Woven Accessories for the Win!

{J.Crew Top, White Jeans, Mar Y Sol clutch}

The easiest way to transition any single outfit into Spring and Summer is by simply adding a woven accessory! I'm switching out my booties for straw-adorned slides and moving my woven bags to the front of my closet--an instant wardrobe update. The best part is that straw, raffia, and wovens have been around for decades, so you can find great vintage pieces! Be sure to shop high and low, because there's so many options out there!!

ROSIE Daisy and Bee Clutch $225

This oversized Target Pom Pom Clutch ($20!) turns an off-the-shoulder basic black top into a fun summer outfit--Tiny Finch Tassel Earrings and Horn Bangles.

Old Navy Flamingo Pom Pom Clutch $20

Cheeky Vintage Round Tote with Scarf $79 

*Anthropologie has a similar version with Monograms!

Or tie a silk scarf around any of your woven bags for a quick update!!

Vintage Straw Bag $72

Etsy is a treasure trove for vintage straw bags and clutches!! (I like to Search: vintage straw clutch/purse, vintage embroidered clutch, vintage raffia etc. and then choose to Sort: lowest to highest prices.) How fun is this Raffia Fish bag?!?

Topshop Mini Round Crab Tote (also converts to crossbody :)) $40

I found my woven Mexican bag and tassel on Instagram last summer from The Swellife, A Fashion Truck that pops up all over NY!! 

I love it for the pool or around town with a white t-shirt, jeans, and ballet flats :)

{Clare Vivier Woven Collection}

The Alice Tote with Tassel

{OP with a Mar Y Sol Tote-- Shop it all on Gilt for a fraction of the cost HERE!!}

Zara Floral Tote--with striped lining!! $70

ASOS Straw Flamingo Clutch $24

One of my GO-TO straw bags that my MIL brought back from Uganda, easy to throw on with a black dress and gold sandals!

My favorite French market bags in Deauville, FR. Since I'm not hopping the pond this summer, I ordered this style for our family trip to Disney Land. I love having the backpack (hands-free) option for traveling with kids!!

As with bags, woven espadrilles, sneakers, and slides are perfect to throw on with any outfit, especially black!! These closed-toe nude espadrilles I bought at Target (similar here) when Fred was pregnant and they've seen better days, but I still pull them out when it warms up! Wearing them with an off-the-shoulder dress I found at Abercrombie last spring.

I wasn't sure if I'd wear the sneaker-style espadrilles, so I ordered these from Target and I wear them all.the.time!!! They reminded me of these:

Loeffler Randall Espadrille Sneaker $225

I got these dressier BR Espadrille Wedges on sale for Easter weekend (they're narrow, I had to go up 1/2 a size) and they go with EVERYTHING!!

{Target top, Cynthia Collins Rope Necklace, Vintage Clutch, Gap Jeans, BR Slides-also got on sale!!}

{My old Joie dress got a Spring update with the pom pom slides--Clare V Messenger Bag, Horn earrings}

I found my oversized brim hat at the local hardware store, but the frilly bow was on the side, so I trimmed it up and moved it to the back!! 

{Similar Somerset Hat via Terrain}

I did the same thing a few years ago with this straw hat that I ordered from Amazon!! 

I also got my San Diego Hat Company Visor on Amazon (easiest way to shop various style of hats with free returns!) and gave it a pom pom update. I absolutely LOVE that it rolls up and packs easily into my pool bag!! 

{TJ MAXX Top, J.Crew shorts, Penny Lane Flip Flops} 

{Black Round Tote and Clutch-World Market}

Some of my favorite places to shop for straw accessories are Anthropologie, Etsy, ASOS, World Market, Shopbop,  Topshop, and antique stores!!

 My SUMMERTIME Pinterest Board HERE!!

