Dear B & L

Subject: Semester Abroad

Dear B & L,

I'll be leaving in a few weeks to study in Italy for three months. I've made my lists (and lists of lists!!!) and finally managed to cross off every - save one, rather important - detail: what to pack!

I've never been one for the "college sweats" look (more likely to be found in a pair of pink pumps than Reeboks!), so when looking into my closet, I'm slightly baffled as to what looks to leave behind!

I know there are some classics I can't leave home without (LBD and fav pair of pumps are a must!), but I was wondering if you had any advice to keep my suitcases from weighing in as a heavyweight champion at the bag check.

I've got to leave room to bring back shoes, right?? :)

Help!

Perplexed by Packing

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Dear Perplexed,

First off, congrats(!) on having an opportunity to study abroad!

And second, we definitely sympathize! It's so hard to "live out of a suitcase" for a weekend getaway, let alone for three months.

The weather in Italy is going to vary from September through November, with September being in the "dry" season, October the temperatures dropping, and November heavy with rain.

So, with that in mind, you're going to want to pack lots of items that enable you to mix-and-match. Think a cami that you can wear by itself with skinny jeans in early September, but then you can also pair that cami under a cardigan in October.

Have no fear! B & L have put together a quick checklist for you:

TOPS

4-5 camis

cardigans

light-weight long sleeved tshirts
short sleeved t-shirts

2-3 dressy tops for dinner and clubs

BOTTOMS

Jeans - You will want a couple pairs of dark jeans since they are versatile. You'll be able to wear them with your dressy tops for evenings or they are easily paired with short sleeved tshirts for class.
Dress Pants - for those upscale places that won't allow jeans.
1 or 2 pairs of shorts for the warmer months

DRESSES
You will want to bring a classic, simple black dress in case your school takes you to a play or you need to wear something fancier then dress pants and a dressy top.²

Also consider bringing 2 other dresses that can go from the end of the season into November. Think: Belt it!

OUTERWEAR

Fleece Jacket

Rain-appropriate Jacket

SHOES

Remember that the streets in Italy are going to be more rustic than here in the States. That in mind, think: flats and wedges. You're going to want to be able to walk, and enjoy the sites: not be hobbling down the unpaved road because you're insistent on wearing pumps. (Yea, yea "beauty is pain," don't be foolish though!) Find 3-4 pairs that will work with your wardrobe.

MISC

3-4 pieces of jewelry that you won't mind if something happens to

tote bag: use it to carry your books and then also while site-seeing

umbrella

camera with extra memory card

webcam (if you don't have an Apple laptop)

directions on how to skype your family members

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1. B has studied abroad and had some major difficulty with packing as well - and definitely packed way too much - you don't want to be in that position!

2. B brought a black dress when she went abroad and was so thankful when she realized she would have an opportunity to use it.

3. Plus, if you only take 3-4 pairs, you will give yourself room in your suitcase so that you may fill it up with goodies from your shopping trips - afterall you are in Italy! L's heart is racing at the thought of Milan...the Mecca of Fashion!

Dear B & L

We're happy to introduce a new feature to Counsel Confidential!

You've submitted your pressing fashion and life questions. Here, B & L will respond and be sure to add comments if you want to know more or have any other questions! Thanks!

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Subject: Missed Opportunity

Dear B & L,

I couldn't take a pic without looking like a creep, but I just saw a girl wearing see-through white pants on the T..but not bad enough, she was wearing floral pattern granny panties that were very visible!

That has to be one of your fashion "no no's" right?

-Concerned

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Dear Concerned,

Oh goodness, yes! That whole situation is a definite no-no!

Now, a few points of interest we need to address:

1. Depending on your office's dress code, anything sheer is likely inapprorate for the work place. A sheer blouse coupled with a coordinating cami underneath might work in some situations; but to be safe, or unless you are completely certain, shear is better left for the weekend.

2. GRANNY PANTIES?! Oh no, no, no, no, no!

Yes, we ladies seek comfort in our undergarments. They need to not only cover our unmentionables, but also be functioning. (haha, L's "old lady speak.")

Yes, a thong can get annoying, dental flossing your cheeks all day, but our fashion victim could have very well adorned her bottom with a pair of seamless hipsters, cheekies, tangas, or bikinis if she can't handle a thong. These are less intrusive than the thong, providing more coverage.

More importantly, seamless undergarments won't create any VPL (visible panty line!) and are key items for your wardrobe.

3. Not only is seamless key, but the fashion victim would have been in the "wrong" if she chose white undies underneath her white pants. (Let us not even go to the floral! Ugh!) Nude/fleshtone shades are KEY when wearing white/lighter colors. They virtually blend in, leaving the focus on your work, not on your, uhm goodies.

Another mistake ladies often make is pairing a light colored brassier underneath a black top. Of course it's usually done when a picture is taken, and the next day Fashion Victim's face, black top that now appears shear and her white boobs are shown when the photo is posted or e-mailed around!

Just follow this simple mantra when getting ready: Dark under dark, stay away from too busy prints, and nude/fleshtones under light colors!