I am on a mission. I plan to to arrive in Rimini,Italy on Wednesday afternoon with just one carry-on suitcase, and my Tory Burch travel tote that will moonlight as my purse on my flights. I'm arriving to Bologna, Italy from North Carolina for Travel Blogger Destination: Italy via four flights. I'm not taking ANY chances that my luggage will get lost by checking my bag.
I asked the Dovecote style team in Fearrington Village to help me pack, and get ready for this trip, which will bring together thousands of bloggers throughout the world. Fashion is certainly not my area of expertise. I like clothes and I love home decor. However, I don't have an eye for those things to come up with my own ideas, but I know what I like.
My everyday style is simple. I do, however, have a weakness for two things when it comes to fashion. I like high-end designer purses, and artistic jewelry. My very first purse purchase was Gucci when I was 13 years of age. And you're not going to believe this, but my vintage Gucci will be used as a clutch for several cocktail parties scheduled for this trip, a good 32 years later. The vintage Gucci is definitely making it in the suitcase and if I'm lucky, a new Gucci wallet will also follow me home.
When I arrived at Dovecote a few weeks ago, I met with lead stylist Marta Knezevic and her team. Marta, originally from Poland, is absolutely gorgeous and I took one look at her and said, "I want to dress like you."
She's been a personal shopper for celebrities and has worked in some of the most high-end boutiques in Darien, Connecticut. Being a stylist for a boutique adjacent to one of the most prestigious five-star inns in the country, The Fearrington House Inn, Marta knows how travelers like to pack, and how comfort and versatility are just as important as looking stylish for frequent travelers.
She styled me for my body type, which has changed since I've become 45. My waist is no longer tiny, and my hips no longer look as curvy as they did when I had a small waist. If you want to talk about fruit, I've gone from a pear to an apple. Marta says that my legs are skinny and should be a good asset to my style. As a result, tunics and statement necklaces work really well for me and my new mid-forties shape.
We had fun generating outfits that centered around a basic skinny black pant by the Equestrian brand. The pants they styled me in work well with flats and heels, but not tall boots.
"One has to wear boots with a tighter fit in the leg than these pants or it will just look sloppy," exclaimed Marta.
The Equestrian is a pant that travels well. It's also extremely comfortable, and fits all body shapes. I fell in love.
"We have loads of styles of Equestrian brand pants here in the shop, made for the long-legged and lean (the Keesha), the apple-shaped (the Ellie), or anyone in between (the Milo or the Deonna legging).The beauty of these pants is they look fantastic with ballet flats, kitten heels and boots. Their stretchy slim cuts allow for comfort and versatility. Why do I love them? They are classic, comfortable and chic – what more could you ask for in a pant?" remarked Marta.
Once you find the right look for you then you can change the look of the outfit with a scarf or a necklace for variety.
This is what helps you pack light. You pack a few basics, and rely on accessories for different looks.
Packing light is as easy as 1-2-3 says Marta. "Pick your perfect P. Taylor shirt (available in gorgeous colors this season such as a blush-nude and a perfect purple), pair it with your favorite Equestrian pant, and top with accessories. The accessories are key to making the ensemble look fresh and new. We love a Suzi Roher scarf with colors and patterns to match every outfit. If you prefer jewels, use necklaces as your accent piece. Remember that your body style should be considered when choosing your style of necklace. Or, cinch your P. Taylor shirt with a belt and add a statement bag. A statement bag is an easy way to make any outfit pop, whether a casual suede tote from Nashville designer Ceri Hoover or an exquisite beaded clutch from Sondra Roberts in New York."
I truly love the color blue. I chose the above outfit (a cashmere Magaschoni sweater, Equestrian brown legging) styled with both the Ann Lightfoot necklace and the Tilo scarf because I felt the best in this look. I am not really the type that keeps up with the fashion trends so I tend to wear what I like and what makes me feel most comfortable. However, as a former news journalist, I had to ask Marta the question that I'm sure you would all like to know.
So what's HOT for fall and winter this year in terms of fashion?
According to Marta, "As for colors, mustard is all the rage (and made accessible in pants, where the color is not too close to the face), classic navy, grays ranging from a soft dove to a darker charcoal, and eggplant purple or Bordeaux. Think navy and gray for your neutral base and add a pop of color with the mustard or eggplant."
"Moving on to must-have pieces for your Fall collection. Capes, capes, capes! We feel like superheroes here in the boutique because we carry so many capes. We love them draped over the shoulders to keep warm during a fall football game and equally wrapped around the neck cozying next to a campfire. Boots are always in -- from the tall riding styles to cute booties that look great with both leggings and dresses. And, of course, leather. To us, leather is synonymous with fall and this year is no exception. Rather than just the standard leather jacket, we also have leggings from Anarkh, painted leather from Marc A Dolci, and the most incredible leather DRESS (yes, dress!) – it is simply stunning."
The Dovecote team helped me find my style for Italy, but the team can help any customer find the perfect outfit for any occasion. No appointments are necessary, and the style team works daily. I highly recommend their expertise. I also decided to invest in the basic black Ellie pant for my wardrobe. I came home, got rid of some closet clutter, and found about six tops that were brought back to life because of the new black pants and brown leggings. The orphan tops in my closet just needed to be paired with the right pants with the right fit. I have the perfect combination now.
Great Packing Tip from Dovecote Style:
And when packing Marta says to roll everything like she did above with my sweater. Your suitcase will hold a lot more and the apparel will have less wrinkles.
When in Fearrington Village, also take time to visit the Goat,too. Great muffins and coffee. And don't forget the spa in the village. It's one of my favorite spas for a pedicure in the triangle.
