I'm a lucky girl. I have the most amazing group of friends. We've been through a lot together...divorce, break-ups, kid issues, unemployment, moving, illness, and even death. Yet we have stood by each other every step of the way, listening, supporting and loving. Our bond is hard to describe. It's deep and connected. We "get each other".  I guess the closest word would be soul-sisters.

Women get something special from our soul sisters---it's a unique blend of unconditional love, support, nurturing, caring and understanding. There's isn't anything we wouldn't do for each other. When we're having a bad hair day, our girlfriends will tell us that we look beautiful. When we hate our outfit, they'll rave about it.  When we're feeling down, they'll lift us up.... and when we are on crazy diets, they'll make pie.

I've struggled with stomach issues my whole life. Doctors have tried to figure it out, but chalked it up to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).  I live with stomach pain every day. Some days it's tolerable, and other days it cuts like a knife leaving me doubled over.  I've done the gluten free thing, the no dairy thing and just about every type of diet out, there but nothing really worked until the FODMAP diet was recommended by my gastroenterologist  If you also suffer from a stomach condition, please check this diet out...it makes a huge difference. The premise of FODMAP is to cut out all foods that digest in a way that is irritating to the stomach. I've been on the  diet for 2 weeks now (per my doctor) and have been 100% pain free.  Although FODMAP is tough to follow, the benefits outweigh the inconvenience.

Yesterday I had a small cookout with some of my closest friends. Knowing how much I love sweets but how limited my diet is, my "sista" Betsy offered to make a dessert that I can actually eat. She asked me what types of foods I could and couldn't have and then created the most amazing gluten free, corn syrup free, dairy free, blueberry pie. If you've ever worked with gluten free dough, you know how difficult it is to mold and shape..it crumbles and falls apart. Betsy not only researched the best tasting recipe, but also spent hours painstakingly creating a masterpiece that looked as good as it tasted. This pie was truly a labor of love.



So if you're wondering what I wore while eating my "friendship pie"...here's the outfit.
I've had this VERY old dress in the back of my closet for years. The top of the dress shows bra-straps (and I hate to wear strapless!) so I threw my denim vest over it for coverage and voila, "old is new again!".

Here's an outfit that almost everyone can wear. A poncho is the perfect piece for this time of the year when you need a lightweight layer for those "in-between" days.  It's super versatile since it can be worn with jeans, pants, skirts and dresses...and it's a fabulous travel piece (great for the plane!).

Nordstrom is having their fall clearance sale and I found some really gorgeous work dresses at incredible prices! These dresses can easily transition from late summer to fall by adding boots/booties  and paring with a blazer or cardigan.  My favorite is the plaid sheath dress--totally on-trend for fall!
Happy shopping!

One of my clients is taking a two week vacation to Australia...lucky her! She asked me what she should pack...the trip is mostly casual although there may few nice dinners mixed in. Temps should be in the 60's and there will be a ton of walking.

Here are a few suggestions...

First of all, before you start to pack, PLAN your outfits! Make a list of what you will need for each  day and night of the trip and then decide on a color scheme. The simpler your color scheme, the easier it will be to pack and put outfits together.

Feet first. Comfortable shoes are  MUST for sightseeing. There's nothing worse than walking on blisters!  I suggest investing in a fun pair of sneakers that are super supportive and comfortable. Look for a something a bit stylish like these animal print or metallic sneakers. Cole Haan makes some really fun and comfy versions.
Also bring a pair of comfy flats

And some heels for dancing.






Denim, denim, denim.  Jeans are the most practical bottoms you can take on vacation because you can dress them up or down. I talk about the slim-cut ankle jeans a lot because it's the most versatile style. Roll them up with sneakers for day and dress up with a little heel for dinner. Bring different washes and colors for variety. I suggest a light wash, dark wash and black or gray jeans.


Layer it up.  Pack lightweight layers such as tanks, tees, sweaters, jackets and/or cardigans. Weather can be unpredictable so it's best to have options!


because of the way it easily folds up. Plus it's so sturdy and can hold a ton of gear.







Bring a neutral cross-body bag for sightseeing.


And a clutch for at night.



Easy peasy dress.  Dresses are easy to wear and give so many outfit options. A jersey shift dress can bring you from day to night with simple accessory and shoe change ups.

I recently taped a television segment for (NECN) at Thirty Petals Boutique in Belmont, MA. I've known the owner Erica for many years now --she is truly one of the sweetest people ever, and her boutique reflects all of her special qualities. Thirty Petals is a warm and inviting store that makes you feel at home the minute you walk through the door.  The clothes and accessories are unique, reasonably priced and different from the mainstream piece you'll find in the large department stores.

While at Thirty Petals, I fell in love with this Joseph Ribkoff black lattice jacket. We all need that one special piece that makes a statement and this jacket is it! The mix of leather and sheer detailing gives it sophistaction with a bit of an edge (I also love the lightweight arm coverage!).  I'll  be wearing this jacket in other blogs to show off it's versatility...here I've paired with a simple white dress and black pumps.