Aug 23, 2019

The Definitive Guide to Fall Fashion in Seattle



Seattle is gearing up for a major fall fashion season and this year there's a lot to celebrate around town. Over the summer Universal Standard opened a new retail concept in Belltown, Armoire expanded its presence in the city with a new 7,000 square-foot headquarters in Pioneer Square, and K Banana opened a permanent location for k-beauty fans at University Village. The city also has an entire exhibit dedicated to celebrating Seattle's rich fashion history at MOHAI, Gucci opened a new handbag boutique at Nordstrom last week and the party was written up by Vogue, and local brand Evernu partnered with Stella McCartney and Adidas to produce a 100% recyclable hoodie. It's been a busy summer season for fashion in Seattle and we're just getting started.

As the fall shopping season approaches, we invite you to shop local and support indie designers, local boutiques, fashion stylists in the city, and of course, retailers around town. Whether you have $25 to spend or $2500 to spend, do it locally. It matters. Here's the definitive guide to fall fashion events in the city. Use this guide as a map to choosing your own fashion adventure around town. Tag @Sydlovesfashion on Instagram in your shopping pics and use the hashtag #ShopLocalSEA for a chance to win 2 tickets to the MOHAI Seattle Style: Fashion/Function Exhibit as part of Seattle Style Month. A winner will be announced on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Happy shopping!

August 31 - September 1st - Citywide Summer Warehouse Sale 
Join a fabulous mix of local designers and boutiques for a citywide summer warehouse sale Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1st at Melrose Market Studios. Participating boutiques include Baby & Co, Hammer & Awl, Glasswing, Likelihood, Pipe & Row, Prism, Silvae, and Velouria. The event runs daily from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and as always, the best stuff always goes first.
Melrose Market Studios 1532 Minor Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 (Capitol Hill)

September 4th - Good Sweat with Rachael's Good Eats 
Join Seattle-based trainer and dietitian Rachael DeVaux of Rachael's Good Eats on Wednesday, September 4th at W Bellevue for a special sweat session to kick-off the fall fashion season. The event runs from 7-9 p.m. and ticket are $50. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The event will include a workout session, on-site vendors, swag bags, and raffle prizes. Purchase tickets via Eventbrite. Free parking available.
W Bellevue 10455 Northeast 5th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 7 - Dogwood Denim event at Sassafras
Denim tailor Alina Kroeker is taking over the Sassafras store in Belltown for one-day-only on Saturday, September 7th to host a special denim event. Alina does made-to-measure denim using your choice of fabric and hardware. The process is simple and the customization possibilities are endless. RSVP via Facebook. The event runs from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Sassafras 2307 First Ave. Seattle, WA 98121 (Belltown)

September 10 - MOHAI Fashion Lecture: Secrets of Seattle Style 
Join MOHAI on Tuesday, September 10th at 7 p.m. to hear about the process of creating MOHAI"s landmark exhibit, Seattle Style: Fashion/Function. Guests will enjoy a deep dive into the exciting stories and themes showcased in the exhibit and hear from exhibit curator Clara Berg about her favorite discoveries during the planning process. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for MOHAI members. Click here to purchase online. The Seattle Chapter of Fashion Group International is also celebrating its 60th anniversary at the event.
MOHAI 860 Terry Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 (South Lake Union)

Photo credit: The Shops at The Bravern

September 13 - Fashion Week Kicks off at The Shops at The Bravern
The 10-year anniversary celebration will include a variety of fashion events including a fashion show at Neiman Marcus to benefit Save the Children.
The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 13 - Leather Embossing at Hermés
To celebrate fashion week, guests of Hermés at The Shops at The Bravern will receive free leather embossing with the purchase of any product on Friday, September 13th and Saturday, September 14th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking with validation.
Hermés at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Fall Fashion presentation at Macy's Alderwood 
Grab your fashion friends and join Darcy Camden of Styled Seattle on Saturday, September 14th at 1 p.m. for a special fall fashion presentation featuring a runway fashion show, panel discussion with local influencers including Lisa Cole of West Fulton Street and Brittany Streissguth of Pumps & Plaid. Guests will also enjoy complimentary beauty services from on-site vendors. Spend $35 or more in women's fashion and receive a personalized hair accessories kit. This is an all-ages, complimentary event.
Macy's 18700 Alderwood Mall Parkway, Lynnwood, WA 98037 (Lynnwood)

