Bangkok by Night

An edit of snaps of a very busy and constantly moving city. We love Bangkok very much, but inevitably after a few days, you're ready for the gorgeous natural beaches and slower pace of the islands.

The Hot Climate Traveller

For many of us living in geographic locations in the world where fifty degrees Farenheit is considered a balmy summer day, dressing yourself for a travel day in which you will end up in a hot climate poses an interesting challenge. You leave your house in bone-chilling cashmere sweater and wellies weather, and end up walking out of the aircraft in what my husband describes as a giant hairdryer. Add to this the potential for over-zealous air-conditioning and any cultural considerations of the place to which you are travelling, and you've got yourself a bit of a sartorial challenge.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, over the years I have been lucky enough to have travelled extensively for both work and play, and have come up with my own formulaic approach to dressing for these types of trips, while still (hopefully) keeping things chic.

Real Clothes

There is no need to spend a lot on technical "travel clothing", which in my opinion is totally overpriced, laughably over-designed, and horrifyingly under-chic. Do you really need trousers that unzip into shorts for a long-haul flight to Hong Kong? No, you do not.

I like to travel to a hot climate in something with cotton or silk in it, that is lightweight, and printed (it hides everything from red wine stains to sweat marks). I like to carry my own wrap if I get cold. Airline blankets give me the heebie-jeebies.

Layering

You can leave your jacket in the car. Even in winter, I usually brave the walk across the parking ramp rather than pack something in my case that I know I won't use. I hate a huge carry-on. With the in-seat entertainment systems on long-haul flights, you don't really need much these days.

Make use of the aforementioned wraps or pashminas. I can't stress enough how often they come in handy. Oversized shirts are also a great alternative to a light jacket, as they pack up really small, fit in your handbag,  and you will wear them in other ways during the trip.

The best thing about layering in a hot climate is how useful it is when you are travelling somewhere where local custom might dictate a specific dress code, as there tends to be in a lot of Muslim countries.  Being a good tourist requires one to pay attention to the local customs, especially if you plan to go sightseeing in temples or mosques where covering yourself is a requirement.

On our last day on Koh Samui island, it was hot. It was so hot. We were heading for the airport, where we were catching a flight to Dubai, where dressing "politely", as they call it, is strongly suggested.  I opted for this French Connection dress as my base layer. Note the grumpy look on my face. That's because we were leaving. I'm a poor sport when the vacation comes to an end.

In my bag, I had squirreled-away a few key pieces that I pulled out at the airport in Bangkok and put on before the flight to Dubai, thus enabling me to go right from airport to hotel to dinner without missing a beat. Knees and shoulders covered, potential cleavage safely stowed-away.

It never ceases to amaze me how something as simple as a well-fitting belted white shirt can elevate an outfit from beach to bistro. What's best is that I really do find myself wearing more of what's in my closet when I travel, as opposed to feeling like I have to run out and buy something new for the trip.

40 is the new 40: My Mom

This week's contributor to the 40 is the New 40 series is none other than my mother, who turned 71 in February.  Mom is a living, breathing example of how radically changing one's style after a certain age is not necessary, and probably not advisable if you have a very distinct personal style, which my mom very much does. She has not really ever changed her passion for clothes or her personal style much (trends notwithstanding), instead choosing to use her superior thrifting and sewing skills to focus on finding well-made clothing that speaks to her and making the garments fit properly. Her sartorial choices...well, the photos speak for themselves.

40 71 is the New 40 

The Highland Fashionista and Style Star of The Week (I still call her Kristin), asked me to send something for her blog.  So last weekend, her sister and I  headed outside to shoot some pictures with a new camera.  Then today, their Dad finished up the task (with his new camera).   

The girls and I have always been ardent thrift shoppers, and many of the things photographed for this blog are thrifted. Over the years, I have tweaked the fit of thrifted items...serging cashmere sweaters into a smaller sizes, letting down coat and jacket sleeves, changing hems on pants and skirts, narrowing sleeves and pant legs that are too wide, and removing collars from shirts. For me, doing those things is almost as fun as the shopping. None of the clothing in these pictures has been altered however, because sometimes things just fit.

Top Photo: thrifted silk skirt, peplum top (TJ Maxx)