Homecoming Queen

I'm back! My purse is much lighter, my suitcase 32 kilograms heavier and my soul is much refreshed. I wish I had been able to take daily photos and post lots of goodies for you in my travels, but traveling sans computer, and being far too busy living life to pose for photos every five minutes, I've saved it all up until now.

I was to take photos of my travel outfit, but of course neglected to do so until arriving at the airport, where all photography is now met with suspicion and in some cases, aggression. So no posed proof, but just like I planed, my travel outfit consisted of lots of black and stretch fabric. A handy waisted trench coat was the perfect solution to not having to change into a dress for disembarking, and a bright blue silk scarf was my shot of colour. The only problem with wearing a scarf when you travel, is that it is such a rarity these days, that people automatically assume that you must work for the airline and keep asking for assistance!

On the topic of dressing for travel, this particular ensemble made my eyes bleed and I just had to share it. Taken surreptitiously from inside my handbag, this shows Mother and Son travel ensembles of the worst possible kind.



But there is much to be said for dressing properly and well for travel. Not simply for the comfort of travel, or the ability to remove your shoes in a heart beat for the constant security screenings, but for the air of importance it lends. Dress well anywhere and you experience better service. Dress well when you travel and people assume you must be a star traveling incognito and not only will you receive better service, but you'll gather more amusing anecdotes from your travels too. On one occasion, upon arriving at my hotel in LA, I was stopped by a security guard who insisted that I must be some sort of movie star. He insisted on escorting me to my room, carrying all my luggage, and gave me a big wink when I insisted that, "really, he didn't know me. And I wasn't famous."

After three plane trips and about 26+ hours of constant travel time, I finally hit Houston, Texas. And yes, everything is bigger there. I made many interesting observations concerning Melbourne versus Texas that surprised me. But I'll leave that intellectual dissection for another post. With the invaluable assistance of my gracious host, I systematically hit up every vintage store in Houston over the next five days. And what a haul I have! In fact, there is so much to show and tell on the vintage front, that I think I'll have to break up these holiday posts over the next week and give you a gem at a time. Sneak peak at the good news: My favorite Houston vintage store, has an online shop too!

So here is a look at some of my highlights from the Houston leg of my journey.

Pumpkin display at the Wholefoods market. If you live in the US this will be nothing unusual to you, but for an Aussie who not only sees limited Halloween festivities, but only two major supermarkets; this store was remarkable!

A little kitsch, a little cool. Hanging at the 59 Diner complete with 1950's interior, juke box and root beer floats.

My gracious and super fabulous hosts!

Who could possibly pass up a chance to have the car washed by the Fly Boys? Not me I tells ya!

Houston, you rocked a lot more than I expected.