[Side note: I get a fair number of emails, and I do reply to them all. If you email me and I don’t respond, then either leave a comment on the post to annoy, I mean remind, me or just email me again. It’s not personal, but I get a lot of junk and some stuff slips through the cracks. Thanks!]

Fleeces are pretty much my favorite item of clothing. You know how some people have too many bags? Too many shoes? I have too many fleeces. I look forward every year to the day when it cools off enough to wear them. I may have even, um, turned the air down in our condo when husband was out of town so I could wear one inside. I fessed up to it when he got home, mainly because it was so amazing I just couldn’t keep it to myself. It’s the little things.

Ok, fleeces. There are different types of fleeces, but don’t worry I own and LOVE them all. But here are the three types I love the very most for travel.

Patagonia Better Sweaters

Yes, these deserve their own category. It looks like a sweater on the outside, but it is fleece on the inside. Now…the thing about this sweater is you’re going to see them ’round town now as a fashion item. But they are so.much.more. I’ve taken my Better Sweater skiing in Wyoming, gorilla trekking in Uganda, and to a conference in Vienna in the middle of winter.  It’s perfect for a cold plane ride (seriously, what is with air conditioning on planes–I had ice crystals falling on me yesterday), it wicks sweat when you are hiking or skiing, and it also works with an oxford for a dinner out with jeans and boots.

You can find a Better Sweater at Nordstrom or Patagonia. They often have sales, so keep an eye out for a good deal (see my list here for where to find a steal)! As for colors, there are so many pretty ones – but I’d suggest going with a neutral so it is easy to mix and match. There are hooded and fullzip versions too, as well as full coats. I find the half-zip most functional most of the time, though the fullzip is a great option. Better yet, they also have a tech version if you are really just going to use it for climbing, skiing, or other outdoor endeavors. This version is definitely a bit tougher, though Patagonia is great for standing behind all their products.

Sherpa Fleeces

So, Sherpa fleeces tend to be a bit more fashion and a little less function. And I avoid Sherpa fleeces if there is any chance–small or large–that they may be exposed to snow. Because, well, Sherpa fleeces are like (for lack of a better term) fur or hair, and if you’ve ever seen snow clump on dog’s legs (or horses) during a snow storm, the same thing happens when you wear Sherpa fleece in the snow. And having snowballs hanging from you is not fun.

But Sherpa fleeces are both fun to wear and great insulation. Many can work as a standalone layer or under a shell. Some Sherpa fleece-types wear better than others–you don’t want to end of looking like a dog that hasn’t been brushed. Though, I love some of my fleeces too much to care. And there are ways to “re-fluff” your fleece (hand washing with a bit of baking soda, for instance, often works). And, when I’m in a grumpy mood or away from my beloved dog, a Sherpa fleece just cheers me up. My favorites are below, from another Patagonia (the Los Gatos, also comes in a pullover and a vest), as well as the most wonderful Wubby from Nordstrom and some other great options from retailers I love (like Backcountry). I asked for the North Face for Christmas, in fact!

Performance Fleece

For those of you who hike, run, bike, ski, or love outdoor activities like me, performance fleece is a great option. Definitely more function than fashion, performance fleece is fantastic at keeping you warm when you need to be and making sure you don’t overheat, too. Nothing worse than drenched in sweat and freezing. Now, I know a lot of wool fans will be asking–why not merino? Yep, merino is a great option for some people. For me, no matter what the merino–whether $30 or $300, I find it so itchy that I can’t wait to get it off after about five minutes. It’s the worst…so I turn to fleece and fleece only when I’m active outside.

Here are some great options–I tend to go for half zips, since they layer well and don’t have a hood which I find often gets in my way or is just never used. These fleeces are great as a single layer, over a tank or thin longsleeve, or under a ski parka or waterproof shell. They keep you warm and all are good at sweat-wicking. Also a huge, huge fan of Lululemon Rulu tops for winter activities, particularly cold weather running. While I love Patagonia underlayers, I also find them to be less fitted than Athleta, Outdoor Research, and other brands, so take that into consideration when shopping. That OR tech fleece I haven’t tried, but it looks amazing…

Happy Fleece Season!!

Since fall is now here, and I have multiple trips coming up in the next few months (Panama, Atlanta, Florida, and lastly Copenhagen!), let’s talk about a closet staple, and one that should almost always be in your carry on.

