5 Tips for Travel Style

Happy Tuesday, friends! I just returned from a short work trip to Vegas and it feels great to be home (doesn't it always?). I have been to the land of sequins and shine for work in the past few years more times than I can count (8-10?) and a few times for personal vacation so at this point, I'm just about all stripped-out. Whenever I tell anyone I'm traveling to Vegas on business, the response is something like, "How awesome! You're so lucky!" but truthfully, it tends to get really old, really fast...especially for someone who doesn't appreciate it much in the first place. 

I enjoyed it the first time I went...walk the strip, see a show, (Beatles LOVE was amazing!) eat a great meal, get a giant drink from Carnival Court and you're golden. But honestly, I don't believe you need to see it more than once. I don't really gamble (unless somebody gives me expendable $ for video blackjack...then my addictive personality kicks in!) and these days, I would much rather spend my time in a naturally-beautiful setting, where I can walk/hike or be near water. The bright lights tend to burn you out after a while...

With that said, this trip was a little unique because my husband was there for a bachelor party at the same time so he extended his trip an extra day and we made plans for a nice dinner out. One thing I DO love about Vegas are the Bellagio Fountains, especially when they're in sync with a Sinatra tune. It reminds me of what I imagine Vegas used to be like in the 40's-50's...more classy, less shady. We ate outside on the patio at my favorite restaurant, Olives. It overlooks the fountains and offers a great view of the entire strip. Here, I feel happy and I was so excited to share part of my time there with my husband. It certainly made it feel less like work and more like a weekend.

Through all my trips, I have learned a few things that help me make the actual travel process a little easier...

5 Travel Tips

• Wear Layers: I typically wear my most comfortable pair of jeans or leggings, usually in a dark color because they are less likely to get messy and it tends to look classier. I like to pair either with a long, comfy, plain t-shirt and bring a denim jacket or casual blazer to throw on once I’m boarding. If you know me, you know I am always freezing. I love Summertime but the season is also bad news because all indoor places feel the need to keep their spaces ARCTIC (including my office!) That said, I am always sure to have multiple options for keeping warm on the plane, otherwise I can’t find a way to relax.

• Don’t Forget Socks: Branching off tip # 1, this is a must. In the Summer, I wear sandals on a daily basis but the plane is no place for bare feet. I’ve been there, done that and hugely regretted it…SO COLD. If you want to wear sandals on the plane, at least keep a pair in your bag. You’ll appreciate it when you go through security, as well :) 

• Simplicity wins: When it comes to your travel look, don’t overthink it. This is not a time to debut a new floral maxi dress or geometric-inspired tank top. Think neutral colors, basic staples and pieces that transition from day to night with a few easy switches (like bag & shoes).

• Shower the night before: I have started doing this regularly (mostly because of my frequent yoga classes), but it also applies well to traveling, especially if you have an early flight (obvi). But in general, I like going to bed with my hair wet (most likely in loose braids) and then curling it in the morning so I’m ready for the day. It’s less work this way…plus, I know I look forward to a shower after a long day of traveling so this way, you don’t have to do it twice in one day...winning!

• Pack Snacks: I am definitely my Mother’s daughter because this is pretty much her number one life motto. No matter what you’re doing, ALWAYS be prepared with snacks and I tend to think this is pretty wise because you never know...but this is coming from someone who gets SUPER hangry when I miss a meal. I rarely go anywhere without a granola bar, banana or some sort nuts/pretzels…Kind Bars are my favorite because I find they tend to keep you fuller, longer (and they’re DELISH!). Plus, in-flight meals aren’t what they used to be…not that I don’t appreciate the 1 oz. bag of cashews but just saying, I got a personal carton of Ben & Jerry’s on the way to England…take notes, America.

What are your thoughts on Vegas? Yay or Nay?
How do you dress for Travel days?

Wearing:

Dress: H&M (Olive not available online but shop all other colors here)

Chambray: Old Navy

Bag: c\o Sole Society (Currently sold out but similar here under $30!)

Hat: U of I (This is a similar style and it's on my wish list...you'll see why, Chicago friends!)

Necklace: Target (similar)

Shoes: Converse

Sunnies: H&M 

Lip color: Glominerals - Sorbet

Red, White and Chambray

It's that time of year again.. obviously I'm referring to Christmas in July, or as most of you know it, the 4th. It's my second favorite holiday -- the epitome of Summer, where everything wonderful about the season comes together: Sunshine, bbq's, good company and time by the lake. 

This will be my 18th year of watching fireworks on the pier. That also means 18 years of eating my Mom's famous pasta salad for lunch but enjoying it even more when it dig in for round two at night. 18 years of walking down to the lake for a mid-day swim (7 of which have included red solo cups full of something spiked to enjoy on the way down). 18 years of my brother purchasing fireworks at a roadside tent and insisting we set them off, despite my Mom's continuous warnings that the neighbors will hate us for it. 18 years of bacci ball competitions and more recently, bags tournaments to kick off the festivities. And probably one of my fondest memories, 18 years of watching "What About Bob" in the basement theater with cousins and friends...some of us falling asleep mid-way through, some of us quoting every line ("A vacation from my problems!").

Sometimes I can't believe we've been doing these things for so long...but mostly, I just feel lucky to have experiences like these that continue to make me so excited year after year. 

Read more about our favorite 4th traditions here!

