Flying the Stylin Skies

I received requests from 2 of my favorite globe trotters on how to effectively and efficiently pack for a trip around the world (seriously, 1 lady to China and the other to Zambia). With the obnoxious fees for checking bags, its just not as easy as it used to be -- shoving everything you loved into a suitcase, regardless of factors like "space" or "practicality". Plus then there's the comfort factor, and the fact that you will undoubtedly experience 15 different temperatures during the course of the voyage.

I am still working on my packing skillz, but I try to make sure that everything I consider can be worn several different ways, for example: a dress that can be dolled up with a belt and some heels, or dressed down with a vest or long scarf, and matches with whatever cardigan or jacket you bring. I hate an outfit-repeat more than anyone, but trust me, I hate lugging a monster suitcase filled with "just in case" clothes even more.

Wearing boots or heels through the airport will also save space, and its not that crazy since flying actually involves a lot more sitting than walking. LAYERING is a must; tank top, cardigan, long scarf. My favorite trick? wear a chic coat -- with whatever you want underneath. leggings and a t-shirt will keep you comfy on the plane, but you'll still look polished and appropriate for the rest of the trip - and you don't have to worry about squeezing your coat into a suitcase!

Earth shattering advice? No. But some of these ladies and look pretty darn good doing it:

The simplest path to Airport Chic is to layer. All of these women stuck to coordinating (and comfortable looking) basics, then accessorized with an oversized scarf - sometimes bright and patterned, somtimes sleek and grey. I say pick your softest one, and it can double as a pillow...

Sienna Miller:

Reese Witherspoon:


Kate Bosworth:


Heidi Klum:

A trend that I am super into right now are these slouchy pieces with menswear inspiration. These women somehow manage to look laid back and professional in the same outfit. Pull your hair up and throw on some heels and you don't even need to change post flight.

Love love love Kylie Minogue's look:

Airport style All-Star Victoria Beckham:

Like I mentioned before, sometimes a great coat can be the outfit. Yes, VB has on killer shoes and an amazing bag, but for all we know she could have on Sofees under that coat...

Victoria Beckham:

Didn't even need to style her hair with a thick headband on, but that fierce a-line coat will get her from point A to B, and again a big old mystery to what she's got underneath (one of David's tshirts?):

Eva Mendez is a genius with this sweater/coat hybrid, makes me all warm and sleepy just looking at it...

Kate Hudson's lightweight white (and adorable) coat can take her right into spring. And you know she's still going to be comfortable on the plane with a t-shirt and jeans underneath:

A great option for summer - throw on a maxi dress! You'll look so polished, and still feel like you're in your pj's...

No suprise that Rihanna gets it right (although that necklace might set off a metal detector or two)

Jessica is usually a "don't" for me, but she managed to throw on a maxi dress and look better after a red eye than she does on some red carpets!

Oh and if you're a celebrity, an accessory "must"? Oversized sunglasses and a terse facial expression. For us regular folk? Plenty of candy and trashy magazines.

Hope I wasn't too late to help... Safe traveling, Maddie and Suz!!

Walk a Mile in More Comfortable (and stylish!) Shoes

Dedicated to one of my brainiac friends, who has decided to attend a prestigious medschool institution in PENNsylvania next year...

My dear Hayley, who was really the brains behind my passing (and even slight enjoyment) of AP Bio in high school, will be hoofin it to class next year. She loves her feet, and I love her green decision to walk, but of course there was the obvious conundrum -- cute but comfortable footwear. Just because she's studying to be a doctor, doesn't mean she needs to sell her soul to the devil (Crocs) just yet.

Flats are the obvious answer, but that is kind of the easy way out. Plus, flats can be too thin, rub your heels, and make your feet stink.... ok so I'm partial to heels. Sue me. But I really pushed myself to do some research despite my personal preference (pat self on back).

Here are 3 brands that I know from experience have really been focusing on comfort in their designs:

Sofft: The double f leads you to believe the brand is scandanavian or at least european, but the warehouse is based out of andover, MA? awkward...

Anyways 2 years ago I bought some black ankle booties from the line and they are the mose comfortable heels I have EVER OWNED. bar none. Their designs have manageable heels, and the soles are made out of something squishy so you can walk around all day/night with feet that are deliriously happy. Imagine how comfortable their flats must be...
These shoes are not that cheap, but are worth every penny -- the slightly higher price tag means quality and more importantly, happy feet!

T-straps are so lady-like, and these neutrals will go with everything, including brown tights this fall!

