Travelista European Trend Report - Jeans are OK, Really

In the past denim might not have been OK to wear in Europe because it was considered too casual. That is so no longer the case.

Everyone, I mean everyone wears jeans - they are perfectly acceptable. They are nearly as ubiquitous as they are here in the states. Now, it's not just any jeans mind you, they must fit well- that means no relaxed, pleated, or tapered styles. Flattering styles include the bootcut, trouser cut, and wide leg styles.

A decent top, doesn't have to be fancy, a nice jacket add a scarf and you are set.

If you've wondered if jeans are acceptable for a travel wardrobe, rest assured they are. Of course denim in a travel friendly fabric with a high synthetic content is preferable, especially if you will being doing laundry on the road. However, that can be hard to find.

I advise just packing one pair too avoid excess bulky items in your luggage.

If you really want to save luggage room wear your bulky items, such as jeans, on travel days. Then they won't take up precious room in your suitcase.

Coming up tommorow...what denim shapes are dominating the streets of Europe? Any guesses?

Travelista European Trend Report - Orange Crush on Paris

While in Paris recently I saw pops of orange everywhere. It seems the city is enamored of orange and I saw it on everything from scarves, dresses, handbags, and sneakers.

I don't recommend the full on orange treatment for travel wear but a few shots of orange here and there will definitely spice up your travel wardrobe. An orange handbag or scarf is an easy way to incorporate the color. For the adventuresome, shoes with orange in them would complement denim, brown, or gray.

I bought a scarf that had orange in it after noticing the trend in Paris. It's fun to see what the local fashion trends are in European cities, usually you can get in on the look easily by checking out the local clothing retailers. If it's a color, as in this instance, I generally always go for a scarf. It's cheap (usually less than 10 Euros) and easy to pack for the remainder of my trip-remember you still have to lug around what you buy. Here are some other ideas if you want to incorporate the trend:

Travelista European Trend Report - Chucks are Chic

In my opinion, Converse All Stars, or Chucks never really go out of style. They are an enduring classic and while wild prints and colors may bedeck some of them, the shoe itself is always identifiable.

During my past trip to Europe I saw that Chucks are a definite trend right now. The style most that was most prevalent was the classic Chuck style in white or cream and either low or high top. I spotted these on everyone from fresh faced teenagers to glamorous fashion types.

The prevailing trend In Europe is to wear Chucks with skinny jeans. I also saw them combined with trouser pants for a smart effect. Hi- tops worn with skinny, cropped pants were also common.

Many Europeans have adopted the classic sneaker and it was interesting to see the different ways they integrated it with their own personal style. As you can see from my photos above one woman has chosen to combine her Chuck hi-tops with a luxurious fur, avant garde designer pants, and a classic Chanel purse. The second woman has chosen a more artistic route with her textured vest and monochromatic look.

For a casual sort of chic Chucks might have potential as travel shoe. Especially if you are younger or just fancy yourself young they can be modified to work as a walking shoe. I've never found my Chucks to be that comfortable but with a little customization the comfort level could improve.

The backs of the shoe always cause a blister on me so Heavenly Heelz by Foot Petals should solve that problem. If you are planning on doing a significant amount of walking insoles could be a handy modifications as well. In case these don't work out a blister kit always helps.

I probably will not be using Chucks as a travel shoe anytime soon but I'm thinking about picking up a fresh pair and pairing them with my my trouser cut pants as I saw expertly done in Paris. The Converse All Star is definintely a classic and one to consider when making your next shoe purchase.

$39.99 at Amazon.com

Chucks and Chanels, one of my favorite shots of Chanel fashion show attendees.

My Perfect Travel Outfit

In preparing and packing for my last trip to Europe I test drove a new travel outfit . I usually rely on a combination of denim and black trousers, fitted or detailed tees, fitted button down oxfords, thin knit sweaters and a trench or heavy coat (depending on weather).

This time I decided to include a dress into my repetoire, actually I included two. My trousers are quite comfortable and that is usually what I wear on the plane. They don't dig in to my waist necessarily but I thought I would try something new.

Following my Travel Clothes Guidelines I found that I already had a lightweight black mini shirt dress, I added black leggings, and my black travel shoes as my airplane "travel" outfit. It was quite a comfortable outfit as there was no binding waistband to have to deal with on the long flight over and I felt dressed and ready to go once we landed. Of course I also had my trusty pashmina wrap which served me well when the plane cabin got chilly.

