Travel tips to lighten your load

I, at one point was an extremely heavy packer, inherited from my mother of course. Two large suitcases (one completely dedicated to shoes) was what I packed for a month and a half trip to Europe - and that's only what I originally brought - I had to send 4 boxes back to the States via DHL because I couldn't squeeze in anything else. One suitcase is usually enough of a pain to maneuver through airports and crazy busy European streets, but with two to tote, I was running over feet, tripping on escalators and over crowding the elevators...you get the point - it was a serious hassle. So after one amazing trip to Milan, Paris and London; hitting Dublin and Amsterdam on the weekends, I decided that I should at least attempt to cut down on the amount of clothes that I shove in my suitcase for future travels. Now, I've gotten to be such a great packer that I wanted to share some of my tricks of the trade with you - and yes you can still look hot, even if you don't have your entire closet to chose from. 

• ROLL EVERYTHING. I'm sure you've heard this before, but it really works. You get so much more space from rolling your clothes, that if you really need to you can even pack another outfit. But the point here is packing less, so challenge yourself and see if you can get away without it!
• ACCESSORIZE WITH LOTS OF JEWELRY. This is how I dress anyways, but if you pile on a bunch of textured bangles or funky necklaces you can drastically change an outfit. You can bring as much jewelry as you want because it hardly requires any space. 
• BRING ONLY ONE OUTFIT PER EVENT. If you know you are going to a party, bring one cocktail dress, if you're going to a show, bring a great pair of jeans and colorful top, etc. If you bring multiple outfits per event, you will easily over pack, so plan ahead. 
• LIMIT YOUR SHOES! This is what used to throw me quickly into the over-packing category, I would bring one pair per outfit. Instead, set out your outfits ahead of time and pick out one or two heels that will go with each, one pair of flats and sneakers if you plan to exercise. It may sound crazy, but that's really all you need. 
• PICK YOUR PANTS..STRATEGICALLY. Bring one great pair of jeans, one pair of black pants and one additional pair that you can wear with anything - leggings are a great option. As you know, jeans are so much better when they've already been worn, so remember that when packing. Stick with a dark wash to assure they go with all the tops you bring. As for the leggings please don't treat them like jeans and wear a top long enough to cover your derriere. 
• CHOOSE YOUR SUITCASE FIRST. Decide what you'll be carrying before you pack. If you are going away for the weekend it won't be necessary to bring an entire suitcase, pack a duffel bag. That way when you lay everything out you know what kind of space you are working with. You can always go back and edit your outfits for anything that isn't necessary, which leads me to..
• IF YOU DON'T LOVE IT, LEAVE IT. Just like you do at the store, weed out anything you question if you will wear or not. Of course you should bring a few extra tops, but if you are questioning if you will wear before you even put it in, then take my word - you won't. 

Daytime sparkle!

I love sequins, especially when worn during the day. A bit of glitz can go a long way so don't go overboard - stick to one sparkly piece per outfit. This look from Philip Lim's Fall 2009 runway is the perfect balance between day and night and masculine and feminine. Each of these pieces, which I love them all, are great for fall and will easily carry you into the spring! Happy Holidays!!

(Photo: WireImages)

Top Sweater     Shorts

High tops       Booties

Jacket Beret

The Beautiful Soeuraya Wilson

Photographed by Tatjana Plitt - CONTACT

Zoe Saldana continously stuns

Zoe Saldana has really stepped into the spotlight and it never fails that she always looks amazing. I have always thought her style to be very street chic and elegant but in her last few public appearances she has jumped to the number one spot on my style list. When she showed up at David Letterman earlier this week she broke one of the oldest fashion laws and wore white skinnies after Labor Day - and I applaude her for it. I say wear those white skinnies (even if it is in the middle of a blizzard) and wear them proud knowing that you look hot breaking the rules. 

Lady Gaga reveals what's under the mask

Stefani Germanotta AKA Lady Gaga made Barbara Walter's "10 Most Fascinating People" list and reveals what is really under the outrageous costumes. With no tumble weed head piece or red lace body suit - complete with a very "Where the Wild Things Are" headpiece - she actually looks great in a black and white Chanel suit. As Barbara puts it she's "not at all what I expected, but much more". 

Watch the interview, here. 

My Work: Inspired by David Bowie's LODGER Album cover

Photographed by Matthew Hise

My Work: Inspired by David Bowie's HEROES Album cover

Photographed by Matthew Hise

 

My Work: Beauty Shots

Photographed by Matthew Hise

Photographed by Katherine Mills Rymer

Photographed by Tatjana Plitt

Newest Music Obsession: Owl City

Owl City's Adam Young started making music in his parents basement in Minnesota, which he says is due to his insomnia. The newest album "Ocean Eyes" features the song "Vanilla Twilight", in which the lyrics could be straight out of The Notebook. Thank you Adam for writing these instead of sleeping.  

The stars bend down to kiss you and I lie awake and miss you. Pour me a heavy dose of atmosphere, because I’ll dose off safe and soundly but I’ll miss your arms around me.

I’d send a post card to you dear, because I wish you were here. I’ll watch the night turn light blue but it’s not the same without you because it takes two to whisper quietly. The silence isn’t so bad til I look at my hands and feel sad because the spaces between my fingers are right were yours fit perfectly. 

Watch "Vanilla Twilight" video, here. 

SS 2010 Trends

Simple, clean and elegant, neutral tones can accompany any look or stand out on their own. Add a fun colored accessory to punch the look up a notch. 

(Christian Siriano SS 2010)

Flash a bit of skin here and there for a touch of subtle 

sexiness, with peek-a-boo cut outs in all shapes, sizes and patterns. I would recommend sticking to one peek-a-boo piece per outfit to avoid cut out overkill. 

(Marchesa SS 2010)

Be a show stopper by adding some metallics into your wardrobe. Combine metallic pieces with something a little more understated for a look that is happy hour worthy. 

(Phillip Lim SS 2010)

Ignoring recession dressing, designers sent feathers in all colors, shapes and textures down the runway. This can be a tough look to pull off so start small with a headband until you get the confidence to rock a full-feathered ensemble. 

(Jason Wu SS 2010)

Sheer pieces were spotted all over the runways in all forms - sheer sleeves, necklines, cut outs and head to toe looks. While it's ok on the runway, please wear a cami and boy shorts under yours to prevent over-exposure, as the rest of us don't need to see what you've got under that fabulous outfit. 

(Chado Ralph Rucci SS 2010)