Now regarding the comments. One email address, most likely a bot, has started spamming the comments. Needless to say, I'm ticked. ("hiss! hiss! fftt!  fftt!") I've not experienced this before so I welcome any advice for how best to deal with it. For now, I'm forced to enable the comment moderator and I apologize for the annoyance factor that adds. 
Please continue to leave comments! 
Hopefully just turning it on for a while will rid me of this rat and life can go back to normal.

Hey all - I'm the guest blogger over on Our Mommyhood again today. 
Check out my thoughts here. 
It's a collections of rantings about baby modeling.  Fun stuff!
Our Mommyhood is a fun collection of mommy-bloggers who cover more than just the ins-and-outs of mom life.  Something new every time!

Just click the logo below and head on over.

My curiosity was piqued when I saw this photo in my InStyle magazine. 
And I mean piqued big time!

I liked the funky "lacing" on the Chanel stockings but the dress instantly spoke to me.  I liked everything about it and, unless the thing is backless, it is a very modest dress from a high-end designer, which doesn't happen too often.  Truly. 
The designer was naturally credited in the magazine and so I hit the net to hunt her down. Along with Nannette Lepore, this Sophie Theallet may just be my new favorite designer for my romantic girly side.  Here's the 411 compiled from her website, the wiki, and Style.com...

Born in the South of France, (living in the US), Sophie Thealletfell in love with fashion when she discovered Vivienne Westwood and the punk fashion scene in London in her early teens. At 18 she attended Le Studio Bercot in Paris, from which she graduated one year earlier after winning the National Young Designer Award. She was then commissioned to designed a collection for the prestigious department store le Printemps in Paris. She worked with  Jean-Paul Gaultier where she learned and discovered the basis of creating coherent collections and the audacity of Fashion ideas and statements. A few years later, she moved on to Azzedine Alaia where she would come to truly mature has a designer. During her 10 years as Alaia's right-hand women, she was fully immersed in the world of haute couture. She worked on the main collections, accessories, and knitwear, learning directly from the couturier. In the Spring of 2006 she launched her Sophie Theallet label in NY, which was immediately recognized by the Fashion insiders and is now sold in the best specialty stores in the USA and Europe.  Sophie recently won the big CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund purse!

So let's take a look at my favorite looks so far.
This dress, naturally, that I somehow must have in my life.  Different color from the blush pink SJP wore above.  I like the pink.

So summery!!  And still modest.

That deep neckline would need a cami but who cares!

Unexpected colors done in a reserved way.  Nice.  I'm in love with all these elbow-length sleeves and knee-length hemlines.

Another cami needed but I love the bronze and dark, shimmery gray.

The long dangling ties are fun! Perfect sleeves and hem length!

Simple and so wearable!

Love it!!  I know exactly the necklace and earrings I would wear with this!

Muted pink and green.  Soft and lovely.

Begs to be worn while dancing!  Even if only in the kitchen.

Triple tiered skirt takes a wrap dress up notch.  Love it and love the wide waist tie.

Column dresses are so often sleeveless this was very refreshing to see. 
Hoping it's not backless!

Welcome to Day 2 of translating spring's trends. 
Did you know there are actually "trend pushers" out there?  Folks trying to push certain looks and oddly enough, I usually see the term associated with the oddest or most unflattering looks.  Like this one...

Um... No.  Just, no.

If you're wanting to incorporate the cutouts trend, this, as opposed to the first look, is lovely.  Strategically placed yet still avoiding the "my sweater is falling apart" look.

Should you invest?  I wouldn't unless you think it's the coolest thing you've ever seen.  There are much better ways to defrump. Especially don't bother investing if you're just going to get something you have to put a coverage-T underneath. Besides, if you're handy with a sewing machine and scissors, and have lightweight knit on hand you don't want to wear anymore, you could DIY this and try it out.

This particular outfit showcases two trends... the cutouts and painterly prints.  Soft and Monet-esque, like this skirt or...

higher contrast and bolder like this dress.

I love prints.  An all-solid wardrobe is boring.  But prints become dated much faster than solids.  So if you love the artsy quality of these prints, choose an item with a timeless cut.  That way, the style of the top or dress will keep it wearable.  If this dress were a good 6 inches longer, it would be a great example of a sleek cut to wear year after year, combined with a current print.

And DON'T pull out your splatter-paint styles from the '80's.  Wrong interpretation of this trend.

Do I really need to say it?  Nein!! 
Any trend with the word "pantsless" in it is just wrong.