I know some of you may be sick of leggings by now but they really are a useful inclusion in your travel wardrobe. Tights are also an alternative but they might be a bit too constricting to wear on a long plane ride. I was relieved once I landed to see leggings everywhere and worn by everyone, young and not so young (more on that in my upcoming Travelista Trend Reports). I topped off the look with my trusty trench and I was set. This was definitely a better alternative to the sweat suits favored by some while traveling and I felt super comfortable.

My travel shoes are Dansko Professional Clogs. My Dansko's have been on many trips and logged many miles, this time I upgraded to the black patent style. Now these won't be seen on many Europeans but they are comfortable and they give me an extra 2 inches of height, sacrifices must be made for functionality. Check out my footwear section for more options.

A ballet flat style shoe can also be a great travel shoe. The Cole Haan Nike Air Series has Nike technology that makes for a comfortable walking experience.

Got a favorite travel or in transit outfit? Let me know!

Ray Bans Redux

Just take those old Ray Bans off the Shelf…I’ll sit and wear them by myself…

OK, enough of that old time rock 'n roll, and reminiscing about Tom Cruise shakin’ his moneymaker in his undies. Those old standard Ray Bans of the Eighties are back and it’s not just American celebs that are sporting them.

Many serious fashionistas (i.e. international magazine editors and buyers) in Europe were seen sporting the Ray Ban Red Wayfarer style.

On the streets, chic Europeans were donning every other style of Ray Bans, including eyeglass frames. I saw lots of Ray Bans aviator styles worn on both girls and guys. I even spotted an older gentleman in a suit and white Ray Ban eyeglass frames pulling off the look as only an Italian can.

Italians in particular are fans of the iconic brand. When compared to other luxe sunglasses brands such as Gucci or Dior, Ray Bans come at a better price point.

The reasonable price and classic, yet modern, styling contributes to their popularity. Classic styles can stand the test of time and are worth the extra investment that these require, as opposed to just picking up a pair at the drugstore.

If you are planning a trip, remember you will be on the streets a lot and good sunglasses can be a great accessory. Plus the right pair can add instant glam, who doesn’t love that?

Now, I’ve got to find and dust off my old Wayfarers. I love how classics never go out of style!

Just a few more styles of Ray Bans. Amazon.com has a great selection.

Travelist Trend and Travel Reports...Coming Soon

I've just returned from a trip to Europe and have lots to report fashion and travel wise. Stay tuned for loads of trends from France and Italy as well as new information on getting around throughout Europe, gadget reviews, videos, and much more!

Street Style at the Chanel Spring 2008 Fashion Show

There was much fabulousness going on outside the Chanel Spring/Summer 2008 Show in Paris. Fashionistas and fashion editors were in attendance showcasing amazing style.

Leggings Leeway

Black opaque tights dominated the runway. Barely a bare legged model in sight, many a designer paired tights with frocks and skirts.

This look is one of the easiest to pull off. We can find opaque tights just about anywhere. They can still be paired with long tunics, minidresses, denim minis, and ballet flats. Tights are a fantastic travel item because you can also layer them under pants on colder days for an extra layer of warmth.

I won’t discount the practicality of including leggings in your travel wardrobe but they were not a major force on the runways for Fall ’07. The leggings idea has now morphed into black opaque tights or super slender black pants. Retailers still love leggings and they are not going to disappear any time soon. Aside from the quirky look they provide, they are quite functional.

Leggings can be a key layering item in your travel wardrobe. They can be worn under skirts or dresses and provide an extra layer on cooler days. But to remain au courant tights consider including tights on your packing list.

Wide Wish List

The wide leg silhouette in denim can serve as a viable alternative to jeans in your travel wardrobe. The wide leg cut is instantly sophisticated and denim is comfortable and versatile. Keep tops fitted for a balance look.

$59.50 from Gap.com. These wide leg pants are a dressy alternative to jeans. These are tailored, trouser cut denim in 84% cotton, 16% spandex making them travel friendly.

Smart widelegs in denim are comfortable and versatile for travel. $34.50 for tailored trouser cuts can't be beat. old Navy.

These "Not your Daughter's Jeans" promise to help flatten the tummy and lift the rear, who doesn't love that? $108 Nordstroms