Fashion by FALIK

Jenn Falik is a style and beauty expert who has appeared on The View, the Today show, the Rachel Ray show and E! News. Each month, she shares the latest styles and beauty trends and how to incorporate them into your practice. This month, Jenn discusses how the female O.D. can give her wardrobe an instant update with the following five trends:

• Pastels: Try a pastel pant, and pair it with a black, thin knit sweater. This combination feels seasonless, and a pant in a pastel feels wearable as opposed to precious. Lilac is the pastel of choice on the runways, but mints and yellows have also made many an appearance.

• Boxy-cropped coat: The perfect alternative to a classic blazer, this is a fun way to finish off a suit. It adds an element of youthfulness while still being polished and professional. Plus, these coats can be thrown over jeans as well — very versatile.

• Ruffles: Structured as opposed to overwhelming, look for well-tailored skirts with an asymmetrical ruffle that can be paired with a simple blouse for a feminine take on classic work wear chic.

• Fringe: Adding a fringe bag or a fringe bootie into the mix is the most un-intimidating yet on-trend way to add this touch of Bohemian spirit into your look, be it at work or play.

• Embellished details: From beading to crystals on necklines and hemlines, this trend makes jewelry part of the outfit — no extra effort needed. Scoop up a 3/4-sleeve sweater with some flare down the shoulders to dress up black pants, or a knit top adorned with a sparkling neckline is another great option.

Go Bohemian.

Travel, Food & Wine

Kirk L. Smick, O.D., F.A.A.O., Morrow, Ga.

Vive La France

Traveling tips for the Loire Valley and Paris

Traveling to a foreign country can often be intimidating. My prescription for reducing some of this anxiety is to keep the trip simple. Places that accomplish this: the Loire Valley and Paris in France.

Arriving

The Charles de Gaulle Airport houses the TGV, which is the country’s fast train, and it’s an easy walk from most gates. This facilitates getting to your hotel. When I visit France, I take the TGV to Tours, France (part of the Loire Valley), which takes 50 minutes. Rental cars are available at the Tours train station, and several hotels are nearby. I am always sure to get a car that has a GPS, and I have the car attendant change the settings from French to English. Driving in Tours is made easy by clearly marked roads.

The Loire Valley

I recommend spending three nights in the Loire Valley, as this should give you enough time to see the area’s chateaus: The must-see estates: Chambord (amazing Renaissance architecture) and Chenonceau (rich with beauty and history). Following those, take your pick from Amboise (a former royal palace), Villandry (amazing gardens), Usse (from The Sleeping Beauty) and Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau (a castle). To fully appreciate each estate, I recommend seeing one in the morning and two in the afternoon. To decide on other estates, check out the Michelin Green Guide and the Eyewitness book series.

For meals, go to La Roche le Roy in Tours, Les Annees 30 in Chinon (which also has a wonderful Chateau) and L’Orangerie in Chenonceau. Finally, a visit to a local winery is a must. The Chenin blancs, Sauvignon blancs, Sancerres and Pouilly Fumes are all delicious white wines grown in the area.

Sancerre is an appellation located in the so-called Upper Loire — the eastern end of the Loire Valley. It is best known for its brisk, mineral white wines, made from the Sauvignon blanc grape, though red and rose Sancerre, made from Pinot Noir, is increasingly popular. I like this wine with oysters because of the minerality. Many different producers are imported here in the United States, so it is easy to find and price friendly.

Château de Chenonceau is rich with beauty and history.

On to Paris

Now, take the TGV back to Charles de Gaulle Airport, and hop on the metro train to downtown Paris. A free app called “Paris Metro” facilitates Paris travel. There is so much to see and do in Paris. I recommend a sight-seeing tour the first day, and go from there. After three nights in Paris, you can return home having spent a delightful week in a wonderful part of the world.