Here’s a start to my never leave home without it best-of-the-best list for anywhere I ever go, however I go. Ultimately packable, great quality, double-triple-quadruple duty and indispensable.
Danskin cotton/lycra ankle leggings for warmth or layering, sleeping or running, they do triple, quadruple
duty on any trip.
Never underestimate the power of a skirt. If you dare, wear the wrap front miniskirt, or your might prefer the Salsa dance pull-on skirt. Danksin has a lot of the other pretty, flirty skirts, too.
Patagonia fleece: Vest, jacket, tights, gloves — the ultimate cozy layering piece.
Exofficio Shirts repel insects, protect you from the sun, are ultra lightweight, and dry quickly.
Sports Sandals: Chaco hikes, wades, and dresses up, sort of.
New Balance Trail / Off Road Trainers: For running, walking, hiking, climbing, or whatever the road throws at you.
Kiva Key Chain Pack: Clip it on your belt, throw it in your purse, it expands to a sturdy nylon pack for shopping, short hikes.
Maui Jim Sunglasses: This is the only brand I’ve found so far that gives me no-glare vision without being so
dark that I’m blind. They also don’t seem to scratch as easily as other brands–
the sales guy told me that it’s because they’ve got 7 individual baked-on layers. My last pair lasted 8 years. I replaced them with the Topsail in Bronze. Fairly fashionable, and fits inside my motorcycle helmet, too.
All Season Crushable Wool Felt Hat: Protects from sun and rain and helmet hair.
Wow, Carla! I think you’ve coined a new phrase, “Never underestimate the power of a skirt.” I Googled it and only got 2 hits, yours and one other.
Too bad more older women don’t wear short skirts. They probably think that they’ll look ridiculous. Not so. Most any woman can look good in one of these with the addition of tights and/or knee-high boots. For example: If Hillary had worn high boots and divided skirts instead of those pant suits, she most likely would have won the nomination. Americans choose their candidates based mostly on looks and personality.
Women shouldn’t be afraid to show a glimpse of skin around the waist either; this part of the body ages very little. Probably the least flattering thing that women commonly wear are those Spandex bicycle shorts. They would be much better served by the Skort, shorts which resemble a wrap or mini-skirt. For those who are ashamed of their thighs, pants which cinch just below the knee will enhance their calves.
We guys do like fashion, but our notions of what looks good on a woman are different than women’s.