My favorite items for trips to Europe are stretchy fabrics that do not wrinkle and can be hand washed or sent out the laundry if necessary. Ann Taylor carries a matte jersey that is a staple in my travel wardrobe, and I highly recommend pants and skirts in something along those lines.<BR><BR>Stick with a dark color (black, brown, navy) in skirts and pants, and add tops in colors. I like twinsets because you can take the sweater off and dress up the sleeveless top with jewelry or a scarf for evenings out. <BR><BR>Find an all purpose short trench in a dark color microfiber. I have one that can literally be waded up and it doesn't ever wrinkle.<BR><BR>Items I'd leave home: jeans (they're too casual to do double duty for evenings out), tennis shoes (you'll look like a tourist, get some Mephistos or Rockports), anything that wrinkles easily and is &quot;single use&quot; like fancy dresses. <BR><BR>Other than walking shoes, I'd recommend a pair of wedge or low heel, rubber bottom, slightly fancy shoes for evenings. Italian streets have lots of coblestones, so do not take slick, leather bottom shoes.<BR><BR>Last, please bear in mind that some of the best fashion shopping in the world is in Italy, so if you need something, don't hesitate to indulge. There's wonderful fashions in price ranges to suit everyone.<BR><BR>Ciao!

I have to disagree with the rolling suitcase. Italy, especially Venice is hilly, lots of steps and bridges. You will constantly have to pick up or drag a wheeled suitcase. Stick to something lightweigh enough to carry on you shoulder or a backpack/convertable style bag.<BR><BR>But, yes, as most everyone says, no sneakers. I don't care if you do actually see a few Europeans wearing them these days. they don't look good with well thought out travel clothes. With so many choices of hybrid Merrell type shoes available you have the comfort of a sneaker or hiking shoe without the unstylish tennis shoe look.

This may be the answer to our travel prayers: www.dressinabag.com<BR><BR>I'm not making this up! It's from a little blurb in the Sunday travel section. Will the first buyer report in on quality, fit, ease of laundering, etc.?

Money!