While I'll never have my fill of those glamorous jaunts to the world's style capitals, there's a journey on my agenda that I'm especially chuffed about: Next month, I'm slated to go on a road trip across Canadian fashion's final frontier, Newfoundland.
I lived in St. John's in the mid-seventies and return annually to remind myself of what life is really all about. But this time, instead of settling down in just one piece of paradise, I'll be travelling with my boyfriend across that glorious, romantic province, starting in Gros Morne National Park, site of the Writers at Woody Point festival, hosted by Shelagh Rogers. We'll then pop up to Twillingate to see friends and eventually wind up in the fishing village of Bauline, about a half-hour outside St. John's.
It's a fact that Newfoundlanders are some of the most down-to-earth, non-judgmental people in the country. Still, I'm afraid my reputation as a fashionista precedes me (local fishermen in Bauline refer to my show, Fashion Television, as "Tit TV").
Thus, my biggest dilemma is what to pack: I want to be comfy and practical, yet stylish hip, without looking like I tried too hard. So, besides the obvious pairs of blue jeans and cut-offs, here's what I'm thinking:
Outerwear A shawl is a must to help ward off the cool evening breezes, and I'm taking my black wool wrap, hand-embroidered in Kashmir. I'm also packing one of my trusty black nylon Lida Baday jackets, a bright green Lululemon fleece hoodie, a Mountain Equipment Co-Op rain jacket and my fabulous new Joeffer Caoc "cocoon cardigan"- a black nylon knit number that is at once dramatic and cozy. It's great with jeans or thrown over a little jersey dress. And I'm resurrecting my bulky, hand-knit pumpkin cashmere pullover that I got in the Airan Islands: Perfect for brisk days on the high seas, or cold nights around the campfire.
A little black dress I never go anywhere without at least one: You never know when you might be inclined to exercise a little slink. Joeffer Caoc has a great sleeveless, jersey lycra, side-gathered number that is very forgiving around the mid-section, and can be dressed up or down. It also travels like a dream (a.k.a. Always Wrinkle Free).
Matte jersey separates Nothing compares to the mileage you get out of packing matte jersey, especially in black. I'm taking a Joeffer Caoc ensemble of loose pants, cami and belted cardigan. I'm also bringing Lida Baday pieces including a mini wrap skirt. It's all in the way these outfits are accessorized that make them go from day to night. Above all, they're easy to pack and way comfy.
T-shirts This is where the schlep factor comes in. I picked up some fabulous-feeling Flutter tank tops on sale at Roots, including one in trendy teal blue. They're long and loose at the bottom, made from a blend of bamboo and spandex - very soft indeed. A few other quirky ones are also in order: One that reads "Always Fashionably Late" made its way from Wal-Mart recently, while I scored another at Target that features the Peanuts gang ready to party.
Yoga clothes It's unlikely I'll be doing downward dog anywhere in moose country, but yoga clothes, far more flattering than conventional sweats, are my idea of comfort in the car - and it's going to be a long ride across the Rock. The popular Roots Mantra Pant in supplex nylon is a solid basic.
Accessories While I'll rely on a few chunky necklaces and a couple of bangle bracelets to jazz things up, I'm likely only taking one pair of earrings - big silver hoops from Toronto's Bleu Comme Le Ciel. They bring out the gypsy in me while keeping the look classic.
I bought two Roots Village bags, in black and brown, that are perfect for slinging over your shoulder on those "hands-free" hikes. For my bigger tote, I'm going with my tan Cole Haan triangle woven leather bag (from the Genevieve Collection), which has a nice casual feel, and can hold quite a bit, without appearing like too much of a grand sac. I'm also considering a bona fide sou'wester, though I fear the locals may laugh.
Footwear I'm abandoning the Manolos and Louboutins for this trek and going for sensible. My Agacia thong sandals by Mephisto are the ultimate in flip-flop chic. I'm also investing in a pair of Mephisto red suede and mesh light hiking shoes (the style is Niro). For nighttime foot-stomping, I'm packing my chestnut brown Frye boots (the style is called Mustang). And just in case I need something dressier, I'm taking my black and white Ron White wedge slip-ons (the style is Jeanne Beker, honest). But the funkiest footwear I'm packing are the Aigle rubber boots I just picked up in Paris, which are aqua and feature an orange goldfish print. Very Joe Batt's Arm, if you ask me.
Jeanne Beker is the host of
FashionTelevision and the editor-in-chief of FQ magazine.