Blazers. The real reason I like blazers is because I can usually get by with jeans/ponte pants and a blazer for pretty much any occasion. Including work. A blazer helps to cover up otherwise comfy clothing, making you looked more pulled together and maybe less tired than you actually are. Isn’t that something we all need? No? Just me? Whatever. This Ironman training is getting to me.

I’ve acquired my fair share of blazers over the years, and I’ve found a few that I just love to travel with.

For the men out there…my husband has 2 Lululemon Non-Stop Blazers (purchased by moi, on sale, for nearly 70% off), that are perfect for travel. They are lightweight, slightly water resistant (but don’t look it), dry quickly, don’t wrinkle horribly, have buttons and a concealed zipper, and are pretty much the coolest thing ever. Hey Lululemon, why not make those for women?! We’d dig them. (You can stalk them on Poshmark or Mercari…no longer in stock, sadly.)

Let’s list the reasons why blazers are great for travel:
1. Not sure of the dress code on a work trip? A blazer can easily be used to dress up or down your outfit, or be thrown on for an impromptu meeting you didn’t know you had.
2. Blazers are perfect for a night out over a dress. Don’t look at me, I never wear that Patagonia fleece when I’m dressed up. Never. Have I told you my favorite season? Fleece season. Fleece…..
3. A blazer quickly pulls an otherwise boring outfit together…white shirt and jeans? Blazer. Shorts and a chambray button up? Blazer. Sheath dress? Blazer. Skirt and tank top? Blazer. You get the point here.

Despite the utility of blazers, they are persnickety little things. Some require so much care…they wrinkle. They don’t hold their shape. They require dry cleaning. These are not the blazers you want to throw in your suitcase for travel.

But I’ve found three blazers that I just adore and would love to replicate, so I’ve tried to find similar versions for you. These blazers are the best. Two of them are machine washable. What?! They look high-quality. They are durable and do not require special care like a live chinchilla. They are multi-functional. They do not break the bank.

The best all-around blazer: This Olivia Moon blazer is not only reasonably priced (and on sale!) it is also a great blazer when you aren’t quite sure what your trip will bring. It’s easy to throw on over almost any outfit, the knit fabric packs well, and it does not require a trip to the dry cleaner!! How exciting is that?! I particularly like this blazer because it is structured enough to look like a suiting blazer, particularly in the darker colors, but with the sleeves rolled up, can easily be thrown over jeans, shorts, or whatever you have on for an evening layer. It is also light and easy to pack. Find it here.  If you are looking for something a bit more “polished” looking, I also have a machine washable TravelSmith blazer (newest similar style here) that is a bit more formal, but is just as multifunctional. Size down at TravelSmith, but its held up so well for quite a few years now.

The best work-trip blazer: I’m a huge fan of J.Crew blazers for the price point, and for their size ranges (petite and tall). As someone with a long torso, the J.Crew tall sizes are fantastic for blazers so you don’t have that awkward gap when you lean over between your pants/skirt and your blazer hem. I have quite a few J.Crew blazers and all have held up really well to lots of wear. They do have to be dry cleaned. For work, my favorite fit remains the Campbell Blazer, though the Regent is a close second. The Campbell is classic, never goes out of style, and works well with pretty much any business or business casual clothes. The Italian wool here is great for all 4 seasons, too. I also have a cotton version that works well most of the year, though I think the Italian wool looks a bit more polished.

The best vacation blazer: Ah, I love a fun, printed blazer! These Lilly Pulitzer blazers (here) just hit the mark for a vacation (and sometimes are available in great solids like white and blue, too). The print is fun, and perfect to throw over a dress or skirt for dinner. They call it the “Mindy Shawl Cardigan”, but with pockets and a collar, I’ll call it a blazer. It’s machine washable as well, which is awesome! It’s also a great weight for packing and for tropical locations. I know printed blazers can be a bit limiting, so be sure to choose a print you absolutely love or a solid color that is easier to mix and match. I love this one too, with a bit more structure.

Because my search for blazers is never complete, I also included a few blazers I’ve had my eye on, but haven’t purchased. If you have these, I’d love to know what you think…

• Athleta blazer very much like the Lululemon Men’s blazers I talked about (here)
• I love Ponte blazers so much (usually no wrinkles and super comfortable to wear), and don’t usually look at Talbot’s, but these look fantastic! (here)

Happy packing!

