My wonderful client and dear friend Linda Holt (www.lindaholtinteriors.com) is preparing to spend a week in High Point, NC...an interior designer's wonderland. The fabulously talented Linda needed to pack both for comfort and style. There is a ton of walking involved in this trip, but the tricky part is that her day-time attire must to take her into night-time cocktail parties.  Her hotel is a 45 minute bus ride so there is no place to change. During the day there will be LOTS of walking, but everyone will be dressed to kill--and at night, the attire is even dressier. This is a tough one!

So we started by taking stock of her closet. It's been a while since Linda has shopped for clothes and her wardrobe lacked some basics as well as some eye candy. Although Linda is on a weight-loss plan and expects to change sizes, my advice was to buy a few great pieces now (so that she feels good!) and accent with some FABULOUS accessories. And of course the right shoes are extremely important since Linda will be walking miles during the day.

To solve the shoe problem, I suggested that Linda purchase a few pairs of quality shoes including Taryn Rose wedges AGL flats. Both lines are designed for both comfort and style. For night, we packed dressier sandals in nude and black that are light enough to throw in her bag for a quick shoe change.

Shoes built for comfort---AGL flats & Taryn Rose wedges

I wanted to keep Linda's color pallet simple so that her pieces easily mix and match. I chose navy, black and white as the foundation and added splashes of color with a fabulous kelly green Michael Kors handbag, turquoise Kate Spade cross-body bag (that conveniently converts to a clutch for night), and a variety of jewelry including a few pieces of Alexis Bittar  (one of my favorite lines).

These fabulous bags add color!

I love these gorgeous blue and green chandelier earrings !

For a five day trip I put together:

1 pair of white jeans
1 pair of black jeans
1 black dress (wrinkle free!)
1 navy dress
2 blouses...one snakeskin and one navy polka dot
A poncho
A striped blazer and a cream blazer
A black sweater jacket
A sheer embellished black tunic
A black and hot pink Tahari silk top
A stunning Michael Kors jacket with fabulous gold zipper detailing

AGL flats (great for walking)
Nude sandals and black sandals (both flat and comfortable)
Taryn Rose comfy wedges

Several pieces of jewelry including some new Alexis Bittar earrings
Silver and gold hoop earrings and a bit of bling
A stunning green Michael Kors bag
A beautiful turquoise Kate Spade crossover bag that doubles as a clutch
A nude Kate Spade bag

These two fabulous tops will take Linda from day to night paired with black or white jeans.

This navy printed dress is wrinkle free and looks so polished with a cream jacket and the Michael Kors green bag

A simple black dress is a "must have" --and this one is both comfortable and wrinkle-free (so important when traveling!).  Linda will be able to get multiple outfits out of this dress with an easy accessory change-up. The white polka-dot blouse will look crisp paired with white jeans & topped with this beautiful navy Michael Kors jacket.

Lately I've been reading a lot of articles about how manicures and pedicures can pose all sorts of health risks, including infections and fungus (ewe).  Although manicures have their own hazards, pedicures are where the real danger lies. Even the most spotless of basins can be risky since the water still has to travel through the whirlpool jets. These jets are loaded with all types of harmful bacteria which can cause athletes foot, warts, and viral infections. I have several clients and friends who have been the victim of foot fungus and let me tell you, their stories are not pretty.

I recently saw Podiatrist Dr. Teresa Burtoft of The Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley in North Andover,  for some foot issues that I've been struggling with.  Everyone at the center is incredibly nice and friendly and Dr. Burtoft herself has a wonderful  manner and is very knowledgable. While I was there I learned of their new nail service which is set up right in the medical office...brilliant idea!

Everyone gets their own sterile disposable foot bath.

The nail room is quiet, relaxing and CLEAN!

I made an appointment for next Tuesday. I'm really looking forward to getting my nails done in a clean and sanitary environment where I can actually sit back and relax.

To find out more on the dangers on manis and pedis, check out this article on The Huffington Post 

Are your clothes feeling a little boring? Here are a few pieces that will add the "wow" factor to your wardrobe.

Nancy Boyer owns Second Chances Consignment in North Reading, MA.  She is one of those people you like instantly...she's warm, sweet, caring, thoughtful and makes you feel special. So is her consignment shop. The minute you walk through the door at Second Chances you feel welcome.. It has a down-to-earth atmosphere (so refreshing!), but WOW are there deals to be had!! Yes, you have to do a little hunting---but isn't that what we women love? Check out some of the amazing finds I scouted out.


Also, for you consignors, Nancy gives 50% commission---unlike many of the consignment shops which offer a 60-40 split (40 to you, 60 to them).  She accepts just about all lines including Gap and other brands that most shops won't accept.

On Wednesday I launched my own "stylists' corner" at Second Chances which features some of my own personal items for sale including clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry. My proceeds will benefit low-income families.