There was a sense of travel.... the explorer on horseback, who ties at a port, and sails away to an exotic land. A trip she could only dream about until now. The "globe trotter" trend in fashion was also sharing it's discoveries in jewelry, shoes, bags, belts and beads. A vicarious vacation without leaving the island!!!

 Chloe loved the freedom that fashion was offering, something for every occasion and mood. With the diverse social calendar that August had, she felt confident that she could assemble a wardrobe that would be appropriate and fashionable.

 Chloe started a list:
1.Meeting the "girls" for the Cape May Winery vineyard tour and tasting.
2. An engagement party at Peter Shields restaurant.
3. A birthday party "clam bake."
4. Several evenings at the theater catching up on all the current productions from Cape May Stage, East Lynne, and the Chalfonte Hotel.

 She would start her shopping adventure at Mermaids on the Washington Street Mall. Cowgirl boots have been tempting Chloe for quite some time and the lime and black combo offered by American West were just too much to resist. They could work with skirts and jeans. What's not to love about them, she thought to herself? Besides, she could always wear them to the rodeo at Cowtown on Tuesday nights.

 Chloe spotted a circle skirt in Mermaids that had greens, browns, and turquoise blended into a vintage print designed by Atmosphere. The design of the skirt would flow perfectly into Fall and look fabulous with the boots. A camisole in shades of green and brown, trimmed with old coins in brushed gold by Studio Spa, topped the skirt perfectly.  From Liz Claiborne, a pair of drop earrings in brushed old gold, reminiscent of a seniorita. A small canvas "pony express" shoulder bag added the final touches to the look. This outfit will be perfect for the vineyard tour and Cape May Stages' opening night production of "Around the World in Eighty Days". Chloe was thrilled, even Town and Country magazine was voting on the "cowgirl up" direction in fashion. Chloe felt right in step.

 But, it was time to take a break and change gears. Chloe walked to MagicBrain Cybercafe on Perry Street for Iced Tea. She needed to refocus. Next on the list was a dress that could be worn to an afternoon formal luncheon, celebrating the engagement of one of her girlfriends. Chloe wanted a "girly" party dress, with a hint of  preppy and a touch of retro. This would be a challenge! She would start at 39 Degrees, in Congress Hall. They carried Lilly Pulitzer.

 The moment Chloe walked thru the door at 39 Degrees she spotted the dress. A design by Molly B. It was a strapless dress made from Silk Shantung. The bodice was white and framed with a tiny ruffle, the skirt in soft rose was gently gathered and the fabric had been quilt-stitched to produce an additional texture. At the waist was a ribbon belt. Chloe knew that the right accessories would bring this dress to life. The handbag by Laura Madrigano, NY had three colorful stripes and crystal trim. It gave the pretty dress an up-town edge. This had been easier than she had hope. With those two purchases, she set off to find a shoe. Casales Shoes on Washington Mall had the perfect solution - white leather thong by Steve Madden. The
slender, wood-stacked heel was under two inches, giving it a causal but polished appearance. Perfect for a daytime event.

 To give the dress a fun retro feeling, Chloe headed to Nonesuch, a bead shop in the plaza at 315 Ocean Street. A Choker in Czech glass beads with a daisy center of Rose Quartz and a fresh water pearl was in the window. She saw a pair of crystal beads and fresh water earrings.  The shopping goddess was still with her.   The "sixties" look was the retro touch she had been aiming for and crystal beads were the solution to tying all the accessories together. The handbag, necklace and earrings all had a bit of crystal sparkle. With her purchases tucked safely in her car, Chloe walked down to George's Place on the corner of Perry and Beach. The Greek music and and fabulous salads are a virtual trip to Greece, a great stop on the globe trotting tour of fashion.

 Next stop: Clothes for the clam bake

Where was Chloe last week? Click here to find out.