Ask Me Anything...
Answering your style and travel questions.
I'm catching up on the week by going through some of the questions that come in after I post an Ask Me Anything story, plus whatever lands in my DMs on top of that. Sometimes the answers are posted for everyone, but if I reply directly to the sender, no one else sees it. I think the majority are worth sharing with a broader audience, so I'm pulling some together here for anyone not on Instagram or who missed the story. Style and travel are the themes lately, with a bit of additional commentary.
STYLE
Do you have a background in fashion?
I’ve always loved fashion, though not so much from a design perspective as from the creativity of styling. Most of my inspiration has come from observation, noticing how people dress, what makes a look memorable, the interiors that leave an impression, and the sense of discovery that comes with travel. I’ve been drawn to those things since I was a teenager. That interest led me to study art history, then fashion at FIDM, followed by a career as a buyer and later a retail consultant. Interior design came later, which felt like a natural extension in creativity. Now all of those interests have merged into A Note on Style.
What’s on your fall wishlist?
There's no single thing on my list at the moment, but based on what I've been wearing this summer, I can see myself continuing with a similar theme: relaxed pants, sweaters in unexpected colors, flat Mary Janes. If something new comes along in a bag or accessory, I’m interested. I always have my eye out for lightweight pieces in a dark palette, like this brown linen shirt. It's the only way I feel like I'm participating in the season while the temperature is still warm out. I've wishlisted a suede and leather jacket, but I’m not ready to buy.
Need a lightweight travel pant that’s comfortable on a long flight, not denim.
I just tried these from Ruti and see why everyone loves them. They're roomy, soft, comfortable enough to sleep in on a plane, and not too hot. They’re currently 20% off and available in other colors and lengths. They're also great beyond travel and would have plenty of wear time at home. For something with a little more structure and shape, Ann Mashburn's Lara pants are unbeatable. Fantastic fit. For travel, I stick to black, which is the most versatile to style once I’ve landed and unpacked.
White dresses to wear in the city, to work, or for travel. A little structure and coverage. Nothing too young, bohemian.
Look for clean, classic silhouettes that feel timeless rather than trend-driven, in a fabric with enough weight to feel substantial, not sheer or flimsy. Most of these hit below the knee, which keeps them polished for daytime. These are pieces I’d wear to lunch, a museum, running errands in the city, anywhere I want to look put together without trying too hard. None of them feel too young.
What are your favorite sweaters for summer?
I have a few I’m loyal to. When I find a style I like, I double up. That’s the case with La Ligne, Sold Out NYC, and Demylee. The fit, fabric and color selection keep me coming back for more.
Look at La Ligne Mini Marina (also in a longer length), Sold Out NYC Favorite Crew (great neckline and shape), and Demylee Washed Vintage for a heavier cotton. My favorite lightweight knit is also from Demylee and can lean dressy if needed.
I like the ivory bag you've been wearing, but I'd want it in a different color. What would be your top picks?
The light blue is very tempting. It’s beautiful for summer and an easy way to dip into color without a heavy price tag. For fall, the brown is a lovely choice. Side note: you have the option to select silver or gold hardware.
Favorite T-shirt.
Easy. Sold Out NYC Iconically Soft Perfect Tee. Good drape, weight, neckline, length. It’s perfect. I have it in black too. I also like COS Clean Cut tee when I want something with more structure and weight. Those are the two I repeatedly wear.
Can you recommend a comfortable sandal with a medium heel?
Two things I look for in this category of sandal: a secure strap and block heel. Any of the above would satisfy that requirement. Margaux is my go-to brand for comfort. I haven't had a miss yet. The Deia woven thong with a 2" block heel feels very of the moment, while the Paloma is a classic. The brown suede is beautiful combined with the 2.5" stacked wood heel. The Miss Jane sandal is part of the Christian Louboutin core collection. It's a simple, wearable classic that comes in a number of colors, with a higher heel if I want the extra lift. I'm always looking for good options to wear with wide-leg jeans or trousers when I want a little height. These would all work.
Any tips on how to choose a colorful necklace and recommendations under $1,000?
A few of my favorites are from Zoe Chicco, Lizzie Fortunato, and Dorsey, but the most important thing is finding the color that works best for your skin tone. Pale stones are lost on me, so I’m always eyeing a strong color or something with sparkle. Then consider the length. I like them all stacked pretty close together, not layered down my chest. This summer, I’ve been enjoying green malachite. It looks beautiful with everything I’ve been wearing lately, and adds a little excitement to basic neutrals and black and white.
TRAVEL
What should I wear on a Ritz cruise from Venice to Rome in early October?
