{Style Expert} Your Weekend Packing List

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FOF style guru Linda Cohen, a fashion consultant who has worked with knockout brands like Jarbo and Chris Han and an expert on “simplifying your wardrobe,” dissects the components of a perfect suitcase for a weekend getaway.

Bold Tunic Dress – Can be worn as a bathing suit cover-up or paired with skinny jeans. “This one by Roberta Freymann is great,” says Linda. “She brings cool-bohemian style to the states, with lively fabrics from exotic places like Bali.”  (Babaji Shirt by Roberta Roller Rabbit)

Straw Clutch – “There are so many different clutches out there but this one is a classic. It has kind of a vintage, modern feeling to it and fits everything you need from your cell phone to makeup.” (Clutch by J. Crew, vintage)

Leather and Stone Wrap Bracelet – “Love this one by Chan Luu. She is an international phenomenon.” (Single wrap bracelet by Chan Luu)

Metallic Beach Bag – “Metallic was once considered dressy. Now it’s a neutral. This one buy Beirn is great. It’s lightweight, can fold for easy packing and is roomy.  After all, we are women of stuff!”k (Jenna Metallic bag by Beirn)

Comfortable Sandals – “I love this newer style of Havaianas. They’ve evolved from a flip flop to a sandal.” (FIT by Havaianas)

Classic Weekender Bag – “This weekender by Calypso is a great choice. It has that vintage, sleek, streamlined feel. It reminds me of the luggage my mother used to have.” (Vintage Weekender by Calypso)

Summer Duster – “I love dusters because they enable you to feel very finished. You can wear it over a t-shirt or a dress. You can tie it, you can belt, you can wear it with jeans. This cashmere one by Calypso is lightweight and will fit so many women.” (Summer Duster by Calpyso)

Dark Straight Leg Jeans – “These jeans can be dressed up and down. I like Paige because the rise isn’t too low and the dark color works for day or night.” (Paige Premium Denim)

Square Sunglasses – “I like these rounded square sunglasses by Tod’s because it is a very flattering shape for different women’s faces. Tod’s has been a great classic brand that always gives you quality and pieces you won’t get tired of.” (Square Sunglasses by Tod’s)

Cotton V-Neck Shirt — “I love Michael Stars supima cotton v-neck tees. They’re just so yummy; a comfortable, easy fit that comes in many colors.” (Michael Stars)

Colorful Patterned Scarf – “You can dress up a white t-shirt or throw it on at night as a shawl. I like this floral, silk and cotton one by Moksha.” (Fine Wovens by Moksha)

Neutral Heel“The Belle by Sigerson Morrison is a comfortable heel and it has a little bit of the trendy gladiator–feel. It’s a neutral color so it goes with everything from jeans to dresses to accessories.” (Faceted-Heel Sandal by Belle by Sigerson Morrison)

{City Guides} Your perfect long-weekend plans! 9 great getaways recommended by FOFs

From a Washington State winery with breathtaking views to a storybook coastal town in Connecticut, FOFs know the best off-the-beaten path spots across the country for long-weekend travel.

Kenwood Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, CA
FOF nettie54 says, “This cozy winery is located in the beautiful Sonoma Valley. Kenwood’s grounds are just lovely with a picnic area for you to enjoy their wine while you have lunch. The staff is very helpful and have steered us towards wines we may not have ordinarily picked. I would recommend this little gem for anyone who is visiting the San Francisco area as a little side trip.” Read more.

Cave B Inn at Sage Cliffe Winery, Quincy, WA
FOF lifeiswonderful2 says, “Poised 900 feet above the Columbia River, Cave B Inn surrounded by estate vineyards & fragrant orchards, offers breathtaking views of sky, water and canyon. Comprised of 30 guestrooms, the inn includes a full service spa and a swimming pool…” Read more.

Crockett’s Run Luxury Cabins and Lodges, Logan, OH
FOF leej5 says, “Crockett’s Run is a very romantic place to visit. You can do anything from canoeing to antique shopping. I really enjoy relaxing in the hot tub right on the deck under the pine trees!” Read more.

