Sunday, July 25, 2010

Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Flights

In an earlier post, I wrote a feature on jet-set style. In this post, I will discuss some travel essentials that will entertain you during your flight and keep you looking pretty when you finally arrive at your destination.

I mentioned before that a chic and comfy outfit, a quality suitcase, and a roomy tote are essential components for traveling in style. You've got to have a scarf for the cold plane temperatures, easy-to-walk-in shoes, and - most importantly - oversized sunnies. I also mentioned that you should have your go-to wallet and a passport holder to keep track of your boarding pass and forms of identification.

As for what else you should have in your bag, here's what I always bring.

Cosmetics and the Likes


travel essentials


Evian Spritzer -  Cabin air is notoriously drying. Long hours in high elevation also results in extra water loss and can cause fatigue. Evian's spritzer (which consists of water from the French Alps with a specially neutralized pH level for extra moisturization) will keep your skin from flaking. Plus, the refreshing, cool mist will give you an instant energy boost.

Mini Antibacterial - Airplanes and airports are not exactly the most sanitary places. Also, water can get pretty scarce on long flights. Keep a mini antibacterial with you and swipe some on after using the restroom and before eating.

Mini Moisturizer - Another essential for combating the dry flight cabins. Keep your skin - in particular your hands - well moisturized with a travel or sample-size version of your favorite lotion. Stick with something unscented or just lightly scented as any strong smell would be overpowering on a crowded plane.

Eye Drops - My eyes have a tendency to turn red after a long flight. Have some eye drops on hand to relieve redness and sooth any eye strain that may result from traveling.

Cuticle Cream - I have the terrible habit of picking on my cuticles. I love Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme: it smells yummy and keeps my cuticles moisturized.

Travel-size Fragrance - While you should never spray perfume on a flight (the smell can be very overwhelming in such a crowded space), you should take a mini or travel-size version of your favorite perfume to spray on after you get off your flight. The familiar scent will make you feel more comfortable even though you might be in a completely  foreign place.

Cheek Tint - I used to suffer from major motion-sickness on flights, so I would always get off the plane as pale as a ghost. Your favorite cheek tint will make your complexion appear rosy even when you might not be feeling your best.

Lip Balm - I cannot live without my Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil and I take it absolutely everywhere. It keeps my lips moisturized for hours while giving it a light, blood-orange tint. Plus, unlike lip balms from ChapStick, I feel like this one penetrates deeper and moisturizes not just the surface. 

Lip Gloss - I mentioned that my lip balm brings some color to my lips, but I like a little more color and shine, especially after I get off the plane. Keep your favorite gloss on hand - I'm a huge fan of Lip Fusion's line.

Matte Powder w/ Compact - Flying to China - from leaving my house to finally arriving at Shanghai - is usually a 20+ hour affair. During that time, my skin often gets oily, especially the areas around my nose, forehead, and chin. A matte powder will keep the grease at bay and the compact also doubles as a mirror for fixing your makeup or checking to see if there's food stuck on your teeth.

Mascara - This isn't an absolute essential, but I like to bring my mascara in my purse because I don't like to wear mascara while flying. I'm not a big fan of waterproof formulas since I find them difficult to remove, and regular mascara tends to smear after long wear. So I like to apply mine after I get off the plane.

Eyecream - The area around my eye tends to get really dry for some reason, so I'm a big fan of eyecream. Pick a formula that's not too greasy. For an extra bonus, use one that contains caffeine, which decreases puffiness and makes you look more bright-eyed. Many eyecreams come in 7-day trial sizes, which are perfect for bringing onto your flight.

Concealer - There's nothing better to camouflage those dark circles under your eye and the random pimple that may pop up during your flight. It's always good to be prepared.

Mini Mouthwash - I know a lot of people like to bring a mini toothbrush with them while traveling, but I find mouthwash to be so much more convenient. A quick rinse and ta-da, instant fresh breath.

Finally, make sure that all liquids are under 3.4 oz and keep everything in a clear, plastic one-quart sized zip lock bag. For more information on TSA's carry-on rules, click here.

Other Essentials

travel essentials 2

Bottled Water - I personally carry a bottle of water with me at all times, and especially when traveling. Staying hydrated keeps me from feeling nauseous on the plane and keeps my skin looking glowy and fresh, too.