I initially was going to do a post on what you should wear to a conference, but there are lots of blogger posts on that. Instead, I’m going to do a post on what you shouldn’t wear. And I saw nearly all these items in the first hour I was at the conference in Chicago, and the day just got more interesting from there.  I work in a field with lots of doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, as well as hippie humanitarians. So there isn’t a single style or dress code. You don’t have to wear a suit, personal style is appreciated, and you can get away with classy jeans and an appropriate shirt (both men and women) if that’s what floats your boat. It really shouldn’t be that hard, though it apparently is…

Sky High Heels

I know you think you look great in those heels, and you do. But not when you are walking barefoot by noon or toddling in obvious agony when giving your presentation. If you have to wear heels, either 1) be sure you can walk in them all day…particularly to meeting rooms nearly a mile away, 2) carry them until your presentation and slip them on, or 3) carry flats to change in to when your feet get sore. Walking barefoot at a public health conference makes you look like an idiot, and let’s face it, is disgusting.

Spandex Body Hugging Dresses

Sure, you may get some attention. But do you really want to be known as the girl that wore that dress? You don’t. I know some of you are still in your early 20’s with great legs, but it is not appropriate for a work conference, especially one where you have to sit. Buy a dress (it can even be tight), so you can sit down without squirming and climb the stairs into the bus shuttles without flashing everyone. Otherwise, you draw exactly the kind of attention you don’t want. And, yes, that is a true story.  She was looking for a job, too.

Men’s Sandals

Okay, so maybe this is a personal taste thing, but do you really need to bring your old, ratty sandals with open toes to a professional conference? If you have foot issues, even sneakers would be better.  Your fungus nails (untrimmed, I may add) are distracting and just kind of gross. Additionally, it is November. In Chicago. Don’t you think you are gambling just a bit with the weather? For what it’s worth, this person was a faculty member from a stateside university, so I’m not being culturally insensitive.

Workout Clothes

I get it, it’s a public health conference where we are all worried about public health. But men–and women–workout clothes should be saved for working out (or at least walking outside of the hotel). Strolling in to a talk in yoga pants or gym shorts is just weird. Am I alone here? I love my yoga pants, and trust me, I totally think it’s ok to wear them in the airport. But to a work conference? Ehhhhhh.

Anything Showing a Midriff

Does this require further explanation? Really? Men–buy shirts that cover that belly (and probably tuck in). Women–showing a midriff/your belly button ring really, really, doesn’t do you any favors. I think some women wear it as a “because I can and people shouldn’t judge” kind of thing, but I maintain, if it’s not a beach (or if you aren’t running somewhere humid when it’s above 90 degrees), there really isn’t any reason for it. At all. Call me conservative…

What have you seen people wear to work or at work conferences?

In fact, pretty much the only useful thing I could find (beyond pictures of girls in heels in the ruins…the last time I wore heels was May, and that was for a wedding, so, well, NO), was this post from Travel Fashion Girl. Those general recommendations are on point, and I thought it would be helpful to show some of the things I wore, given the time of year that we went (early August).

Don’t Wear Hiking Boots

If you are NOT trekking, hiking boots are heavy, cumbersome, and seriously not necessary. Machu Picchu is mostly stairs and fine gravel paths. There is no strenuous hiking involved if you are just going to the ruins. Flip flops would have been fine (I’m young, fit, and consider flip flops pretty much the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, so take that into consideration). As long as it didn’t rain–the stone does get a touch slippery. I was glad to have light trail running shoes for the hike to the Sun Gate.

Even If It’s Chilly in Cusco, Machu Picchu Gets Warm Quickly

Machu Picchu is a good 4,000 feet lower than Cusco, and even if it’s brisk in the morning, down is truly overkill in August. The coldest place–seriously–was the dining room in the restaurant in the evening. When the sun comes up, it gets warm, and it gets warm fast. Light, sun protective layers are great, but don’t expect to be cold. I wore my Patagonia Better Sweater for probably 40 minutes the morning we got up early to see the sun rise.

I Own Four Better Sweaters Because They ROCK

Sun, Sun, Sun

Beware of the sun–either wear UPF items or lots of sunscreen. The first afternoon we were there, I lathered up my arms and through a SPF shirt around my shoulders for extra protection. For the morning we were out until about 11am, I wore a UPF shirt (seen under my Better Sweater above, from Lululemon) so I didn’t have to worry about it. The altitude + the exposure means that there is a lot of sun, powerful rays, and lobster-esque visitors.

