If you're reading this, I have a feeling that you have probably clicked on several other '10 Things to Take with You on Vacation'.  There are lists everywhere and it's not that they're bad, it's just that they kinda assume the only thing you're going to do is lay on the beach all day.  If that's true, I approve, more power to you and have fun.  But most people have a couple of other things in mind.

Take an objective look at yourself.  Are you a fashion girl or more sporty?  Do you plan on wearing the same amount of makeup that you normally do?  Excited about wearing nothing but flip flops or does the idea of having zero heels in your luggage make you cringe?

To have an enjoyable vacation (or move!) you really need to think about what you want to DO. Are you happy with low key quality time with friends or your significant other or are you looking to turn heads and fill your Instagram feed with tropically inspired outfits?

Regardless, the climate plays an (obvious) role.  It's not cold.  Even in winter when the temperature "drops" it's not cold.  It rains occasionally but it's more of a mist that makes you feel a little silly for bringing along an umbrella.  The only downpours are usually accompanied by a hurricane watch but don't worry, it doesn't happen often.  As a whole this is the land of gorgeous weather you're bound to love.

To make things simple, let's start with the things every girl should bring, regardless of your agenda:

• bikinis.  As many as you want.
• cover-up(s)
• cutoff denim shorts
• a couple of cute tanks
• romper
• easy sundress
• flip-flops.  You'll hear people call them slippers here.
• Your favorite beach accessories - shades, hat, beach bag, etc.

The city is like none other - perfect for a little laid back lounging and relaxing with friends.

With beaches literally everywhere you look, you'll want to make sure you bring a lot of swimsuits and cover-ups.

Over time things change.  In life, in love, in fashion - as the days pass on everything is different even when it seems the same.  So in the interest of not becoming some boring, stagnant column, this blog is getting a face lift (literally - did you see the new cover photo??).

Why?  Well, it's been my personal experience that people are, generally speaking, quite complicated.  A myriad of interests that don't always exactly seem to go together.  And sometimes that makes people look at others funny.   But who says you have to focus on just one thing?  Why can'y you embrace all of those interesting facets that makes you, well, you?  So maybe I'm about to shoot myself in the foot and ruin my following (do I still have a following?) or maybe this will appeal to an even larger audience.  The only thing I know is that I don't ever want to be boring and I'm afraid that's where I am at the moment.  So if I have to indulge my love of absurdly expensive shoes and whatever walks the runway at NY Fashion Week as well as my obsession with kayaking, rock climbing and anything I can compete in.

Seriously, for me, having a blog that only talks about fashion is kinda like being at a party and only participating in the conversations about what everyone is wearing.  That's boring.  I hate being limited.  I want to talk about everything.  So hey, why not join me, it will be adventure for everyone.

Since when did we have to start choosing between being beautiful and girly or adventurous and athletic? Photo Credit to Starla Little and Paul Nurnberg.

We're obsessed.  There's just no other way to put it.  We are living, breathing Chanelistas and that's pretty much where our money goes.  When we saw the email from Chanel announcing that the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection was available you had better believe that we zipped right on over to the website to check it.  First and foremost, the video for the Pre-Collection romanticized everything for us (and really, really makes us want to go to Paris) making us want to add several pieces to our ever-growing collection.  

Scroll down to see our favorite looks as well as some must-have accessories for Fall from the Pre-Collection.  Visit your closest Chanel Boutique to see these pieces in person and take some home to add to your ever-so-stylish closet.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2014 Pre-Collection Looks

There is just something about a Chanel suit that is classic and yet very new at the same time.  We can't help but adore this slightly below the knee skirt with polka dot tights paired with a crisp white tee, wool vest and easy styling.

Covered up doesn't have to mean boring; pair a straight skirt with fun tights and girly shoes and add some visual interest to your sweater with a line of buttons down the front to keep things from looking too conservative.

There are many things that Chanel does incredibly well and one of them is the suit; we love the way it is reinvented on a regular basis and this one would be right at home in any woman's closet for decades to come.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection Accessories

Mademoiselle was greatly inspired by baroque influences as seen in these baroque cross earrings accentuated with glass pearls.

