Fashion Friday :: Life's a Beach

[trip style = sun + beach]

{Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month by fashion blogger Heather.}

My Instagram feed has been filled with images of first snow this week from friends across the country. I imagine after a few mornings scraping their windshields, the novelty has worn off and those friends are already online bookmarking tropical destinations, hoping to swap their parkas for pareos and their boots for bikinis.

Even on the rainy West Coast, I'm dreaming of trading my umbrella for a tiny drink umbrella, preferably in a coconut, at a swim up bar, surrounded by surfers who speak very little English. Before I get carried away with an Ally McBeal-style daydream, I must remind you that the perfect styles for your sunny getaway are on sale now. And it makes sense that if you buy the perfect sandals or swim trunks now, you'll just have to find somewhere to wear them soon...right?!

Now What To Buy? Women (clockwise from top left) Rodebjer petite swimsuit {sale!}, We Are Handsome dutch frilled swimsuit {sale!}, Heidi Merrick carp tunic {sale!}, Osborn sandalia black sandal {sale!}, Miu Miu plunge-front swimsuit, Topshop chunky oversize sunglasses, Target braided hat, Madewell toe-strap boardwalk sandal, Zimmermann frill rash guard {sale!}, Lemlem bella patio dress

Men (clockwise from middle) Warriors of Radness coastal trunk {sale!}, Wings + Horns shorts {sale!}, Filippa K t-shirt {sale!}, Warriors of Radness renegade pullover {sale!}

More Fashion Friday Romantic Caribbean Resort Wear Falling for Portland Runway Style

Fashion Friday :: Falling for Portland

[trip style = urban]

Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month by fashion blogger Heather

Tax-free shopping. Need I say more? No, but while we're on the topic, I must mention that the City of Roses, famous for its culinary and coffee scene, cycle culture and offbeat tv show, has some pretty killer shops where you can spend your tax-free dollars. Here are a couple of my downtown favorites...

Around the corner from my favorite Portland hotel, the Ace, is my favorite Portland shop, frances may, where you can find lines like Rachel Comey, Lizzie Fortunato, APC, Suno, Rag & Bone, Wings & Horns and Gitman Brothers. You can also spend some quality time chatting with friendly shop girl, Ashley.

Just up the road, you'll find Alder & Co., a well-curated home, accessories and clothing store. Just a warning: It's almost impossible to leave without buying something!

Portland mini shopping guide {for women & men}
- Una
- Filson
- The Woodlands
- Odessa

[photos via frances may, alder & co., portland mercury, luckymag, travel portland]

Fashion Friday :: Runway Style

[trip style = any]

Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month by fashion blogger Heather.

September is huge in the fashion world with the Spring 2013 runway shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris. But honestly, how am I supposed to keep up with next season's trends when I'm still trying to make a dent in my 916-page September Vogue? It's much easier to focus on what's hot on the other runway for Fall 2012 travel style.

Printed Jeans
Forever 21 tie-dye denim :: Current/Elliott leopard print jeans

Grey Sweatshirt
Gap terry pull over :: Kate Spade garance dore studio pull over

White Blazer
Boundary & Co oona blazer :: Madewell tuxedo blazer

Slouchy Denim
Diesel fayza boyfriend jeans :: Current/Elliott slouchy stiletto jeans

Shawl-Collar Cardigan
Rag & Bone calistoga shawl cardigan :: J.Crew cotton shawl-collar cardigan

Like what you see? Don't forget to check out our airport and travel style boards on Pinterest.

More Fashion Friday
Like a Virgin
Celeb Travel Must-Haves
Airport Style

[photos via retailers, people.com, glamour.co.uk, justjared.com]

Fashion Friday :: Like a Virgin

[trip style = any]

{Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month by fashion blogger Heather.}

I think my favorite expression is "Bananas!" I blame Rachel Zoe and Gwen Stefani. Speaking of bananas, did you hear the big news in travel fashion this month? {Sadly no, a law banning pyjama pants in airports has not been passed, despite my letters to international airport authorities.} Banana Republic has redesigned the uniforms of Virgin America's flight attendants and pilots. Virgin, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

In order to drum up excitement for the redesign, Banana Republic put its designers in teams for a design challenge à la Project Runway, with Virgin execs choosing the winning looks and Virgin teammates weighing in. The final looks, described as "utility chic", mirror the airline's branding and cabin aesthetic.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdI-XBgJLqE&w=500] {Can't see the video? Click here.}

The new uniforms take flight next month, just in time for the airline's fifth anniversary. But wait! There's more! Like what you see on your crew? For a limited time, variations of some items will be available in Banana Republic stores and on Virgin America flights. It might not be high fashion, but it's definitely 35,000-ft-high fashion.