September 14 - Bubbles and Shopping at Bottega Veneta
Guests are invited to pursue fall arrivals on Saturday, September 14th with a glass of bubbles from 10 am. to 8 p.m. at Bottega Veneta at The Shops at The Bravern. Free parking with validation.
Bottega Veneta at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Tod's Winter Outerwear Trunk Show
Join Tod's on Saturday, September 14th for a special outerwear trunk show from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as part of Fashion Week at The Shops at The Bravern. Guests will enjoy prosecco and light bites while they view new arrivals for the season and shop must-have pieces. Don't miss the Tod's Happy Moments collection by designer Alber Elbaz, available now in-store and online.
Tod's at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Wolford in-store shopping event
Wolford at The Shops at the Bravern is celebrating fashion week by offering shoppers 20% off their fall fashion purchase on hosiery, leggings, bodysuits, and more, on Saturday, September 14th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wolford at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Fashion Illustrations at Ferragamo
Visit The Shops at The Bravern to get a real-life fashion sketch wearing your favorite fall fashion outfit at Ferragamo on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 2-6 p.m. as part of Bravern's Fashion Week celebration. Fashion illustrations are complimentary on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ferragamo at The Bravern 1111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Live performances at Holly Zhang Pearl Gallery 
Guests of The Shops at The Bravern are invited to stop by Holly Zhang Pearl Gallery for live performances and refreshments on September 14 from 2-5 p.m. The shop specializes in unique designer pearl necklaces and timeless pearl accessories.
Holly Zhang Pearl Gallery at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Jimmy Choo Bites & Bubbles
No fall fashion look would be complete without a gorgeous new pair of Jimmy Choos. Come see what's new for the season and enjoy bubbles + bites at Jimmy Choo at The Shops at The Bravern, Sept. 14 from 2-5 p.m.
Jimmy Choo at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - David Lawrence Fall Shopping Event
David Lawrence at The Shops at The Bravern is hosting a special in-store event from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th featuring a first-look at fall arrivals along with a special Seahawks bracelet gift with purchase, while supplies last. David Lawrence recently re-opened on the ground level at The Shops at The Bravern between Gucci and Omega. This year the retailer will celebrate 25 years in business.
David Lawrence at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Neiman Marcus Fashion Show
Explore fall fashion trends at a special runway show on Saturday, September 14th from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. presented by Neiman Marcus as part of Fashion Week at The Shops at the Bravern. 100% of ticket sales will benefit Save the Children, an organization dedicated to giving children a healthy start at life. The runway show is a ticketed event, but the public is invited to join in the celebration for the official carnival-themed after-party from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. featuring decadent dessert bars by Café Trophy and Sugar Factory, plus complimentary fashion sketches, and cocktail tastings from Straightaway. Tickets to the Neiman Marcus Fashion Show are $50 and can be found here.
Neiman Marcus at The Bravern 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 14 - Satori Warehouse Sale
Join some of Seattle's best designers and boutiques for an epic warehouse sale on Saturday, September 14th in Tacoma. Shoppers will enjoy up to 70% off apparel, decor, stationery, gifts, and more from brands including Heis, Velouria, Prairie Underground, Prism, Misha, Poppyseed, Salua Lingerie, and more. Event admission is free. RSVP via Eventbrite here.
Alma Matter 1322 Fawcett Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402 (Tacoma)

September 15 - Sunday Hat Parade with Black Heritage Society of Washington State
Celebrate the tradition of hats in Seattle's black community with the Black Heritage Society (BHS) of Washington State at MOHAI on Sunday, September 15th. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest hat and take photos in the photo booth as they enjoy a special one-day-only display of historic hats from the BHS collection. The event will also include remarks by two local black milliners featured in the Seattle Style: Fashion/Function exhibit. The event runs from 1-4 p.m. and tickets are included with museum admission. Click here to purchase online.
MOHAI 860 Terry Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 (South Lake Union)

September 15 - Nutrients in Skincare Workshop at K Banana
Join K Banana at University Village on Sunday, September 8th at 10 a.m. for a special class on beauty ingredients. Guests will learn about the benefits of k-beauty nutrients and why clean beauty is vital to overall health and wellness. Free parking. Free admission. Tickets via Eventbrite.
K Banana 2621 NE Village Lane Seattle, WA 98105 (University Village) #beauty