A warning though: many airports don't allow you to carry water through security. Instead, bring an empty bottle that you can refill once you get through security check.

MP3 Player - Like me, many people cannot live without their iPod. Preload your iPod with lots of new songs before traveling, maybe even download a playlist from a friend. Also, make sure your battery is fully charged before you leave home. Nothing's worse than turning on your iPod and realizing that the battery's out at the start of a 12-hour flight.

Just remember, MP3 players and other electronics must be turned off right after departure and before arrival. Always follow the instructions given by flight attendants.

Digital Camera - A digital camera is a must-have for traveling. Keep it in your bag rather than packing it into your luggage. Cameras take up very little space. After all, you never know what intriguing events you might run into.

Hairbrush - Waking up from a nap with a head of frizzy bed-hair sucks. Keep your manes in control with your favorite hairbrush.

Mint Gum - Keep your breath nice and fresh with some minty gum; you never know which cutie might end up sitting by you. Plus, chewing gum prevents you from getting that pressurized feeling in your ears when the plane changes altitudes.

Tissue Pack - Having some tissue on hand makes wiping off smeared mascara and fixing creased eyeshadow so much easier.

Pen - When you go through customs, you generally have to fill out a bunch of forms. Keep a pen on hand so you don't have to wait in line to use the pen that they provide. A tip though: make sure that it's a black-inked pen. Many official documents don't accept blue ink, much less some other colored ink.

Also, make sure the pen is capped as you do not want ink spilling all over your bag.

Magazines - There's nothing like the latest issue of Cosmo or Allure to help you pass time while waiting at the terminals. Bring your own copy since the magazine stands at airports are super overpriced.


Does your travel must-have make this list? What are your travel essentials?

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Inspired By: Pretty Little Liars


I thought I would have no TV shows to watch this summer. New episodes of Gossip Girl won't come out until fall and The Hills and The City have both come to an end.

But . . . then came along ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars." Based on the book series of the same name by Sara Shepard, "Pretty Little Liars" follows the lives of four girls - Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily - who start receiving mysterious text messages from someone named "A" after their ex-clique leader, Alison, disappeared a year ago.

I read a couple of the books from the series several years ago after finishing the Gossip Girl series. I didn't think the books were nearly as good as Gossip Girl but still, they were quick and semi-interesting reads. I can't say I'm totally in love with the television series either (again, it's got nothing on Gossip Girl) but I still watch it just for the sake of it.

Plus, the show is a great source for fashion inspiration as the styles that appear on Pretty Little Liars are a lot more wearable for most college girls than what's on Gossip Girl. Unlike Serena van der Woodsen, most college girls cannot spend their days in Herve Leger bandage dresses and Louboutins. Working with a tight $10,000 per episode wardrobe budget (even ABC Family show "Greek" gets $25,000), the costume designers on the show mix high end pieces with items from stores like Urban Outfitters and Forever21 to create stylish yet everyday looks that any girl can wear.

Aria Montgomery
pretty little liars: aria

Aria - played by Lucy Hale - is my favorite little liar both in terms of her wardrobe and her character. Her style is kind of hard to describe - it's eclectic, a little bit rocker and vintage and feminine all at the same time, and definitely very distinctive. She generally sticks to a neutral, woody palette - imagine the colors of a forest in autumn - and does a lot of layering with her pieces. 

Aria's signature items are worn-in leather jackets, flowy printed dresses, layered necklaces, and most importantly - mid-calf boots. She was also seen rocking some sky-blue nails, a pastel shade that super hot this season. Bright nails stand in contrast with the earthy tones and brings some vibrancy into the toned-down outfits.

Hanna Marin


pretty little liars: hanna


Played by Ashley Benson, Hanna is probably the most stylish one in the group. She comes from a wealthy family and is always rocking the latest trends. Her style is classy yet modern and with her blonde hair, she has this old Hollywood-glamour vibe. 

Hanna's go to pieces are flowy pastel tanks in pink, cream, and baby blue, dark skinny jeans, sky-high heels, and her signature - crisp, preppy blazers. Hanna is the type of girl who studies the latest fashion magazines and is aware of all the latest trends. She's also a girly-girl so there's a lot of flowy fabrics and feminine colors in her outfits. I chose OPI's polish in That's Berry Darling - a magenta shade that's the ultimate girly-girl color. 

