/ Que Bella

Husband and I are heading to Vegas for a few days. We are practicing for our “Empty Nest”, which we have taken to quite well. I’m still sad though. I’ve seen The Boy become such a wonderful person and I don’t want him to go anywhere. We plan to lounge around the pool during the days and catch a show or two so I’m excited to pack different things from my October trip. The bulk of my wardrobe is from J Crew with some of my Tory Burch pieces thrown in.

Day 1 – Travel Day & Night Out

~ Metallic V-Neck Sweater, J Crew ~
~ Silk Crepe Maxidress, J Crew ~
~ Dorado Necklace, J Crew (outfits) ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Swoop Blouse, J Crew (Factory) ~
~ Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe, J Crew ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
~ Minaudière Clutch in Botanical Print, J Crew Factory ~

Day 2 – Day/Night

~ London Blouse, Tory Burch ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~
~ Cece Leather Ballet Flats, J Crew ~

 

~ Metallic V-Neck Sweater, J Crew ~
~ Collection Pyramid Brocade Shorts, J Crew ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
Day 3 – Day/Night
~ Lidia Polo, Tory Burch ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (current, Factory) ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Scalloped Shift Dress, JC Factory ~
~ Grande Crystal Drops Necklace, J Crew (BR) ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
Since I’m not sure right now which one I will want to wear I’m taking these swimsuits.
~ Saint Etienne Seductress, Nanette Lepore ~
~ Printed Halter One-Piece, Jean Paul Gaultier (review) ~
~ Windowpane Sculpted Halter & Bikini, J Crew (review) ~
Day 4 – Travel Day (Will also use this dress and the black one as a cover-up for the pool.)
~ Denim Jacket, old GAP ~
~ Silk Crepe Maxidress, J Crew ~
~ Grotto Pendant Necklace, J Crew ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~
And the extras, in case I change my mind.
~ Stripe Linen Tunic, J Crew ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (current, Factory) ~
~ Cleo Metallic Mirror Perforated Loafer, J Crew ~
~ Cleo Silk Tunic, Anthropologie (on sale!)~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~

 

~ Cheers Tee, J Crew ~
~ Aberra Tee, Tory Burch ~
~ Cropped Skinny Jeans, Tory Burch ~
~ Jackie Cardigan, J Crew ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~
Follow me on Instagram to see if I stick to these outfits or switch them up.
Have a Great Day!

/ Que Bella

Husband and I are off to the West Coast soon, San Jose/San Francisco in fact, for a long weekend. Our last “grown-up getaway” was last September to put our toes in the sand in Mexico. I’m pretty excited as I’ve never been to California. Also, a change in scenery means a change in temps so I’ll be able to pack some items I’ve been waiting to wear for chillier weather.

For the Airport days, I’ll be relaxed, as I was for my Vegas trip at the beginning of the month.

1. Factory Clare Cardigan in Cabernet, Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Ballet Flats in Black
2. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Black, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Flats

 

     
For the full days in San Jose and San Francisco, I’ve decided on a Black/Grey/Cream color story with a touch of Burgundy.
1. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Pixie Pants in Leather Tuxedo Stripe, Cece Flats

2. Merino Pocket Tunic in Garnet, Pixie Pants, Cece Flats

3. Silk Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot, Jackie Cardigan in Dark Charcoal (Old but Factory is offering this color.), Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey, Cece Flats – I’ll also layer my Grey Lexington Blazer over this and carry a scarf if needed. The Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey were a very unexpected love after trying them on in the store. I took my normal Toothpick Jean size of 30.

4. Factory Beaded Sweatshirt in Black, Toothpick Jeans, Cece Flats

5. Ruffle Collar Sweatshirt in Grey, Cropped Donegal Wool Pant, Cece Flats – I’ll add a necklace to jazz this outfit up for the evening and switch to the Janey Patent Flats in Black.

6. Tippi Sweater in Light Pewter (Last year’s version…This year has Heather Grey, which I love.), Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt, Janey Patent Flats – This is a back-up dinner outfit in case I feel like wearing a skirt.

