Long-haul Flight Essentials!

I just got back from Europe last week.  The fact that I was extremely unprepared for the two long-haul flights taught me exactly what you need to make it to the other side, without getting sick or losing your mind.  Here are the essentials:

1. Backpack or Tote Bag.

This is very important.  Whatever bag you choose, it must fit below the seat in front of you.  This is where you store all of the important items you'll need easy access to during your flight.

I recommend Longchamp's Large Le Pliage Tote (Nordstrom.com, $145.00).  I love this bag.  I use it constantly.  It doesn't over-complicate things by adding pockets you don't need.  It's vinyl (which makes it weather-proof), it's designer, and it looks fabulous.

Rolling carry-on luggage is beyond overrated.  Why bother carefully packing a rolling bag just to stow it and not have access to it for 8-10 hours?  That's just silly.  By all means, use your rolling carry-on to pack items you'll need during your trip to avoid checking a bag, but don't rely on this for things you'll need in-flight.

2. Airborne.

Take this immunity-boosting concoction either before your flight or during, but do not forget to take it. It is well documented that airplanes are a breeding ground for germs.

3. Anti-Bacterial Wipes.

I read somewhere recently that it is safe for passengers to assume that the plane has not been cleaned or wiped down prior to boarding (with the exception of the bathroom). Once you get to your seat and before you start using that touch-screen monitor, wipe everything down.

4. Hand Sanitizer.

For the same reason as #3 - use often.  I love the selection at Bath & Body Works.  They're 5 for $5 USD or $1.75 each.

5. Kindle/E-Reader and Charger

I love my Kindle Paperwhite! Just remember to download some good books or magazines before boarding the plane.

6. Phone and Charger.

Your plane might actually have power outlets at each seat, so take this opportunity to charge your devices.

7. Headphones.

Noise cancelling headphones are best.  I have the Bose ear buds and I love them!

8. Eye Mask.

This is especially important when flying during the day and East to West. You're chasing the sun and everyone has their shade up while you want to sleep.

9.  Moisturizer and Lip Balm.

This is for when the recycled air just doesn't cut it for your skin.  I recommend Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist ($16).  For lip balm, my absolute favorite is La Natura's Shea Butter Lip Balm ($8). They are over-sized and come in lots of delicious flavors!

10. Mouthwash.

For when you won't be caught dead brushing your teeth in a public bathroom.

11. Tissues.

So simple, yet so easily overlooked.

12.  Makeup Removing Wipes.

I love, love, LOVE Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes. These work perfectly if you've fallen asleep on the plane and you wake up with makeup all over your face.  And guys, these work for you too!

Am I forgetting anything?  What are your favorite travel essentials? I'd love to hear about them!

Thou Shall Not Neglect Thy Hands

Yes, you read that correctly.  This, my friends, is the first of many anti-aging commandments and is not to be taken lightly!  It is very important that we remember to take care of our hands in the battle against aging.

I don't know about you, but I spend so much money on anti-aging skin care products for my face.  I know I'm not the only one - after all, "personal products" is a $5 billion industry.  Whether everything the beauty industry force-feeds us about preventing aging is true or not, I can't say.  One thing I am sure of is the basic principle of organic chemistry and the fact that we are all, in fact, aging.  Don't be alarmed!  There are things we can do to delay the process.

I've read in many places that the first part of our bodies to show signs of aging is our hands.  In my opinion, the beauty industry hasn't really cashed in on this concept yet, which is probably the reason so many of us neglect our hands when it comes to our beauty routine.

Knock it off!  This applies to the guys, too.

What I've started to do, and I suggest you do as well, is that every night when I go to apply anti-aging moisturizer to my face, I leave a little extra in my palm for my paws to enjoy and reap the benefits. There is no need to go out and buy anything specific for your hands - just use what's already in your medicine cabinet!

What's in my medicine cabinet, you ask?  Lately I'm crushing over Mario Badescu's Collagen Moisturizer ($24, MarioBadescu.com).  This stuff feels so good on my skin, it's relatively inexpensive, and it works great for all skin types.

