“EZ Pack” Summer Trip Wardrobe

MIX & MATCH
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Let’s drop all the grays today . . . and bring some color out to play!
For a Short, Summer “Trip Away” . . . it’s Mix & Match with these 8 basic clothing pieces. interchangeable, to accommodate varied activities and weather, casual stops and anything a bit more formal, like a dinner gathering.
Daydreaming about the above collection . . . two of my granddaughters were main characters in the scenario.  Each has week-away trips this summer, and so packing, travel and specific included events were considered.  But Fashionistas of any age could easily adapt this look . . . by simply choosing a different skirt and shorts length and style.     Also, some women would want to choose a less flared leg cut in the slacks, for a more flattering look.
Let’s start with these basic pieces. The item list stays the same for everyone, but of course, each of you will consider your individual size, style and color choices.
  • 1 Skirt
  • 1 Pair Shorts
  • 1 Pair Slacks
  • 1 Basic Dress
  • 2 Casual blouses (1 patterned, 1 plain color; short sleeved works too)
  • 1 3/4 Sleeve Top (for variety and rainy/cooler conditions)
  • 1 Jacket (I chose a short-waist, b/w stripe that works as dressy or casual)

 

Are you asking “Why  Choose Black For Summer”?   I chose black because my daydream was about my granddaughters’ upcoming events, and the “on-the-road” aspects. First of all, the “Black goes with most anything” idea and the “Little Black Dress” rule (which also includes slacks) always travel well.  Black doesn’t show spots  and stains as boldly as lighter colors do.  An easy wipe away will usually do the trick, without laundering, which no one wants to do on a short leisure trip (especially teenagers!).

Perhaps the best reason for black in basic pieces is . . . it’s trait of adapting so well in a mix & match group.  It DOES go with almost anything, and BETTER yet, in classic styles as seen with this dress and slacks choice, these items can be “dressed up” or “kept more casual”, depending on which accessories you use.
Accessories List.
  • 2 – 4 Pairs Shoes.  The 2 for me would be the striped heels and the aqua flats.
  • 2 – 3 Belts
  • 2 – 3 Scarves
  • 1 medium sized purse/bag
  • 2 – 3 each of jewelry pieces, i.e. necklaces, bracelets, earrings, optional broaches

 

Here comes the color . . . and the Fun!

OUTDITSartzzle.com
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Do more with everything.  For example, that cute striped jacket looks great with the black slacks.  And the separate jewelry items can be mixes in a million ways.
The purpose of MIX & MATCh is versatility from few items.  These clothes (and necessary personal pieces) will fit into one decent sized suitcase.  A smaller, carry-case would hold accessories, makeup, hair essential and the like.
So you’re on your way,to that quick, easy and light trip . . . but you have all you need!
TIPS:
  1. Folding and packing clothes FLAT allows more room AND doesn’t wrinkle as badly
  2. Slip shoes into ZIP LOC bags to contain pairs, and not get clothing pieces dirty
  3. CHOOSE easy care fabrics when possible; can be rinsed/hung/dried by next day
  4. ZIP LOCs are also great to contain all those small items AND jewelry if you don’t have a cloth jewelry roll available
  5. Bags are best for all liquid and twist lid items.  No problems accidental leaks.

I would love to get your ideas on outfit combinations . . . and all else from today.  Leave a comment or you can find my email on my profile page.

This post was fun for me . . . hope you like it too!

Remember  . . .  if you stress too much . . . that trip won’t be as much fun!

Later – Cheryl

PS:  APOLOGIES for the erratic spacing in this post.  Working between VISUAL, TEXT and three individual Polyvore articles, seems to have scewed the platforms.

*** This original article “EZ Pack Summer Trip Wardrobe!” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation from contributors. Outside sources are marked when available.

Copyright © 2013-2014  Artzzle All Rights Reserved

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Changes Coming

Hi all.

Saturday’s wedding is now over and done and the happy couple are onto honeymoon fun. This is just a short post today, to let you know Artzzle has changes in play.

The Happy Couple

The Happy Couple

A New Look
I’ve acquired lots of new WordPress toys and tools, and will be playing with those often, tweaking Artzzle’s look. It’s EZ software though, you don’t even have to write your own code. Anyone should be able to quickly master it … even me 🙂 I’m looking forward to “playtime” and collecting comments on what you think about all the changes.

More Contact Options
While I love getting comments, soon you’ll also have a second contact option, where you’ll be able to attach photos you’d like to share.

Silk Flower Tutorial
I promised a little info on how to make the silk boutannaires, so here you go.

1 Rose Bud, 1 Leaf, 1 Small Piece variegated green

1 Rose Bud, 1 Leaf, 1 Small Piece variegated green

When working with silk flowers, I always use hot glue, as you need something to set up instantly. The lower temp glue and guns will work fine.

Glue (front side) of leaf to back of rose, then glue greens at base of (front) of rose

Glue (front side) of leaf to back of rose, then glue greens at base of (front) of rose

Here's what you have now, a bare bout.  Now we need the ribbon jacket

Here’s what you have now, a bare bout. Now we need the ribbon jacket

Before beginning the final step, adding the ribbon, I like to tightly wire-wrap the stems together, to give you a tight end to work with when you wrap the ribbon. I used a 26 gauge floral/craft wire here, as it is thin but still very strong, easy to work with and get very tight.

1 1/2 inch width Ribbon, cut in a  4 inch long piece

1 1/2 inch width Ribbon, cut in a 4 inch long piece

Glue over a  small "hem" on each end of your ribbon.  This gives you a finished look and prevents your ribbon from fraying

Glue over a small “hem” on each end of your ribbon. This gives you a finished look and prevents your ribbon from fraying

My next two pictures aren’t the best but I think you’ll be able to get the idea.

Glue one end of ribbon to the back of your rose, at a bit of a downward angle.

Glue one end of ribbon to the back of your rose, at a bit of a downward angle.

Begin wrapping ribbon around stem, carefully gluing as you go.

Begin wrapping ribbon around stem, carefully gluing as you go.

When your open end is about 1/2 - 3/4 in below the end of your stems, glue and fold it back up onto the stem.  Continue wrapping and gluing remaining ribbon, around end of stem.

When your open end is about 1/2 – 3/4 in below the end of your stems, glue and fold it back up onto the stem. Continue wrapping and gluing remaining ribbon, around end of stem.


These are the finished bouts.  Notice on is different.  This is the groom's bout.  This one was altered a bit after this shot was taken.  The groom felt it was too big, so I simply carefully snipped off the two side rose leaves, and trimmed down the white hydrangea.

These are the finished bouts. Notice the groom’s bout is different. This one was altered a bit after the shot was taken. The groom felt it was too big, so I simply carefully snipped off the two side rose leaves, and trimmed down the white hydrangea. Now it’s still different but a more comfortable size.

I couldn’t close without including some of my gorgeous grandchildren. But I have to note, there are five more that weren’t in attendance.

Until next time, don’t stress too much about it, just start your project.

Thanks for visiting. You’ve just read “Changes Coming” on Artzzle.com. I love comments and questions so send “em” my way. And be sure to spread the word about Artzzle to your friends. The more the merrier!

Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Remember, all content on Artzzle, text and photography, is copyrighted and cannot be used in any form, without my expressed permission, or approval from material’s originator(s). You can leave a comment below with any questions on this.