Sunglasses + Hat + SPF

Bugs + Bugs = More Bugs

I’m usually like the biggest bug attractor ever, yet I didn’t have issues in Peru. Granted, though, I didn’t give the pesky things much of a chance: long pants, bug spray with deet, and often a long-sleeved shirt. However, given the lovely welted legs we observed at Machu Picchu, and the myriad of forum posts on how bad the bugs are at Machu Picchu, I’d error on the side of caution. Bug gear may be in order, depending on the time of year you visit, and always wear long pants that they can’t really bite through.

Athleisure Items Are Fantastic

As much as that word sort of makes me want to vomit (can’t wait till THAT one goes in the Oxford English Dictionary), they are really awesome for Machu Picchu. I wore a pair of Anatomie travel pants (yup, I have multiple pairs due to an amazing giveaway win), and a cute longsleeve with a tank top every day (usually Lululemon or Athleta). Mixed and matched appropriately, many of these items can be dressed up (lose the hat, switch out the UPF top for an oxford over a tank, and gain a scarf or long necklace), and were perfect for Machu Picchu and Peru more generally.

My Fave Pair of Anatomie Skyler Pants

All photos again courtsey of my mom, who likes to take photos of me when I don’t notice because I’m a total grump about people taking photos of me.

When you don’t check a bag, having the perfect carry-on (personal item, in airline speak) is worth SO much. For me, my “big” bag is either my Patagonia Blackhole (I have 2 sizes now, which is super awesome as I always have one of the right size) or my Tumi Vapor.  Then my “small” bag–known for usually being heavier than the big bag–is either my Lo & Sons, Tumi handbag, or Dagne Dover tote.

My carry-on personal item has to fit all my toiletries (liquids and dopp-like kit), ipad, kindle, wallet/cards, usually my DSLR, a few magazines to dump along the way, and a few other critical items like iphone charger, bandaids, copies of tickets, etc. Sometimes a laptop is thrown in the mix (and it’s not small), though I never have my DSLR and a laptop that need to fit in (DSLR=fun! laptop=work).

I really like each of them, but they are very different and I find they each fit specific types of trips quite well. FWIW, all of these were purchased with my own money: the perk of being a small, unknown travel blogger. They actually all fit just about the same amount of stuff.

The Adventure Trip

For a safari in Kenya or heading to Bhutan, the Tumi tote is by far my favorite choice. They don’t make the one I own anymore, but the Q-Tote is relatively similar, though a bit more structured. Mine has full nylon fabric that is almost as collapsible as a Longchamp (for the record, I own a Longchamp tote as well and love it dearly except for it’s lack of internal pockets. If you can deal with that, it’s a great substitute for the Tumi tote…though everyone and their dog has one, including my dog).

Reasons I love it:

• Relaxed and understated look.
• No flashy hardware if drawing attention is a concern.
• Perfect day bag size, easily fitting everything you need.
• Works as a overnight bag in a crunch (cough…when we had to leave luggage for the train to Machu Picchu).
• Easy to carry no matter how full or how empty.

Biggest advantage over other bags:

• Easy to squeeze into another bag for packing if you need to consolidate (no way you could do this for either the Dagne or Lo&Sons).

No, my dog really doesn’t have a Longchamp. Don’t worry. She would just make me carry it for her anyway.

The Beach Trip

If I’m heading to the beach, the Dagne Dover is always my first choice. I have The Tote, though if you pack a bit lighter the Mini Tote may work for you as well. I have the Dagne Blue, and though sometimes I wish the color was a bit more subdued because I love to be matchy matchy all the time, it’s a really beautiful color.

Reasons I love it:

• Canvas is incredibly durable and fantastic at repelling spills and crap/dirt/mud on the ground.
• Brushed gold hardware adds a nice touch, and makes it look really classy.
• Has a waterbottle holder inside!
• Mostly waterproof, besides the gaps at the top (on either side of the zipper).
• Leather handles are really comfortable.

Biggest advantage over other bags:

• Throw a towel in it, and call it a beach bag! It has plenty of pockets, plus the waterbottle holder, which–for the record–is made of a material that absorbs condensation really well while not letting your other items get wet. And sand doesn’t stick to this puppy, at all.

