What to Pack for a Family Vacation in a City

Next week I am leaving on a family vacation to Chicago!!  We are all super excited. My husband and I have not been to Chicago in ten years and can't wait to show our kids the city and visit our favourite places.  The hardest part is what to pack.  It’s a family vacation so, that means comfortable and easy. That does not mean sloppy and lazy. The pieces I bring with me need to be versatile and un-fussy.  I am a last minute packer - as in I start packing when the clock strikes midnight.  Are you cringing?  Seriously though, I have it down to a science!  Now all I have to do is make sure I do my laundry!!
 

1. A patterned, colourful top adds fun.  I love this red and grey stripe top.  It will go great with either pair of jeans.  If not stripe then another fun patterned top will do.  Top by Splendid.
2. A great blouse in a solid colour.  This beautiful draped short sleeve cotton blouse will transition from day to night easily.  It can be worn with both pairs of jeans that I will be packing with me.  Top by Graham & Spencer.
3. A versatile cardigan.  I like a lightweight cashmere or cashmere blend cardigan depending on the season.  This ultra soft single button cardigan is perfect to layer with my outfits.  Cardigan by Saks 5th.
4. Black dress.  This cotton t-shirt dress is amazing day or night, dressy or casual.  The look will change depending on how I accessorize. Dress by Alexander Wang.

1. Coloured Denim.  These are my slim fit, ankle length purple jeans.  Bright coloured denim is a great way to look on trend.  Jeans by Paige Denim.
2. Black leggings.  I will wear these under the t-shirt dress.  Also layered with the stripe T and cashmere cardigan.  Leggings by Topshop.
3. Dark denim.  You can’t go wrong with dark denim.  Depending on the season you need to choose the right length.  Denim by JBrand.

1. Cross-body bag.  This is my bright fuschia cross-body bag that is only big enough to carry my essentials.  It also allows for my hands to be free, very important when travelling with children!  Bag by Foley & Corinna.
2. Tote bag.  For everything else is my tote bag.  This one is indestructible!  It will hold everything from diapers and wipes, my iPad and magazines, and snacks and a bottle of water.  Tote by Louis Vuitton.
3. Ballet flats.  I love the black patent leather and how comfortable they are.  These flats fold up and have their own little pouch to be stored in.  They take up very little room and are very portable.  Ballet flats by Yosi Samra.
4. Fun sandals.  I am hoping that the weather in Chicago is sunny.  These are the most comfortable sparkly sandals on earth!  I practically live in them all summer.  Divine wedge Swarovski crystal sandals by Lucy Blue.

All of my clothes are versatile to make it easy to mix and match. The fabrics don’t need to be fussed with and everything except the cardigan can be thrown in the washer and dryer.  But I am on vacation and do not want to think about laundry, so if the outfits seem a little lean for seven days, that's because I planned it that way. After all I love to shop and I must make sure there is room in my luggage!

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilista at Home and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

Posted under What to Wear •

Night of Fashion at Morgan Crossing

I attended a Night of Fashion at The Shops at Morgan Crossing last Friday.  The event was in support of Arts Umbrella and various retailers showed their love by contributing to a Grand Prize valued at $2500!

I started off my evening at Pure Nail Bar with a fabulous manicure and a lovely biscotti from Notti Biscotti.  Yum!  I chose Essie nail polish in Turquoise & Caicos.

Next I was off to Calvin Klein where a DJ was rocking the beats, fruity cocktails were handed out and models and attendees were striking a pose!

Banana Republic Factory showed off their latest for spring on models walking the runway.  Fiona Forbes from Urban Rush was the MC for both the Banana Republic Factory and the grand finale show at Hudson Madison that included all the retailers that were involved.

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilista at Home and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

Posted under What to Wear •

How to Wear a Stack of Bracelets and Bangles

I love wearing bangles and bracelets.  Even as a child it was always my favourite item of jewelry to wear.  I piled on dozens of colourful jelly bracelets and even made my own friendship bracelets.  The art of stacking them all together has become a trendy pass time, even an obsession, for many a fashionista.  Monochromatic or colourful, mixing metals and materials, how will you stack up against this growing fashion statement?  Here are a few of my favourites living in my jewelry box and how I wear them.

Silver is what I wear the most.  My Pyrrah Dagger and Vintage Dragon bangles are the two pieces I wear every day.  They are my talismans.  Although, what I need protection from I do not know!  Chan Luu is the Queen of wrap bracelets.  You can find almost every possible combination on her website.  My “love” bracelet is a recent purchase.  I thought it was sweet.

It seems that I like leather and gold mixed together.  I guess I like the mix of tough and feminine.  After all opposites attract and can create a classic look so amazing!  
 