But a solid two thumbs up?  Military and safari styles are always welcome and well-used in a stylish woman's wardrobe.  The juxtaposition of masculine and feminine is fabulous.


Look for style details like double-breasted and epaulets...

... or olive drab and braided trim...

... or breast pockets and a tight row of buttons like this adorable infantry jacket!

Just remember - you're going for military.  Not marching band. 

A very simple way to adopt this style (I wouldn't even call it a trend.  It always works!) is the authentic military belt. 

The rugged material and metal grommets add just the right touch of tough to otherwise girly looks.  I like the double prong style myself.

But there is also the single prong style.  Both for about $6 or $7 dollars.

Wearing it as a belt to your jeans, with a plain T and sneakers is a little too standard.  Too tomboy.  But pair it with a really girly piece and you've got yourself the perfect mix of masculine and feminine.  Very fun!  Decidedly non-frumpy! 

Ah... spring.  When the whole world reawakens and lightens up.  Depending on where you live, spring may have sprung a month ago or may still be biding its time.  We thought spring had sprung around here... and then it snowed yesterday.  Yes, it's May 25th and it snowed.  I had to quickly cover the herbs and tomato plants I had just planted this weekend.  Poor little things.

But whether you've been wearing your spring fashions for a while or are still stuck in a sweater - this week we're translating the spring trends that have been going on.  The hits and misses.  What you should definitely incorporate into your wardrobe, what you can tweak, and what to avoid like the pox.

According to Kaboodle.com, these are some of the items you simply can't live without this spring.

A straw fedora a 'la Lindsay Lohan. 
Can't live without?  I'm sorry.  I couldn't live WITH myself if I walked down the street trying to look like Lindsay Lohan.  I have no problem with straw hats, sun protection is a must, but the comparison to this actress, whose taste in clothing the last several years I greatly dislike, kind of killed the fedora for me.  Besides - what is the narrow brim of a fedora supposed to do for me?

Choose a sunhat that actually provides some protection and wear it knowing you're staving off wrinkles just a little longer.

Yep.  Love their suggestion of a breezy scarf!  It helps during those wonky weeks when it's gusty and chilly early on in the day and warm later. 
When choosing a "breezy" scarf make sure that adjective fits both the material and color.  A light springy color in heavy wool will not work.

A bright handbag.
Somehow, this navy blue bag doesn't seem to fit the "bright" description. 

THIS little number from DSW, on the other hand, says "I'm loving spring!"
Bright without being boisterous.  Choose a color you love and use it for many years until it gives up the ghost.

Nude heels. 
A definite two thumbs up! But for the love of your wardrobe do NOT choose this dowdy pair that Kaboodle went with.  Oy! 

A strappy nude sandal will work with any outfit, makes your legs look loooong, and is much more flattering than these stumpy dumpy heels. 

Try a pair like this...

Don't forget - when choosing a nude heel, make sure it's YOUR nude. 
Skin tones vary greatly.  Choose a nude that closely matches your leg. Do NOT assume that a "dark tan" shoe will somehow make your legs look tan.  Doesn't work that way.

A neon watch.
Maybe.  I enjoy fun wrist wear, but if you don't collect watches like bracelets, then a trendy watch may quickly find its way to the forgotten corner of your accessories box and then it's just wasted money.

A classic trench.
Of course! A must-have in every wardrobe because it is so unbelievable versatile.



But it you want to incorporate a little more color and fun into your wardrobe...

Try a short trench in a kicky color.  Like this delightful little number from Nick & Mo on sale at Nordstrom right now for $38!

Today is the final part of the answer to the following question submitted to Ask Image Interpreters:  I am going on a two week trip to Europe but do not want to lug a heavy bag. What and how much would you suggest I take. I always take way too much and still have nothing to wear. I am going to Germany and Switzerland in June...

A follow-up question to my first answer asked for recommendations for her husband traveling with her so that's what we're covering today.  And at the end, I have two items for the ladies that I forgot in the last post, as well as a few other questions to answer.

The luggage, packing tools, and packing tips we covered in the last post count for the men as well.  My husband and I have no problem fitting both our things in a single carry-on.  It means only the addition of his jacket, toothbrush, one pair of undies, neck pouch, and reading material.

Here are wardrobe items to avoid...

No matter how old or young you are, there's no need to profess your undying love for your favorite team while traveling.  And unless you're one of our amazing soldiers heading to or from active duty, camo print is not appropriate either.
 
Here are some suggestions for traveling in comfort and style.  Remember - it's the type and # of item that is important.  Raid your closet before you go shopping.