We subscribe to the logic that ladies should just be dripping in pearls and this multi-strand knotted pearl necklace fits right into our train of thought.

Chanel has been famous for their bags for years and they are reinterpreted for each and every collection.  We love this jersey flap bag in a bright pop of color (also available in rich yellow and navy) for a fun Fall update.

A playful mix of ladylike and menswear, these iridescent patent lace-ups are the shoe for the season for us - the fact that the bow is removable only cements our opinion.

What first appears to be tweed is actually beading of glass pearls on this beautiful black and white miniaudiere.

It just wouldn't be Chanel without a strand of pearls and this short necklace will lay close to your face, reflecting soft, shimmering light...we can't help but adore the CC signature as well.

Coco Chanel's favorite flower because it had no scent and didn't interfere with her perfume, these tweed camellias are the perfect accent to any outfit.

Tweed is ever-popular for Fall and we absolutely adore this heather gray flap bag in the material.

We can personally attest to the fact that these black and white tweed lace-up boots are exceptionally comfortable as well as incredibly chic.  Think of it as an alternative way to wear a Chanel suit.

Originally it was hats that Coco Chanel used to make a name for herself so it only makes sense that the tradition be carried on in the likes of this chic tweed and ribbon accented hat.

We were just recently in Atlanta on business but seeing as how fashion is our business, we (of course) squeezed in some shopping.  Call it market research.  While we can walk around and admire beautiful things all day long (and probably find something that we just can't live without) we would much rather have someone greet us, see if there is anything we need and then let us admire.  Call us crazy but generally speaking, we like to be noticed...and engaged.  We want to touch the fabrics, to marvel at the construction.  And when we've found something we want to try on, we usually want a second opinion to affirm our personal thoughts - or let us know that we have lost our mind and should probably choose something else.  We want to be encouraged or shown other options (in the instance that we have lost our minds).  

Why exactly does all this matter?  Well, from a sales standpoint, the more a woman feels like she is among friends and people who genuinely care, the more comfortable she feels and the more comfortable she feels the more likely she is to spend money.  From a customer's standpoint, shopping should be a pleasant experience.  It should be fun.  Not a chore or a hassle because you can't get any one's attention.  If it was a great experience we feel like we have found a friend who is invested in helping you achieve your own personal style and someone that we can go back to when we are out shopping the next time.

When it comes to shopping, customer service can either make or break the experience.

We've come up with the top 6 things that can help sales associates really bond with customers and make it a great experience for everyone involved so read on!

1.  Greet her.  And soon after she walks into your store/department/area.  Smile.  Be friendly.  Make her feel welcomed.  Ask how her day is going and pay her a genuine compliment.

2.  Offer to help - or ask if she has already been helped if she has items in her hands to try on.  If she is looking for something specific then try to help her find it.  If she's just browsing point out where new items are or items that you think she might be interested in based on her appearance and your interaction thus far.

3.  Walk her in to the fitting room (if it's big enough).  Offer her water if your store does that.  Check on her - remember her name and ask if she would like to try any other sizes or colors.  Bring her a few different options that are similar to what she has chosen or items that compliment her choices.  Pay attention to what sizes she already pulled so you don't have to ask.

4.  Be available.  It's painfully frustrating to need a sales adviser and not be able to find anyone that works there.  Make sure that you're in plain sight in case she comes out of the fitting room and wants your opinion.  Give her honest feedback - if it's not your favorite look then be polite and tactful when  you tell her that and offer her other options.  If it's a gorgeous look let her know.   Remind her of all the places she could wear the item.

5.  Make a lasting final impression instead of just ringing up her items and putting them in a bag and sending her on her way, chat with her throughout the process.  Fold her new purchases neatly and with great care to let her know they are important to you as well - wrap her items with tissue if your store allows.  Attach your business card to her receipt and write 'thank you' on the receipt - it's the little things that make the most lasting impressions and are likely to create return clients.

