Even though it is a rainy and chilly day in San Jose, the calendar reminds me that it is time to start making summer plans.  We already have summer camps lined up, I have a trip to the eWomen Network conference in Dallas and a fun family trip to San Diego. 

The next part of the equation is what to take and what to pack it in.  Over the next couple of weeks, eBags is going to make it a little easier on your wallet with some great deals on extraordinary luggage. Click here for 10% off of eBags already great prices and free shipping for purchases over $50. 

Looking for packing tips?  Check out these vintage classics blog posts from GlamourByLBD. 

Click here to read Packing Tips That Will Help Keep Your Clothes Looking Great No Matter What Kind of Luggage You Have

Travel Tips to Get You Through a Hot Summer of Air Travel

Get ready because summer will be here before you know it!

Right now at Nordstrom, purchase a pair of shoes and the shipping on your entire order is fah-ree.  Love that little word… 

Want a new pair of jeans?  Free shipping with shoe purchase.

A dress?  A handbag?  How about some makeup?  Same thing. 

So just click on the great graphic or this link right here.  Pick the shoes and the rest ships free. 

Slingbacks are a timeless hit every spring and this year is no exception. The rub (and I mean literally) is keeping that annoying little strap on the heel. Especially if you have narrow heels. The solution is flexible clear tape. This product is actually a consumer version of surgical tape so it is strong, flexible, breathable and completely transparent.

I always start by putting a strip on my foot across my heel. That prevents those ugly blisters from the strap rubbing across my heel. Then I put the shoe on and use strips of the tape wherever they are needed to hold the strap in place. I keep the tape in my handbag in case one of

the strips pops loose but for the most part, I just forget about them and walk around comfortably for hours.

Slingbacks are a timeless hit every spring and this year is no exception. The rub (and I mean literally) is keeping that annoying little strap on the heel. Especially if you have narrow heels. The solution is flexible clear tape. This product is actually a consumer version of surgical tape so it is strong, flexible, breathable and completely transparent.

I always start by putting a strip on my foot across my heel. That prevents those ugly blisters from the strap rubbing across my heel. Then I put the shoe on and use strips of the tape wherever they are needed to hold the strap in place. I keep the tape in my handbag in case one of the strips pops loose but for the most part, I just forget about them and walk around comfortably for hours.

It was a good night for the Oscars.

Kathryn Bigelow was looking fabulous and didn’t play small as the first woman to take the Best Director Oscar.  Her movie, The Hurt Locker went home with six awards.

Sandra Bullock had to win. The dress was fabulous and she wore it well. There was some controversty over the color of her lipstick: I thought it was beautiful and dramatic.

Generally, I love the glamour and the architecture of the dresses on the Red Carpet.  I loved that the women from Precious were there dressed exquisitely  in the body they have and celebrated who they are.  There was an important message there and I hope it was received.  There were beautiful trains, miles of fabric, beautiful colors, calculated risks with prints that worked. I loved Tina Fey’s LBD–simple, elegant and the essence of Tina.  I thought Kate Winslett and Meryl Streep both looked beautiful in an understated way that speaks to their presence. As always, I loved Demi Moore’s Versace dress and Penelope Cruz looked stunning in burgundy by Donna Karan.

There were a few I didn’t like.  SJP looked like Barbra Streisand.  Peace Out and try again…  Charlize Theron brought in that lingerie as streetwear theme into her dress.  Yes, I know…but I don’t have to like it!  Zoe Saldana’s dress was beautiful on top but the bottom looked like a cross between Barney and Big Bird to emulate Carmen Miranda.  Carey Mulligan from An Education looked like the attempt was Goth but it conveyed as Kitschy Craft project. 

It will be fun to see the influence on the Main Street party goer.