Vibrant Attire vs. the Big City “Uniform”

Surely There’s More than Grey, Black, and Brown in Your Closet!

This month let’s gab about shoes, clothing, and outerwear and what I affectionately call the big city “uniform,” which seems to be exclusively available along the eastern seaboard. This uni consists of all things grey, black, and brown, sometimes year-round but especially during the fall and winter months. By this point, I’ve realized that in nearly every city I visit, I may (do) stand out like that proverbial sore thumb (or worse, a tourist…eek!). Why? Well, for starters, I don’t wear only the aforementioned dark hues. Shocking, I know. I also have the audacity to say “please” and “thank you” and hold doors open for people because I was raised well and not in a barn. And, yes, I make eye contact and smile at others on purpose. The nerve of this girl!

They say that clothes make the man (or woman, in my case). There’s something to be said for a nice pair of slim-fit black dress slacks, or a pencil skirt combined with a cashmere sweater, or crisp button-down blouse. The look presents a smart, refined and, when worn well, rather striking image. Also, winter white trousers paired with a chocolate brown cardi and suede ankle booties are forever classy in my book. Either outfit says, “I’m polished, sophisticated, and possibly going to a board meeting…or maybe just a fun brunch with my besties.” Imagine if you will, however, and I know my dear east coast gal pals know this first-hand, you’re schlepping from the subway or cab/rideshare down the city streets in the harsh winter months. Snow on the ground, nasty slush everywhere, and you’re one misstep away from a hefty dry-cleaning bill. So which outfit do we choose? You guessed it, the “uniform”. That’s kind of a no-brainer. It’s simple, practical, and requires minimal effort. Ya know, I may as well be charging by the hour at this point for dishing out all these pearls of wisdom.

Now, when it’s the rainy season, I do enjoy slipping into my stylish pink raincoat. Over the years, that one piece of outerwear has raised more than a few eyebrows, especially in New York, DC, and Boston. For several reasons, it’s abundantly clear I’m not from around those parts. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: “Ol’ Pinkie” has garnered more than a few compliments from the locals (in hushed tones, of course, as though they’re worried their fellow big city dwellers might revoke their “tough city” card for acknowledging my fabulous coat). And don’t think she’s not already top of the list of things to pack when I fly into LaGuardia early next month, along with a heavier coat, of course. I’m no rookie after all.

Don’t get me wrong – my professional wardrobe has its fair share of grey, black, and brown. Much like the pink raincoat, though, when I’m dwelling in the darker hues of the color wheel with the day’s attire, and if I’m feeling myself, I’ll toss on a colorful and sassy scarf or some eye-catching jewelry to complete the look. Nevertheless, I do strive to always remember and heed the fashion guidance often attributed to one Coco Chanel and give myself a onceover in the mirror before leaving my home (or hotel) and remove one accessory. Let’s face facts – it worked for her. Who am I to argue with that sage advice?

And then there’s footwear. Flats, stilettos, kitten heels, strappy sandals, pumps, casual loafers, sneakers…the list is endless and the debates on what’s “appropriate” for work or play will probably outlast the planet. Granted, I’m no Imelda Marcos, but I do have a respectable collection of shoes (neatly sorted by color and season, of course). Seriously, though, I stick to my eight to ten usual suspects. Sure, I may dream of owning a pair of Manolos or even those spicy, red-soled Louboutins but, alas, my lender prefers that I pay my mortgage and other bills each month. Plus, when I recently took a moment to slip on a pair or two the last time I visited Bergdorf’s, I immediately flashed back to the “style show” I was recruited for in the 9^th grade. Picture me awkwardly modeling a pair of the ‘high heels’ that complemented my designated ensemble from one of our local department stores. I nearly turned the makeshift runway into a disaster zone while tottering around like a newborn giraffe on roller skates. The horror of it all! Those memories live rent-free in my head but, fortunately, images of the event didn’t make their way into the yearbook. Spoiler alert: with a sigh, I handed back those magnificent works of art to the disappointed salesperson and departed that glorious store empty-handed, but also no further in debt and without the risk of yet again providing fodder for the “mean girls” of the world.

Now let’s regroup and focus once again on taking to the skies and what I call “flight etiquette” in this month’s installment of Cautionary Tales and Helpful Hints from the Road: Ah yes, there’s nothing quite as fun as watching the boarding process turn into a “who can sneak in early” contest. Listen, I get it, the overhead bins are prime real estate and fill quickly. But dude – wait your turn! So, unless you’ve been avoiding the news lately (and who among us hasn’t, after all?), you may have heard or read that the major carriers are cracking down on this poor behavior. They’re onto you so act like ya been someplace and stop acting the fool. When it’s your turn, go to your assigned seat, stow your luggage, and sit your booty down. And please for the love of all things holy, when flying, wear deodorant and brush your teeth, and let’s all agree to keep our shoes on during the flight. Not all feet were created equal, and let’s face it, sweet little baby feet are all that should see the light of day on an airplane.

So, here’s to the Big Suitcase Girl, still offering opinions, insights, highlights and occasional lowlights, and always served with a bunch of levity around the big world of travel. Whether you’re trekking about with a giant suitcase, packing too many shoes, or sporting a lovely pink jacket, remember that it’s all about the journey (and what you wear), not the size of your luggage. Until next time – cheers and safe travels!