I use this daily to and from work too, so it’s truly a multipurpose bag.

The Work Trip

The Lo&Sons is my choice for work trips. I have the O.M.G, which is plenty big (even my large laptop slides in). While all of these bags have a lot of pockets, the Lo&Sons is truly designed as a carry-on. I have the navy with silver hardware, though it was a hard choice between that and the olive. No, no, no, I’m not going to buy another! Though the new “Heather” color is gorgeous. You know, my name is Heather, the bag’s name is Heather…

Reasons I love it:

• Has tons of outside pockets (even one with a zippered internal pocket) perfect for easy access to cell phones and credit cards.
• Has a shoe slot, which is key if I ever have to wear heels, because heels kill me and I always carry flats.
• Both cross-body shoulder strap and handle options (and the handles do fit over your shoulder), love being able to change my mind about how I carry the bag.
• Pretttyyyyy and suitable whether you are wearing skinny jeans and boots or a suit.

Biggest advantage over other bags:

• Has zipper slots so it slides over the handles of my Tumi Vapor. You know, so I’m not one of those people that has their crap fall all over when their personal item topples off their carry-on. Not only are airport floors (and airport bathrooms) germy places, no one likes to have to pick up all their stuff off the floor in a hurry.

Do I need all these bags? Of course not. Is it nice to have them? Of course. If you have to choose one, it really depends on your travel style (glamping? business? relaxing?), size requirements, as well as personal preference. I will definitely say that all have held up well to use and some abuse (like shoving forcefully under the seat in front of you so the flight attendant doesn’t make you put it in the overhead), and all double as great weekend bags or to haul stuff to/from work.

I still maintain one cannot have too many bags (it’s hereditary, I think). Or if one thinks one has too many bags, one just must go on more trips.

Packing for Bhutan is tough. I also found it really hard to find packing advice I could relate to: the “hiking boots and convertible pants for every occasion” is not really for me. Yes, I have tech gear. No, I don’t enjoy looking like I’m about to go hike when I sit down at dinner. Yes, I know that is petty. And I’m not particularly sorry I’m not sorry–I still like to look nice (and be comfortable, who am I kidding), even if I am in one of the most remote countries on earth.

And we don’t check luggage, so while I don’t have to be 100% right about what I want to wear, I have to be at least 75% in order to have enough clothes/plan for laundry.

So here goes my answers to their great questions:

1. Did you need the Patagonia Better Sweater?

Yes and no. I wore it on the plane both directions, and also the night I got sick. For everyday wear, I didn’t touch it. If you are traveling July-September, I think you could get away without it. Beyond those months, I’d take it, just in case. I’d also take it if you are venturing to higher altitudes for an extended period or to the northern part of the country.

2. How do you dress appropriately for temples/culture when it is so hot outside for hiking?

This is a tough one. My preferred solution, usually, was to put on a cool, wicking UPF shirt, hoody, or cardigan over a tank top. This meant I was protected from the sun (which is quite strong at high altitudes), but also meant I was sufficiently covered for temples and general walking. While I think I could have gotten away with wearing a tank top while hiking to temples, I don’t think it would have been overly appropriate and I definitely would have been self-conscious in the countryside. If you prefer to hike in a t-shirt/tech shirt and throw a long-sleeve shirt on when you reach a temple, that is fine as well. I just wanted to carry less and not have to re-apply sunscreen when I was already drenched in sweat.

Ex Officio Sun Hoody

Here are some good options for UPF (SPF for clothing) clothes, depending on your style. I always opt for white or a light color so it matches pretty much anything and doesn’t attract sun/heat.

• Ex Officio Zip Hoody
• Coolibar Cardigan
• Lululemon Half Zip (on sale!)
• Patagonia Sunshade Hoody
• Mott 50 Swing Top (tons of stylish UPF options)
• Patagonia Long Sleeve (love the blue gingham)

3. Do temperatures vary a lot during the day? I.e. is dressing in layers always needed?

As with many high altitude locations, yes. When the sun comes out, it can get hot and steamy quite quickly. When the sun goes down, well, the heat goes away. However, this happens very, very quickly. So often by the time that you drive somewhere, it’s warm enough to peel off any heavier layer you had on. Typically this was my rain coat and scarf–which isn’t that heavy to begin with. I also always had a tank on underneath a sun shirt so I could wear that on the car ride home or at the hotel if I really overheated. Now this applies for the summer months–for all the other seasons, I’d plan on a heavier layer as I said before.

