What is Resort Casual, Resort Formal or Mountain Casual?

I've had a few invitations recently where the agenda said, "resort wear" or "mountain casual". What does that really mean? I work at home (I don't get out much) so when I received an invite to an event that said one night would be "resort casual" and the other will be "resort formal" I was in a bit of a quandry as to what that means.

I have two ways to get fashion information. I either call my sister (who has always been a fashionista - even since the days of working at County Seat so she could get a discount) and I also turn to Pinterest. I figured out that Resort Casual is a bit more dressed up than slumming on the beach (good thing - this was a work event after all). So I chose a sun dress with giant flowers. All of the pinterest pictures showed flowers.

When it came to Resort Formal. I went shopping with my sister. We ended up at Black & White Market - where she chose a black jersey fabric strappy pant-suit with sparkles along the top (and a snazzy tie at the waist). She also said that I absolutely HAD to have the necklace and earrings. She promptly asked if she could borrow them the week following. It seemed perfect. I fit in.

Not just two weeks later, I received an invite that says "mountain casual". Seeing as though I've lived in Colorado all my life - I think I pretty much know what mountain casual is. Mountain Casual usually includes jeans - so I'm much more comfortable there....but then what? What to wear with jeans? I chose a medium weight sweater (we were going to Vail/Beaver Creek in October - the weather can make giant swings). A long sleeve shirt and a scarf. Done.

What would you wear for Resort Casual, Resort Formal or Mountain Casual? Next up? Cancun. What is beach wear? I got this one! Flip flops, bathing suits and cover-ups! Done!

Back to Back

I have been on a couple back to back trips this year. I love to travel. So far, the back to back trips have really been very different. The first, I was in DC with my mom and my kids. It was a family vacation then turned around to be in Denver for less than 24 hours and head out to San Diego for a meeting with a client.

The latest trip included three days in Phoenix and then four in Miami. Both work related - but both so very different. One was all about meetings (although fun stuff at night) and the other was basically what felt like playing.

I'm crossing my fingers that the next one will be coming from playing in Cancun with my friend and then heading out the following weekend to San Francisco for the In the Vines. Here's to wishing one more time.

Moment of Gratitude AHA

I have to admit that I have been reading Oprah Magazine since the first one came out. I like to hear about aha moments. You know, that moment when you realize something or see something in a totally different way?

I am typically not at a loss in any way shape or form for words. I am hard pressed to be the quiet person in any setting (just ask most anyone who has been around me for like...5 minutes).

But I had that moment, the one that I realized I live an amazingly great life. I had gone to meet my friend/colleague/boss at the mall to pick up something she had for me. Then I had about an hour to kill before I bounced out to see my sister for lunch. It was while I was driving down to see there that it absolutely hit me like a wall of bricks. That overwhelming feeling of "you've done good."

I felt like I could totally fit in with my friend/boss and her mom as they shopped in Nordstroms (not my typical haunt as I like to get a deal - I'm much more of a Target or Marshall's regular). But I could keep up with their conversation toe to toe - this brand, that brand...this event, taht event. I could talk their talk.

Then I was heading to see my sister. I was driving my car and realized that it is perfectly great transportation that someone else might covet. I was happily driving with it paid of completely. The tank of gas was full. I was singing along with the stereo. I was going to see my sister, my friend. We can bounce to see each other for lunch whenever we want - we live close.

I really cant explain why that day and why I felt so great. I just did. I hope you get a feeling like that one day.