My thanks to TBD Italy for selecting me as a fully-hosted travel blogger for this visit and for Dovecote in Fearrington Village for helping sponsor this trip and post. I think I can fly to Italy now feeling a little more stylish.
Want to visit:
Dovecote
Fearrington Village
Pittsboro, N.C.
I asked the Dovecote style team in Fearrington Village to help me pack, and get ready for this trip, which will bring together thousands of bloggers throughout the world. Fashion is certainly not my area of expertise. I like clothes and I love home decor. However, I don't have an eye for those things to come up with my own ideas, but I know what I like.
My everyday style is simple. I do, however, have a weakness for two things when it comes to fashion. I like high-end designer purses, and artistic jewelry. My very first purse purchase was Gucci when I was 13 years of age. And you're not going to believe this, but my vintage Gucci will be used as a clutch for several cocktail parties scheduled for this trip, a good 32 years later. The vintage Gucci is definitely making it in the suitcase and if I'm lucky, a new Gucci wallet will also follow me home.
When I arrived at Dovecote a few weeks ago, I met with lead stylist Marta Knezevic and her team. Marta, originally from Poland, is absolutely gorgeous and I took one look at her and said, "I want to dress like you."
She's been a personal shopper for celebrities and has worked in some of the most high-end boutiques in Darien, Connecticut. Being a stylist for a boutique adjacent to one of the most prestigious five-star inns in the country, The Fearrington House Inn, Marta knows how travelers like to pack, and how comfort and versatility are just as important as looking stylish for frequent travelers.
She styled me for my body type, which has changed since I've become 45. My waist is no longer tiny, and my hips no longer look as curvy as they did when I had a small waist. If you want to talk about fruit, I've gone from a pear to an apple. Marta says that my legs are skinny and should be a good asset to my style. As a result, tunics and statement necklaces work really well for me and my new mid-forties shape.
We had fun generating outfits that centered around a basic skinny black pant by the Equestrian brand. The pants they styled me in work well with flats and heels, but not tall boots.
"One has to wear boots with a tighter fit in the leg than these pants or it will just look sloppy," exclaimed Marta.
The Equestrian is a pant that travels well. It's also extremely comfortable, and fits all body shapes. I fell in love.
"We have loads of styles of Equestrian brand pants here in the shop, made for the long-legged and lean (the Keesha), the apple-shaped (the Ellie), or anyone in between (the Milo or the Deonna legging).The beauty of these pants is they look fantastic with ballet flats, kitten heels and boots. Their stretchy slim cuts allow for comfort and versatility. Why do I love them? They are classic, comfortable and chic – what more could you ask for in a pant?" remarked Marta.
Once you find the right look for you then you can change the look of the outfit with a scarf or a necklace for variety.
This is what helps you pack light. You pack a few basics, and rely on accessories for different looks.
Packing light is as easy as 1-2-3 says Marta. "Pick your perfect P. Taylor shirt (available in gorgeous colors this season such as a blush-nude and a perfect purple), pair it with your favorite Equestrian pant, and top with accessories. The accessories are key to making the ensemble look fresh and new. We love a Suzi Roher scarf with colors and patterns to match every outfit. If you prefer jewels, use necklaces as your accent piece. Remember that your body style should be considered when choosing your style of necklace. Or, cinch your P. Taylor shirt with a belt and add a statement bag. A statement bag is an easy way to make any outfit pop, whether a casual suede tote from Nashville designer Ceri Hoover or an exquisite beaded clutch from Sondra Roberts in New York."
I truly love the color blue. I chose the above outfit (a cashmere Magaschoni sweater, Equestrian brown legging) styled with both the Ann Lightfoot necklace and the Tilo scarf because I felt the best in this look. I am not really the type that keeps up with the fashion trends so I tend to wear what I like and what makes me feel most comfortable. However, as a former news journalist, I had to ask Marta the question that I'm sure you would all like to know.
So what's HOT for fall and winter this year in terms of fashion?
According to Marta, "As for colors, mustard is all the rage (and made accessible in pants, where the color is not too close to the face), classic navy, grays ranging from a soft dove to a darker charcoal, and eggplant purple or Bordeaux. Think navy and gray for your neutral base and add a pop of color with the mustard or eggplant."
"Moving on to must-have pieces for your Fall collection. Capes, capes, capes! We feel like superheroes here in the boutique because we carry so many capes. We love them draped over the shoulders to keep warm during a fall football game and equally wrapped around the neck cozying next to a campfire. Boots are always in -- from the tall riding styles to cute booties that look great with both leggings and dresses. And, of course, leather. To us, leather is synonymous with fall and this year is no exception. Rather than just the standard leather jacket, we also have leggings from Anarkh, painted leather from Marc A Dolci, and the most incredible leather DRESS (yes, dress!) – it is simply stunning."
The Dovecote team helped me find my style for Italy, but the team can help any customer find the perfect outfit for any occasion. No appointments are necessary, and the style team works daily. I highly recommend their expertise. I also decided to invest in the basic black Ellie pant for my wardrobe. I came home, got rid of some closet clutter, and found about six tops that were brought back to life because of the new black pants and brown leggings. The orphan tops in my closet just needed to be paired with the right pants with the right fit. I have the perfect combination now.
And when packing Marta says to roll everything like she did above with my sweater. Your suitcase will hold a lot more and the apparel will have less wrinkles.
When in Fearrington Village, also take time to visit the Goat,too. Great muffins and coffee. And don't forget the spa in the village. It's one of my favorite spas for a pedicure in the triangle.
My thanks to TBD Italy for selecting me as a fully-hosted travel blogger for this visit and for Dovecote in Fearrington Village for helping sponsor this trip and post. I think I can fly to Italy now feeling a little more stylish.
Want to visit:
Dovecote
Fearrington Village
Pittsboro, N.C.
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