Fashion Friday :: Sochi Style

With designers like Armani and Ralph Lauren tackling Olympic team fashion, you'd expect the Parade of Nations to be Sochi's answer to New York Fashion Week. But many countries sported looks that belonged on the slopes instead of in the stadium---with a few notable exceptions. Here are my picks for the strongest sartorial statements from the Opening Ceremony of the XXII Olympic Winter Games.

Best dressed :: Sweden
Designed by H&M, Sweden's blue and yellow uniforms were the most fashion forward of all 88 nations. I wouldn't expect anything less from the ever-stylish Swedes.

Most memorable :: USA
Ralph Lauren designed the night's most patriotic and polarizing outfits, also known as the Christmas sweaters seen 'round the world. I liked the shawl collars, hiking boots and après-ski vibe. Looking for the sweater? Sorry, it's already sold out online.

Most traditional :: Russia
The host country team came out in uniforms inspired by their past. Adorned with fur, sheepskin and folkloric symbols, Team Russia made a stylish statement at a ceremony that celebrated their cultural past. Honorable mention goes to Team Canada for their duffle coats, which mirrored the iconic 18th-century Hudson's Bay Company point blankets. If you want to dress like a Canadian athlete, you can buy the official apparel here.

Best print :: Ukraine
Puffy jackets covered in a patriotic organism print reminded me of pieces you'd see from French design house Kenzo.

Most confused :: Cayman Islands
Did they know it's the Winter Olympics? These Caymanians were the bravest of the night, wearing shorts and flip flops. They weren't, however, the only team in shorts; Team Bermuda also sported, you guessed it, Bermuda shorts.

Best neon :: Lithuania
In a sea of forgettable uniforms, Team Lithuania went for the boldest color combo of the night---besides the Germans, who maintain that their rainbow uniforms were just a style choice and not a political statement.

BONUS PICKS
While these striking showpieces weren't on display at the Parade of Nations, I'd be remiss to write about Olympic fashion without including them. I give you Mexico's mariachi-inspired slalom ski suit and Norway's curling uniform.

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

[photos via getty, epa & ap photo]

Fashion Friday :: Mad for Hats

[trip style = any]

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

I've accumulated a handful of hats over the years---straw hats for summer, wool toques for winter, ball caps for weekends and my absolute favorite, wide-brimmed fedoras for any d*mn time I please. While working as a television stylist and wardrobe consultant, I learned that there are generally two types of people when it comes to hats: people who think they look ah-mazing and people who think they look TERRIBLE. If you don't think you're a hat person, I challenge you to try some on, and then some more, like you're trying on sunglasses---super embarrassing until you the find the perfect style and fit.

Hats are memorable. They don't just make you and your outfit memorable, they also remind you of the times in your life when you wore them, like a favorite song or band. I can tell you about all the trips I've taken with my Steven Alan Janis Fedora like I can tell you about all the road trips I've taken listening to "Viva La Vida" or Milo Greene.

Here are a few more benefits of hats:
- They're better than dry shampoo for bad hair days.
- They give you an air of mystery.
- They stave off the cold.
- They automatically create a "look."

Trip Styler Tip: Don't pack your felt hat in your suitcase---wear it on the plane to avoid a "crushing" discovery upon arrival.

When looking for a hat:
- Forget trends and go for one that makes you feel fabulous.
- Try it on in person.
- Know your hat size.

Check out my nine picks for timeless toppers that will change your game at the drop of a ... hat.