Finally, since Hanna's is new-school Hollywood glamour, I thought Michael Kors Very Hollywood would be the perfect scent for her.

Spencer Hasting

pretty little liars: spencer


Played by Troian Avery Bellisario, Spencer is the classic overachiever. In the show, she's constantly competing with her Angelina Jolie look-a-like older sister for her parents' attention. In terms of style, Spencer is very classic-preppy and conservative, think Lacoste and Ralph Lauren. 

A navy J. Crew cardigan and a pair of white boot-cut denim are quintessential pieces for the classic all-American look. An interesting top like this sailor-striped tank adds some uniqueness to the outfit, allowing Spencer to show off her own personality. Spencer is also often seen wearing gladiator sandals and nail polish in a classic red shade.

Emily Fields


pretty little liars: emily




Emily Fields, played by Shay Mitchell, is the "jock" out of the group. I'm personally not a huge fan of her style as I find it very boring/middle-school-Aeropostale, but since she's also a pretty little liar, I couldn't leave her out.


Emily's signature pieces are denim minis, a plain shirt, cardigan, and some kind of shoes that is not high heels. Her style is pretty much the exact opposite of Hanna's, who is in on all the latest trends and puts a lot of effort into her looks. Emily's look is always low-key and casual, nothing that one would pay special attention to.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Style Guide: Running Errands

Have you seen candid pics of celebrities out running errands yet looking totally fabulous? Think Katie Holms shopping with Suri on her arms, or Gwen Stephani walking her dogs.

Well, lately, I've found myself running a lot of errands. Since my parents are both busy with work, I've become the one who has to grocery shop for my family. I've also been selling my textbooks on Amazon, which requires frequent visits to the post office. Then there are the coffee dates and mall trips with the girls and evening jogs that I go on with the guys. On top of all that, I have a 9 to 5 internship five days a week, so I actually feel that I have less free time now that I had over the school year.

While I would love to just bum around in running shorts and a T-shirt all day, I can't bring myself to do that. In my small hometown, I'm always running into people I know. There have been times in the past when I'm at Walmart in sweats with no makeup, and later I get a text from someone I went to high school with, saying: "Hey I just saw you at Walmart!" At which point I think, "Great! And I looked like a total bum!"

So lately, I've made a new resolution for myself: even though I may not constantly have to avoid the paparazzi, I should still always make an effort to look good before leaving the house. Below are three looks inspired by the ever-chic Kristin Cavallari to cover all your everyday errands.

Shopping With the Girls


casual outfit 2

I absolutely love this look, the cropped top is so in this season and super casual. These dark denim shorts stand in contrast with the casual top and the heels give the easy breezy outfit an extra oomph. (P.S. why is it that Canadian Forever21 seems so much better than the one in the states? Both the top and shorts are from there). I opted for these cream Chanel-esque clogs rather than pumps like Kristin's just to make the look a little more practical for a normal college girl.

The tasseled bag is so stylish and white is a great summer color. Finish off the look with a coat of classic red nail polish - I used NARS polish in Hunger - throw on your favorite pair of sunnies and it's time to hit up Bloomies and Nordies! 

Coffee Date


coffee outfit

This effortless yet fashion-forward look that Kristin wore to an outdoors concert is perfect for grabbing coffee with the girls or meeting up for lunch with some old friends. This outfit will show off your style without appearing like you're trying too hard. The denim cutoffs and sheer white tee are perfect for summer. Since the top is pretty thin, wear a cute bra and let it peak through. These cuffed sandals and wooden bracelets add a boho vibe that gives the outfit a more summery feel.

Since you're just meeting up with some friends, ditch the heavy purse and grab a cute wallet instead.

Grocery/Post Office Runs

casual outfit

This simple look can be worn for pretty much running any errand and definitely beats the baggy-tee-and-shorts look that most people wear when going about their daily business. An easy breezy white tank is always my summer go-to piece. Throw on a pair of faded skinny jeans and your favorite pair of flip-flops - I don't wear anything but Havaianas - to finish off the outfit.

Coral is one of the hottest colors this season. While the color can be overwhelming in large pieces, incorporate this summery shade by painting your nails with a coral nail polish (when it comes to nail polish, you can't go wrong with Essie). Finally, this camel leather handbag is such a wonderful color and a super-steal at just $25.


What's your go-to outfit for running errands?