Source: MarioBadescu.com

If you're not ready to make a commitment but you believe in the concept (which is irrefutable), try healthy hands hand & nail care lotion from CVS.  You have no excuse - it's $3 USD.

Source: CVS.com

Try this. Your hands will thank you!

Layering Essentials

Fall is all about layering - yummy vests, leggings, boots, tanks, tunics, and the list goes on.  This is my favorite time of year because the combinations are endless and there is no right or wrong when it comes to layering (or fashion as a whole for that matter).  It's the perfect opportunity to play in your closet and try new, unexpected combinations.

One of my favorite things to do is grab two or three pieces that I absolutely love, but have never worn together at once, and then put them together and find a way to make them work.  Any mixture of stripes, colors, patterns, or plaids can work as long as you find a common denominator - a necklace, a scarf, a sweater, an interesting pair of pants or leggings.  Sure, your brain might insist that you don't "match," but challenge yourself to wear it anyway.  I love pushing the envelope and making myself feel uncomfortable (temporarily) when it comes to putting outfits together - in between taking risks and challenging yourself to try new things is where you'll find your own unique style and confidence and that is what fashion is about.

If you're going to experiment with layering, a great place to start is the essentials - tanks, tees, and leggings.  I've owned many.  Here are my favorites:

Tanks

The clear winner here is SkinnyTees Basic Wide Strap Cami ($32, Amazon.com). They are also available in packs of two from QVC for $34, plus the cost of shipping. Check them out here.  Pricey, I know, but I promise they are life-changing.  They stretch for days without stretching out.  The best part? ONE SIZE FITS MOST!

Source: Amazon.com

Leggings

Lori Goldstein makes the best leggings I've ever owned.  There is nothing worse than wearing a pair of leggings and have them suddenly start rolling down your waist. You don't have to worry about that with Lori's Regular Knit Leggings ($45, QVC.com). They have an extra wide waist band and come in lots of rich colors.  Buy multiple pairs here.

PSA: Be sure to read the reviews to find the right size for you.  They typically run large and long.

Source: QVC.com

Long Sleeve Shirts

I love Old Navy's Perfect Tees! At $10.50 (OldNavy.com), you just can't beat the value.  They're a great length for layering, they're washer/dryer friendly (otherwise they wouldn't be in my closet), and they come in your basic black and white, plus plenty of fun colors.

Source: OldNavy.com

Some other things your going to need this season:

- Fun scarves (a great place to incorporate a delicious floral print)
- Tall or, better yet, over-the-knee boots
- Tunic tops
- Long sweaters and cardigans
- Tights
- A hat for every occasion (I love Goorin Bros.' Goldman Suede Fedora Hat)

Do you have a favorite "essential?" I'd love to hear about it - please leave a comment or send me a message using the link to the right.  Happy layering!

On Trend: Luxe Backpack

The new addition to my [handbag] family.

I'm heading to Europe in a few weeks, and of course I'm already visualizing what I'll be wearing as I romp through the streets of Florence, Venice, and Rome. One of the must-haves on my packing list has been a leather or suede backpack. I've been on the hunt for one over the last few weeks and today I found it!

Enter stage left: this delicious faux leather drawstring backpack, fringe and all, by Deux Lux (one of my favorite brands in handbags).  Be still my beating heart.

While the main reason I wanted a backpack was to be hands-free on my trip, this bag can easily and fashionably be carried like a tote. It's faux leather, so I don't have to worry about exposing it to the elements or dropping it in a puddle.  And that fringe!  I can't get enough fringe this season.

At retail, this beauty would have cost $130 USD, but I took it home for $32!  The clearance rack at Marshalls never lets me down. If you don't have the privilege of being a lunch break away from Marshalls and you're willing to spend the money, I also love Topshop's Fringe Suede Backpack ($130, Nordstrom.com).

Source: Nordstrom.com

Welcome back, pack!

On Trend: Slip-on Sneakers

Today's find: this gorgeous pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction slip-on sneakers. I've been crushing on this trend for weeks now, and couldn't resist when I saw the Salt N Pep Pony Hair Sport Flat for $40 USD at Marshalls across the street.

