Champagne Tastes

Lest you fear I have been "drinking" I must explain I do enjoy my wine....red wines preferably....except I'll never turn down a light, bright bubbly any day of the week, specifically Veuve-Cliquot Champagne or the affordable Italian Prosecco. They are not just for celebrations anymore! You don't have to travel to Italy for a taste of Limoncello with its sweet and tart surprise, or to Portugal to savor the richness of tawny Port, but the thought of sipping champagne in France, port in Portugal, and Limoncello in Italy conjures visions of the good life!

I love fashion, exquisite design, quality workmanship, and great value......oh yes, lest I forget, I have champagne tastes with a beer budget. Can you relate? I ponder my boat-load of clothes (yes, pun) still awaiting my decision on what to pack and what not to pack......hmmm, variation on a theme for the next Stacy London special? Will it all fit in the suitcase, and will I be under the luggage weight restrictions for flights....I have to give equal consideration to fashion and practicality. It's a left brain - right brain dilemma. Love it or leave it. I don't want to bring home clean, untouched clothing either. My goal..... make the decisions and be done with it this weekend and NOT the last weekend before departure.

Cruise Diva recommends a tactic I've employed before on short getaways: coordinate each outfit for each day, and only pack those combinations including accessories like jewelry and shoes. But I wonder how many gals actually are that organized? Looking at my 12 ship days and 4 land days, plus 2 travel days boggles my mind....yet, like brushing my teeth, it's not hard to do, but for best effectiveness must be done often! But I haven't been away on an extended vacation like this in 7 years, so I am a bit out of practice.

As I always said in my interior design career, when in doubt go back to "the books!" Fundamentals of design or fashion will never let you down. So, for my own mind-jogging assistance as well as yours, I re-visit my favorite fashion tips for travel:

• Dress for the occasion, and on vacation it's your own time so dress for fun & personality
• Don't be too trendy
• Know your best colors/season
• Wear classic trousers
• Accessories make all the difference (scarves, belts) & Jewelry finishes the look
• Don't pack an heirloom, or something you can't afford to lose (emotionally as well as financially)
• Pick your neutrals (black, gray, brown, navy, or cream) and add a splash of color occassionally
• Define your style - for me it's Classic for shore excursions, more Sporty for onboard days at sea, and slightly Dramatic for evening wear
• Consider items you can mix & match
• Every trip should include a bathing suit (and if you are me, this includes a cover-up) and a sweater no matter where you go
• A jean jacket can be dressed up or down (not necessarily in blue denim either....mine is yellow)
• A white shirt is a must
• When in doubt, kick it up a notch!

Now, your homework for packing: close your eyes, imagine yourself at your destination, it's a great day, the weather is perfect....what are you wearing? What are the colours, the accessories? There you go....pack it!

Have a grand day! Kiko