Wonderfully preppy, and coral is sure to put a pep in your step. If you've got sufficient pep, these come in 4 other colors...They also look sturdy enough to outlast any ordinary ballet flat:

Basic go-with-everything wedges, made by the most comfortable shoe brand? Sold.

Cole Haan: Mr Haan has teamed up with tennis pro (and hottie) Maria Sharpova to design footwear named "Air", a granddaughter (or cousin?) to the Nike brand. I have not personally given this a spin, but the designs are much more attractive and current than most "comfort" brands which usually are synonomous with "fugs"":

I love the ankle cuff on these, and the cream would make anyone's tan pop

These come in every color imaginable, including 2 varieties of snakeskin. That serious sole and elastic heel look very promising.

These are an awesome alternative to gladiators, and I have black patent sandals that I wear ALL THE TIME. They're dressy yet comfortable, go with everything, and your feet enjoy a breeze.

Baby heel and platform cushion make these a comfortable option should you want to spice it up to class one day... or out at night? You'll be skipping at the end of the night while everyone else stumbling.

Nude color goes with everything, and I think I would like these with black tights too...

Before you say "Sandals aren't for fall", 1) If you are in this heat wave right now, you don't want anything to do with closed toe shoes, 2) Theyre on sale!! wooooooo, and 3) worn with jeans or long pants, these will get you through September

Aerosoles: Always been known for casual comfort, I was underwhelmed by their flats selection, but honestly shocked when these embelished wedges caught my eye -- you can almost SEE the cushion from here!! Wedges are undoubtedly the most comfotable heel, so I think these would be an excellent pick up:

Hoped this has helped you a tad, and all I ask is an occaisonal text on the way to class this fall when you think, "WOW are these clouds on my feet?? Silky pillows?? Man, am I happy with this purchase."

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

YTML Thursday: Turn That Burn from Ouch to Aahhhh

Don't worry Kimmy K, we've all been there (although we try to refrain from taking selfies of the sunburn and then posted them to twitter).

It's an inevitable part of summer - going from happily roasting to pailfully toasting. And the worst part? All the "Oooh you're burrnnnneedd" comments that follow. I'm red and radiating heat, I get it.

Here are some great home remedies to soothe and moisturize the burn, using just about whatever you could possibly have in your kitchen, ranging from dairy products, to cucumber, to baking soda to honey. I personally am eager to try the oatmeal bath, which has always proven to have helaing powers for your skin (remember those chicken pox days?)

link to your magical skin soothing potions here: http://tipnut.com/sunburn-relief-home-remedies-over-50-soothing-treatments/

So get back in the sun girlfriends. And when the "Oooh you're burrnnneedd" police come around, just brush them off - you know you got a solution at home to turn that toast to TAN.

Source of Inspiration Slash Uncontrollable Jelaousy?

.... These pictures of Blake Lively shooting Gossip Girl in Paris. Eric Daman (the show's insanely genius stylist) has really out done himself here. Yes Blake has a rockin bod, and yes, her golden locks resemble that of a grecian sun goddess, but I really think these looks can be acheived in by us common folk. (And what's that you say? 2 of the 4 looks have HATS? iiinteresting...) Blake, I would kill to have your life. That's not a threat. I'm just saying.

from L to R:

I absolutely love the bright green of her maxi dress, and how the ruffles make it more soft and feminine, less hippie dippie. The brightly colored sandals and classic hat complete the look.

Where to start on the second outfit? The silk, blush, high waisted, wide leg trousers? That incredible grey bag? The chunky green necklace and peekaboo bra/bathing suit top? Gimme them all. This look is pretty grown up for Serena, she looks elegant and sexy, and she's for once not in a skin tight mini dress!!

The third outfit is going to be a huge inspiration on how I'd like to stretch my summer clothes to fall. I love a good flirty mini dress, and paired with a blazer it's a little more coverage, and some more structure (the key for fit: try and find a longer blazer that just grazes the hemline of your dress, it makes the look less corporate, and more pulled together). I am working on finding my perfect fedora, and although i do not have the legs of a slender baby fawn, I am into those nude colored oxfords.

Once you get past the insane color of those cropped blue tuxedo pants, check out the shoes. Who would think bejewled pumps could actually enhance a gold sequined jacket? Not I. Something Serena's obviously picked up from the French? That chic chignon, that lets us focus less on her golden waves, and more on her incredible designer ensemble.

I dont mean to gush, but you have to admit there is a certain art to the way some people can pull together different pieces. And when you are a style hero like Eric Daman and have access to all the most amazing designer's colelctions in the world? Game over. I have so much to learn.

Happy 4th!!