Source: DSW.com

I haven't owned a pair of true slip-on sneakers since elementary school. Needless to say, the return of this trend is uber exciting.  What's better is that they are refined - the pony hair turns the chic up a notch and I can feel confident wearing these to work or play.  I'm all about looking professional and being comfortable.  Comfortable. Professional. Check and check!

Since I couldn't wait, I'm wearing them with a tie dye maxi skirt, but these will be adorable with leggings and a tunic or my favorite pair of boyfriend jeans (if said pair of jeans existed).

You can pick these up online at DSW.com.  With so many cute pairs of these slip-on sneakers available, I bet you can't pick just one. You've been warned!

Wedding Makeup

My day with the genius that is Tracey Rappaport.

I had the privilege of following my friend, fellow makeup artist, and blog co-contributor Tracey around last week while she did the bridal party's makeup for my dear friend Heather's wedding.

Right away I was learning new things.  Nothing excites me more.  Here are some highlights and must-haves for your kit:

Foundation

Tracey started with Marie.  Marie doesn't need makeup.  Something about putting makeup on people like her makes the task more challenging and exciting; she has naturally strong, beautiful features that you don't want to overwhelm or distract from with spackle, but you do want to be able to deliver that fresh, finished look. The hardest thing to do in makeup is to create the illusion that you're not wearing any.  Take it from someone who has learned the hard way!

Marie!

I looked over at Marie and immediately noticed how dewy her skin looked.  As you know by now, I love a dewy finish!  Tracey introduced me to this phenomenal new foundation palette that is made specifically for HD cameras - Cinema Secrets 5-in-1 Pro Palette ($28, Amazon.com).  This was our best friend in front of the camera.

Source: Amazon.com

One of the bonuses about this palette is that it can multitask as a tool for contouring.  I watched Tracey use the darker shades to contour under our cheekbones with a foundation brush.  Brilliant!

Brows

Tracey blew me away next with the drugstore favorite Brow Fix by Milani ($10, Amazon.com).  I couldn't believe the texture and potency of this stuff  - I love when a little bit goes a long way. This palette is foolproof  - the purpose of each color is spelled out for you, literally.  You can even apply with the adorable little tools that come with it.

Source: Amazon.com

Blush

The best blush I've come across so far, especially for a wedding, goes to Lorac's Soul.  This is sold out on Lorac's website (which goes to show you how spectacular it is) and I can't find it on any other trustworthy sites online - if you find it, please leave a comment!  Anyway, Soul is a magical harmony of bronzer and blush.  It's so easy to misuse bronzer as blush and blush as bronzer. While I am a fan of finding new uses for things, this is generally not one of them. Miraculously, Soul makes it work.

Wallah! A perfect wedding look.  #nofilter

A very, very special thank you to Tracey for letting me annoy her all day for the purposes of this blog. Can't wait to do it again!

Another special thank you to Heather for letting me make a few minutes in her special day about me.

To book an appointment with Tracey, click here.
To check out Tracey's website, click here.

On Trend: Floral

I am loving the floral trend right now!  I've always been a fan of floral, but this season I'm seeing a lot of dark, edgy patterns and silhouettes that transition seamlessly from day to night.  Yesterday (on my daily lunch break trip to T.J. Maxx across the street), I gave in to the trend and picked up these beauties for a whopping $20 USD!  Talk about a #fabfind!

Bathroom selfie! 

How awesome are these pants?  They pull on, which means they are super comfortable - so much so that I could wear them to bed.  I don't know about you, but I can't get anything done at work if I'm uncomfortable, especially when I'm confined to my cube all day.  Oh, and they have pockets, which I can never get enough of - even my wedding dress had pockets!

The fabric has a black background juxtaposed against a beautiful, sort of romantic white rose pattern, which cranks the alpha of this risk-reward calculation up a notch in my opinion.  Most of the florals I've seen this season combine dark, rich, typical fall colors; while beautiful, I'm always looking for something unique. To everyone that says I can't wear white after Labor Day, I say, "Watch me!"