September 19 - Cosmic Love AstroSalon by Stephanie Gailing
Join local astrologist Stephanie Gailing at Spruce Apothecary in West Seattle on September 19th for a special Cosmic Love event exploring Venus and how she informs love, beauty, and pleasure. Space is limited and tickets are going fast. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Spruce Apothecary 4156 California Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 98116 (W. Seattle)

September 20 - Sips & Shoes at Benaroya Hall 
Sips & Shoes will return on Friday, September 20th at Benaroya Hall after a 10-year hiatus. The event will run from 6-9 p.m. and feature local boutiques that carry fashion, handbags, and of course, gorgeous shoes. Participating retailers include Clementines, Lika Love, La Ree, Nuciano, Visette Boutique, Kate Mensah, and more. The event will also feature 20 wineries that focus on women winemakers and winery owners. It's going to be a fun and stylish night on the town! Tickets are $50 and a portion of the proceeds benefit Cancer Pathways (formerly Gilda's Club). Click here to purchase online.
Benaroya Hall 200 University St. Seattle, WA 98101 (Downtown Seattle)

September 21 - Fashion Meets Film: Pacific Place presents Downton Abbey 
Grab your poshest friends and join Pacific Place on Saturday, September 21st for a special screening of Downton Abbey. The event begins at 10 am with breakfast bites and bubbles followed by a special fall 2019 trend presentation by Andrew Hoge of Seattle magazine and Darcy Camden of Styled Seattle. Tickets are $20 and 100% of the proceeds benefit Mary's Place. Click here to purchase online. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Pacific Place 600 Pine St. Seattle, WA 98101 (Downtown Seattle)

September 21 - KD Designs Trunk Show at Sassafras 
Join Sassafras in Belltown for a special KD Designs Trunk Show on Saturday, September 21st from 12-6 p.m. Designer Katrina Dimick from Portland, Oregon will be on-site to showcase her collection, available in sizes S-2XL.
Sassafras 2307 First Ave. Seattle, WA 98121 (Belltown)

September 23 - Yappy Hour at W Bellevue
Join W Bellevue on Monday, September 23 from 4-6 p.m. for a special Yappy Hour on The Porch featuring specialty cocktails by Tito's Vodka. Proceeds benefit the Seattle Humane Society. Dogs from the Seattle Humane Society will also be available for adoption at the event. Free admission. 21+
W Bellevue 10455 Northeast 5th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 25 - Big Mood: A Night of Fat Fashion at MOHAI
Join MOHAI for a night of immersive experiences curated by Adria Garcia of Indian Summer and Kim Selling of More Fats More Femmes.  The evening will include a pop-up market, fashion show, and conversations punctuated by live performances. Tickets are $10 for general admission. Click here for more info.
MOHAI 860 Terry Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 (South Lake Union)

September 25 - Taming The Trend Animal 
There is a difference between fashion, trend, and style. Fashion is what you see on the runway, a trend is how it's translated to the masses, and style is how you make it your own. Join The Michael Bruce Image Consulting team on Wednesday, September 25 from 10-11 a.m. at The Bellevue Collection for a special style seminar on how to approach fall trends. The event will take place on the second floor of Bellevue Square in between J. Jill and J. Crew. Click here to reserve a spot.
The Bellevue Collection 565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 25 - Fall Trend, Your Body, Your Style, Fall 2019 
Join the Michael Bruce Image Consulting team on Wednesday, September 25th in Bellevue from 7-8 p.m. for a style seminar on how to tackle and tame fall/winter trends in a way that works best for your body. The interactive presentation will show guests how to wear the latest trends in an authentic and relevant way. The event will take place on the second floor of Bellevue Square in between J. Jill and J. Crew. Click here to reserve a spot.
The Bellevue Collection 565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 27 - Posh Party Trend Show
Join The Bellevue Collection for its annual Posh Party Trend Show as part of Bellevue Fashion Week on Friday, September 27th. The event will take place at The Hyatt Regency in Bellevue at 6:30 p.m.
hosted by Brooke Fox of MOViN 92.5. The event will include a runway fashion show, drinks + light bites, beauty touch-ups, and more. Tickets start at $100 and proceeds benefit local non-profit Bellevue LifeSpring. Free parking available. Must be 16+ to attend. Click here to purchase tickets online.
Hyatt Regency Bellevue 900 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

Photo credit: The Bellevue Collection


September 27 - The Ultimate Encapsulated wardrobe 
Join the Michael Bruce Image Consulting team on Friday, September 27 at 10 a.m. for a special style seminar about how to create the perfect capsule wardrobe for the season. The event will focus on how to curate and refresh your closet while incorporating fall must-haves in a cohesive way. The event will take place on the second floor of Bellevue Square in between J. Jill and J. Crew. Click here to reserve a spot.
The Bellevue Collection 565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)


