How To Break 4 Fashion Rules The Right Way

There is much talk these days about breaking fashion rules. Sometimes it's hard to know when to follow those "old school" rules, and when to just let it go and do whatever the heck you want. Ultimately, fashion is about self expression and the number one goal is that you feel confident in your skin. If you are happy and confident, others will see that and somehow even if the look is weird, it will work. Here are a few ways I'm breaking all the rules these days. 

1.Wearing Blue and Black Together

Red is the new black... or is that orange... or maybe brown? These days a new color pops up as the "it" color of the season. Then there are accent colors. Yellow is a favorite of mine, red always pops, and even blue can catch the eye. However, sometimes, black can be an accent color as seen here. Even though my Katherine Way dress is purple on a navy background, these black pumps work as a simple accent, and pair well with the graphics on my metallic clutch. I think they work anyway. How about you? 

2. Confusing Work with Play

This is a fun one. As a mom I cringe at getting dressed up around the kiddos. It's just a time bomb waiting to go off. Who wants to be that mom squealing every time a kid comes at you with dirty hands? Because of this we moms tend to keep to the basics during the day, opting for stain resistant (or already stained) clothes that are safe to bum around with the kids. Or how about travel? Most of my travel clothes are wrinkle resistant and basic. I recently found designer Katherine Way and her work is colorful and fun, with great classic silhouettes. Even better, her American made clothing line is made with wrinkle, and moisture resistant fabric that is great for traveling, or hanging around the kiddos. The designs are inspired by the golf course, but easily transition to the board room, or the playground. I've worn this dress on TV and on date nights and every where I go compliments follow. I'm in love with the bright coral print. 

3. Mixing Patterns 

Here we are mixing patterns too. I took this playful coral motif and brought in a mostly neutral metallic clutch. The blue is a nice complimentary color and works with the necklace as well.

4. Mixing Metals

Mixing metals has been a big trend over the past few years. Sometimes I still find it hard to put them together. Something engrained in me from my childhood perhaps? This day it felt right to pair a silver metallic clutch with mostly gold jewelry and low and behold... it worked. 

The Dress - The Necklace - The Clutch - Lion Bracelet - The Shoes (Similar) - Earrings (Similar) 

I grabbed this gorgeous necklace and bracelet from a recent sale at Bauble Bar. The metallic clutch was a find through Le Tote (which is a great way to discover new treasures). Here is $25 off your first month! 

Are you a rule breaker? How many of these have you practiced yet? Give me a shout in the comments below. I love hearing from you.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo - Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 


Special thanks to Tara Clemons for the beautiful photos
and
Rio Hair Studio for rocking my hair

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8 Do's and Don'ts for Traveling With Friends

I've been on quite a few trips with friends and let's just say it can it can be an enlightening experience that changes the course of your life and brings you even closer to your BFFs, or it could potentially crush a relationship. As a professional travel writer I personally think it's a great idea to get away with friends and seek out new adventures together. However, before you go, you might want to keep these Do's and Don'ts in mind for a more successful journey.

1. Do: Communicate Liberally

When it comes to travel with friends, you really can't over communicate. You need to discuss budget, what kind of experience you are seeking, and what your priorities are for the trip just to get started. This is especially important if you live in different places.  

Don't: Be Vague

This isn't a time to worry about feelings. You need to discuss thoroughly so you are all on the same page. I speak from personal experience as a people pleaser, if you fail to speak your mind, no one will be happy. 

2. Do: Share the planning

This is a trip you all share. If only one person does the planning you might not end up getting the experience you hoped for. 

Don't: Assume your friend who likes to plan wants to be a tour guide

They don't.

3. Do: Be committed

This means you are purpose to be your best for the entirety of the trip from planning to take off and landing. Trust is vital. If your friends can't rely on you, it's going to be a rocky trip.

Don't: Be flaky 

Bailing out at the last minute could ruin the entire trip for everyone involved. Losing your motivation mid trip turns you into extra baggage. No one wants to drag around someone who isn't into the trip.

4. Do: Choose your travel buddy wisely

Well travelled friends may struggle with a novice traveler if they aren't prepared to pace themselves and help their friend learn. Keep in mind your level of travel experience and be realistic about what kind of pace you intend to go with. 

Don't: Overestimate how much your travel buddy knows

 Make sure you are both confident in where you are going and what you are doing. A novice traveler may struggle with more insecurities on how to get around especially if there is a language barrier. 

5. Do: Bring a positive attitude and good energy

Don't take things personally or make things personal when you communicate. 

Don't: Be afraid to take time for yourself each day

Find your center and bring your best self to the trip. 

6. Do: Be adventurous

Traveling is all about embracing the unknown and discovering new things. 

Don't: Be afraid to step out of your comfort zone

It's important to know what kind of traveler you are (i.e. being an observer vs a doer) but part of the joy of traveling with friends is embracing your differences and trying things their way. 

7. Do: Be Present

You choose to come on this trip with your friend. Try to be mindful and be in the moment.

Don't: Spend all your time on the phone talking to your significant other or announcing every detail on social media. 

Take pics and load them later. Use your private time to communicate with your loved ones at home. 

8. Do: Agree on what makes you feel safe

What one person thinks is safe may be frightening to another. Being in a strange place immersed in a new culture can be invigorating for some and set others off balance. 

Don't: Downplay how your friend feels. 

Respect is critical to relationships especially when traveling. 

Do you travel often with your friends? Share your tricks and tips in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch me discuss this topic on The Chat