Traveling More in Her 70s Than She Did in Her 20s!
Smart Women On The Go Profile:
Rosemary Barnhart has been to more than 160 countries — and she’s still traveling the globe. Rosemary, who is 77, had a long career in the cruise industry so she’s had a head start on many of us. But equally – maybe more – impressive is that her partner Lee is still traveling at 97!
I consider Rosemary and Lee “icons” of the cruise world since they take two or three cruises a year and most are a month long. Their experiences recently attracted Condé Nast Traveler magazine and editor Madison Flager interviewed Rosemary for her perspective on traveling in your later decades:
“I’ve always been sort of adventurous”, says Rosemary, “and that hasn’t changed. If anything, travel makes your visions a little wider and makes you want to go more, see more. The only new approach in this decade is slowing down.
“We can’t do all that driving and traipsing around like we used to do . . . cruising takes us to so many places—all without ever having to unpack a bag. As we’ve gotten older, it’s become the best way for us to travel.”
Click here for the full article – it’s a delightful and inspirational read!
Rosemary’s Smart Packing Tips:
I’ve known Rosemary since the early 1970’s when we both worked for Simplicity Pattern Company, traveling the U.S. with fashion shows. It gave us both the travel bug. Fast-forward a few years and Rosemary went into the travel business, ultimately spending 10 years working for three major cruise lines. She knows all of the ins and outs of cruising, making her my go-to person to help me with packing.
You and I may not have the luxury of spending this much time cruising but we can learn lots from this cruising maven and her partner Lee. I interviewed Rosemary for our Tips for Travelers newsletter a few years ago and her advice still holds true:
“Two to three weeks before a trip I chart out the first 10 days of our cruise on a calendar, writing down what I could wear each day and evening. This helps me begin laying out clothes.
“I start with a foundation of pants in neutral colors (her favorite are black, white and cream), packing a variety of tops that will go with all . . . For evening I love to wear pants with fancy, beautiful or simple tops. Many can roll up and tuck into a corner of my luggage . . . Jewelry is key to extending your wardrobe. Pair a very simple top with a ‘statement’ faux-jewelry piece. Switch the jewelry and no one knows you’ve worn the top more than once.”
Rosemary and I both still count Chico’s and J. Jill as great resources for washable, wrinkle-free travel wardrobe pieces.
Proper Planning is Key
I adapted the tools of advance planning from Rosemary, charting out my trips on a calendar, noting activities and expected weather on each day to help me plan my wardrobe. And, like Rosemary, I invested in a collapsible clothes rack to make both planning and packing easy and efficient.
“The rack makes coordination of separates easier (four tops can hang by one pair of pants; shoes go on the floor below, matching up with the selected clothes) and allows me to see all I’m taking before packing,” says Rosemary. Planning ahead is truly the way to take the panic out of packing.
Click here for my interview with Rosemary for many more insights and tips on packing for a cruise.
Post Script: No profile of Rosemary is complete without noting that her partner Lee, at 97, is a true marvel! Happy and healthy, his mantra is simply “keep moving.” We all need to take a lesson from Lee. He’s the one closing the cruise ship dance lounges every night!
For more travel and packing tips take a look at these previous posts:
- How to Take the Panic Out of Packing
- 6 Strategies for Packing Light
- How to Pack for a European River Cruise
- Packing for a Cruise – An Expert Speaks
The Wardrobe Pieces You Need for Fall Travel
Summer will be over before you know it! Now is the time to plan for Fall travel. After throwing light summer dresses, sandals and swimsuits into a suitcase, it can be a shock to think about sweaters and shoes. For travel in the next few months, you might need to pack shoes that weigh more than a few ounces, add a jacket to your wardrobe, or tuck a shawl into your carry-on.
I’m here to rescue you from overstuffed luggage as I get ready for my own upcoming three-week trip to France. Although my trip is a month away, I already have my travel wardrobe rack up and have hung a few pieces to prompt my planning.
While shopping for new additions to my closet for fall, I’ll be looking for pieces that meet the easy-care, wrinkle-free travel test and are both comfortable and smart.
To help you and me with our Fall travel packing, I’ve reached to a few “smart-women-on-the-go” I know for their favorite travel wardrobe tips to add to my own:
1. Start with shoes . . . 3 pairs max!
The rule is: Wear one pair and pack only two. This time I’m taking a tip from frequent traveler Lynn B., who always plans her clothing around the shoes she wants to take.