September 28 - Collective Runway Show at Bellevue Fashion Week 
Bellevue Fashion Week will conclude with a special Collective Runway Show on Saturday, September 28th at 6:30 p.m. Inspired by Fashion Week runway shows from around the world, guests will get to see the latest fall fashion looks presented with a unique Pacific Northwest twist. VIP tickets are $175 and include a deluxe swag bag and $50 Bellevue Collection gift card. General admission tickets are $125 and include a swag bag and $25 Bellevue Collection gift card. Ticket sale proceeds benefit local non-profit Ben's Fund. Must be 21+ to attend. Purchase tickets online here.
Hyatt Regency Bellevue 900 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, WA 98004 (Bellevue)

September 28 - Two Cranes Botanicals Pop-Up at K Banana
Join the twins from Two Cranes Botanicals at K Banana on Saturday, September 28th from 12-6 p.m. for a special CBD pop-up. Shoppers will enjoy 15% off Two Cranes Botanicals products, meet founders Hanna and Susun, and have the chance to ask questions about how to incorporate CBD oils into an overall health and wellness routine.
K Banana 2621 NE Village Lane Seattle, WA 98105 (University Village)


Other cool things happening in Seattle during the month of September:

* During the month of September, Prairie Underground will be hosting an artist in residence, Tiffany Ju. Tiffany is an artist based in Seattle who uses upcycled materials to create beautiful works of art that lie somewhere between craft and soft sculpture.
Prairie Underground 940 S. Harney St. Seattle, WA 98108 (Georgetown)

* Experience Seattle in style with a stay at Thompson Seattle. Book a Seattle Style Month Package (during the month of September) and you'll receive two tickets to the Seattle Style: Fashion/Function exhibit, a free gift with purchase at the MOHAI Mercantile, and two cocktails at The Nest.
Thompson Seattle 110 Stewart St. Seattle, WA 98101 (Downtown Seattle)

Freeman will be releasing all new Seattle-made menswear flannels in early September and has plans to re-stock their famous waxed cotton raincoats later in the month. But, if you can't wait that long, you can get your hands on the classic raincoat in a variety of colors, in stock now. The company also announced it will be rolling out personal shopping experiences this fall. Stay tuned for details.
Visit Freeman on Capitol Hill at 713 Broadway E. Seattle, WA 98102. (Capitol Hill)

* Retailers around the city will be celebrating MOHAI's Seattle Style: Fashion/Function exhibit with special windows displays dedicated to Seattle fashion during the month of September. Participating retailers include Nordstrom, Luly Yang, Baby & Co., Marios, Prairie Underground, Utilikilts, Sassafras, Zebra Club, and Road Apparel.

* For those craving a Seattle staycation: Celebrate Seattle Style Month at Hotel Theodore and receive 20% off your stay during the month of September along with a $30 food and beverage credit to Rider. Guests who book this package will also receive a free gift with purchase at the MOHAI Mercantile. Offer valid online only.
Hotel Theodore 1531 Seventh Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 (Downtown Seattle)

* Visit the MOHAI Mercantile during the month of September to experience hand-blended fragrances by local designer Molly Ray. Museum visitors will also get to check out the work of local artist Eda Atay Pastrimaci of Boejack Design. She focuses on small-batch production and local sourcing of key elements in her handbag line.
MOHAI 860 Terry Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 (South Lake Union)

* During the month of September, shop online from local brand LOHO for special end-of-season sale prices on low-rise hosiery. Available in sizes S-XL. (Online)

* Seattle brand A. Oei Studio is currently hosting a Kickstarter Campaign to raise funds for the Spring 2020 collection. Founded in 2017 by designer Angeline Oei, the collection focuses on modern silhouettes, subtle details, and original textiles inspired by art, nature, and technology.

* Starting on September 15th Seattle boutique CURA will be offering in-store Kundalini yoga classes on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. The 90-minute classes are $20 and more info will be announced soon.

* The new collection from Seattle brand SILVAE will be available starting in September at the S3 Collective showroom on Capitol Hill. Select pieces will also be available locally at Les Amis in Fremont. S3 Collective is located at 1415 10th Ave. Studio 3. Seattle, WA 98122.




EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
Just for Sydney Loves Fashion readers, visit MOHAI in September to take in the Seattle Style: Fashion/Function exhibit before it closes on October 14th and score a limited-edition MOHAI canvas pouch with any purchase. Just be sure to show this post at check-out. Promotion is offered while supplies last. Valid at the MOHAI Mercantile from 9/1/2019 - 9/30/2019. Limited 1 promo gift per customer, per visit.

We are also excited to announce a ticket giveaway for 2 tickets to the Fashion Meets Film event at Pacific Place featuring a special screening of Downton Abbey on September 21st. To enter to win, simply share this post on social media using the hashtag #ShopLocalSEA and tag @Sydlovesfashion. A winner will be chosen at random on Sept. 13th.


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Aug 13, 2019

10 Tips for Traveling in Style with Kids


Travel tips from a stylish mommy who's been around the globe with two little ones in tow


The first time I took a trip with my son Liam he was just a little over a year old. I was scheduled to be in New York for a few days so that I could attend a Fashion Group International Conference and there was no way I was leaving him back in Seattle. I have a blurry photo that my husband took of Liam and I in Times Square at night and it's a picture I will cherish forever because that trip marked the start of our family travel adventures. My husband and I traveled a lot before we had kids, but after our son was born we were both too exhausted to even think about the prospect of globetrotting with a tiny one in tow, but several months after the New York trip we ventured off to London and then spent a few days in Paris. We've been going non-stop ever since- now with a second kid in tow- and loving every minute of it. Traveling with little ones is definitely an adventure, but trust me, it gets a lot easier and every kid benefits from having the opportunity to explore the globe. Here are my top tips for traveling -in style- with kids. 


#1 - Buy your child a seat
The first thing I recommend to any parent traveling with a little one (i.e. a child under three) is to spend the extra money and buy your child a seat even if the airline doesn't require it. I know, it sounds a little counter-intuitive, why spend the cash if you don't need to? But trust me, it's worth it. Having the extra space on the plane to get comfortable is the key to having a stress-free flight, especially if you're traveling long distances. My son loved spreading out his toys on the seat and I loved not having to constantly worry about elbowing the person next to me.
Bonus tip: If you buy your child a seat don't forget to sign them up to earn frequent flyer miles.  


#2 - Fly direct if you can
Sometimes even a small layover can add on numerous hours to your total travel time so in order to avoid meltdowns, we find it's helpful to book direct whenever possible. Traveling from Seattle to London on a direct flight is around 9 hours, but with layovers, you're looking at almost 15 hours+ of total travel time. For a small child (and even some grown-ups) that's a small eternity, so if the airline offers a direct flight and you are traveling with kids, my advice is to take it. You can thank me later.


#3 - Pack light for your flight  
It's almost second nature for some parents to pack everything but the kitchen sink in their diaper bags, but somehow I missed that bandwagon (including the diaper bag) and always strive to pack light when I travel. My carry-on bag always includes kid-friendly snacks and toys, plus emergency items like children's Tylenol.  Essentials for my travel bag also include a phone charger, aromatherapy lotion in peppermint or lavender, diapers + wipes, plus at least 1 disposable sippy cup so that I can kid-proof any in-flight beverage. If your kid is notorious for spills don't forget to pack an extra outfit, or two. But remember, the more you pack in your carry-on bag the more you have to lug around (in addition to carrying your kid), so whenever possible, pack lightly. If you forget something and can't live without it, chances are you can buy it at the airport or upon arrival at your destination. This also goes for magazines and books.

Another tip for traveling with kids is to pack smaller toys that they haven't played with in a while so that they get the experience of playing with "new" toys on the plane. This little trick kept my baby entertained for hours on our last flight to London.

#4 - Buy Diapers on Arrival
I'll admit, I once managed to disperse an entire package of diapers into my suitcase before leaving on an overseas trip because I was a newbie when it came to traveling with a baby and I was worried about finding them on arrival. Since then, I've realized that taking up valuable suitcase space with diapers is a waste and as long as you have enough diapers to get you to your destination and a few extras "just in case" it's easier and sometimes cheaper to buy diapers at your destination rather than sacrificing valuable suitcase space. With the exception of Hawaii, we generally travel to cosmopolitan areas where drug stores are readily accessible and stock all the diapers we could ever need, which means I have more room in my suitcase for shopping.