6.  Get her contact information if appropriate.  This isn't always necessary or even warranted for a lot of transactions but if you have a client who has expressed special interest in a certain designer, a type of garment or lives out of town, ask her if she would like you to contact her when new items arrive that fit what she is interested in.  Find out her preferred method of contact (phone call, text, email, note in the mail) and still to that.  Send her a thank you and invite her back to see new items or to order over the phone when new pieces arrive.

The best customer service comes from sales associates that are helpful, kind, honest, and perhaps most importantly, present throughout the interaction.  As women when we walk into a store we have at least some intention of potentially spending money - encouragement in the form of a fabulous sales person will help sway us  into purchasing not only what we were originally looking for but other items as well while a poor sales person can very well have us leaving empty handed.  Having a great relationship with a sales adviser  at your favorite store is an amazing feat - especially when  they know you:  your personality and your style.  As a customer, we seek out those relationships so sales associates, give each and every client who comes in an experience they remember (for a good reason) and you just might have a new client who asks for you by name.

We want to hear from you!  Do you have a favorite sales associate?  What store was it and what make them so great?

Zuhair Murad's Spring 2014 Couture Collection was all about creating a beautiful garden and while this seasons silhouettes were quite similar, the inspiration was quite the opposite.  Cocktail dresses, ball gowns and the occasional jumpsuit were encrusted with waves, geometric designs and beautiful asymmetry, speaking to a more architectural influence.

While we much prefer the black, white, silver or black and white looks, it was refreshing to see so many shades walk down the runway.  From rich blues to vibrant turquoises to shades of rich ruby there's no doubt that buyers will have plenty to choose from.  Some of the ball gowns seemed a little inspired but several of the hand-beaded pieces created with hammered sequins were exquisite.  We have a feeling that Zuhair Murad is cementing his clientele while adding several younger starlets as followers.

We're absolutely smitten with both of these cocktail dresses and their just-grazing-the-tops-of-the-thighs hemline.  Black with added visual interest is always a winning combination for us and this is no exception.

Never one to leave out plenty of classic ball gown silhouettes for his followers to choose from, these are some of our favorites - flattering chic with a twist.

While these gowns are beautiful in just about every facet of the word - the draping, the colors, the fit - they are, well, kind of boring.  We think the show would have been much stronger if these filler pieces had been replaced with something a little more daring.

Perhaps the two most daring looks of the entire show, the sheer pantsuit is quite a work of art while the embellished caftan is a step in the more daring direction and we like to Zuhair Murad take a few risks, especially during a Haute Couture show.

Showing a bit of range that we don't normally see during Zuhair Murad's Haute Couture Collections, these looks (we're obsessed with the flared black skirt) would fit right in a some awards shows but be versatile enough for a dinner date with girlfriends or perhaps an evening wedding.

Forever a master of marrying sheer with embellishment, these gowns are both sexy and still chic with yards and yards of floating chiffon.

If you operate under the logic that if a woman has legs she ought to be showing them off, these are the gowns for you - whether it's an asymmetrical top that grabs your attention or a the contrast of black and white it never hurts to show a little well-toned leg to get your point across.

Thank you to Style for the gorgeous photos - see large sizes of each look on our Facebook page!

Collections are (almost) always better when there is a story behind the inspiration - something compelling the designer to create beautiful clothes rather than doing so simply because it's expected.  Ulyana Sergeenko had a very personal inspiration for her Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Collection - the political disaster that is Ukraine at the moment.  The upheaval and unrest in the area made her think about the last time that there was a similar situation there - when the USSR rose up out of the ashes and brought on an whole new era.  Talk about ideas to work with.

While the pieces aren't war-torn soldier's uniforms or peasant dresses there is a certain air of old-school inspiration about them that speaks to a woman who has been through some difficult experiences.  The clothes are beautiful but somehow have a certain sadness.  Some pieces don't seem to fit in perfectly but it doesn't bother us as it has with other collections.  Instead of being distracting it adds to the charm - like china at a tea room that doesn't actually match but makes you smile nonetheless.  Ulyana Sergeenko's woman is one that is emerging from a less than ideal situation and choosing to embrace beauty through clothes when it isn't readily available elsewhere.

