On a recent business trip to Houston staying two nights and two days, I was advised to take carry on luggage and dress comfortably as the days would be long and action packed. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect so I wanted to cover all my options and ensure I would feel confident and comfortable. Somewhat nervous that I wouldn't fit everything I might need in a carry on suitcase, I knew I had to be strategic in this effort.  I'm happy to say I pulled it off with room to spare and an outfit for every occasion.  Here are my tips on how to pack your carry on luggage to get the most into it, and ultimately the most out of it at your destination! 

Living in a warm climate generally lends itself to casual attire, Arizona is no exception. It ranks high on the list of flip flop wearers despite there being no beach!  However, there comes a time when a closet full of casual clothes isn't going to suffice.  A pair of tailored pants is all you need to take you from meeting with your accountant to dinner with the girls!

French women have long been known for wearing silk scarves in the most stylish manner.  Today the scarf seems to have regained popularity especially the little neck ties.  I've recently found myself enjoying some silk scarves I've had in my closet for thirty years or so, as well as new ones more recently purchased. So here I share some of those looks and how I've used the scarf to change up an outfit.

A casual spring, summer and fall ensemble made up of two perfectly easy to wear items that are so on point not just from a trend perspective but also on price.   A flat buttery soft slide shoe with decorative bow detail and a cold shoulder flow easy tee shirt.  If you're not a pink fan, no worries, this tee shirt also comes in six other colors, and the shoes are also available in black.

Let's take our rock solid, dependable go-to denim and offset it with flirty feminine lace.  It's easy, casually chic  and totally dresses up a pair of jeans so you can take them almost anywhere! 

This latest trend of high low hem jeans, also known as the step hem is not something I saw coming!  Initially it seemed bizarre, but as with all things fashion if seen often enough, it inevitably catches on.  The drawback is how expensive this style is to purchase, I've seen prices ranging  from $150 to well over $200.  So, I decided to take a very old pair of jeans and risk the alteration experiment.  I'm glad I did, it was easy, they turned out well and pretty authentic looking.   

My obsession with the kimono began a few years back, when I saw one of the "Real Beverley Hills Housewives" wearing a brightly colored sheer floaty cardigan on the show and I knew I had to find something similar.  It took a year to find one I really loved, and this is it. 

Here's a simple outfit that works for a casual get together, lunch or dinner.  It has a rustic feel to it with the black and tan color scheme. The saddle bag and tan suede shoes add to the somewhat "country" theme, but the leopard print sends it "down town" along with the ballet style lace up sandals.

If you live around Scottsdale or have passed through recently, you may have noticed the giant white tents standing alongside Loop 101 and Hayden Road.  For ten weeks at the beginning of every year as many as 100 of the finest artists from across the country gather in this enormous arena to display their work.  Many of the artists create new work whilst visitors, art lovers and art collectors meander the studios taking in spectacular art in various forms from paintings to sculptures, and can chat with the artists and see how their work is created.

Upon observation, it seems the most recent styles from last summer through to the present have transitioned from off-the-shoulder to cold shoulder, to bell sleeves, to drama sleeves -  and I've enjoyed every minute of it!  All of the above are still going strong, but the latter is the new kid on the block.  Here's my favorite find thus far to throw spotlight on this newcomer.

Popular new stores were emerging as I was hitting my midlife.  For a few years I would march on past these shops discarding them for "teenagers only".   One day I decided to venture in even though I didn't have a teenager with me to use as an excuse.  I braved it by myself and realized that in among the frivolous and many tiny clothes, were some pieces that were not so tiny and worked for me too.  I've never looked back, and whilst I don't buy tons of clothes in these stores, I do find adorable items for fantastic prices.  

There is always somewhere good to be in Arizona at any time of the year, despite the soaring temperatures in the summer.  It's a state with it's own climate control.  A couple of hours north or a couple of hours south, we've got it all covered, just find your comfort zone.  At this time of year, you want to be right here, Scottsdale and Phoenix, the places to be, weather included.  With so much going on, from music festivals to rodeos, art shows to championship golf tournaments and everything in between.  It's alive with life, the State's own entertainment capital.

A jumpsuit is a great way to elevate a casual style and to offer up a change to the jeans and  tee shirt look.  For the casual style jumpsuit, cotton or chambray denim fabrics are very popular.  Whether you prefer plain or patterned,  they're super comfortable, tres chic, and make a bold style statement.  There are a few key notes I would recommend when wearing a jumpsuit so to keep the overall look in proportion.

With spring just around the corner and finally the reduction in layers of clothing, it's fun to start exploring the parts of your closet you closed down and said goodbye to as fall came upon us last year.  It always brings a renewed sense of inspiration to formulate new outfits or different pairings with existing clothes as we are tempted by the new seasons colors and styles.  

They say when little girls grow up they marry their daddy.  I was one of those little girls.  I had the best daddy in the world, and now I'm all grown up I have the best husband in the world.  I am truly blessed to have experienced only good men in my life, I know there are many women who are not as fortunate.