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Style Guide: Beauty Sleep

We all need our beauty sleep. When I was a six, I used to love staying up. If I made it past 10, it was a huge accomplishment. Now, during the school year, I treasure the precious hours that I have for sleep and is always fast asleep the second my head hits the pillows.
I know it's tempting to hop into bed the moment you get back to your dorm after an exhausting day, but think twice before you shut your eyes. As my mom taught me since I was a little girl: always wash your face and brush your teeth before you go to bed. Over the years, it's become a habit. No matter how tired I am, I always take a quick rinse in the shower, brush my teeth, and floss before I hit the mattress. I sleep so much better this way and I always wake up feeling clean and refreshed.

In addition to all that, I feel that the right sleep attire is also essential for a good night's sleep. Even though I think it's most comfortable to sleep in the nude, that's kind of impractical in a dorm setting when you have roommates and random fire alarms that go off in the wee hours of the morning. But instead of throwing on a big scratchy T-shirt and old shorts, imagine snuggling under your covers in a silk camisole, or laying down in a soft pima cotton baby tee. Audrey Hepburn never went to sleep without her nightie and signature eyemask in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", so you shouldn't have to settle either.

Below are three sleep looks that are stylish yet comfy at the same time. If that early morning fire drill were to take place, you'd be the best-dressed chick around. Plus, in case that cute boy down the hall comes knocking in the middle of the night to borrow a pillow for the even cuter prospie who's staying with him, you would be completely prepared.
Preppy
preppy sleep set

This is a simple look that can be worn both in bed and when lounging around. Victoria's Secret is always my go-to store when buying pajamas and loungewear. Their stuff is always so comfortable and reasonably priced. Plus, their online store always has many styles on sale. Even though I never sleep in a bra, I added one to all these sets because I know a lot of people like the extra support.

The nautical-striped bra and boy shorts are so fun and preppy and the navy bra straps would look so cute peaking out under a tank top. Plus, these fuzzy baby-blue slippers are great to wear when walking around your dorm room.
Princess
princess sleep set

This bedtime look is perfect for the girly girl - or even if you're not, it's fun to get all pink and frilly every now and then. I'm personally a huge fan of Betsey Johnson's sleepwear - I have that pink bra and I absolutely love it - and this flowy chemise is beyond cute. Since this top is a bit see through, I chose pink bra and panties to match. I always find bra-and-undie sets too matchy-matchy, so I selected a lacy pink thong, which looks great with the pink bra but is still a very unique look.

Go to bed feeling like the princess that you are with this Holly Golighty inspired sleepmask and dream about your prince in shining armor.
Glam
sophisticated sleep slet

This look is by far the most wearable-outside-of-your-room look out of the three outfits. It's designed for the sophisticated city girl, something that Olivia Palermo from "The City" might wear inside her apartment. I find jersey tunic tanks so comfy and this piece from Tart Intimates also comes in turquoise and a very chic black tie-dye print that would even work as a going out top. For some extra indulgence, lather on lavender-vanilla scented body lotion from Bath and Bodyworks' aromatherapy collection.

Another bonus that comes with this outfit: if you forgot to set your alarm and wake up late for class, just throw on your favorite pair of leggings and you're good to go! No one would ever know that you just jumped out of bed minutes ago.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Deals and Steals: Free American Apparel Bikini

Get a free American Apparel bikini top on their website, just enter your name and address, no shipping fee required!


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Deals and Steals: Neiman Marcus - Juicy and Tory Burch at Under $20!

Neiman Marcus' Last Call sale is going on right now and prices have been slashed further! Check out the shoes section in particular for some amazing deals. I just scored myself a pair of these Juicy Couture sneakers in blue ($19) and this Tory Burch wedge ($16).







Plus, free shipping on ALL orders with code "SHIPNM" at checkout.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Deals and Steals: Free Amazon Prime Membership for College Students!

Amazon is offering a full year of Amazon Prime membership (which normally costs $79) for FREE for anyone with student with a .edu email address. As an Amazon Prime member, you will get free Two-Day Shipping for an entire year as well as exclusive e-mail offers. This is perfect for anyone who hates paying for shipping, especially with small orders.

You can cancel your membership anytime and as long as you cancel within a year, you shouldn't be charged a single penny. So what are you waiting for? Use this link to sign up. I know I did.