A beautiful marriage of menswear to feminine details, Alyana Sergeenko used tailored and boxy cuts in feminine fabrics in her Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Collection.

Invoking a certain Audrey Hepburn in War and Peace vibe, these ladylike pieces may have old inspiration but in beautiful colors and embellishment, they will look right at home on today's streets.  (Side note:  we're completely obsessed with the skirt paired with suspenders!)

Outerwear the same masculine/feminine vibe that is present throughout the collection - a boxy, yet embellished piece or a powerful fabric in a sexy cut.

Hemlines were slashed to the tops of the thighs for several of the dresses but while we do love a beautiful pair of gams, these weren't our favorite pieces - they evoke a certain desperation, a need for attention.

We actually much prefer these two looks which we find to be much sexier even though there is substantially more fabric (okay, at least the look on the left has more fabric).  It's hard to say 'no' to a woman who is strong, confident and beautiful.

The gown on the left is perhaps one of our favorites of the entire collection - structure and flow are harmonious in this gown that we are dying to see walk down a red carpet.

Thank you to Style for the gorgeous photos.

First and foremost, we would like to thank Mr Harbin for being the driving force behind getting this whole thing started.  We still have no idea how he managed it but somehow he got the Savannah Morning News interested in doing an article about our blog and it just went from there.  So from the bottom of our heart, thank you so much, handsome man, you really are our biggest fan.  

The cover photo that is running along with the article over at Do Savannah (huge thank you to Starla Little for this gorgeous picture, it's one of our favs!).  Be sure to check out the entire photo!

Secondly, WOW.  We are just so very, very, VERY flattered.  And humbled.  And a little in shock.  We just read an article in Vogue that had an interview with Cara Delevingne and we have to admit, we felt a little bit like a supermodel.  It's kind of surreal to read about yourself and see your quotes written down!  We couldn't be more proud and we hope that everyone enjoys the article as much as we did!  

Read the entire article, Savannah Style Blogger tells 'Polka Dotted Truth
 over at Do Savannah!

Thank you to Savannah Morning News and Do Savannah, specifically Hannah Landers for writing the article, our very own amazing Mr Harbin for his love, support and hard work, our amazing team about Belk and Chanel for being incredibly supportive and excited for us, our family and perhaps most important, our friends and fans who read the blog!  We love each and every one of you and are hugely appreciative that you come to us for fashion and beauty advice.  Much love!  

Jacqueline & The Polka Dotted Truth

To build a successful collection around three colors requires a pretty talented designer and team.  Black, white and red have been done plenty of times - sometimes successfully, more often than not, it fails miserably.  It just feels...done.  Unorginal.  We're pleased to see that Armani's experience led him down the path to epic success instead of the alternative.

Starting the show with suiting that consisted of shorts (anyone noticing a trend?), fitted jackets and flared capes it was tempting to think that this was starting to feel...familiar.  That thought was quickly erased from our heads when the cocktail and party looks started strutting down the runway.  Jackets in interesting prints over polka-dot skirts and textured shorts or vice versa had an interesting way of lending a new spin on a classic look.

From there the silhouettes just got more interesting and the details more intriguing.  Yards upon yards upon yards of tulle engulfed models in dresses that reminded us of clouds.  Strapless polka-dot formal gowns were accessorized with embellished veils that for some reason reminded us of a beautified version of the red wedding gown worn in Beetlejuice.  Overall the shade of red was just perfect, the shapes new enough to be interesting and the overall collection a win.  It was the quintessential old-meets-future show that created something beautiful.

Starting off the 2014 Fall/Winter Haute Couture show with pretty, lady-like suits, we have a feeling that this Armani Prive collection is not only an artistic hit but also one that will actually sell.

Ladylike doesn't have to be boring when it comes to silhouette or prints - instead of a fitted blazer try something with more volume; instead solid black, gray or navy crepe opt for a bold print or interesting texture.

We do love a good play on proportion and these toppers are just the way to do it.  If you do opt or an oversized or loose upper layer pair it with something more fitted on the bottom or better yet show some skin to keep you from looking larger than you are.

Spice up your LBD with an interesting texture like metallic tweed or a subtle dot overlay - you're sure to light up the room no matter how the party itself is going.