I’ll be visiting a mix of beachside resorts, country villages and cities so need comfy walking shoes for day and a lightweight shoe for evening. My choices include a pair of sturdy slip-on espadrilles – I love my black ones from Flexx – and a pair of sneakers. I just read about Tropicfeel’s Monsoon sneakers and am considering ordering a pair to replace the ones I’ve had for a few years. I’ll wear both shoes with Smartwool socks for day-long comfort.
My third shoe is a rubber-soled flat from Clark’s (similar here). Flight attendant Jacqueline P. loves the rubber-soled ballet flats by AGL. They are a bit pricey so watch for sales!
For flexible fit when walking, Billie M., who just returned from a world-wide cruise, likes the stretchable cross straps on her Mary Jane’s by Skechers. Rebecca L. packs a similar shoe by Bernie Mev®, available from TravelSmith, as it pairs nicely with the athleisure attire she likes for travel (see below).
Sheila B. creates her own fashionable all-day walking shoes: She purchases a comfy pair of cushy shoe inserts with arch support and takes them shoe shopping. She fits them into a fashionable, rubber-soled shoe that is at least one size larger than what she normally wears and walks around the store for a test drive. If she feels like she’s wearing her favorite athletic shoes, she has a winning combination.
Smart packing tip: Always waterproof your shoes before traveling to protect them from rain damage. There are several good products on the market. Click here for guidance.
2. Choose travel-friendly tops and bottoms
The first step to traveling comfortably and wrinkle-free is to plan a wardrobe in the right fabrics. Wouldn’t you love to roll up a blouse, pant or dress, tuck it into the corner of your suitcase, and know that it will look presentable upon arrival?
A little fiber and fabric knowledge will help you select the best clothes for your travel destination to keep you warm or cool, plus wrinkle-free. Click here for my tips on how to test fabrics and choose the best ones for travel.
I’m a fan of J. Jill’s Wearever Collection of rayon and spandex knits and will definitely pack my black pull-on slim leg pants and long-sleeved tunic top from this line – they roll up for packing and can go from day to evening. I can also attest to the fact that if you wear the pants on a long flight they won’t “knee-out” on you!
Neutral colors are easier to mix and match with tops and accessories; I prefer black and tan for the fall. For day touring this fall, I will take two more pairs of pants: a black jean and a black cotton/rayon/spandex blend pant from Talbots.
I also like to take one or two non-iron white shirts. One from Chico’s is a favorite that can be worn with any pant I take for day or evening. Bonnie T., whom I often travel with, has become a fan of Chico’s Travelers Collection for mix and match separates.
Cruise expert Rosemary B. loves the Joseph Ribkoff line for pants for evenings on a cruise. They have a great fit, are a little dressier in feel and are easy-care. I purchased a tunic top from this knit line a few years ago and still pack it for a dressier look in the evening.
Worldwide traveler Rebecca L loves the comfort and look of Athleta’s athleisure wear. Pairing tunics with leggings and adding a scarf gives her a smart look with lots of comfort. (Click here to see her wardrobe for a trip to Japan.) To get added wear of any top or tunic before washing it, she wears a quick-drying camisole underneath and rinses that out at night.
3. Pack layers for cooler weather
Today’s fabrics enable us to dress in layers without bulk. And layers you’ll need for travel destinations during Fall’s changing temperatures. Uniqlo is my favorite resource for pieces that take little room in a suitcase but provide huge benefit in adding warmth when needed:
– Heattech tank tops and tee-shirts to wear under a blouse or shirt
– Merino wool sweaters, lightweight and washable, to wear over a shirt
– Ultra Lite Down vests and jackets that roll up into a ball and tuck themselves into their own sack.
4. Pack a versatile wrap . . . better, yet tuck into your carry-on tote
A shawl, poncho or ruana can serve you well on the plane as a blanket and worn as a lightweight topper when touring. You might also wear it over a jacket for added warmth on a chillier day.
Terri T. loves the cashmere travel wrap she purchased from White + Warren just before her Spring trip to Japan. She used it on the plane for warmth and daily during breakfast in her Tokyo hotel to ward off the cold air from the A/C. And it was the perfect accent worn over her black dress for special dinners.