Focus on two colors anchored with black, so everything works together without much thought. During the day, I'd wear jeans or relaxed pants with a shirt and a sweater, sneakers, or a comfortable boot with a lug sole. In the evening, swap the sweater for a pretty blouse, add a scarf, and let jewelry pull it all together. For outerwear, I'd pack a lightweight jacket, a stylish puffer, a coat, and something to handle any rain. A black blazer works with everything from dresses or trousers to jeans during the day. A pair of easy slip-on flats for time on the ship is key. I've been on a number of cruises and I end up wearing them almost all the time.
What airport concierge service did you use in Europe? And why?
I used Paradigm for the first time in Italy and highly recommend them. With the long lines reported across the EU this year from the new EES system, and not knowing how up to date Naples airport would be with it, I wanted the extra help. They had strong relationships with local airport staff and walked us to the front of the passport control line after they greeted us at the plane. On departure, they guided us through VAT. We were taken to the front of the line, and our guide handled all the discussion with the VAT and customs agents to keep everything moving quickly. We bypassed a maze of people in the security line and were escorted to the front of passport control, where we were finished within minutes.
Is your Dolomites guide almost ready?
Yes! You can read it here: My Notes from the Dolomites
What travel tote do you use?
A Lo & Sons tote has become a new favorite. I've carried one from Briggs & Riley for years and wasn't shopping for a new one, but Lo & Sons gifted me their Weekender Duffel. There are a few advantages I appreciate: it's slightly larger and spacious inside, it has a more finished look overall, and there's an additional compartment at the bottom where I keep anything I won't need to access on the flight but don't want in checked luggage: designer bags, jewelry, anything special. It works just as well for shoes or laundry.
Favorite luggage brand.
Briggs & Riley. I've used their luggage for years and it's been reliable, I see no reason to change. I have both a carry-on and a checked size. I stick with a traditional top-opening design rather than a clamshell. It's easier to unpack, sits well on a luggage rack, and makes better use of the space inside.
Suggestions for a messenger bag for Europe with no visible logo. Under $500 please.
I've been wanting to temporarily retire my Prada nylon messenger and I'm looking for the same. The Lo & Sons is my top pick because it comes with different straps to wear the bag as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or short, clutch-like bag for evening. It has no visible logo and is $198. I'd also look at Rains, Longchamp, and if you're leaning toward luxury, The Row.
Favorite travel earrings that work day or night.
I've found myself wearing smaller earrings lately. Since I usually layer necklaces, I don't want my earrings competing with them. My newest find is a beautiful pair of lab-grown diamond drop earrings that look perfect with everything. They add just enough sparkle to a nighttime look but stay quiet enough for daytime wear. For a barely-there style, I wore simple gold or mini pave hoops throughout Italy.
Where did you go in Italy recently? What were the hotels?
We stayed on the coast starting in Ischia, then Porto Ercole, and ended in Forte dei Marmi. We spent between five and six nights in each. It was one of my favorite trips and I’m ready to go back!
Tap each of the locations above to see the photos saved in my Instagram Highlights.
PERSONAL
Fragrance help. Prefer something light.
For day, I wear Salt and Stone's Saffron and Cedar mist. It's fresh without being heavy. But for evening, I prefer a little more depth and warmth and am still using Maison d’Etto I-Dream, it's earthy but floral. Both brands offer discovery-size travel kits (Salt and Stone, Maison Detto) to test a few scents before committing.
Skincare routine?
I keep it pretty simple with a routine of essentials: vitamin C, retinol, and sunscreen, and then layer in whatever else my skin needs at the time.
When I travel, I indulge in sugar, wine, or anything that looks good, and that always takes a toll on my skin. After returning from this last trip, I saw a noticeable difference. My skin looked parched and a little spotty. I added a Natura Bisse serum to my routine to help with hydration, and I’ve seen some plumpness return. I’ve also been using Coleman Compound off and on for about a year to address stubborn brown spots, and it’s made a difference. I started back up again in July.
The non-negotiable is sunscreen, specifically La Roche-Posay UV Mune SPF. It’s hands down the best sunscreen, the strongest, and I can wear it, be out in the sun, and not get any tan lines, so I know it’s working.
How is your hair responding to the Colecim hair system? Are you noticing a difference?
I’m using the serum as directed, twice a week with the derma stamper. I’m giving it a full six weeks before drawing any conclusions. It’s too soon to tell yet. I’m still waiting on my Celluma Mystique LED mask to ship, should have it by the end of July. Its unique (currently one-of-a-kind) design treats hair loss alongside overall skin health, so I’m curious to see how it performs once it arrives. Lots of questions about the product can be answered here.
In the meantime, I’m going through an odd phase of brittle strands that are easily broken. I’ve dropped all bond repair products, which may be the culprit. Instead, I’m using conditioning treatments (protein and silicone free) to slick back my hair any day I can get away without heat styling.
Thank you! It's Callas Milano.
Another gem of a post! Your recommendations for northern Italy in October are much appreciated.