PS. Virgin isn't the only airline marrying fashion with function; Toronto-based Porter Airlines flight crew sport uniforms designed by Pink Tartan, while Korean Air flight attendants sport Gianfranco Ferre.

Trip Styler Tip: Flying through San Francisco? Be sure to fly out of SFO's Terminal 2, home to Virgin America and American Airlines. It not only has a yoga room and a Kiehl's, but also hip and healthy food choices like The Plant Cafe Organic, Pinkberry, and Cat Cora, where on my last trip a Virgin pilot serenaded travelers on a baby grand piano. It also has a wine bar if that's your version of yoga...

More Fashion Friday
Celeb Travel Must-Haves
Airport Style
Summer Style With Heidi Merrick
Oh Mr. Sun

[collage by @heatherlovesit & photos via virgin america]

Fashion Friday :: Summer Style With Heidi Merrick

{Editor's Note: One of my fave things to do in Vancouver is attend the Vancouver Art Gallery's seasonal FUSE events, and this summer's edition is going to be BIG: think dance, DJs and world-class art... Matisse, people! Comment on any Trip Styler post -- and like us on Facebook if you're not already a fan -- FOR A CHANCE TO WIN two FUSE tickets for Friday, July 6th (8pm - 1am), a $50 value. Contest open Friday June 29th to Wednesday July 4th at noon. Winner must be from Canada or the US, be over 19 and respond to the email with winner details by Thursday July 5th at noon.}

Summer: Hey you! I'm here now! Me: Finally, you little tease. Summer: I come at the same time every year... Me: I know, I just wish you were here all the time. I was ready for beach days, iced coffee and shorts forever ago. Summer: Well then move to California, why don't you? Me: Touché, Summer, touché.

It's officially summer. Unless, of course, you live in the Southern Hemisphere, but I digress. What was it the Fresh Prince said about Summertime? "The weather is hot and girls are dressing less". True that, Will Smith.

When I think of summer style, I think of Heidi Merrick. Raised in Carpinteria and based in Los Angeles, this true Californian creates beautiful clothes that are summer personified. Her spring 2012 collection is an homage to the glamour of 80s pro surfing, a culture that embodied her upbringing since her father made surfboards and her mother owned a surf shop. Her clothes have a breezy west coast ease to them, but always with a special touch -- a little somethin' somethin' that sets them apart. Bonus: they're made in LA within walking distance from her studio.

Here's a mini Q&A with Heidi, who believes that when dressing for the beach, you should dress to honor the beach. {I love that. Thanks Heidi!} And what better way to honor the coast than by rolling up in a pair of black lace shorts?

What does summer style mean to you? Summer is when everyone tries to look like Californians and Californians are their most cool and natural! I love to wear something beautiful, like exquisite, to the beach. Because the coastlines are the most beautiful settings the world has and they deserve it. Besides you only wear the clothes for a hot second of greetings and kisses, then you're off in the water.

What's your summer uniform? Right now {at work} it's the La Paz shirt, any pant and sandals.

What's your next summer travel destination? I think my next stop is Scorpion Bay.  A girlfriend of mine has the coordinates tattooed to her gorgeous body so I'm guessing it must be amazing!

*Heidi Merrick is available at heidimerrick.com as well as online and in store at {the lovely/must-visit} Oliver & Lilly's in Vancouver. Traveling to Los Angeles? Make an appointment to visit Heidi's studio in downtown LA. I mean COME ON -- how awesome is that?

{Fashion Friday posts are published on the last Friday of every month by fashion blogger Heather.}

More Fashion Friday Oh Mr. Sun Spring in San Francisco Spring In Your Step Scarf Tying 101

[collage by @heatherlovesit, images from heidimerrick.com]