All the excitement over the Olympics has us quite interested in Beijing. If you’re lucky enough to be going to Beijing, then you might be wondering what to wear. We’ve done some research for you. First of all, it’s going to be a little more conservative than you may be used to. You’ll want to choose pieces that are appropriate, but they can still be fashion forward. It’s summer there, and you can bet that it will be very hot. Some liken it to being in a sauna day and night. A dress is probably your best option. Make sure the dress you bring hits at the knee or just below. Bring your most comfortable sandals. Whether you’re sightseeing or going to the games, you’ll be walking a lot. During the hot daytime hours, many women carry an umbrella to shade themselves from the sweltering sun. Grab a hat and shades as well. For travel purposes, bring one bag that blends with all your outfits. A textured straw shoulder bag, like the Anya Hindmarch, is beautiful and functional. It comes with an added strap so you can secure it across your body. Jazz it up with some jewelry, and you’ll be good to go. Now, you can do Beijing in style and be comfortable at the same time. Travel apparel doesn’t always mean fanny packs, sneakers, and shorts. In fact… should it ever?

olympic items in this observation (L to R):

Tory Burch jane thong @ Jildor

Birkenstock gizeh black patent @ Jildor

Christian Louboutin ankle-wrap pump @ Bergdorf Goodman

Oh Deer! Kate @ Zappos

These days it seems like the prices of high end designer shoes have jumped. A really nice shoe used to cost $500 to $600, now that is on the low end. The sweet spot, these days, for a designer shoe is $650 to $900. We’re wondering, is a designer shoe worth the high price? For example, if we showed you two shoes that looked basically the same, and told you that one was a Christian Louboutin and the other an Oh Deer! - which one would you want? Is the quality that much better in the designer shoe? Or is it just the name? What is it about shoes that causes us to throw caution to the wind and spend an insane amount of money? Well, there’s something so lovely about putting on an expensive pair of shoes.  Slipping into a pair of $1200 Chanel pumps can make you feel like Dorothy in her magic slippers. Why is that? I think it’s because it makes you feel like you’re worth it, and special enough to wear something so well crafted. I suppose that means I’m buying into exactly what luxury brands want me to, essentially I’m part of the problem. What’s a girl to do? I think many of us out there get the meaning behind Oscar Wilde when he said: ” I have a simple taste, only the best”. Hopefully, we won’t all go broke doing it. Happy shoe hunting!