In other news, ShopBop is offering an extra 20% off all sale items with the code "EXTRA20". They have a large selection of sale items already at 70% off. Hurry though, because this offer ends tonight at midnight.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Inspired By: The Beauty of Summer

To me, summer is the most beautiful season. The flowers are blooming, the grassy fields are crisp and green, the forests are covered by a thick canopy and filled with the melody of chirping birds, and the sunshine reflecting off the ocean water transforms the sea into a vision of turquoise and emerald. Summer is also the best time to enjoy the beauty of nature. Just slather on some sunscreen, spray on some bug spray, and the whole majestic outdoors is at your disposal. Visit your local beach, take a hike in a thick forest, or drive to the countryside and watch the evening sunset.

Oftentimes, in our busy lives, we don't notice the beauty of our surroundings. Whether you live by the beach, the mountains, the forests, or just a field of corn, there's always beauty in the nature that surrounds you if you take the time to look and appreciate.

To thank mother nature for what she has given us, here are four summery looks inspired by the wonders of nature.

Field of Daffodils
prairie girl

To me, this look is like a modern fusion of Marie Antoinette and Heidi from the classic children's book "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri. Daffodil yellow is a fresh and sunny color that's great for summer. Not only is yellow associated with happiness and warmth, it can also show off your tanned skin. To pull of a yellow sundress, accessorize with something blue or green, both of which are excellent complements to yellow.

Of course, since this look is inspired by a field of flowers, there are lots of floral details. Yet because these florals appear in small fixtures, they're not overwhelming. Finally, the Daisy by Marc Jacobs perfume is the perfect finishing touch to the ensemble. It has notes of gardenia, vanilla, jasmine petals and comes in a super cute bottle.

Majestic Waterfall
rainforest

The crisp, clear water roaring down from the mountaintops is one of those things that epitomizes the grandeur of mother nature. This look focuses on the forest-green mosses that grow near waterfalls and the pitch-black concaves hidden behind the curtain of flowing water. While this look is certainly not something you would want to wear to visit a actual waterfall (heels and slippery moss, yikes!), it's definitely a going out or date look. The green-and-gold cluster bracelet complements the clover sateen tank and the dark, skinny jeans stand in contrast to the flowy top.

Finally, the electric green limited edition DKNY Sweet Caramel Candy Apple gives the edgy look a sweet finish. With notes of fresh apple, delicate florals, and hints of vanilla, it smells good enough to eat.

Paradise Island
ocean paradise

This outfit represents the quintessential beach look. Inspired by the azure water and white sands of the French Polynesia, not only does this outfit look like it came right out of the sea, it's also very practical to wear to the beach. The turquoise day dress can be tossed over your favorite bikini and these sandals easily slip on and off. Plus, at just $9.99 a pair, you don't have to worry about getting sand or sea water all over them.

The oversized aviators and wide-brimmed sun hat will protect you from the sun while looking as chic as ever. The stack of wooden bangles add a carefree, tribal touch to the outfit. Finally, spritz on some Ralph by Ralph Lauren. With notes of zesty mandarin, sparkling green apple, and purple freesia, this little bottle looks like it belongs with the mermaids.

Fiery Sunset
fiery sunset

Initially when creating an outfit for this set, I was looking for an orangish ombre top and dark skinny jeans. However, when I came across this gorgeous BCBG piece, I knew my hunt was over. I can't think of anything that embodies a fiery evening sunset better than this little cocktail dress. The turquoise feathered earring steal a touch of the evening sky while the feathery headband puts some edge onto the otherwise princess-y outfit. 

This look is a great date look and can easily be transformed into a post-date beach stroll by replacing the pumps with a pair of brown sandals. This exquisite bracelet from RenttheRunway features fuchsia jade, amethyst, and glass quartz all encrusted onto a gold plated cuff. Finally, finish off with a spritz of Michael Kors Very Hollywood, a perfume fit for the stars. You'll be ready for your walk down Sunset Blvd.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Style Guide: Jet Set Travel


We've all seen people bumming around airports in raggedy sweatpants and baggy hoodies with dark circles under their eyes and a head of frizzy hair. They look like they've gone through a season of Survivor rather than just stepped of a flight. We've also all seen pictures of A-list celebrities looking totally chic and put-together at airports after a trans-Atlantic flight. Obviously, most human beings cannot pull off a leopard print mini and stilettos like Cheryl Cole - I don't know about you but I generally have about 70 lbs of something called luggage than I need to carry around when I travel internationally - but as Cameron and Kim's outfits show, you can be chic and practical when traveling by plane.