If the classic cocktail dress isn't your thing, you're certainly in luck this season.  Designers everywhere have been  pushing the boundaries when it comes to not-casual-but-not-exactly-formal dresses like these from the Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Collection.

Formal gowns are always appropriate at least a few times a year and we're excited to see something a little different in this collection - there are always so many dresses to choose from but often they are so very similar that it is difficult to differentiate.  Armani takes things to a whole new level with beautiful textures and prints complete with one of the most fascinating accessories we've seen since the Fall 2013 Alexander McQueen show - beautiful textured veils that bring to mind anything but weddings.  We think a small fascinator version could be quite popular this upcoming season.

It was only fitting for a collection that was comprised entirely of black, white and a bold shade of red that the finale dress be a home run.  Although we aren't exactly sure where the model's hands are we're kind of obsessed with this dress and can't wait to see it (inevitably) pop up in editorials soon.

Thank you to Style for the gorgeous photos!

We're a little biased when it comes to Chanel - as if that wasn't already quite obvious.  We've been obsessed with the brand since purchasing our first Glossimer at 14...we purchased our first pair of Chanel shoes just a few months ago (and yes, they are absolutely exquisite).  In fact our collection has grown quite a bit in recent months.  So needless to say, we're always excited to see what Karl Lagerfeld has come up with for each collection.  We've never been disappointed.

Lagerfeld is a special kind of designer.  Eccentric to say the least.  A creator that lets his inspiration take complete hold and dives in head-first.  Known for incredibly elaborate set creations (Resort 2015 in Dubai, anyone?), the Fall 2014 Haute Couture show's backdrop was markedly more simple, relatively speaking anyway.  The source of inspiration?  Architect Le Corbusier's old (and gone) Paris apartment which sparked the idea for huge fireplaces with digital flames at each end of the runway decorated with enormous intricate mirrors.  

And while the set is interesting, it's the clothes that really are the kicker...the foundation for several pieces is concrete.  No, literally.  Concrete was turned into tiny tiles (which are apparently quite light) and transformed from building material into art.  Fancy that.

The clothes themselves?  Beautiful as always - ever present tweed, shorts with everything (to include under dresses, coats and skirts), beautifully sculpted gowns and a wedding dress that will simply make you swoon.  We're loving the out-of-control bedhead and accessories - our only small complaint?  We wish there had been at least one pair of heels.

Tweed is a Chanel staple and is present in every show but that doesn't mean that it's the same thing over and over.  Fall 2014 Haute Couture showed us tweed suits in warm shades of gold, burnt sienna and chocolate burgundy in more voluminous silhouettes.  And lots and lots of shorts.

These knee length, winter-white cocktail gowns are stunning on their own, but when you find out the embellishment is created from concrete, well that just sort of takes things to a whole new level.

Suits don't have to be boring - embrace texture like this boxy look on the left or an unconventional color with interesting details like the design on the right.

Girly-girls everywhere rejoice!  Ladylike silhouettes are making a comeback this Fall in the shape of voluminous skirts, pretty prints and fitted tops.  We're completely on board.

Need a little more drama in your life?  Chanel has something for everyone - from a bright bold print to fluttery tiers to a concrete-tile embellished piece of art.  We never cease to be amazed.

Midi and ankle length skirts and gowns are huge this Fall so go ahead and start shopping around for some Chanel-inspired pieces (or just wait for the actual Chanel pieces that will be in boutiques later this year if you can afford the pricetag).  A general rule of thumb?  Choose a length that either hits just below your knee and above the calf OR a length that hits just past the largest part of your calf.  Anything that stops in the middle of your calf tends to give you cankles even if you're 5'10".

Never one to play it safe, Karl Lagerfeld closed Chanel's Fall 2014 Haute Couture show with a beautiful model in a baroque-inspired wedding gown.  And if she looks a little, well, round, that's because she is, in fact, quite pregnant.  To quote Lagerfeld:  "I love pregnant women.  They're very noble."

Visit our Facebook Page to see larger versions of the looks!

Thank you to Style for the photos!