Matching Separates

Images by Trevor Axt Photography / @trevoraxtphotography 

Images by Trevor Axt Photography / @trevoraxtphotography 

Banana Republic Top / Banana Republic Skirt / Green Flash Ray Bans / Louboutins / Clutch (old similar here and here) 

It's okay to be matchy matchy. At least it is when you have a great set of matching separates. I really love this trend when it's presented in a floral midi skirt with a matching boxy floral top, but I just couldn't pass up this Italian knit version from Banana Republic. It hugs in all the right places and just barely shows a slit of skin between the two pieces. In fact, when you're standing still, it can even look like you're wearing a dress. Does that mean I would wear it to the office? Not in a million years, but perhaps your office is less conservative than mine. Still, probably safe to keep this one for the weekends.

The Best Blanket Coats to Carry You Into Sping

Have you heard the news? It's now fashionable to wear blankets as clothing (try to refrain from breaking into a happy dance).

When I wrote this, I was sitting in an exit row at 28,000 feet wrapped snugly in my new blanket coat from Zara. What could be better than wearing a blanket and still looking presentable? Not to mention, if you're getting on a plane, the length and bulk of them do a great job hiding that airplane bloat when you land. I knew we were planning on taking pictures for this outfit post once we arrived in Portland and I was definitely concerned about that bloat.

Here's a roundup of some of the best blanket coat, scarf and cape options out there. I've included a selection of bargains alongside some beautiful, though more expensive pieces. 

And as for that airplane bloat? See below for some ideas I found on how to avoid it on your next trip.

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5 Ways to Avoid Airplane Bloat

1. Stay hydrated - yes it's important to drink enough water, but even better? Get your water from high-water content foods like cucumbers and watermelon.

2. Get up and move - make sure you get up and move as often as you can, but at least once an hour.

3. Watch your sodium - avoid super salty foods the day before and the day of your flight. For so, so many reasons, just say no to airport to sushi - and probably those in-flight nuts as well.

4. Caffeine - this can be dehydrating so if you can, keep it to a minimum on travel days. I'm sorry to say this is one tip I can't incorporate into my routine. I live for coffee so I just have to double my efforts in other areas.

5. Avoid gas -inducing foods - we're talking broccoli and beans, cauliflower and cabbage and anything else you have already found to contribute to bloating - it's only going to get worse at 28,000 feet.

Pleather For The Win

Pleather used to be a dirty word in my fashion vocabulary. Aside from the pretty unbeatable lime green vintage pleather couch that graced my college apartment, fake leather had no place in my home.

Today, it's a different story. There are so many great "vegan" leather options that won't break the bank. This skirt is just one of them. It's the perfect length, has pockets and is currently 33% off at Nordstrom, which means you can get the look of leather for only $56.28.

If leather is your thing, check out this crossbody bag by Rebecca Minkoff. The floral pumps from Banana Republic are no longer available, but there are lots of options out there at different price points including these, these and these.