I travel to China every now and then to visit family members, which means I have to endure through a 14+ hour flight, transfers, hours of waiting at the terminal, and over a month worth of luggage. In my opinion, it's essential to look good while traveling. Not only will you feel better by looking chic, you also want to give a good impression to whomever is picking you up at the airport. Plus, you might just luck out and have a seat next to a total hottie.

But looking put together does not mean fancy dresses and pumps. Believe me, you do not want to have to worry about pulling up your dress or how much your feet hurts when you're running to catch your transfer flight or hauling your luggage onto escalators. Also, you want to be completely comfortable in your outfit because international flights can feel quite incredibly long. That means no jeans too tight, no shoes too high, and no tops to low.

The first travel essential is your suitcase and carry-on bags. While there's nothing better than a classic Louis Vuitton Pegase, at over $2,000, that's unfortunately not within most college students' budget. Don't fear though, there are plenty of fashionable and functional luggage out there at a much more budget-friendly price. Samsonite and Tumi are great tried-and-true classics that offer high-quality suitcases, duffels, and passport holders. Diane Von Furstenberg and Liz Clairborne have a wide selection of feminine rolling suitcases at reasonable prices. When it comes to suitcases, my one advice is: don't get one that's generic (AKA black). It becomes impossible to distinguish which suitcase is yours when waiting for your luggage at your arrival destination. Worst case scenario: someone else mistakes your suitcase for theirs and takes off with it. While I'm not recommending hot pink, a distinctive blue or a subtle pattered suitcase will make yours much easier to find.

I always travel with a large tote or duffel bag to carry my makeup (all in airport-approved packaging of course), wallet, passport, water bottle, cell phone, iPod, and various magazines/books to keep me entertained. Kate Spade and MARC by Marc Jacobs have some wonderful totes and Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson also have some great pieces. You want something that is roomy enough to carry all your travel essentials and preferably has a zipper to prevent your stuff from spilling out. A good, functional I.D. and passport holder is also essential as you will need to show your I.D.s several times to pass airport security.

lugggage


In terms of dressing for flights, comfort is key. Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe discusses this in detail in the "Jet Set" chapter of her book, Style A To Zoe (which, by the way, is one of my favorite fashion reads. The girl really knows her stuff). That most generally means a long jersey tank, a cashmere cardigan, leggings, flats, and a cashmere scarf to protect you from the chilly plane temperature. The blanket they provide on flights is always so scratchy so wear a soft, thick cardigan instead. And, of course, never get on a plane without your favorite pair of oversized sunglasses. Throw on your sunglasses and instantly, bloodshot eyes and dark circles become a thing of the past. Waltz your way through the airport and you might just be mistaken for a celebrity.

Below are four looks that are stylish yet flight-friendly.


City Chic
city girl

This look embodies the sophisticated city girl. The silver flats, linen scarf, and the pink, cashmere cardigan will keep you comfortable during your flight. Although I wouldn't normally recommend skinny jeans, this lovely Missoni piece offers plenty of stretch to prevent the fabric from digging into your skin. Of course, if you don't want to shell out big bucks for Missoni, there are plenty of more budget friendly strech-skinny jeans out there. You might even be able to get away with a pair of high quality, dark wash jeggings. And these cute pastel bracelets add a feminine touch to finish off the outfit.


Cali Girl

sunkissed traveller


This look is perfect if you're heading to a warm, seaside resort or just going anywhere tropical. The dress and cardigan are from Calypso, a luxury resort-wear brand known for their comfortable, beachy pieces (in the Gossip Girl books, Serena is a huge fan). The violet scarf goes perfectly with the lightly tinted shades and the turquoise flip-flops add a pop of color to the otherwise subdued outfit.

Effortlessly Cool

effortlessly chic

This outfit is basically what I mentioned earlier as the generic flight outfit. I love Rachel Roy's line and this tank is currently majorly marked down on their website. I used these zipped ankle leggings for this outfit because I own a pair and they're actually of pretty high quality despite being under $10 (plus, for some reason, I think zipped leggings are so much more fun and edgy than normal ones). The purple cardigan, Ray-Bans, and water-dyed scarf are subtle colors but add a lot of freshness to the otherwise all-black ensemble. I am a huge fan of Kelsi Dagger and these bright turquoise flats will keep your feet comfy and bring some exotic-ness to the whole outfit.