For a summer trip like this one, men should take one to two more shirts than their female counterparts and a few more pairs of socks.  Men tend to sweat more than women and the extra shirt and socks are helpful. 

• A lightweight, waterproof jacket.  Pack this in the carry-on.
  
• A casual sport coat.  Gives you that stylish bump that so many men are missing nowadays, and fits the bill if you decide to seek out a fancy restaurant for dinner. Wear this on the plane.
  
• 5 to 6 shirts.  They don't all have to be long-sleeved dress shirts.  Linen travels wonderfully, cotton polos as well.  A baseball style t-shirt is casual without being schlumpy.  Shirts with a little stretch help you avoid ironing.
  
• 2 pants.  My husband often skips the jeans and packs a pair of dark trousers with the chinos.  If you're a shorts guy - pack tailored bermudas over cargo or jean shorts.
• 1 pj. You never know when you might need to run down the hall for ice!
• 5 to 6 socks.  Fewer if you're packing sandals.
• 5 to 6 underwear.
  
• A hat you would wear on a hot day.
  
• Sunglasses, watch, and belt.
• If you're planning on fancier restaurants or activities, slip a tie in your bag!  
• The same neck pouch I suggested for the women.  Your wallet in your pocket can be too easily pilfered.  
• Nook-style neck pillow as suggested previously.
  

A loafer & sneaker-style casual shoe.
For some reason, the shoes didn't want to show up properly in my collage.  So here they are.  A comfortable loafer makes it easy to negotiate security at the airport.  A sneaker-style lace-up covers the casual side of your outfits but still looks nice.

A word on athletic sandals!  There are definitely viable sandal options out there for men but if you plan on wearing them - you better make sure your feet are viewer worthy.  There's zero shame in getting a pedicure, at the very least, your wife can help you tidy up your tootsies.

For your dopp kit - refer to the suggestions in the last post, minus the feminine specific items. 

Two things I forgot in the last post...

For the women... Bike Shorts!! 
In my first answer last week to this question, I promised you a tip for how to wear skirts when traveling and I forgot to include it.  Bike shorts (without the authentic seat padding) are a skirt's best friend. They make it easier to sit and you don't have worry about gusts of wind flashing your fancies to the public.  If it's really hot out... skip the bike shorts and enjoy the breeze! 

Travel-size bottle of Febreze!!
They're making progress, but European's still smoke quite a bit.  A little spray bottle of Febreze eliminates the stink lickety split!  Just spritz your clothes at night and the next morning you'll be good to go.

A few answers to questions I received from the previous posts.

1. Yes, it's fine to get a TSA approved luggage lock.  I haven't yet, because I bought my luggage before those came out.  I just leave it unlocked during travel and lock it at the hotel.  With my passport in it!
2. Travel candles are sometimes more trouble than they're worth. It's handy that they come in little tins with lids and they definitely help in musty or odd-smelling hotel rooms.  But you're not supposed to pack lighters and TSA agents often confiscate matches as well.  So that leaves you hunting for something at your destination.  If you're worried about being sensitive to smells, pack a TS spray freshener.
   

Definitely more of a delay than I wanted between the first Traveling in Style post and this sequel but, rather than write a million words, I wanted to do a vlog showing you how to pack and this morning we finally had time to film.   

Part One covered WHAT to pack, avoiding typical tourist clothing traps, and escaping the pitfalls of over-packing.  Today we're covering HOW to pack it all and by further request, Part 3 will cover the Men's Edition of what to pack.

The essential luggage pieces to cover almost any travel scenario are:

•  24" to 27" expandable wheeled upright
• 20" expandable wheeled carry-on
• boarding tote

For a two-week Europe trip you should be able to comfortably pack in the small rolling suitcase and carry-on tote. Some people like a wheeled duffel because they flatten nicely for storage, but I find them much harder to pull.  And they're not very stylish.  I toss my tote into my carry-on, the carry-on into the big upright, and they store beautifully.

In case you're wondering about what luggage to invest in, my favorite brand is Briggs & Riley, not that they even know I exist.  They have a lovely life-time guarantee.  No matter what happens to your bag, your fault, my fault, nobody's fault, they repair it. If you're fast, you can score that great little Boarding Tote for less than $100.  It's been discontinued, which is a shame. My 20" carry-on that you'll see in the video is a Tumi I picked up on a great sale and it's been a champ. 

The above three items have been my packing best friends for many years. 
(Above are the versions currently available.) 

• The absolutely indispensable - Eagle Creek Packing Envelope.  Purchase the size that will fit in your smallest suitcase.  Mine is an 18".
  