Although cashmere is not inexpensive, it is a best-investment fiber because you can wear it year-round. Garnet Hill also offers a cashmere wrap in a broad range of colors at a price that is a bit lower than White + Warren’s. Another option is pashmina, although it will not be as warm. I often tuck my yellow pashmina shawl into my carry-on tote to wear on the plane or as a shawl over a black dress or top, or rolled as a scarf.
A poncho or ruana will be a little heavier and warmer. I have a ruana-style shawl from the Jimmy Hourihan collection that was nice to travel with last fall and I’m considering it for this trip.
5. Take a hat . . . for sun protection first and foremost . . . for style second!
A packable hat with UV protection is a smart investment. Even in the Fall the sun can be intense. Wallaroo offers a variety for spring/summer and fall/winter looks with UPF 50+ protection that will take you from the country to the city.
Terri T. loves the Betmar hat she bought for her trip to Japan. Its wide brim meets the sun protection guidelines of a minimum of 3” . . . and it crushed into whatever bag she carried during the day. If you don’t want “hat hair” at the end of the day, consider packing a visor. I’ll be taking my black Betmar visor on my trip this Fall.
6. Use a crossbody handbag
Frequent travelers agree that a crossbody bag is the easiest to travel and tour with. There’s a good degree of safety and it keeps you hands-free. The goal is to choose one that carries your essentials for the day and is also light in weight.
I’ll be using my Baggalini – made of lightweight yet sturdy nylon – for this upcoming trip. Its multiple pockets inside, outside pockets with zippers, plus a back pocket with a snap accommodates all of my travel and touring essentials, including a water bottle. For evening use, I pack a clutch with a wrist strap. Note: The latest version of my Baggalini bag includes a removable RFID phone wristlet that will hold credit cards and an iPhone – perfect for the evening!
Are you ready for your Fall trip? NO? Don’t panic . . . Here’s how I can help:
In spite of all that you’ve read by others and me on packing light, do you still find that you wear only half of what you packed? Or, do you wish halfway into your trip you had packed “this” or “that”? Either scenario is maddening!
Smart packing takes careful planning. Click here to read my post on how to plan what to pack for your trip and keep your luggage light. For specific packing lists for a variety of destinations, check out the Tips for Travelers newsletter on this website.
Are you still panicked over packing? If you would like personalized, one-on-one help with packing for your next trip, contact me. I can work with you to create a packing list with specific wardrobe recommendations for your destination.
BON VOYAGE!
Related posts:
• 6 Strategies for Packing Light
• Take the Panic Out of Packing
• How to Choose Smart Travel Fabrics
• Ten Tips for a Carry-on Vacation Wardrobe
The Closet Edit . . . Easy as 1-2-3!
A few days after severe cold weather swept across much of the country, Mother Nature brought unseasonably warm temperatures to my area and had me thinking “Spring.” And with that the seasonal closet cleanout!
I personally prefer to think about it as a closet “edit” because unless I’m pinched for closet space, I don’t like to throw the baby out with the bathwater! I never know when a favorite item that I’ve not worn in quite some time will be just right for a certain occasion.
WHAT SHAPE IS YOUR WARDROBE IN?
If you moan that you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear, then it’s time to seriously assess your wardrobe. If you’ve had a lifestyle change of any measure, your clothing choices might need to change with you. This doesn’t happen overnight, but taking time to edit your closet at least twice a year will help you build and maintain a wardrobe that works for you, not against you.
HERE’S HOW:
A closet edit really has no season, although the beginning of spring and fall are typical, especially if you have a routine of switching closets seasonally. But why not set aside some time now, early in the year, to assess your wardrobe and gain control of the image you want to project? Not to mention streamline your closet and make getting dressed faster and easier.
Schedule a full morning or afternoon, if you can. If easier for you, take an hour a day over a long weekend. I like to set the mood with music and a cup of coffee or, if late in the day, a glass of wine! Style your hair and put on makeup – you’ll be trying on most of your clothes and nothing will look good if you don’t.
You need to assess each item carefully, based on its fit, color, style and function and then decide to keep it, or let it go!
It’s an easy 3-step process:
- Pull everything out of your closet and “dresser” drawers. Your goal is to divide and conquer: What to keep versus what to let go of.
- Group like items together. I like to start with bottoms, then tops, dresses and shoes. (If you need to spread this project over a few days, you could tackle one type of garment per session to make it less overwhelming.)
