These are People’s Style Watch 15 Fall Trends…and my comments on them.

1. Military (which includes Camo) - I’ve never really been a fan of Camo as a “Style”. I feel like it’s disrespectful toward the military. But I do like the military inspired colors (army green, brown, taupe) and military tailoring.

2. Minimalist Makeup - This makes me laugh because don’t you think we would all wear minimalist makeup if we could AND looked and felt good doing it!

3. Velvet - Hmm, no comment.

4. Lace-up Boots - They weren’t my favorite trend 10 or so years ago and they still aren’t but the updates styles are better with the platforms and peep-toe.

5. Camel Color - Didn’t think it was a trend; Classic, beautiful color that looks good on almost anyone.

6. Punk Pearls - Edgy pearl necklaces mixed in with roughed up chains. I like it.

7. Vibrant Eye Shadow - Not an everyday thing, but a fun alternative to smokey black eyes.

8. Full Mini’s- Warning…make sure the cut is flattering to your figure. Ruffles and pleats could add some poof where you don’t want it. Pair with a fitted shirt and ballet flats.

9. Smokey Brown Eyes - Not really a trend for me. I wear it all the time. My favorite is Mac’s Woodwinked Eye Shadow.

10. Gray - Don’t tell Chicago. Gray and black are a must (and constant) there.

11. Doube-Breasted Jackets - Once again, no comment.

12. Dark Lips - Right on! I’m ready for some sultry smooches. It automatically makes you feel sexy.

13. Flawless Skin - What? Really? Do you have to put it in the trend category? Of course we all want flawless skin if we had our choice.

14. Clogs - For the most part, I like the updated clogs. I wonder if they are as comfy as the Dansko clogs?

15. Messenger Bags - Been around, still around, and will continue to be around. Nothing really new…

My daytrip to Napa (downtown Napa)…don’t overlook this charming mix of historic, hippy and posh. Downtown Napa appears to be, more than ever, a melting pot of cultures, economic diversity and good food. (and wine, but that’s just an obvious observation)

I hadn’t REALLY walked around for 10 years; the wineries usually got most of my attention BUT I was so pleasantly surprised at what had blossomed. Here’s how my day went…

First I walked Main Street and the neighboring streets. It was an eclectic assortment of home-town shops and big names. The wonderful smell of the Buckhorn was so good it was almost unbearable. But I ventured to check out Avia Hotel. (back in the day, downtown Napa didn’t have one luxury hotel. I believe I saw three now) Kudos! and crossed the street to Norman Rose Tavern. After enjoying a glass of bubbly, I continued to The Oxbow Public Market to get some food. It reminded me of a high-class Santa Cruz market; environmentally acceptable, organic, fresh, diverse and GOOD! (I had several of the eclectic tacos!)

Next I needed to rest my feet, so I landed at Downtown Joe’s on the River. I sipped Iced Tea while watching families fish and boats leisurely floating by.

After gearing up, I wandered to the Riverfront. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful flowers, fine dining, (Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto opened the exceptional Morimoto Napa and Tyler Florence’s restaurant will open this Fall, next door to Morimoto….exciting!) and home-town feel. It really felt like an escape. I stopped by Sweetie Pies and purchased an apple AND blueberry mini pie. Oh boy, so good!

But, I have left the best for last. As I was walking back and forth through all of these streets, I kept passing by this BBQ restaurant. It smelled so good and the ambiance seemed appealing too. So, I forged into the back door of the Bounty Hunter; Wine Bar and Smokin’ BBQ where I found a welcoming staff, great tunes and INCREDIBLE BBQ. The happy hour “Sampler” was it…BBQ ribs, pulled pork and brisket all on a bed of cole slaw. I don’t like cole slaw but I loved this concoction. The combination of the meat with the crunch of the garlicy ’slaw….soooo good. I really felt like I should be drinking whiskey but this joint was a dichotomy of high-class clientele and “Norm-like” regulars. I can’t wait to go back.

Oh yeah, the look…what I saw most was short skirts (not ultra minis) and ankle length boots (even though it was in the 80’s)

We were walking down to the beach for the ceremony when we literally almost ran into Ray Allen (a basketball player). My husband, who played college basketball, turned into a 12 year old school girl when, a little way down the road, he realized he had his camera in his pocket and started yelling, “Ray! Ray!”

My question is, do celebrities want to be bothered when you see them walking down the road or boarding an airplane or shopping for groceries? I guess I always feel sorry for people who can’t just be themselves but he thinks celebs just live for the attention. What do you think?

In NYC the place to see and be seen this summer is the HighLine. Re-purposing a defunct elevated train track into an amazing park has given New Yorkers a perfect place to promenade. The HighLine starts at Gansevoort and Washington Streets in the trendy Meat Packing District and ends at W 20th St between 10th and 11th Avenues (with plans to eventually go all the way to 34th St). Once you’re above the hustle and bustle of the city you can follow the tracks past wild flowers, recline on fabulous oversize lounge chairs or watch the 10th Avenue traffic through cinematic plate glass windows. The butterflies aren’t the only ones spreading their wings on the HighLine. Vibrant summer solids and daring prints adorn the downtown chic in the form of floor length halter and strapless dresses. You’ll also spot well above the knee monochromatic t-shirt dresses that hang 80’s style from only one shoulder.

Delve deeper. There’s more to the current trend than “skimpy”. A fashionable sundress and platform sandals or a pair of name brand jeans and an up-to-the minute tunic are very much a part of the current look. If your feet will tolerate them, high heel sandals are definitely “in” and look great on everyone. Throw a giant designer tote over your shoulder and you’ll look like a native.

I found the pic and comments on one of my favorite designer’s site. www.toryburch.com

Spritz Your Face
Use chilled toner or water. Evian Le Brumisateur

Energy Boost
Emer’gen-C Super Energy Booster is a household staple in my house. Dilute in a glass of water and enjoy! Chanel Base Lumiere Illuminating Makeup Base

Make Skin Dewy
Skip the powder and try an illuminating makeup base. It will brighten up your dull skin.

Inhale
A whiff of peppermint and eucalyptus promotes heightened awareness.

Fresh Color
Apply additional cream blush later in the day for a natural radiance.

Now…go get some sleep.

Source: Dec06InStyle

On a particularly beautiful Chicago day, we HAD to take advantage of the weather. We packed up, jumped on the brown line and went to North Avenue Beach where they were hosting a volleyball tournie and beach bash. Bands, beach games and A LOT of people taking in the sun, although we had no trouble finding our little piece of paradise in the sand. The fashion scene was as you could imagine; bathing suits, flip flops and strapless cover-ups. Fun, fun, fun! After a quick trip home to change, we were off again to a street festival at Belmont and Lincoln. 3 stages with live music, street vendors and tasty food. If you haven’t been to Chicago in the summer, expect a good time. Always music, always food and always something cool going on.

SWIMSUIT SEASON!

It doesn’t matter your size, figure or age, everyone has a thing or two that they are self-conscience about regarding their body. I just got back from Vegas and the pool was a daily venue. Wow, so much people-watching. There was every type of bathing suit and body type imaginable. Some women conveyed a lot of confidence. So, I watched them…they didn’t tug at their suits, hide under a towel or stay glued to their lounge chair. These women weren’t model skinny but they “worked it” and THAT made them attractive. I believe this goes back to what City Suitcase is all about. Our mission…………… to present quick and knowledgeable strategies on what to pack for a destination, an occasion and the climate. By reporting on fashion trends in specific cities, City Suitcase enables women to be confident, comfortable and in style wherever they travel. See our resort section for what bathing suit is best for your body type.