This & That: No. 71

Gearing up for fall fashions, a book to help fine tune your style, a first-ever shoe collection by a well known label and much more . . .

~Blog

1. Solo Traveler

As someone who has traveled solo many times and has found it to be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about oneself and the world, Janice Waugh’s offers a blog Solo Traveler and book (The Solo Traveler’s Handbook - 2nd edition) which are both are resources for anyone who has or is thinking about traveling alone and wanting to make the most of their experience. Full of tips on how to travel safely and successfully as well as first-hand experiences of travels around the world, you’ll be inundated with information that will leave you more than well prepared for your next voyage.

~Blog Post to Read

2. 100 Ways to be a Man of Style & Substance by Live the Charmed Life

Three years ago, blogger DeeAnne White wrote 100 Ways to be Elegant and readers couldn’t get enough. In response to requests, she just released the men’s version, and I have to say, while many are targeted specifically to gentlemen, so much of the list can be utilized by women as well. Have a look.

3. Paris Summer Fashion: Keeping it Cool in the City Heat by HiP Paris

Aisling Greally of Tresor Parisien recently became a contributor to HiP Paris blog team, and with the sultry temperatures finding their way to Paris, she reflects on ways the Parisians are remaining stylish in the heat. With beautiful images and detailed tips and strategies, the signature style of the French never skips a season.

~Book

4. The Truth About Style by Stacy London

Stacy London’s style expertise, as well as her passion for helping every woman look and feel beautiful regardless of their body type is now available in paperback (September 3, 2013) – The Truth About Style. As a co-host of What Not to Wear as well as having worked as an assistant at Vogue, London not only shares how to dress your body, but shares her personal struggles with weight and perfectionism along the way.

A style resource, London shares case studies of nine women and not only styles them, but addresses their insecurities in fashion and their bodies that don’t resemble the models that waltz down the runways (who does?). With the ultimate goal of helping clients feel comfortable in their own skin and coaching them to dress the body they have rather than the body they want, she reminds them of their inner and outer beauty.

Lastly, one aspect of the book that is tremendously helpful is the the Style Guide in the back which shares lists of stores based on your style, body type, life, and price point. And with the fall shopping season coming up, what a great place to start organizing your list.

~Decor

5. Scallop Embroidery 300 thread count Cotton Duvet cover 3-piece set – Overstock

The bedroom is the sanctuary that beckons you to bed after a long day and greets you to begin the day, so the sheets you dive into every night should be soft and luxurious, along with all of the bedding details. However, finding quality bedding at affordable prices isn’t always easy.

Recently I was shopping for a white duvet cover, and while I have previously shopped at Restoration Hardware, I no longer wanted to pay their prices. So, I headed to Overstock.com and found a beautiful white duvet with simple, yet elegant embroidery that was priced under $60. Initially leery of such a great deal, when it arrived, my worries vanished. Soft, bright white and exactly what I wanted.

~Shopping

6. Club Monaco Shoes

Perhaps you shop Club Monaco for their clothing or perhaps you’ve simply heard the name, well, just this month they released their first-ever shoe collection. At mid-range price points ($150-$350) and offering quality options that would work with a variety of wardrobes, I must say I am keeping my eye on what they have to offer. These two especially caught my eye (Casey leopard sandals) Loeffler Randall Grief flat.