Saranac Lake, Saranac, NY
FOF leej5 says, “How gorgeous the scenery is with the mountains around you in all directions, lively water beneath, a stillness that creeps up on you as you leave all cares behind. We read, ate, swam, played games. Slept so well! Ate so much! It’s my FAVE place to be, where I feel in harmony-mentally, physically, and spiritually- so alive.” Read more.

The Berkshires, The Berkshires, MA
FOF rokoren says, “We stayed at the Thaddeus Clapp House in Pittsfield, MA. It is located one street off of the main street and you can walk to many restaurants, the Performing Arts Theater and the movie theater. There is so much to do in the Berkshires.” Read more.

Old Saybrook, Ct.
FOF sp says, “Walk the beach at sunset, check out the boats from all over the country docked at the marinas at Saybrook Point. Play mini-golf with one of the best views you’ll ever find. History, antique shops, art galleries and natural beauty.” Read more.

Fort DeSoto State Park, St. Petersburg, FL
FOF maydaycolorado says, “The beaches are white sugary sand and the Gulf of Mexico water is that absolutely beautiful azure blue!  Spend the day watching boats go by, playing in the water, camping, having a barbecue…or just relaxing with a good book on the beach!” Read more.

Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah
FOF Jenni Lipa says, “Set in the midst of Red Rock country, Red Mountain Spa is one of my all–time favorite destinations. I’ve been there once a year for the past ten years, and I always leave feeling rejuvenated…” Read more.

The Beaches of Carmel, Carmel, CA
FOF Diane Danvers-Simmons says, “I’ll take my dog and walk along or just sit by the ocean.” Read more.

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Know an under-the-radar weekend getaway spot that you don’t see here? Add it to your Fab Faves now!

{City Guide} Dallas

Dallas is known for its architecture (with buildings designed by the renowned I.M. Pei and Frank Lloyd Wright), barbecue and, of course, The Dallas Cowboys. However, FOF’s know it’s also home to some Fab shops, spas and suppers. Here are some of their Faves:


1. Johnny Rodriguez Salon
5450 W. LOVERS LANE, SUITE 229
FOF Julie Harrison says, “I go to Kathy Hill at Johnny Rodriguez Salon. Kathy makes it so that you look fresh and you’re not out of date.” Read more.

2. Short Suzy Facials
8215 Westchester Dr
FOF Jane Grant says, “I indulge by getting a micro-dermabrasion facial once a month from Suzy Short.” Read more.

3. Allie-Coosh Store
6726 Snider Plaza
FOF louis545 says, “You have the option of buying right off the floor OR having something made especially for you. The woman who finds it difficult to walk into a large department store and buy right off the rack would love Allie-Coosh! Read more.

4. The Grape
2808 Greenville Ave
FOF Jane Grant says, “The grape is intimate and wonderful and always has excellent wines. Their signature dish is the mushroom soup, and I always order the fish special.” Read more.

5. Stephan Pyles Restaurant
1807 Ross Avenue at St. Paul Street
FOF Jayne Norwood says, “It’s casual, elegant and serves Southwest and Peruvian food. They know how to treat customers. The Heaven and Hell chocolate cake is to die for!” Read more.

6. Nana Restaurant
2201 Stemmons Freeway
FOF Paulette Martsolf says, “Great food, great service, but it’s all about the view. Nana’s has a wonderful skyline view of Dallas.” Read more.

7. Lakeside Park
Lakeside Drive and Armstrong Avenue
FOF Callie McDole says, “There’s a little park with a creek running through it and benches for people to sit and read or just enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.” Read more.

8. Fuji Yama Japanese Restaurant
18217 Midway Road
(not on map)
FOF Freestyleme123 says, “Simple, tasteful and oh! so relaxing… sit at the bar…and watch Diego in action. Have the Mango Tango… the Franford Roll, the Salmon Roll and the Butterfly Kisses.” Read more.