- Try everything on. You can’t tell how something looks by just holding it up to yourself. You have to see it on you. Let’s face it, our bodies can change one year to the next. Be sure to try on the right shoes and undergarments with each item.
Note: Don’t forget your underwear, socks and hosiery, and accessories (scarves, jewelry and bags) as part of the overall process. These may not all be in your closet but they deserve the same editing process.
KEEP, RETIRE or TOSS?
Clothes you love and wear are an automatic “Keep”. But if your goal is to have a wardrobe that works for you today, you need to be honest with yourself. Our bodies, our coloring and our tastes all can change, not just our schedules and activities. Your wardrobe should match who you are now.
Ask yourself these 3 questions:
- Does it fit?
- Is it flattering?
- When did I last wear it and/or when will I?
An item does not belong in your closet if:
• It doesn’t fit you properly. What’s the likelihood of it fitting in the future? Can and will you alter it? Having a good seamstress nearby is a must.
• The color isn’t flattering. When you wear a color that’s good for you, your personal coloring (skin, eyes, hair color) is enhanced. If a color seems to overpower or dull your personal coloring, you don’t want it in your wardrobe. At its worst, wearing a color that’s not good for you can be aging!
• The style just isn’t you, it isn’t age appropriate, or it doesn’t match who you are now or who you want to be.
• It’s ripped, stained or simply worn out (this should go without saying) or it’s dated. Yes, a style can come and go and come back again but it seems that styles never come back quite the same.
• You aren’t wearing it and/or you haven’t worn it in two years (in one year if you want to be ruthless!), because chances are you won’t. This is a tough one, but if it doesn’t have a function in your lifestyle today, it’s a waste of space in your closet.
Are there exceptions?
Yes! If your lifestyle has changed, yet there is a chance you will need it in the future, then consider keeping it. When I left the corporate world for a more casual work style and lifestyle, I didn’t want to let go of all of my good business attire. One solution was to find new ways to wear my favorite pieces, for example, pairing a suit jacket with jeans and boots.
I also have an assortment of evening separates, none of which I wear every year (but all of which are timeless in style), that I will continue to keep as long as they fit and flatter because I don’t want to have to buy something for a singular event each year.
Bottom line, unless you’re pressed for space or committed to a full wardrobe overall, don’t retire it if it fits, flatters and functions* in your life. That’s the formula for looking and feeling good!
HOW TO HANDLE THE CAST-OFFS:
They may be losers in your closet but winners for someone else:
• Friends or relatives – it may no longer be “you” but someone else might love it.
• Consignment shops generally pay 50% of the resale price and/or give you credit toward a purchase. Clothes need to be cleaned, pressed, repaired, current and seasonally correct. And there’s a fast growing online marketplace for buying and selling clothes, from eBay to the luxury consignment site TheRealReal.
• Dress for Success – The clothing they provide women is primarily for job interviews. Most chapters can only accept items in clean and good condition, current style and all-season weight, and on hangers.
If you don’t have a Dress for Success group in your area, check with your local technical community college. One in my area has established a clothing “closet” built from donations that offers free business attire to their students. It was the perfect place for me to donate the business clothing I could no longer use.
• Goodwill or other charitable organizations are the best place for gently worn, out-of-season clothing, and your contribution will be tax deductible.
• What about worn-out or torn items? Before trashing them, please check online for a recycler in your area who accepts and reuses textiles.
Note: Americans throw out, on average, 81 pounds of clothing a year per person, according to a recent study by Savers, a global thrift retailer, when 95% could be reused or recycled. So when it comes to fashion and sustainability, let’s all think responsibly.
Is your Closet Edit complete? Congratulations! You’ve taken a major step toward streamlining your wardrobe so that it works for you! Going through this exercise at least twice a year will help you keep your closet streamlined while it serves you and your lifestyle. For a handy wardrobe editing guide to keep in your closet, click here.
* “Fit, flatter and function” is a fashion ‘mantra’ I learned from image consultant Doreen Dove in her book Confidence is Always in Style.
Related posts:
• Does Your Wardrobe Fit Your Lifestyle?
