Happy Wednesday!  I'm here in sunny San Francisco for a few days visit with Matt.  And it is SUNNY!  An amazing high of 78 degrees these last two days.  Kind of unusual for this part of California but I'm not complaining... As you probably know, for me,  a short trip like this calls for a very minimal pack.  I'm here for four days. Here's what made it into the carry on...
My plane uniform - see below:  Navy sweater jacket, printed scarf, navy driving shoes - Tory Burch, white short sleeved Tee shirt -The Gap, Paige "Skyline Straight" jeans, Gucci tote.  These pieces just make sense for me - they all can be mixed/matched with the other things that I'm taking - which isn't much...

Into my bag: 
* Workout wear - Jacket, yoga pants, tank top.  Great for running around San Francisco in the morning, hanging with Jae during elbow surgery (my reason for the trip) and afterwards - back at the hotel, etc.
* Short Sleeve Tee shirts:   One striped and one flowery.
* Cashmere cardigan in coral - just picked this up from the Lord and Taylor friends and family sale...  fresh and pretty and very inexpensive.  Perfect on trend color for spring too!
*Messenger Bag: I bought this two years ago when I was traveling to Israel.  Just the perfect size for all my essentials. I find this "hands free" piece essential for travel especially when you will be walking a lot.

Below:  My favorite "accessories".  These are definitely investment pieces (except for my phone -that's just the  most important one...) but the fact is, I wear one or all of them almost everyday. A simple and easy way to add my own personal touch to any outfit. What are your favorites?

 Although the reason for my trip this week was  Matt's elbow surgery (which went very well!) the bonus of course is we get to spend four days of uninterrupted time together. A rare treat for me, since we live 3000 miles away. Here we are yesterday...

A few more photos of Matt I wanted to share with you,

Beauty comes in so many varieties.
Matt, you are my heart, my inspiration and my teacher. This post is dedicated to you.  

Have a great week and thanks as always for reading, Lori

I remember being in high school getting up at the last possible minute racing against the clock to get ready - standing in front of my closet trying on item after item hating how it looked, throwing it into a pile on the floor or my closet. Too small, too baggy, too wrinkled, where was the mate to that shoe I liked...stains I didn't notice?  My mother would be yelling from the kitchen adding more angst and pressure making an already stressful situation worse. Sound familier?  I am sure at one point or another you have done the same thing and maybe still do. Why is getting ready whether it be for your day running around with kids, going to work, or  to a beautiful Saturday evening affair never as easy as it should be? A few thoughts...

1. Having way too many things.  Ever put something on, decide it doesn't look quite right, take it off and put it back in your closet?  If you do this more than twice with an item, get rid of it.  

Too many pieces that stand alone and not enough basics. 

 You need to have the basics!  Not very exciting to shop for and not very visually appealing but you must have -  for starters:
1. Tank tops/ under pieces -not clingy cotton t's from the Gap - althought you need these too, but nice silky sleeveless ones  to go under jackets, cardigans, and for layering in general.  Freshen up your assortment every season.
2. Great fitting jeans/pants to suit your body type and lifestyle.  Get rid of the old ones that are not current and just don't fit.
3. Perfect Little Black Dress  - feel free to spend a little more on this peice- you won't be sorry!
4. Beautiful white blouse 
5. One great handbag
6. A classic blazer


  

Things that you paid a lot for, really like but don't fit and don't flatter.  I know a good consignment shop...

I know I have devoted other posts to this topic but less is really more.  Take a few hours to go through your things every so often and be critical.  Be mindful of changing styles (and our changing bodies - thing just don't stay in the same place, even if you are a size 2) 
And when possible be prepared - do what your mom used to always tell you to do ( mine did ) - lay out your clothes the night before!  I'm not kidding - this will actually save you time when your life is really busy.

Above:  My picks  - Navy Jacket, Cardigan, Jeans, and my favorite driving shoes.  Available at Toryburch.com

Thank you as always for reading,
Have a wonderful weekend, Lori

  Tan, camel, sand, natural, almond, ...the names may vary but to me a neutral color palette screams  "spring has sprung ".  Sounds like a snooze?  Doesn't have to be - it's all about the mix.  Think cool, modern and very classic. What's your preference? 

1. Add basic black- it's anything but basic...

Or your favorite blue jeans...

  My Choices yesterday:  Blouse and footwear- Tory Burch, Cardigan- Ralph Lauren, Handbag - Prada ( I broke down and made this purchase after a lot of handbag research) , Jeans- Hudson, Pashmina-not sure!  An old, but really good sample sale purchase... 

 P is for Pastels - just plain pretty... 

Layer in your favorite jewelry and accessories for a polished, sophisticated finishing touch... 

Still itching for more excitement? Add some brights - 

Whatever direction you choose, whether it's sticking to a minimalistic neutral palette or adding an extra shot of the color (s) of your choice, starting off with the basic shades is an easy and fast way to refresh any spring wardrobe. 

Enjoy your day and thank you for reading, Lori