Inspiration for a festive red, white, & blue ensemble for your holiday festivities. So many options...Wish I had enough parties to wear them all!

Have a wonderful, (and stylish) long weekend!

Damn this Big Head: Hats are Back.

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Emi-chan. Ever the fashion enthusiast, always two trends ahead of me, I am not lying when I tell you that my friends and I have fought as to who gets first dibs when Emily cleans out her closet.

She emailed me last week to suggest a new topic for a post: hats. They are undoubtedly a huge trend this summer, and with my abnormally large head (thanks Dad) this is an accessory that I have shy-ed (shied? who cares. it's friday!) away from. But not from lack of interest...

There are a wide range of hats to choose from, and to be frank, the summer is the best time to experiement as most of them are practical - shades your face, keeps you cool, and gives you a way to cover up your locks when it's way too hot to blow dry.

Rachel Bilson throws one on with a basic jersey dress. The result when paired with a black fringed bag and skinny studded belt? Instant cool.

Here is super trendy, high fashion muse Agyness Deyn, who wears hers to sass up a plaid dress (I also love the socks and oxfords, this girl can pull off just about anything).

Here are some of my favorite hats this summer. In every shape and color, you would be missing out not to give one a try!

We'll start it off with my absolute favorite. The fedora is by far the trendiest hat right now, and can be worn with anything from a bikini to a LBD, to anyplace from the beach to a trendy restaurant. Taken from the classic menswear piece, I LOVE the bow on this hat as it adds a small, but distinctly feminine touch. The combination is quirky and irresistable.

Urban Outfitters, $48.,

Well Done Nordstrom, they are ALL OVER this trend. Here is the perfect fedora for summer. Only $28, and it comes in 7 colors!! Go for Mocha if your scared, but for the summer? I would try the kelly green or raspberry. Packs the perfect punch of color, and all you need to pair it with are some jean cut-offs and a tank top! Nordstrom, $28.

If this is not your first forray with headwear, I would definitely go for this striped fedora. It classic yet eyecatching with a white button down, but would also be PERFECT with a tan trenchcoat this fall...sigh. Urban Outfitters, $28

A little flatter and more circular than the fedora, another great look for summer is the "boating hat". Taken literally and worn with stripes here, I would pair it with a floaty floral derss or romper. Shopruche, $19.

So maybe this isn't as practical, but there is something so glamorous about a wide-brimmed sun-hat. Pair it with any solid color bikini and a white cover up?

I'd die. Plus you'd have something amazing for the Kentucky Derby next year...

Eugenia Kim, $298

Somewhere between the broadbrimmed bucket hat, the red piping on this number is both sweet and sharp. Without it this girl would just be "Meh" in a polka dotted dress.

Eugenia Kim, Shopbop.

LOVE the geometric cut-outs, this hat is a great solution for your fair skinned girls. and SO chic -it could go from the pool, to an outside cocktail party, to a graduation. Also comes in a neutral shade. Arden B, $29.One of my favorite looks that I picked up when abroad in Paris. These "knit berets" are a downtown, updated version of the French hat. Wear pushed back a little bit on your head (to avoid the muffin top), these are a casual, effortless way to add some punch to your outfit. This one comes in a bunch of color options too! Urban Outfitters, $24

The trend gets a preppy twist in brightly knit colors. Kangol, $40.

A slouchy hat with a cheeky print! And in beige, you could get some wear out of this before winter. TopShop.

Hopefully you find my research satisfactory Em, and that one of these toppers catches your eye. and I call dibs when it gets discarded... that is if it can fit over this damn big head.

You'll Thank Me Later: Greasy Hair Edition

Don't think I fogot what day it was.... You'll Thank Me Later Thursday!!

I love sleep. Can't get enough of it. Sleep can actually morph me into a different person, depending on how many hours I log. Over the years I have done just about whatever necessary to grab an extra minute or two -- lay out clothing, eat breakfast in the car, and of course, shower the night before. I know, i know, you don't look your best, but the choice between an extra 15 minutes of sleep, and whether or not somone at work thinks my hair is a little limp, is really a no-brainer.

A trick I've picked up along the way? If you get up and look at yourself in the mirror and think that your mane is flirting with slighty-greasy-and-might-need-a-shower line here is a great solution: baby powder. Sprinkle some in your hand, turn your head upside down, and then run the powder into your roots (where the oil starts). Keep repeating till your hair looks and feels lighter - the powder magically freshens your locks!

Even if you are an early bird, hair experts do say that you're not supposed to wash your hair daily, as it strips your strands of natural oils. This trick can help tide you over! Now if word could only get back to poor J Simp...