24 Hours in NOLA

Before we celebrated Easter last weekend, I flew to New Orleans for a friend's bachelorette's party. I was getting everyone else's bags ready too, so I tried to be as efficient as possible with my packing! It was a quick trip but I managed to squeeze in Dinner at Bacchanal, Brunch at Galatoire's, and some pool time before I headed back to the airport.

 I packed one color scheme so I could re-wear shoes and accessories. On the plane I wore my white jeans with nude wedges and threw in a big cotton scarf to cover up with. I carried on my favorite Longchamp Bag and a straw tote with a striped clutch tucked inside. After drinks at the hotel, I changed into my Zara Dress and espadrilles for dinner.

I have some dressier events coming up this spring, so I got some heels to wear with it too. They reminded me of these Coach sandals for a fraction of the price! 

For brunch I on Saturday I wore my Easter Dress and flats...

And then I went straight from the pool to the airport, so my Gap shirtdress worked great as a coverup. Can't wait to wear it belted with wedges too. I love traveling light!!

Traveling Light

Since I've been reliving our trip from last summer, I thought I'd share my tips for traveling light! We were in Europe for 10 days and moved locations quite a bit, so we didn't want to be weighed down with luggage. With some strategic packing, I was able to pack everything in our two Longchamp bags and didn't re-wear a single outfit!

Black tank, 5 ways!

I paired my black Michael Stars tank with a black pencil skirt, printed shorts, gold skirt, wrap skirt, and black jeans to create 5 versatile looks. These outfits range from casual daytime to dressy night time attire and can be layered with accessories and scarves.

I love a tie belt that can also be worn with a black dress to create a new look!

Black skirt, 3 ways!

This knit Alice+Olivia pencil skirt is my go-to travel piece because it rolls up and doesn't show wrinkles. I can pair it with a conservative sweater, flashy blouse, or ruffled top and it is the perfect length with flats or heels. I belt it tucked out, tucked in, and it doesn't stretch out with multiple wears.

I layered my grandmother's black slips with a long tank and belted it. This outfit takes up no space at all. I always like traveling with slips, in case you pick up something along the way that needs one!

Jeans, tanks, cardigans, and scarves are all great for layering. I stick to black and white cardigans that match everything and add color with scarves. I like a silk one as a head band at the beach, a soft one for train rides, and a light weight version for cold museums. You can never have too many!

My nightgown doubled as a swimsuit coverup at the beach and browsing the markets in Deauville. We took an old sheet for picnics but tossed it to make room for purchases on the way back!

I prefer dresses that don't need ironing and roll up nicely. Add belts for versatility and take a pair of tights in case it gets cool at night.

Accessorize!

Jewelry is the easiest way to add color and maximize your basics without taking up much space. I throw it all in a jewelry pouch so I always have options!

As for shoes, I took my gold T strap sandals, black and silver ballet flats, and a pair of flip flops. I would have taken a pair of heels but with all the walking and biking, I opted not to. And I was happy to have the extra space!

Purses...I took one with a long strap that I wore across my shoulder for travel days and packed my black Longchamp purse. My wallet doubled as my clutch for nights out and I used my orange envelope pouch for loose papers. I like to throw in a collapsible bag like my Whole Foods one to consolidate sacks while shopping. And since nothing screams tourist like a French dictionary, I made a book cover out of pretty paper!

The trip!

Packing Tips

1. Go for a few color schemes that overlap: I went with gold and black, black and red, red and navy. The key is to have enough combinations that work together to create different looks.

2. Accessorize! Long strands of beads are lightweight and can be wrapped as necklaces or bracelets. I like to wear my pearl studs and switch out the rest of my jewelry so I don't lose any pairs.

3, Layers, layers, layers. You never know what the day will entail so pack a scarf or cardigan in your bag to be prepared!

4. Be realistic, only take what you KNOW you will wear.

5. Use your destination as inspiration! The women in France are simple, chic, and pulled together. I'm always amazed at how practical they dress so I tried to do the same.

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." Susan Heller