4. Pants are always hot…are there alternatives to zip on and zip offs (i.e., hiker pants) for hiking then visiting temples?

Sigh. I’m in the camp that refuses to wear zip-offs. Sorry ya’ll. What I have found, though, is pants that snap up so you can at least have breeze around your ankles (you may need to put them down for temples, still).  Your other option is to wear shorts (length appropriate, obviously) and then carry a lightweight pair of pants that easily slip on and off over your shoes.  I still just wear lightweight pants much of the time. I did not think running tights or super tight yoga pants were appropriate in Bhutan. Here are some options:

• Slip over: Mott 50 Beach Pant
• Slip over & cinch up: Lululemon Studio Pant
• Lightweight: Patagonia Away from Home Pant
• Lightweight, cinch & slip!: Athleta La Viva (have these, love these)
• Lightweight & slip: Athleta Midtown Trouser
• Lightweight: Anatomie Paola Pants (love these too but they are $$$$$)

 Stylishly (haha) Rolled Up Pants…Before I Fell in an Irrigation Ditch and Covered My Leg in Mud

Just as a side note: I have clothes from Lululemon, Athleta, Patagonia, and Anatomie (nope, I’m not paid to advertise either). I’ve been dying to try Mott 50, so if you give them a shot, I’d love to know what you think! I love the liberal return policy of Athleta and Patagonia’s absolute guarantee of their products for life. Both are really important to me, and I’ve had great experiences with both companies. Anatomie pants have held up well, and I love my Lululemon, even when it’s not practical…and certainly not cheap.

5. What item of clothing was most useful?

This question was way harder than I was expecting. I definitely think simple tank tops with built in bras in neutral colors were the most useful. I could hike in them (with the aforementioned UPF sunshirt over) or wear them to dinner with a scarf, cardigan, and maxi skirt or pants. Plus, super useful for Thailand for the same reasons–easy to layer, easily dressed up, avoids having to pack bras + shirts, can be washed in a sink, etc. I’ve even slept in mine. I know they don’t work for everyone but if they do, I think they are a great choice. Athleta, Lululemon, Patagonia all have great options depending on your size/style preferences.

As for accessories, a scarf! Definitely one that is big enough to be warm, pretty enough to add something to fun to any outfit, and durable enough to not pull on zippers or velcro.

6. How technical does clothing need to be? Does everything have to be breathable/wicking/tech-like?

What you wear during the day–if you are going to moving/hiking–should probably be wicking/breathable. But not everything has to be “tech”: I think some of the links above are some good more fashionable options that also will keep you relatively cool and comfortable. Now, I’m never a huge proponent of traveling with sweatshirts, multiple pairs of jeans, or lots of cotton–while clothes don’t need to be techie, I do think packed items should be packable, non-wrinkling, and easy to wash/dry. I love technical fabrics in less technical styles.

7. Are nicer hotels places where you dress “up” for dinner?

No, generally not. I don’t even remember seeing skirts or dresses at all. Most people just had comfortable pants and and a classic or fashionable shirt.  I took a maxi skirt (Athleta has some good sale options!), which was really useful, and two scarfs, so I always had something just a little bit ‘dressier. I also remember wearing some tights with a long tunic, too. From my impressions, Bhutan is not somewhere “resort” wear is appropriate: heels are silly, skimpy dresses are out of place, and looking neat, relaxed, and comfortable is the way to go. I generally wore my Ipanema sandals, that aren’t ‘dressy’ but aren’t Tevas or sneakers either. They were comfortable and easy to slip on.

Bhutan is absolutely incredible and a wonderful experience. Enjoy!!

I think we had sort of viewed Artisans D’Angkor in our guide books as an “eh” destination.  As in it might be interesting, but it could feel too touristy or artificial.  I have to say, we had such a wonderful time! They do such a fantastic job showing the process of making silk fabrics.

Artisans D’Angkor is a pretty large organization, but I think they do a legitimate job trying to achieve their mission: to preserve traditional Khmer skills, and to improve the future of the Cambodian people.  Artisans D’Angkor trains young people with limited or no education, as apprentices, to then work in their workshops or find employment elsewhere.  They also offer opportunities to those with disabilities.