1/ Rag & Bone wide brim fedora, 2/ Janessa Leone lucy, 3/ Shade + Slouch the alexandra fedora, 4/ Janessa Leone vera, 5/ Iron and Resin ranchero hat, 6/ Catarzi for ASOS classic fedora, 7/ Free People matador hat, 8/ Etudes unisex midnight hat, 9/ Federica Moretti torero hat

More Fashion Friday
Celeb Travel Must-Haves
Make a Statement
Red and Green Reimagined
Shop Seattle

[b&w photos via because i'm addicted, ascot friday, tommy ton for gq, janessa leone]

Fashion Friday :: Red and Green Reimagined

[trip style = any]

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

There's something endearing about even the tackiest Christmas light display---blow-up snow globe on the lawn, reindeer on the roof, blinking lights and all. I feel the same way about Christmas sweaters, battery-powered Santa brooches and Frosty the Snowman ties. December is the only month we can get away with wearing red and green together. My favorite way to dress festively is to take those colors and move them a little to the left {to the left}. Let's call them olive and cabernet. Those are my Christmas colors---reimagined---and also my top holiday meal... These looks are perfect for a cozy cabin getaway, hot chocolate date, après ski, or wherever your plans take you this holiday season.

Now What To Wear?
Men (clockwise from top left)
J.Crew homespun henley, Gant by Michael Bastian the mb down vest, Wallace & Barnes cpo jacket, New Balance mustard 574, Billy Reid military chinos

Women (clockwise from top centre)
Pendleton the portland collection north plains tunic, Aritzia dennis hat, Current/Elliott the vintage sweatpants, Madewell driftstitch sweater, New Balance high roller 574, Artizia meribel vest, Corgi for J.Crew cashmere socks

More Fashion Friday
Santa, Style Icon
Shop Seattle
November in New York

[graphic by @heatherlovesit]

Holiday Gift Guide 2013

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle writer Heather.

You won't find a Kindle in our holiday gift guide — everyone else has that covered. You won't find Rimowa luggage or Louis Vuitton city guides either {cha-ching!}. You will, however, find 10 practical and moderately priced gift ideas for avid and armchair travelers. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Trip Styler!

1/ KILLSPENCER Camera Strap This made-to-order camera strap by Los Angeles leather goods company KILLSPENCER is the perfect accessory for the safety- and style-conscious shutterbug. {$89}

2/ Stephen Kenn Encounter Collection iPad Case This gorgeous iPad sleeve by LA-based Canadian designer Stephen Kenn is crafted from vegetable-tanned leather. It's the ideal case for tablet-toting men and women and a Trip Styler favorite. {$85}

3/ dci Utility Charge Tool A genius device for avid travelers and mobile device users, this multi-charger is the Swiss Army Knife of the electronics world. One arm connects to your computer with a usb and three other arms charge your devices via an iPhone connector, a micro usb and a mini usb. Sadly, no bottle opener. {$16}

4/ Fresh Sugar Lemon Eau de Parfum Rollerball This compact and versatile rollerball is one of my all-time favorite scents. Whether I need to freshen up after a long flight or get energized before my morning coffee, this sweet citrus perfume with notes of bergamot, yuzu, orange blossom and lychee always does the trick. And in a pinch, it's the perfect deodorant substitute. {$23}

5/ Frends Headphones Want to kick up your headphone game? Nothing makes me want to ditch my earbuds more than these jewelry-inspired white leather and rose gold-tone headphones. {$150}

6/ Earth Tu Face Skin Stick Goodbye dry skin. Apply this 100% natural plant-based skin salve to your face, lips and body. Earth Tu Face was created by two herbalists in California and has quickly developed a cult following. It's so popular, this multi-use skin stick is constantly sold out at my local retailer. {$34}

7/ Nike Free 5.0+ Running Shoes These ultra lightweight and comfortable runners in classic black and white are the perfect shoes for travel. Not only can you wear them this winter with boyfriend jeans, an oversized sweater, a toque and a wool coat, you can also wear them to the hotel gym. No need to waste space on extra workout shoes in your carry-on. Customize them online for an extra-special gift! {$100}

8/ Cuyana Monogrammed Leather Tote A step up from the preppy-chic, monogrammed Lands End carry-all, this tote is made from local leather in Argentina and comes in various sizes and colors. Simple, personal and well made. {$150}

9/ Turkish Towel Ideal for the beach, a picnic, the plane and anywhere else you could use this compact, fast-drying cotton towel. I brought one to Croatia earlier this year and used it constantly. Comes is various colors, sizes and styles. {$18-$28}

10/ Restoration Hardware Bag Light Every Christmas Restoration Hardware carries the best items you never knew you needed, like this mini LED light that attaches to the strap of your handbag. Sure to save you the embarrassment of jingling your bag to look for your keys every day! {$8}

Trip Styler Tip: Personalize your presents by printing out your favorite Instagram photos and cutting or punching them into gift tags. DIY tutorial here.