Be Smart: Focus on a Healthier Lifestyle to Live a Longer Life
Whether you are in the middle of your career or embracing retirement, a healthy lifestyle is key to staying “on the go”. And it’s all about getting back to basics. Guest blogger Sarah Cummings shares research and tips that can help us all live a healthier and longer life:
In this topsy-turvy life there’s one constant. Nothing lasts forever. This certainly applies to our health.
Unfortunately the older we get the less healthy we generally become and the closer the crooked finger of death creeps. While scientists and the tech geniuses in Silicon Valley have discovered many wondrous things, the secret to immortality remains tantalizing out of their reach. So far anyway!
That’s not to say, however, that each of us can’t take certain steps to improve our odds of having a healthier, happier and above all, longer life.
Practice Portion Control
Fad diets come and go. Avoid fat, eat more fat, etc., etc. It can be hard to keep up sometimes. One piece of advice that will never go out of style, however, is this – eat in moderation.
Overeating is the curse of modern times. Our ancestors simply couldn’t really afford to overeat. Today, however, thanks to the advent of industrial scale farming, food is cheap, really cheap. And we take advantage of that to the detriment of our health. So much so, that in the US, over a third of all adults are now clinically obese. Yikes!
Generally speaking, the larger your waist becomes, the shorter your life will be. Extra pounds bring an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, liver and kidney disease. And the list goes on and on.
Keeping a healthy weight keeps you healthier, and will extend your life. The Japanese employ a fascinating concept known as Hara Hachi Bu, or only eating until you are 8/10ths full. Considering our friends in the Far East have the highest proportion of centenarians on the planet they must be getting something right. Time to say konnichiwa to portion control!
Get Outside More
So potent an effect does nature have on our wellbeing that it’s been found just looking at photos of outdoor scenes is enough to trigger activity in regions of the brain associated with happiness. Wow! Go Mother Nature.
Getting outside, be it an afternoon in the park or a week in the woods, has been found to be a very effective way to reduce the levels of cortisol in our bloodstream. Cortisol also known as the “stress hormone”. This powerful neurotransmitter is Public Enemy Number 1 when it comes to our health.
Raised levels of cortisol have been linked to anything from anxiety and depression to impaired immune function, raised blood pressure, increased weight gain, and even heart disease. Uh-oh!
One fascinating study conducted in 2015 followed over 100,000 American women and tried to determine the relationship between nature and longevity. The results were great new for nature lovers. Women who lived closer to parks, trees, lawns and forests showed significantly lower mortality rates than women who lived far from nature.
Get More Sleep
Getting more sleep is the single greatest thing anyone can do for their health, happiness and longevity. And the best thing is it doesn’t cost you a thing, all you have to do is roll over and hit snooze!
The importance of getting your vitamin Zzzzs is illustrated by the long list of health conditions that are made more likely when you don’t. Poor sleep has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, stress, depression and even suicide. It’s been connected to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, cancer and even Alzheimer’s. The list goes on and on.
And on top of all the physical and mental health risks to sleeping badly, it also gives you bags under your eyes and pasty skin. Urgh. No thanks!
There are a whole range of easy wins when it comes to improving your sleep. Sticking to a regular bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening, banning screens from your bedroom and ensuring your bed is fit for purpose. And that’s just for starters!
Work Less, Socialize More
One thing I can guarantee that nobody has ever said on their deathbed is, “Oh, I just wish I had spent more time in the office sending emails.”
Work is obviously an unavoidable part of most of our lives. Unless you happen to have very rich parents. Lucky you! For the rest of us plebs getting the work-life balance is essential to improving our health, happiness and longevity.
The more time you spend stuck behind your desk the less time you get to spend with your friends and family. Research has shown this can be very bad for your health.
One particularly interesting study conducted by Brigham Young University estimated that not having a close social circle to be twice as harmful as obesity, worse for your health than not exercising at all and possibly even had the equivalent impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Jeez! Time to get the gang back together maybe!
Well, there you have immortality seekers – nothing too complicated there. The secret to a healthier, happier and longer life, is basically all about getting back to basics and focusing on a few important things, like sleep, friends, getting into nature and eating a healthy diet. Simple really!
– Sarah Cummings is a freelance writer currently writing for The Sleep Advisor. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your research and reminding us all how critical these basic principles of a healthy lifestyle are to our longevity.