Artisans d’Angkor was an off-shoot, from my understanding, of a development program started by the EU to improve job opportunities for the next generation of Khmer in the early 1990’s. According to their website, Artisans d’Angkor now provides jobs for 1300 people.  They have 41 workshops doing different types of Khmer crafts.

But on to the awesomeness that is Artisans d’Angkor, in particular, their silk farm. Here goes my non-scientific and probably not completely correct recollection. It all starts with these little silk worms (Bombyx mori, to be exact). These little fellas are raised in captivity (hence the “farm”), where they are given all the food they could possibly desire. Eventually they make cocoons (the yellow fuzzy things). These cocoons are then boiled, which creates sort of a sticky fibrous mess. This allows the fibers to be captured and spun.  It is here they separate the silk into different grades (fine silk and the rougher silk). The silk is then spun into bundles and reels, so it is easy to dye without tangling.  After dyeing, the silk goes to the weavers who craft their works.

It was absolutely incredible to see the amount of work that went into one silk scarf.  I may sound like a clueless blonde, but I had no idea–really–how intensive the process is for making silk products.  It was amazing to watch the artisans, who worked so quickly that sometimes it was hard to figure out what their hands were doing.

Not to mention the store at Artisans d’Angkor! Oh, the colors. Oh, the patterns. I spent what seemed like hours looking around.  Their prices are high, but their silk is to die for. I totally wish I had sprung for a beautiful dress in addition to the awesome pillow-covers I purchased. Just a reason to go back! Plus, sometimes they have products from their artisans in training that are almost perfect, and hugely discounted.

Artisans d’Angkor uses 100% silk from the farmed worms and each piece is woven by hand. There is lots of “silk” in Cambodia, but do some research if you want to buy high quality items, as many are blended or use imported silk which may be of a different quality. I don’t know if it exists–but we didn’t see any high quality, 100% silk, that was hand woven that was inexpensive. Not to see that the other stuff isn’t beautiful, just buyer beware so you get what you are interested in.

We definitely thought Artisans d’Angkor was a worthy stop in Siem Reap for a few hours!

Have you visited a silk farm or Artisans d’Angkor? I’d love to hear about your experiences or their other workshops.

Over the last few years, in my attempt to protect myself from the sun, I’ve acquired a few items of clothing I adore.  They keep me shaded without making me uncomfortably hot. They protect me from UV rays. Dare I say it, they are mostly fashionable too.  Win-win-win.

Without further adieu, here are my favorite five pieces of sun-protective clothing, fully tested in wonderfully sunny places and hot climates, where without copious amounts of sunscreen or gear, you’ll probably end up looking like a lobster.

 

This is from J.Crew because it was like $20 on sale, but Patagonia, Athleta, and a myriad of other companies make these now.  Get one. When you are snorkeling, the last thing you want to do is worry that your back is burning. I hate putting sunscreen on before swimming in the ocean as it just seems to wash off or smear everywhere, so I don’t bother when I wear one of these puppies. There are so many cool colors and patterns to choose from, including ones that match bathing suits.  Yup, they make men’s versions, too. This one is rated UPF-50 (similar still available here).  Field tested: Belize.

 

5. The Collared UPF Shirt 
This shirt is great when you are in need of something a bit crisper or more classic than a hoody, but still want it to be light and provide UPF protection. I have a (typically purple) shirt from Mountain Hardware, that weighs next to nothing. They still make a similar style here, which is UPF-30. Tons of other companies, including Patagonia and Ex Officio, make these as well.  I prefer the arms buttoned up, because it’s a bit more stylish, but remember to SPF where you are uncovered!  Bonus: mosquitoes have a hard time biting through this. Field tested: Egypt.

Shopping Tips: Yup, I have a lot of clothes, but I buy most things on sale.  I check sites like Sierra Trading Post, Amazon, Backcountry, and Moosejaw to find the best price on an item.  And I try to keep an eye out for things I want in advance, so I don’t end up being forced to purchase something at full price because I need it next week. I also try to wait for bi-annual sales at places like Athleta and Patagonia; J.Crew seems to offer frequent discounts, particularly when they are trying to offload summer items like rashguards. Good items should last at least a few years!  Try to choose colors and styles that you won’t tire of.  While some of these items are a bit pricey, like the collared UPF shirt (currently listed at $65), I got mine for close to $30, and it’s so much better (and healthier) than being sun-burnt.

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