ink cartridges.

4. The Attire
Shop vintage stores for your dress or research 20s-style patterns. Having a dress made may be cheaper if you know someone willing to lend his or her sewing skills. In the 20s and 30s, lean silhouettes dominated, hemlines rose to the knee and dropped waists were in fashion. Lady Mary donned long sleeves but the look can still be achieved with cap sleeves, especially when you add over-the-elbow gloves.

5. The Accessories
Lady Mary's gown was simple and conservative, but her accessories added a glamorous touch. Her jeweled headpiece represents a must-have piece and can be picked up for less than $50 or over $400, as seen in this Lucky Magazine feature. Additionally, her cathedral veil offered an ethereal elegance, the likes of which can be purchased on Etsy for as little as $30.

6. The Flowers
Lady Mary carried a simple bouquet of calla lilies, a decidedly frugal choice for such a fancy lady. A small bouquet of larger blooms is the cheaper way to go, and remember to think outside the rose or orchid; even a bouquet composed primarily of baby's breath is elegant in its simplicity.

7. The Music
Complete the theme of your 20s-era nuptials by adding the following artists to your playlist: Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Bing Crosby, Helen Kane and Ella Fitzgerald, or simply download a free 20s-era jazz collection. For a more subdued, Lord Grantham-approved soundtrack, stick with strings and orchestra,  and "Recreate a Downton Abbey-Style Wedding for Less."












              

THE CHECKERBOARD SET (c) By Polly Guerin

Fashion’s latest variations on black and white can be a challenge to fashionistas. It’s an easy formula—checkerboard squares, cross stitch graphics and a myriad of stripe variations are the ‘it’ look for spring.

BLACK and WHITE PERPLEXED Not everyone can appreciate the black and white fashion theme—how do we make a white blouse and black pants look new and fresh? The old standby, a stylish white blouse with black pants doesn’t seem all that exciting until you choose a really special designer blouse and spice up the outfit with black and white accessories or graphic shoes. However, too much black and white can make one feel drab. It should not be worn as a uniform but alternated with other color wardrobe choices or checkerboard patterns in yellow or orange.

CHECK IT OUT Not everyone can wear checkerboard squares. Choosing the right black and white checkerboard pattern depends on how you can carry off the look. Large squares may work for one woman but a petite woman would find the pattern overbearing and might opt for smaller squares. Marc Jacobs’ spring collection of black and white checkerboard squares were inspired by the columns of different heights in Paris’ Palais Royal, known as Les Deux Plateau. Get ready, window displays of the black and white theme for select Vuitton boutiques are timed for arrival of the ready-to-wear collection in March.

KEEP IT SIMPLE The black and white trend doesn’t require a lot of jewelry. A delicate gold necklace on a white blouse can add a bit of flair, but chunky pieces just don’t work with the trend. Loud black and white prints take a bit of bravado to carry them off. For novice fashionistas the look can be achieved with just one wardrobe piece, like a checkerboard printed skirt or a black and white animal print top. A word of caution---a head-to-toe black and white wardrobe can be overbearing and few women can carry the look off to satisfaction.

COLOR SYMBOLISM Just how and where the black and white trend emerged is questionable. However, the timing seems just right for the economic climate today. There is powerful symbolism in the look. White evokes simplicity and purity while black symbolizes power and elegance. The effect is never boring. Black and white stimulates and challenges our brain to wake up and move forward.

BLACK AND WHITE CAN ADD SPICE AND ACTION FOR WARDROBES THAT SPAN FROM DAY INTO EVENING WEAR. IT’S A CLEAN AND PRISTINE WAY OF DRESSING WITH MINIMALIST APPEAL.