Sorority Prep
sorority girl

If you're one of those sorority girls who absolutely refuses to part with her sweatpants and signature sorority tank top, well, then this is the outfit for you. While I normally highly recommend not wearing sweatpants, you can pull it off if you do it right. First, the only sweatpants that are okay are Juicy ones, and none of those bling-bling rhinestone pieces or the kind with "JUICY" printed across the back. Those are reserved for a) some themed frat party, b) home, c) Paris Hilton.

Also, please no Victoria's Secret Pink collegiate sweats either. I admit I love my Pink loungewear but you're already pushing it by wearing sweatpants to airports, so at least keep it clean and simple.

Second, please no matching sweatsuit sets. You're traveling, not going to the gym. Also, try to steer away from hoodies and opt for a cardigan instead. A simple tank and cardigan makes you look so much more put together than if you wore a hoodie and offers just as much comfort. I added these pink sunglasses and sandals, both from Juicy Couture, to bring some more girly-ness into the outfit.


What are some of your travel tips? What is your go-to jet setting outfit?

Deals & Steals: Early July Edition

Clothing & Accessories Deals
  • J. Crew's Final Sale - prices for flip-flops start at just $7.99 with gorgeous, dyed waterfloral tees starting at $9.99. Lots of pants, tees, and summer sandals are under $19.99. I know I've got my eyes on this summery top.
  • Bloomingdale's Suddenly Save sale - new reductions taken on many items from designers like Alice + Olivia, Betsey Johnson, and MARC by Marc Jacobs. I'm totally in love with this adorable Betsey Johnson slip.
  • Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale starts July 16 - get fall's most coveted items like riding boots, cashmere cardigans, military jackets, and cinched leather hobos. Also plenty of deals on makeup and fragrances. I can't wait to get the three-piece Juicy Couture Rollerball set - 0.25 oz of Viva La Juicy, Juicy Couture Couture, and Juicy Couture - a $54 value for just $35. Shop quickly though because prices go up again after August 2.
  • Rachel by Rachel Roy - all sale tops are an additional 30% off, with tanks starting at just $17.40 prior to the additional discount. Score some effortlessly chic pieces and stock up on some quality essentials like this simple tank.
  • ASOS's Summer Sale - with 50% off many already-reasonably-priced items. Don't forget to check out the clearance section for summery dresses at under $20 and find steals on designer items in the Outlet section. Plus, ASOS offers videos of models wearing most styles they carry so you can see how a piece looks from all angles.
  • Piperlime's Lime Tag sale - 50% off a wide selection of designer shoes, including trendy must-haves like this Steven by Steve Madden clog and sky-high Kelsi Dagger pumps. Prices are also slashed on a variety of designer denim including Rich & Skinny, Citizens of Humanity, and Rock & Republic. Plus, with free shipping and return on all orders, feel free to try something out!
  • Bergdorf Goodman's Designer Sale - the high-end department store carries items that many girls can only dream of owning on a college budget. But at their designer sale, Tory Burch sneakers are $32, MARC by Marc Jacobs wedges are $23, and tops by Splendid start at just $13.
Makeup Steals
  • Sephora - every girl's favorite makeup store has added tons of items to their sale section. The Harajuku Lovers perfume line are all 50% off and if you buy a 1 oz bottle, you get a free Harajuku Lovers alarm clock. Just the cute bottle and the alarm clock alone is worth the price! Plus, this Tarte summer essentials set and this palette of 6 full-sized Smashbox eyeshadows are both only $15. As if that weren't enough, Sephora is offering five free samples instead of the usual three with every order until July 13. So hurry up and stock up!
  • Ulta - the store that offers both high-end cosmetics and drugstore brands has tons of special deals going on right now. Makeup from brands like CoverGirl, L'Oreal, and Neutrogena are 30% off, select Smashbox items are just $5, and check out free gifts with purchase on many additional brands.

Reviews and Raves: Juicy, E.L.F. and J. Crew

I'm the kind of girl who always consults reviews online before making a purchase, especially when it comes to haircolor and makeup. Doing my research has prevented me from making many unnecessary purchases and has also introduced me to tons of new products. So to give back, I will share some of my recent purchases with you guys and what I think of them.