I love wearing a wrap bracelet.  The three that I own work very well in my arm candy wardrobe.  My favourite of the three is my Nakamol silver and pyrite silk cord wrap.  It looks casual and stunning on its own or mixed with others.  I get compliments on it all the time.
 

I am always looking for ways to add a pop of colour to my outfits.  This is an easy and fun way to do it.  Crystal bracelets give off a lovely sparkle that can add the perfect finishing touch to an evening outfit out.

Finally, how I stack up.  Who says you can’t mix silver and gold together?  If they are the right tones, mixing metals will look chic together.   Adding a bright colour to your arm candy line up is fun and playful!  A monochromatic look is amped up with crystals and reflective beads.  
 

After taking all the pictures for this article I am dreaming of adding more colour and enamel bracelets!  How do you stack up?  I would love to know.  Leave me a comment or tweet me a picture @mstilista.

by Michele Bromely
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

Posted under What to Wear •

Florals for Spring

Floral printed everything is huge this season. All over or just as an accent, you can’t deny that pretty blooms can give a girl a great blush. Here are some of my favourite ways to wear the blooming garden trend without looking like your grandmother’s couch!

This beautiful garden inspired dress (1 Milly) is prettily coloured with coral, green, and gold. I would wear it with a beautiful gold clutch (2 Miu Miu) and sunny yellow wedge espadrilles (3 Tory Burch) to pick up the yellow in the dress.

Not quite big on too many flowers? How about something a little edgy and cool, like this skull and floral print t-shirt (1 Alexander McQueen)? I would rock this look with skinny capri jeans (2 J Brand) and accessorize with a bright purple satchel (3 Proenza Schouler). On my feet I could wear anything from sky high heels to flats. I chose a pair of soft leather ballet flats (4 Lanvin).

For the office this fabulous floral blazer (1 Aminaka Wilmont) is sophisticatedly tailored. The graphic floral print will look great against straight leg pants (2 Calvin Klein). Patent black handbag (3 Michael by Michael Kors) and patent black pumps (4 Gucci) will polish your look.

If you have been reading my articles for Stimuli, you will know that I love a beautiful scarf. A printed floral scarf (1 Erdem) can transform an outfit instantly. Wear it against a summery coral dress (2 Tibi) to give your outfit graphic interest.  Keep it simple by wearing a nude patent peep toe wedge (3 Jimmy Choo).

I hope you are able to find something in bloom to keep you cheery this spring! All of the images and outfits can be found on http://www.net-a-porter.com

by Michele Bromely
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

Posted under What to Wear •

Feminine and Pretty

I know the trend this season is bright and neon, but it may not be an easy trend for some of you.  It’s too bright!  Too neon!  Too much!  At Muse Social Fashion House there are plenty of feminine and pretty options for your wardrobe.  

Black, grey, and white doesn’t have to be dull.  Here we have two great choices.  A lovely black wrap dress ($115) is a great staple in any woman’s wardrobe.  If the fit is perfect, a wrap dress can take you from day to night. On the right is a gorgeous dot and zig zag patterned dress with open shoulders.  This pattern is visually slimming and the open shoulder detail is sexy without being too revealing.  Both dresses are adorned with Towne & Reese necklaces ($30).  To add a little tough chic, these wrap bracelets can be worn single or stacked ($32-49).

Bright yellow is huge right now but how about muted gold instead? I really love this pretty soft yellow one shoulder dress ($95). If I was invited to a spring wedding this dress would be perfect.  In behind is a great gold blouse with a bow ($90) dressed with white jeans ($190) and finished with a braided belt ($25). I would wear this outfit to brunch, shopping and drinks. To put a little fun into either of these outfits a great summer fedora!
 

Here are two dresses that are on trend with this seasons bright colours. But these dresses might work for those who are a little scared. The colour block shift dress ($80) is a mix of neutral and bright colours. This easy to wear dress is slimming because of the pattern.  The neutral camel and green colour sits close to your face and is flattering for most skin tones. The bright pop of orange along the hemline is subtle yet fun! The scribble floral patterned ruffle dress is so adorable. This bright orange-red will suit almost any colouring! The size of the floral pattern is totally wearable and the deep v of the neckline is ideal. A lovely necklace ($45) and a bright little wallet clutch will finish your look.

If you like any of these looks, Muse is having an event on April 5th from 7-9pm. You can check out all that is latest and greatest in store.  For one night only Muse is offering 10% off your entire purchase (excluding bfrend, WeWood watches and Social Experiment rings). 

by Michele Bromely
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

Posted under What to Wear •