2012 Gift Guides
Now Boarding :: Trip Styler's December Gift Guide
KinderHop :: Gifts For Families On The Go
Tis The Season Of Beauty

[graphics by @heatherlovesit]

Spotlight :: Amsterdam

[trip style = urban + sightseeing]

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle writer Heather.

Forty-eight hours in Amsterdam is not enough. It's not enough time to eat street waffles, stroll past romantic canals, visit brightly colored tulip fields, drink Heineken in Vondelpark, gaze at stylish cyclists, take in the city's museums, or put your finger on exactly what makes Amsterdam so cool. This spring I took advantage of KLM's free stopover option while traveling from Vancouver to Barcelona. Best decision ever.

Eat
Amsterdam is full of chic restaurants, street eats and gorgeous cafés. Foodie must-eats include Vlaamse frites {Belgian fries covered in mayonnaise}, stroopwafels {two thin, warm waffles filled with caramel syrup} and Dutch pancakes {huge, thin pannenkoeken or small, icing sugar-covered poffertjes}.

A Dutch take on Italian and Spanish: pizza at Mazzo and tapas at Mercat, two popular restaurants from Amsterdam's IQ Creative group.

The most stylish café in the city. Linger over espresso and design books at Roomservice inside Hôtel Droog, an Amsterdam design shop, gallery, café, one-room hotel and collection of boutiques. Trip Styler approved!

Trip Styler Tip: Looking for coffee and a place to rest and recharge? Be careful what you ask for. Coffee shops and cafés are not the same thing in Amsterdam {coffee shop = marijuana / café = coffee}.

Stay
Hotels in Amsterdam are among the most expensive in Europe, but it's possible to find a stylish stay that won't break the bank. Look for a hotel inside the canal ring if location is your top priority. I stayed in the trendy Jordaan neighborhood, which was the perfect spot for a solo stopover. For a uniquely Amsterdam stay, look for a houseboat.

Hotel The Exchange and The Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy {pictured above} are unique properties that offer rooms from 1 to 5 stars {Amsterdam's answer to the Ace Hotel chain}. The former is a small hotel steps from the train station with rooms designed by fashion students; the latter is a 100-year-old building---once an emigrant hotel, a prison and artist studios---in the up-and-coming Eastern Docklands neighborhood.

Do
I could have easily spent a week touring this extremely liveable city. I'll say it again: 48 hours is not enough. I'm already plotting my return.

I barely had enough time to explore Amsterdam's delightful 17th-century city center on two feet. Two wheels is a different story, and happens to be Amsterdam's favorite mode of travel. Bicycles are easy to rent and fun to ride. Bonus: the city is flat and covered in 400+ kilometers of bike lanes! Visit Amsterdam Noord and the Eastern Docklands if you're on two wheels.

You can really get your culture on in Amsterdam. Don't miss out on the big four: the Stedelijk Museum {pictured above}, the Anne Frank House and the recently reopened Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum {pictured at very top}.

Trip Styler Tip: If you plan on visiting more than two museums, choose one of the three multi-museum passes offered in the city.

A good way to restrain your shopping habits is to visit Amsterdam with only a carry-on to your name. Whatever you buy, you carry around Europe for three weeks! That didn't stop me from exploring The Nine Streets, a boutique-filled shopping area in the canal ring, De Bijenkorf department store for Holland's version of Nordstrom, The Frozen Fountain for crazy-cool furniture and home accessories and the Target-like HEMA for everyday essentials.

Related
Fashion Friday :: Cycle Chic
Fashion Friday :: White Chucks
Travel Trend :: Pod Sleepovers

[all photos taken by @heatherlovesit]