Juicy Couture "Daisy" makeup pouch and "Queen of Juicy" wallet

I confess, I'm kind of completely obsessed and in love with Juicy. Everything they sell is just so damn cute. Nothing beats lounging around in their sweatsuits on a lazy Sunday with a mimosa in hand and the latest issue of some trashy, tabloid magazine. P.S. I purchased both of these items on Gilt, thebest membership-only designer sale website.

Okay, now while I absolutely love both of these purchases, I must admit the "Daisy" pouch - although completely adorable-looking and reminds me of a sunny spring day - is not very practical. It honestly doesn't hold much stuff and there's not a wristlet so you can't really take it with you on a night out and expect to be able to keep track of it after a couple of cocktails. Nevertheless, I carry it around in my purse all the time because it's so cute, just seeing the daisy yellow color brightens my moom. I usually just keep some lipgloss and gum in it, sometimes my compact, but that just barely fits.

The wallet, though not quite as cute as the makeup pouch in my opinion, is the much more practical purchase of the two. It's replaced my old Anna Sui wallet as my everyday wallet. There's a nice fold for cash, a clear section for a school I.D. or driver's license, a small zipper coin holder, and plenty of slits for credit cards and store gift cards. In addition, the whole thing zips up so you never have to worry about things slipping out. Oh, and not a single rhinestone has fallen off yet.

Makeup from E.L.F.

For those who are unfamiliar with the brand, E.L.F. (eyes lips face) is a line of decent quality makeup at rock bottom prices. And by rock bottom, I really mean it. Most brushes and makeup are $1, with some mineral makeup and studio line brushes at $3. I bought the brightening eye color in Silver Lining after seeing it on Miss Holly's gorgeous prom tutorial, the shimmering facial whip in Camilia, an eyelid primer, mineral face primer, eyelash curler, several eye and face brushes, and the nail polish in nude.

The great thing about ordering from E.L.F. is that you don't have to be afraid to test out new things since it'll generally only set you back a dollar. Plus, sites like retailmenot always have codes for further reductions and there are frequently deals on the E.L.F. website itself. I was actually quite impressed with all these items. The mineral primer makes my face feel incredibly smooth although I'm not a fan of the chemical-ly scent. I've started using it as my everyday primer and saving my Benefit "That Gal" for special occasions. I really love the eyelid primer. Although it's not quite as good as the Urban Decay Primer Potion, it still works pretty well and makes my eye makeup last much longer than if applied without a primer.

The eyeshadow I also really liked and was able to recreate the look in Holly's tutorial. Unfortunately, I dropped the container on the third time I wanted to use it so the shimmery white and blue shade fell out (tear). The nail polish is a great nude color although it's starts chipping after about two days. At the same time though, because it's nude, you can't really tell that it's chipping, so that's a plus. I've always been a fan of bright colors but I've started using this nude color a lot more since I've recently started a summer internship and bright colors don't exactly scream professionalism. As for the facial whip, I use it more often as an eyeshadow or lower eyeliner because it's so shimmery. I do like it though as it really brightens my eyes and a little goes a long way.

Now for the tools, I was really impressed with the complexion brush. I use it to apply my powder foundation and it's absolutely wonderful: the hairs on the brush are very smooth, they don't fall out, and they grab on to the foundation really well. Plus, the brush itself looks very professional, not something that you would expect for only $3. I wasn't so impressed with the brushes from the elf line so if you are ordering a brush, I definitely would recommend the studio line. As for the eyelash curler, I've never used one before so I can't compare it with anything. All I can say is, it works and it doesn't pull out my eyelashes.


J. Crew = Love

Right now, J. Crew is having a huge summer sale both in stores and online. During a visit to the store on Michigan Avenue last month, I picked up an ombre tote, flower flip-flops, and a couple of their soft tissue tees. Best of all, nothing was more than $25. I think my favorite item is the tote. It holds absolutely everything (yes, including my laptop, textbooks, and a water bottle) and looks effortlessly chic. The straps also don't dig into my shoulders despite how heavy my tote becomes after I stuff my school supplies in it. I've yet to wear the flip flops as I just bought a bunch of Havaianas slims (again, from Gilt). I don't think the J. Crew ones are quite as comfortable as my Havaianas but I think they look cuter.

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