Also, another quick note on packing- don't bring an extra suitcase for your kid, no matter how cute the suitcase is. Try and pack as much of their clothing into your suitcase as possible so that you aren't stuck at the airport with one of those trolly carts because you have too much luggage. My rule is: if we can't carry it between the four of us, we don't bring it. This is especially important if you have to carry around additional items like a car seat or stroller. Speaking of car seats, we have found that it's far easier to rent a car seat from the car rental company if you are planning on driving than it is to carry one around with you. We have always had great luck with car seat rentals (clean, functioning properly, etc.) when we've needed them and with our AAA membership the car seat rental is often free.

If you end up shopping more than you anticipated on your trip, you can always buy another suitcase or duffle bag at your destination and check it for your return trip home. We have done this several times and works like a charm when/if we need it.


#5 - Bring picnic supplies 
In Europe, it's common to eat meals outside in the park by having an impromptu picnic, but the picnic supplies I recommend are actually for your hotel room. I like to pack plastic forks and spoons so that we can have yogurt in the morning and things like pre-packaged salads for dinner or a snack. Be sure that your hotel has a mini-fridge so that you can shop during the day and store your food. You can also pack an empty water bottle in your suitcase for use on arrival. Most hotels have lemon or cucumber-infused water in the lobby for guests, making it easy to fill up a cup and then transfer it into your water bottle when you get back to your room.

#6 - Take the umbrella stroller with you 
Our umbrella stroller has saved us too many times to count. My daughter naps in it when we're on vacation and she's too tired to keep walking and we also like it for keeping her contained when we are en-route somewhere and don't want her to get lost in the shuffle.


When it comes to picking an umbrella stroller for your trip, you'll want to find one that is:
1) Easy to fold up (preferably with one hand)
2) Has a strap attached so that you can sling it over your shoulder
3) Has storage space so that you can stash diapers and snacks for your little one/s.


Our favorite umbrella stroller is the Uppa Baby G-Luxe because it reclines and has a bit of storage. For our last trip we retro-fitted it with a cupholder attachment and an organizer. These little attachments made all the difference in our experience and were well worth it in the long run.  When we fly we usually take the umbrella stroller straight to the gate and then have the flight attendants gate check it so that upon arrival we can strap our daughter in and make our way to baggage claim as quickly and efficiently as possible.


#7 - Dress the Part
I like to dress up when I go out of town, but I also like to be practical. This usually means finding the right balance between casual and comfortable. Pack some lightweight tops, a few pairs of jeans, a dress (or two) and a sweater that can be added if it gets chilly in the evening. Scarves are also great for travel because they can multi-task. For example, my scarves become swimsuit cover-ups when we go to the beach. When it comes to shoes, I live in sandals when visiting places like Florida and Hawaii, but in Europe, I prefer flats that are good for walking around and chasing my kids. It's always WAY more walking than you plan on, so don't try to break in new shoes on vacation. Break them in before you leave on your trip otherwise your feet will be miserable.

Another tip that is absolutely essential for traveling with kids? Pack a crossbody bag so that you can be hands-free when you're out with the kids and don't forget to pack a portable charger so that you never run out of battery when you're on-the-go.


#8 - Take advantage of blow-dry bars and express spa services
Let's face it, most hotel blow dryers are total crap and definitely not an option for someone like me who has a lot of hair. Instead, when visiting cities like London and NYC I like to research blow dry bars in advance that are close to my hotel. Hands down, Dry Bar in NYC is my absolute favorite. In London, Hershesons Blow Dry Bar is the best. Don't forget to check nearby salons and spas for express spa services. A 30-minute mani? Yes, please. Selfridges in London has a great beauty workshop that offers a variety of beauty services including a full nail bar, lash services, and even spray tans.


#9 - Take advantage of Frequent Flyer programs
If you travel with kids in tow, be sure to sign them up for their own frequent flyer accounts so that they can accumulate points toward a free trip or discounted ticket. We took several trips with my son before realizing that as a paid customer he was also eligible to earn travel miles. Don't make this mistake. Sign up your kids now before your next travel adventure and they'll start accumulating travel miles that you can use on future trips.

#10- Keep Calm and Carry On 
This is the most important travel tip of all. Travel is an adventure and no matter how much time you spend planning everything out, at some point, you have to embrace the fact that not everything goes accordingly to plan. Trust me, I'm a total "Type A" personality and this one was hard for me, but once I learned to just relax and roll with it, traveling got so much easier.  Little ones pick up on your stress and will react to situations based on how you handle them, so remember to keep calm and carry on, and your kids will too!

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