3 Weeks in Italy, 3 Fantastic Accommodations!
In the absence of our “Tips for Travelers” newsletter, and since many of my readers do not use Facebook, this post features my recent travel experience . . . with a peek at what I packed to wear:
Welcome to La Pianstella
My husband and I took a trip this spring to Italy, first revisiting the hill towns of Umbria, where we had vacationed 18 years ago. Just as we did for our first trip to this beautiful area, we rented a house near Todi through Tuscany Now&More®. We had used this agency for two subsequent rentals in other areas of Italy. Our choice this time was La Pianstella, a restored 200-year-old farmhouse with extraordinary views of the nearby hill towns and the Tiber River Valley below.
Note: We were traveling with friends so the cost of renting this type of accommodation for two weeks was much less than renting hotel rooms. The added bonus was that we indulged in the comfort and conveniences of a home . . . and enjoyed divine sunsets from our private terrace.
Sunset at La Pianstella
After booking the house, my husband and I decided to extend our trip a third week and drive southeast to the Adriatic seacoast to experience a different culture and landscape from central Italy. We had been enticed by articles on the ancient town of Matera in Basilicata and the region of Puglia, the “heel” of Italy.
We struck gold in our hotel search (using Hotels.com), dividing our time between two accommodations that were both unusual and of historical significance. They also provided us with the comfort of being in a home with amenities and service that were excellent! Both are owned and were designed by women, a fact that compelled me to feature them on this Blog!
Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery – a cave hotel in Matera
Touring the Sassi
We took a 6-hour drive from our villa in Umbria to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is amazing! The Sassi zone of Matera is a fascinating area of cave houses and churches dug out of limestone centuries ago. Sassi hotels are in caves that have been renovated and modernized with private baths, WiFi, air conditioning and heating.
We stayed at Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery, a boutique hotel partially built, partially carved into the rock. A former 16th century palace with caves where the noble owners’ servants and animals once lived, it is now a unique and intimate place to rest in the middle of an extraordinary environment.
Il Palazzotto
Il Palazzotto is the creation of owner/architect Katia Vitale, whose attention to detail and appreciation of the history of the space is apparent throughout. The hotel staff was welcoming and gracious from the moment we arrived and throughout our stay. Our private room was extremely comfortable and well appointed with lovely bed linens, bathroom toiletries and accessories women appreciate, plus TV and internet connections that allowed us to stay in touch with the world. Designed with a strong sense for timeless beauty and ambiance, the hotel’s main salon and breakfast area were extraordinary, featuring decorative details that felt contemporary and ancient at the same time.
Our room in the former cave dwelling
Breakfast was a wonderful array of local foods served beautifully on dishes that I wished I could purchase right then and there! As Ms. Vitale states on their website: “ ‘Home’ for Italians means haven, comfort, pleasure, friends, family and peace”. She wants her guests to really feel at home and I assure you, we did!
Lama di Coccaro – Masseria lodging in Puglia
Entrance to our room, on the terrace level of Lama di Coccaro
It was a short drive from Matera into Puglia, where we based ourselves in the Fasana – Savelletri area for a 3-day tour of the region. Puglia is one of the new “hot” places to visit and there are several luxurious hotels to stay in, but I can’t imagine any of them has the charm and intimacy of our accommodations at Masseria Lama di Coccaro.
A masseria is an ancient farmhouse on a country estate. Masseria lodgings range from rustic to luxurious and most are set in working farms producing olive oil, wine or produce. Some offer bed and breakfast while others are self-catering. We discovered Masseria Lama di Coccaro on Hotels.com and were amazed with the exceptional charm of the structure and the impeccable hospitality of its owner and hostess, Marialuce Giannaccari.
From the pool to the house, via the orchard
We were provided with excellent accommodations in the extraordinary house Marialuce created around an ancient stone structure. The decor is an enchanting mix of nature, art and comfort. Marialuce’s passion for the land is evident in her deliberate effort to bring the outside in: the trunk of an olive tree in the middle of a room, exposed 1000-year-old stone walls, installations created by local artisans and large photos of the local landscape. The house is surrounded by olive trees, some as old as 1000 years; the immediate grounds are lovely with a pool, fruit orchard and grapevines.
A spiritual aspect to the house is the small chapel at the side, located in a 1000-year-old cave where a Byzantine monk once stayed, that Marialuce has officially turned into a chapel where weddings can be held. Originally planned to be her personal retreat for family and friends, Marialuce followed the suggestion of a nephew who had his wedding here and turned Lama di Coccaro into the bed and breakfast that it is today.