• Eagle Creek Packing Cube.  It's double sided, with one side lined to hold wet or dirty clothes. Comes in half and quarter sizes as well.
• Tri-fold, vinyl covered, hanging toiletry kit.  Counter space can be hard to come by in some hotel bathrooms, so the ability to hang your kit and have everything handy is crucial.
  

Before you watch the video, don't forget, you're wearing one of your complete outfits when you fly out.  There is no separate "airplane outfit".  What you wear comes from the items I suggested yesterday. 

And now I'm proud to present... my hands!

Fascinating, right?  Thoughts on hair tools.  On one of my trips to Germany several years ago, I hit my wall where adapters were concerned.  No matter how much I spent, they all burned out my curling irons or fell out of the plugs. So I walked to the nearest apothecary and grabbed the inexpensive blow dryer/curling brush combo you just saw.  Reaching my limit with the adapters also brought an epiphany that I didn't need to do anything but my simplest hairstyle when I was traveling.  For me, that meant washing it at night and using the dryer/curler to put a sleek bend in the ends in the morning.  It was life altering, that epiphany. And I've never spent a dime on another adapter.  Today, you can find hairdryers with European plugs on Amazon for around $40. 
True traveling nirvana.  Now back to the show...

Before our final vlog, I should point out that the 2 year old you're about to hear made off with my sunglasses, hat, camera case, and snacks.  So don't forget to put those in your carry-on as well!  I also didn't flash my underwear around in the video, but it's smart to tuck a pair in there (packing the other 4 pair in your cube).  When my luggage didn't make it to Poland until the day after I did, I was glad I had that pair of undies.

Am I serious about the snacks?  Definitely! Just a few energy bars, an apple and sandwich.  It's a long flight! Airport food can be fatty and expensive.  And you REALLY don't want to be stuck buying the limited airplane offerings if you're not flying at least business class.  You'll also notice I didn't put in any water.  Can't get past TSA with it unless it's sealed so purchase it after you get through security.  But definitely get some!  Dehydration makes jetlag much worse.

I'm about to use the initials TS a lot.  It stands for "travel size."  And all soaps or liquids should be in ziplock baggies.  Contains the leaks, easy to rinse out.

In your toiletry kit you should pack:

• TS body wash or bar soap & net scrubby
  
• TS shampoo and conditioner (don't count on each hotel having them)
  
• Body butter (never leaks, unlike lotion, and a little goes a long way)
• TS hair gel (or whatever product you use for your simplest hairstyle)
  
• Sunscreen!
  
• TS toothpaste & floss
• Deodorant
  
• Nail file or small nail clippers
• A few Q-tips
• A few band-aids for walking blisters
• Razor & TS size shaving cream
• Small pkg of powdered laundry soap. These are easy to find at a laundromat or drug store. Even gas stations! I few sprinkles in the sink and you'll have clean undies & socks.
  
• In addition to this Stila Combo-Eye pen and mascara that you saw, I carry one other eyeshadow (a cream bronze that goes with everything) and SPF tinted moisturizer.  You can add in concealer, blush, and lipstick/gloss, but traveling is not the place for your red-carpet face.  Fresh and simple is easy to do and looks best in pictures.
• Supplies to deal with your monthly friend if necessary.
• Any medications you're currently taking, including for seasonal allergies. Germany & Switzerland will be in full pollen bloom!
  
• Imodium - for undesirable food episodes.  (Hello - oysters in Belgium!)
  
• And finally, my Super-Duper-Jetlag-Slaying Travel Cocktail... Benadryl and Excedrin. The Benadryl taken at night helps you sleep in the new time zone, and the Excedrin in the morning wakes you up and takes care of any little headaches from the jetlag or unfamiliar bed.  Take that combo the first few days and before you know it - you'll be acclimated!  If you already use sleeping pills, then take those instead of the Benadryl.  Better traveling through chemistry, I say!
  

Q: I am going on a two week trip to Europe but do not want to lug a heavy bag. What and how much would you suggest I take. I always take way too much and still have nothing to wear. I am going to Germany and Switzerland in June...and need advice from my expert niece.

A: You are correct - most people over-pack to the extreme when taking a trip abroad, resulting in those heavy bags to lug. I did too until I learned the art of Travel Packing Zen. I often hear, "But I have to pack for every contingency because I don't know what we might do!"  To which I say, "Really? Is your itinerary a secret? Someone else is planning this trip for you?"  The truth is, you know exactly what kind of trip you're going to have - whether you'll be hitting the foreign nightclubs, hiking the Matterhorn, or chilling on a beach.  The only real question mark you have to address is the weather.  And we're going to address that. In this 2-post answer, we're going to first cover WHAT to pack and then HOW to pack it.

