the only alternative to fashion is naked.

I don't know about you, but when I think of what to pack when going on a trip, my mind races. I ask questions like "where will i be going, what will i be doing, what do i HAVE to have?!" Unfortunately, the answers to my questions usually end with me stuffing that last V-neck tee in, or bringing 3 scarves when the temperature won't be below 80. Because i just "never know" what i'll need, or worse yet...what i'll "feel like" wearing.

I've often searched for remedies of my OPS (over-packing-syndrome), but always end up reverting back to bringing 10 outfits for a 2 night trip. Until one day I saw my friend Chrissy (check out her blog: Chronicles of Chrissy)! tweet a picture before a cruise she took. 

The picture (right), shows how Chrissy avoids what I do for EVERY trip I take: overpacking! It details each day she'll be away, and what outfits she will need for both day and night. Including accessories! 

If you know Chrissy, you know she's a total fashionista. So if SHE can do this successfully, everyone can! 

This idea works because not only are you eliminating clothes you won't even have TIME to wear, but you also don't waste time packing things you don't need, or taking time in the morning to find something to wear. You can remain organized and chic!

Some other good travel tips I've picked up include bringing pieces that can do double duty: there's no reason to bring 5 different pairs of jeans when you only plan on wearing them for an hour at a time. Bring your favorite dark pair, and a light/distressed pair. Jeans take up major space in suitcases, and weigh a lot! Ask yourself what other outfits could be worn with said piece: if whatever it is only works for one thing, it might not be worthy of the trip! Shoes, purses, and other accessories also take up a lot of room. Bring some classic jewelry and maybe a trendy piece or two, that can be worn both day and night!

As I write this, I'm packing for a trip happening tomorrow, and I have another coming in September. Hopefully, I can start taking my own advice. Otherwise, you can expect me to be the crazy girl with the huge suitcases (plural!) slugging down the airport terminal......for a 2 day trip. 

as always, thanks for reading! 

xoxo!

Adding to a post from a couple of weeks ago, this entry is showing how to turn all your cute summer sundresses into staples of your fall wardrobe!

Just because the dresses above are floral, doesn't mean they're not on trend for fall. They are! Just add a few key pieces and accessories, and you've got a whole new look. No need to stash them away until next summer!

The look on the left I've put together for work: the pretty floral pattern is made more work-appropriate with an on-trend eggshell blazer and metallic oxfords. Finally, pull the look together with a skinny leather belt at your waist, and a chunky necklace.

The look on the right would be the perfect date look! Pull the rich color of the floral pattern and pair with a complimentary blazer (or cardigan). Add opaque black tights (or patterned, if you feel even more daring!), and chunky booties. The mix of feminine/tough is VERY now. Pile on the accessories and you're ready for whatever your  night has to offer. Date.. or girls night! 

so before you pack away your summer favorites, think of fresh ways to wear them for months to come!

xoxo! 

As most of you probably know, I was offered a really (REALLY!) great job and will be moving to Tampa in a few weeks to begin an entirely new journey. I'm excited, overwhelmed, and a little sad all at the same time. BUT one thing I can't wait to (over) prepare for!? Shopping for a new wardrobe!

The office I'm currently employed at is "business casual" ..which loosely translates (in this office, at least) to "whatever you want within reason..no jeans, no shorts, and no flip flops". The new position, however, is a promotion with a higher title AND a higher dress code. I am to dress as a "business professional".

Sure, I have plenty of trousers and a few blazers...and a lot of dresses...but none I feel really fit the "business professional" description. I want to (literally) dress to impress! And honestly, Tampa may not be NYC but it's a LOT more chic than the current city I live in, and I want to do my part to add to the chic-ness!

Above I've created a couple of examples of how I'd like to dress for my new life. I could have gone on and on for days..I have lots of ideas! I decided to showcase some of my favorite trends, like color blocking, rich colors, and bold prints. I could see how it would be quite easy to get in a fashion 'rut' with the "business professional" standard. But I refuse to let that happen!

How do you dress for the office? What are your favorite pieces to wear to work?

As always, thanks for reading!
xoxo :)

Not sure about you guys, but the 'thrift-store-chic' trend initially did nothing for me. I had no interest in picking out pre-worn items...and besides, I felt 'if the owner didn't want them, why would I?!'

But through much research, I now 'get it'...and I want you all to embrace this too!

Below are some tips I feel will help the fashionable lady shop at thrift stores! (including Goodwill and the Salvation Army!)

First, the reasons why you should shop for trendy items at thrift stores is really quite obvious: trends are just that: something that won't necessarily be in style next month! No reason to spend $30 for something you could potentially find for 90% less!

tip #1) shop for what's on trend right now. it's true that 'everything old becomes new again'. Menswear style blouses, pencil skirts, harem pants, and high waisted trousers are on everyone's 'fall must-haves' list, but they were also popular in the 70's and 80's. Make a list of items you hope you find at said thrift store, and bring it with you. Take the time to search, and then try on your finds. Remember, if you find a blazer you MUST have (at a great price point!) and it's inexpensive but a little too large, you can always have it tailored.

tip #2) ALWAYS try ALL items on. you can't return things to a thrift store, so you need to know exactly what you're working with. Perhaps you try it on and notice a small hole, or a stain you didn't see before. Evaluate what you would wear with each piece you pick up...a $5 blouse is not such a great steal if you never wear it. Also, be mindful of sizing differences. For example, current clothing is looser fitting now than it was in previous decades. In other words, you may be a larger size in 'vintage' pieces!

tip #3) find a good thrift store. Most thrift stores are clean and rotate their stock often. Take a couple of weekends to find your favorite thrift store. Get to know the staff, and they may even let you know when a new shipment of goodies comes in!

tip #4) shop with someone. If you're anything like me, you can get excited about something and then "have to have" it. Having someone with you can give you another set of eyes AND opinions. "will you wear that?" or "that color is no good on you". Bring your best friend or enjoy a Saturday afternoon with your mom. Make a day of it and make it fun!

tip #5) look for items with tags still on! If you're on the hunt for something current, look for items with the tags still on it. I've given a LOT of things to Goodwill or other thrift stores that I've never worn, tags attached and all. I'm sure I'm not the only one! As with anything though, make sure to try it on!

tip #6) wash all clothes as soon as you get home. <<- no brainer. :)

tip #7) for every item you buy from a thrift store, agree to give them an item from your closet. Especially if thrifting becomes a habit...share the love!




hope you found this informative and helpful!
enjoy your day!
xoxo :)

hi ladies!


just a quick blog post on how to take your summer favorites into fall!


This blue and white striped tank can easily go from skirts and sandals to velvet pants and boots! Add a pop of color with a bright cardigan, or, as shown here, a great fitted blazer and scarf!


moral of the story: don't pack away your summer staples just because the weather is changing! (well, it's changing for some of you - Florida's weather never changes!) 


hope you're all enjoying your day! thanks for reading! :)


xoxo

I love Kim Kardashian's casual look in this picture...but I added a bit more playfulness to it with the Hello Kitty tank (i have to have this). To me, the real statement maker in this look is her Hermes bag...but I played along and kept each piece under $50...and i have to say, i like 'steal' bag as well! Her look retail is well over $4,000 (yes, I'm serious). There's no reason to pay celeb prices when you can get the look for less! :)