Beautifully served breakfast
Breakfast was absolutely glorious – a beautiful mix of local cheeses, meats, breads, fruits and pastries – served at a table personally set by Marialuce with antique cutlery, porcelain dishes and fresh flowers. We felt quite special, like family!
Only a few minutes from the seaside town of Savelletri, with its fabulous fresh seafood restaurants, and equal distance to the town of Fasano on the “Via Appia”, we could not have been happier with the location. From here we were able to easily visit the trulli houses in Alberobello and drive down the Salento peninsula to Lecce (“the Florence of the South”).
Masseria Lama di Coccaro is unique and very special – we would love to make a return visit!
Arrivederci e grazie, Marialuce!
Please note: This is a non-sponsored post, reflecting my personal opinion. We enjoyed all of our accommodations so much that I simply had to share them with you!
Your Guide to Athleisure Wear
I’m pleased to publish this guest post by Regina Due:
Athleisure wear is everywhere and it’s easy to see why. This easy-to-wear trend is casual, comfortable and so stylish. But, is it right for you? Celebrities of every age have proven that this look knows no age barriers, so it just might be the time to figure out exactly how to work this trend into your everyday wear. From play to work, this guide for women on how to wear athleisure at any age will show you why this is a trend that’s here to stay—and why so many women couldn’t be happier.
1. Gym to Street
One of the most common interpretations of athleisure – the gym-to-street look – is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. You finish up at the gym and throw on a couple of layers to get some errands done or meet a friend for coffee. This is the easiest way to rock the athleisure trend because many of you are probably already doing it! Stock up on light, flexible top layers to wear over your cute bra tops and tanks; athletic pants; and clean, stylish women’s trainers.
Leslie’s note: Unless you still have the tight bottom and slim hips of your youth, your top layer should cover your backside when you take your workout clothes to the street. My personal favorite is a jacket with a hi-lo hem when it’s chilly or a tunic top in warmer weather.
2. Casual Friday
The athleisure trend can be worn 24/7 and yes, for some women even to work. Next casual Friday, try incorporating some of the athleisure aspects into your work wardrobe – but be certain your look is dress code compliant. While sneakers might not be welcome at the office, you can definitely rock jogger pants with a slouchy sweater, high-waisted pants and a flowy top (like the one you’d throw on after a yoga class) or add in subtle athletic details like racing stripes or lacing.
3. Date Night
Your next date night is the perfect opportunity to show off your athleisure style. It’s flattering, down to earth, and so much more comfortable than a restrictive little black dress. Ditch the Spanx and instead slip into a fitted midi dress and stylish sneakers; add a blazer, denim jacket, or bomber jacket to pull it all together. You’ll look casual but put together, and it will take some of the pressure off of a first date.
4. Travel
Athleisure was born for long travel days! Whether you’re travelling for work or heading somewhere tropical, start your trip right with comfortable clothes that make you feel like you’re on vacation—even if you’re heading for a mind-numbing weekend conference. Celebrities have long rocked the athleisure airport look, and now it’s your turn.
Pair leggings with a tank and a long-sleeved shirt, topped off with a baseball cap and clean, fresh sneakers. Or, simply swap out a pair of jeans for athleisure pants. If you want something a little dressier, opt for a cotton, sporty sheath dress, sneakers, and a casual jacket. On a long flight, you’ll feel so relaxed and comfortable you might not even notice that turbulence.
Leslie’s note: Comfortable clothes for airline travel is NOT to be interpreted as “gym to street”! I’m shocked at the number of women – young and older – who travel in the same bra tops, tights and tanks that they work out in. I don’t care how physically fit you are – please cover up! I favor black leggings paired with a tank top under a long no-iron white shirt. I throw a sweater around my shoulders and I’m set for the flight. And, I prefer a slip-on shoe to a lace-up that might slow down the security check process.
Leslie’s final note: Many thanks to Regina Due – a fashion aficionado who loves to empower women through her writing and fashion tips – for this guest blog post . . . and for letting me add my thoughts!
Leslie Willmott
Image & Wardrobe Consultant Founder, Smart Women On The Go Spokesperson & Packing Expert,Smart Travel Press
Asheville, NC 917.297.9686 info@smartwomenonthego.com