We're starting with the DON'T take items because I want to get those out of the options pile as quickly as possible.

Do not pack the above items!  Any of these combined together screams "clueless American tourist!"  You're touring beautiful European cities, not hiking the Appalachian Trail. The goal is to be comfortable while traveling, look chic doing it, and avoid over-packing.

• If you're an avid exerciser training for a marathon and must get in a 5 mile run every day, then pack your running shoes.  But that's the only time you get to wear them! And if that description doesn't fit you, then let the hours of walking work their magic.  Even at a "strolling around the piazza pace", I never fail to lose at least 5 lbds.
  
• Fanny/waist packs - aside from being hideous, they're a magnet for thieves.  Don't carry a backpack, either.  Things on your back just make it easier for pick-pockets in a crowd. (Just ask my Mom!)                                                     
  

Now the DO take items!  (click to view the larger collage and item details)

It is the number and type of items in the above collage that are most important.  Raid your own closet before you do any shopping.  Nobody in Europe has ever seen your wardrobe before.  Note that everything coordinates. You'll have lots of options from minimal items.
If you do need to shop, almost everything in this collage is currently available.  Especially the trenchcoat for $39 at Nordstrom right now! Also comes in black.

When it comes to certain things I wish we had smellivision.  Certain things like ads for chocolate, Italian restaurants, and cologne.  I'm betting this ad would smell delicious!  There is no better clip with which to close our Masculinity Series. (Did you know this commercial was shot in one take?  He's on a lift that moves him to the horse. And the only CGI is when the diamonds appear and then change into the Old Spice bottle. Check out Old Spice for more fun.)

I have another Costco example for you.  I was in the soaps and creams isle and overheard a young husband say that he wanted to get some obviously manly soap.  His wife asked him "Why?" (strike 1- why question him? he's allowed to be an adult and pick his own soap)
He answered that he liked the scent of it.  She countered that there was nothing wrong with "our stuff at home." (strike 2 - the term "our" is not applied very well to scented items) 
He said, "I like how this smells. What do you think?" and held it up for her to sniff. She pulled her head back and refused to sniff it! (strike 3! - you can bet your last nickle that had SHE held something up for him to sniff, and he had pulled away, she'd have pitched a holy fit!)  

I wish I had seen this commercial before I saw the Costco tiff.  I'd have reminded her that emasculating her man will come back to haunt her.  I couldn't help wondering that if she questions him so badly on the soap issue - what else is she hammering him about?

The Costco tiff perfectly illustrates the point of this ad and our masculinity series.  Men should get to be real men, from how they smell to how they dress.  A supremely simple thing like your man having his own "manly smelling soap" might go a long way to reinvigorating the healthy side of the gender divide.  When the sexes can play off each other, in everything from scent to dress to mannerisms, respect is increased, our individual senses of power and individuality are reinforced.  We are better versions of ourselves, rather than androgynous clones, totally lacking in individuality.   

A few more style vignettes from GQ...

We women play very important roles in the style lives of our men.  We often do their clothes shopping and ensemble coordinating before they head out the door.  If we can remember not to inject our femininity but to instead enhance their masculinity - we'll be doing them, ourselves, and the world a great service.  They'll know we love them for who they inherently are.  They'll trust us to help them be the best MEN they can be. And the world always needs more men.  Real Men.  Now, more than ever.

We're going to round out our masculinity series over the next few days with a look at some great ads that have come out recently.  These definitely flout the metro-sexual trend, reinforcing the image of men being manly.

And some style vignette's from GQ.  How delicious was Clint back then? I ask you!
"Style like that trumps fashion."  I love that! 
Coco made a similar sentiment and it always rings true.

I also love the line, "Eastwood's just been Eastwood."  As women, we are a major style force in our men's lives, be they husbands, sons, fathers, brothers or boyfriends.  I sometimes hear women joking about (belittling!) their husband's style when they think their man should dress differently.  And yet if their man were to do the same to them - the punishment would be swift and severe.  Don't even try to deny it. 
Most men admit they don't follow fashion trends but DO want to look stylish in clothes that flatter them.  He wants to look good for YOU!  So sincere compliments when he looks great, paired with subtle and soft corrections when something isn't flattering or doesn't fit his personality, will quickly have your man looking his very best with his own style.  Everything he owns will be a great option, as if he has always dressed this well- just Eastwood being Eastwood.