I have a few different outfit ideas for our party...Looks like it's going to be a patriotic theme allll weekend long ;)

P.S. Still deciding what to cook this weekend? Try this easy sandwich idea which is great for a crowd & stay tuned for a festive drink post this Friday.

Wearing:

Dress: Old Navy (very similar from ON)

Shoes: Converse

Scarf: Target (and it's under $6!)

Bag: Sole Society (very similar)

Sunnies: Target (love this cat eye version too!)

Lipstick: "Jetset" by GloMinerals

Florals Dressed Up & Down

One true sign of a great dress is that it looks just as good dressed down as it does up. When you can pair with sneakers or heels and still pull off an effortlessly put together look, that is considered a big win because it becomes that much more versatile. 

Like Kelly alluded to here, us ladies have SO many dresses that we love but because they are full of prints, colors and embellishments, they often get hung back in the closet to collect dust after one or two wears (so as not to repeat too often...the horror!) But when you make a dress look completely different just by switching out your jacket, accessories and/or shoes, it names on a whole level of new.

 I have been loving all the floral and pattern prints at OldNavy for the Spring season and this dress popped out right away (I like the pixie pant version too!) It’s a great fit so of course I bought the striped version too – I say, when you find something you like, always buy 2... (Pretty sure my husband would like to argue otherwise…)

Swap out a jean jacket for a trench and wedges for sneakers and voilà!

Dress: Old Navy (similar) | Jean Jacket: J.Crew | Sneakers: Converse | Bucket purse: Old Navy (similar)

Trench: H&M (similar) | Wedges: Sole Society (similar) | Clutch: Just Fab | Necklace: LOFT | Sunnies: Target

Because We Enjoyed Blogger Brunch (Part 1)

We recently attended a lovely Sunday brunch (#bloggerbrunch, that is) hosted by Mary of Sportsanista. She said the idea came to her after she thought about how often we all converse regularly via Instagram, our Blogs, Twitter, etc but don't see each other nearly enough in real life and we couldn't agree more. 

It's so easy to leave a complimentary comment or send an e-vite for an event, but it's important to find the time to slow down and chat about the world outside of our digital footprints…we quickly realized how much we all have in common (besides a passion for fashion) such as the men in our lives rolling their eyes when we ask them to take ANOTHER outfit photo or hope they can see the need for that non-functional sequin pillow (yes, NEED). 

Blazer: Target (Swap w/ Lisa) // Shirt: JC Penney // Jeans: Old Navy // Belt: GAP // Shoes: Converse
 Bag: Windsor (Swap w/ Lisa) // Bracelets: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Sunnies: Target // Rings: Francescas,  Lili Claspe

We are already looking forward to the next get together…There was mention of pasta + wine, so I'm pretty sure we won't have trouble finding room in our schedule :)

Dress: Because I Shop Too Much // Jacket: c/o Just Fab // Boots: c/o Sole Society // Necklace & Rings: T+J Designs 
Bag: c/o Funky Pretty by Design Dahl // Sunnies: Prada 

Check back on Monday for photos of the "could this be any cuter" brunch set-up Mary created just for us!

Because Kaitlyn got Married: The Day

I am so excited to post my official wedding photos today! Prior to the wedding, everyone told me how important it would be to take a moment during all of the chaos to reflect on it all so I tried to do that during each phase of the day and I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.

The bridesmaids started arriving at 6:00 am, partly because there were so many of us and partly because we were too excited to sleep!

I was adamant about wearing blue shoes, yes to match the bridesmaids, but also because I'm always a sucker for a pop of color. This idea completely confused my Grandmother but when she saw them in person, she warmed up to it and decided it was absolutely perfect :)

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I have never felt as pretty as I did on this day. I knew this was the right dress the moment I put it on, but it was a different story with my hair. I was insanely specific about how I wanted it styled (no up-dos - all result in tears, no joke) 

All my life, I had imagined walking down the aisle with long loose waves because that's when I feel most like myself and thank you to Zano's, my wish was granted. With the curls cascading over my shoulder, the keyhole back was still a main focus (the highlight of the dress!)

Holy handsome!

Even the priest took a moment during the ceremony to point out the crazy amount of blue. "I just have to ask, was there sale on gym shoes?"

Aren't my bridesmaids gorgeous? Even though only a few of them are related, I consider them all to be family. Their bright blue J. Crew dresses and the coral/pink flowers looked better than I even imagined...one of my ultimate color combos!

I decided to skip the "first look" idea in order to have a traditional ceremony because I was so excited to experience that surprise moment when I saw him waiting for me at the end of the aisle and let me say, there will never be words to describe that emotion. My whole body was shaking and between the mixture of laughter and tears, I was on cloud nine.

That being said, this was one of the only moments my new husband and I were alone all day, so these are a few of my favorite photos - just him and I gushing over the day.

What is a wedding at the Shedd without Jellies?!

My husband calls this photo "the girl on fire" - Who needs Katniss Everdeen? ;)

One of the reasons we picked the Shedd (amongst many!) is because I think it has the greatest view of the city skyline so it was important to me to spend part of the night on the gorgeous terrace. In addition to cocktail hour, we spent some time taking photos and dancing in the (brief) rain drops which was one of the most memorable parts of the evening. It unplanned, imperfect and just right. 

Stay tuned for wedding details tomorrow...