Extras – Lexington Blazer, Michael Kors Jet Set Tote, Michael Kors iPhone Crossbody, Grande Crystal Drops Necklace, Burberry Scarf, Printed Airy Wool Scarf

I do plan to layer long-sleeve tees underneath the sweatshirts and use either the Lexington Blazer or Excursion Vest and a scarf every day. The cross-body will function as my daily bag and the Tote my travel bag.
As usual, I am taking a carry-on so I’ve made sure I can mix-and-match most items and can wear items twice. This also gives me a little room in my bag for bringing home any thing I pick up from shopping. I debated on bringing a heavier coat but Husband has assured me we will not be outside long at night. It would also mean I couldn’t pack it and would have to carry it over my arm on the plane. That would look a bit odd leaving the warmth of Texas. I can always make him buy me a new coat if I get too chilly or cold. 😉
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, where I’ll be posting my outfits. I hope to do an outfit round-up from both trips next week.
Have a Great Week!

/ TravelBella

As I mentioned in my previous post, we are heading to Europe this summer. We finally decided on our country destinations and now are whittling down the cities. We’ll fly in to Madrid and spend a few days there before heading to Italy. We currently have stops in Rome, Naples, Matera, Puglia and Sicily/Palermo in our two week plans. Because some of our stops to the smaller cities/areas will be a night or two Husband has declared we will only survive on one carry-on each. I laughed as I had grand plans of wearing skirts and dresses while strolling through these cities. Instead, I’ve had to whittle down my thoughts and wardrobe to be the following.

  • Practical
  • Easily washable by hand
  • No ironing needed
  • Easy to mix and match
  • 3-4 days worth of clothes total

It truly is difficult to pack this way but I do tend to over-pack and bring more than enough close and shoes wherever I go. So, here’s what I have so far.

Italy Packing

Five tops: The four tops I have are all jersey and either have flutter or cap-sleeves that cover my shoulders. They are all random brands I found at Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls. They are easily washable, don’t require ironing and can be mixed with my bottoms. The Striped Tippi Sweater I just added because it’s linen but I think I won’t bring it because the weather might be too warm and I don’t want to lose it or leave it behind.

Italy Tops

Five Bottoms: Old Navy Jersey Skirt, Anthropologie Go Anywhere Skirt, J Crew Maxi Skirt, J Crew Shorts
I prefer to wear a skirt or comfortable dress on a plane and the maxi skirt will be perfect, especially if/when I get cold. The other two skirts and shorts will hide dirt and spots well and can be washed and dried quickly.

Italy Bottoms

 Italy Bottoms by audreybella featuring a jersey skirt

One Dress: I have to choose between these two dresses. I had originally planned on taking the Blouson Dress to wear when we go to dinner (one nice dinner in Madrid, Rome and Palermo) but I was able to find the Castle Lake Dress in my size recently. (I sold my size Small because it didn’t fit up top any longer.) Now, I’m leaning towards that one because it’s a little more casual, floats away from the body and has pockets.
Swimsuit: We’ll be at the beach once or twice and I love this Tulle Polk-Dot swimsuit from J Crew. I just need to find a cover-up.
Scarf: I’ll carry this in my bag in case I need it to cover up at any point during our sight-seeing. This one is from Talbots and is linen.
Shoes…I don’t have any really good sturdy walking shoes other than tennis shoes. I will start looking for some that are sturdy, comfortable and just a little bit stylish. Here are my current options.

  • Tom’s Ballet Flats: I don’t have these yet but plan on getting them and breaking them in before we go. I was going to take my Black Glitter slip-ons but the ballet flats might be better and a little more comfortable.
  • J Crew Madras Converse Sneakers: I will take these to wear with my shorts I’ll be taking.
  • Tory Burch Thora Flip-Flop: These will mainly be used when we are travelling to our next location (plane, train, automobile).
Italy Dresses & Accessories

I want to take a bag and thought about this one but Husband said he’d rather I not carry anything if possible.

So, that’s my outfit planning…3 months early. I thought about taking a cardigan instead of the scarf but the weather should be warm.

What do you think of my choices? Anything I shouldn’t take? Anything I’m missing. Any other tips or suggestions about the cities?