This February I had the pleasure of attending many shows during fashion week ranging from formals to streetwear. Here are the trends I spotted and will be anticipating this Fall and Winter seasons.
Shows featured that I attended include: Alessandro Trincone, Fashion Hong Kong, Yuna Yang, Oxford Fashion Studio, and Artistix.
Metallics and Silks
Lots of shimmer and shine will be in! I noticed so many dresses, blouses and jackets in silky materials and metallic metal shades.
Blushes
Beautiful feminine pinks and florals were also prominate at the shows, which I very much look forward to as I love wearing light pinks in the winter.
Bright Greens & Blues
Another trend I noticed popping up in the streetwear and modern shows were blues and greens. These colors were also blocked and incorporated in futuristic dimensional pieces which was really interesting.
Statement Sleeves
I am so excited to see this trend is not going anywhere! Statement sleeves have seriously been one of my favorite trends the past few seasons so to see them still sticking around was thrilling!
Tulle, Feathers & Colorless Palettes
Tiered tulle skirts, dresses and feather accents were prominent as well which should be fun! These soft feminine textures were seen in whites, grey and blacks. I noticed a lot of pieces were featured in these colorless shades which sort of makes the pieces timeless no matter the silhouette, which I love.
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of trends and look forward to seeing how everyone implements them into their wardrobe this fall!
What’s the weather like? Will you be walking? Transition from day to night looks? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered for all things Malaga!
Continuing with my carry-on only packing, Jhonathan and I traveled to Malaga, Spain this past December and each only brought a carry-on. For the weather in December, we were looking at 40-60 degree weather with possibility of rain, clouds and temps fluctuating to the 70’s. This might sound odd but when you are from Houston, you are used to sporadic weather changes so I know how to pack for pretty much any weather and make it work!
So Here’s What I Brought
I needed to pack clothing that was comfortable, but also wearable no matter where we went dresscode wise. This can be tricky, but I have learned it’s all about the color palette and materials.
Packing dark wash denim is always a must. You can dress them up or down and as long as they are comfortable, can be worn all day! I paired mine with a chunky knit chevron sweater in blush and maroon. The over the knee boots completes this all day appropriate look for shopping in the city and hitting local restaurants and museums. Below I have added a few pairs of my favorite denim. They are a bit of a splurge but the quality totally makes them worth it! You will have them forever!
A Fun Print Workout Look & Something For Layering
So if you are going to Malaga, you must visit El Caminito Del Rey. And for this hike I highly recommend a comfortable activewear set and with the temps fluctuating; layer! We bought a jacket, and a backpack so that once the temps raised we were able to place our jackets in our backpacks and feel much more comfortable. I am wearing a printed set with a lightweight cotton zip up cardigan. This was perfect for the hike, accompanied by my running shoes.
A Dark Colored Sweater Dress
This was a must for any trip! A sweater dress was actually ideal for the Malaga December weather. This one from Lulus was perfect with a belt bag and my over the knee boots. The reason I recommend a dark color is because they give off a more dressier vibe and can be worn from morning brunch to a show in the evening.
And lastly, you will want to have a transitional coat with you…preferably with a hood! I actually had to purchase this one while in Malaga because the temps dropped on us the first day and started raining! This coat not only kept me warm, but also ended up being my most favorite purchase which I wear all of the time now! I purchased it in a color that went with the palette I packed so that everything could seamlessly be paired together and looked complete. That is really the key to packing light. Make sure everything compliments each other so that you can mix and match pieces and above all look great while being comfortable! – Because the last thing you should be doing is worrying about your uncomfortable outfit! Vacationing is all about enjoying the sights and culture around you!
If you have been following my travel blogs, then you know I always travel with only a carryon. From Rome to Fashion Week in NY always a carryon. So when it came to our most recent trip to Paris, I had to be very strategic with my packing. Everyday was filled with events so I had to stay comfortable, warm and stylish. Here’s how I did it!
So I packed clothing for 5 full days and 1 evening look along with a travel ensemble, so that brings my total to 7 outfits and 2 coats. I’ll show you each and how I did it now!
#1 Plan out your outfits based on the activities you have scheduled in advance
The very most important thing when traveling – if you want to be efficient and see as much as possible – is to have a schedule. Once you know what you will be doing, it is easier to decide what attire is appropriate. For example, if you know you are going to Disney and will be walking around outside all day you are going to want to be prepared for the elements, along with comfortable shoes. – I’m sure you get my drift.
For our first day we were going to ride the subway to the Eiffel Tower and spend some time sightseeing for the first few hours. Since I knew we would be outside and would not be going anywhere fancy I chose a layered-look with a bright mustard sweater and jeans.
#2 Bring one heavy duty coat that will go with multiple looks
Its best to have a neutral coat that will look great with everything, but will also keep you warm! I did not pack this item in my carryon, but carried it over my arm.
#3 Pack an evening, or lightweight coat
This is important because you want to have a separate option for outerwear in case it rains or the temps warm up. I packed this fluffy piece because in a space saver bag it compresses down to nothing! But also because it is warm and such a statement piece!
#3 Layer, Layer, Layer
This is SO important! I packed a turtleneck and a button down that easily layered under my sweater and jumpsuit. This makes lightweight clothing items season appropriate and yet, still fashionable.
Only pack 2 pair of shoes…wear the third, but that’s IT!
This is so hard but you HAVE to stick to this. Shoes take up so much space and 9 times out of 10, you won’t even end up wearing all that you pack! It’s best to plan out your ensembles with shoes you know you will be comfortable in the entire time, but bring that one really fun pair too because… YOLO – lol.
Limit your accessories
Accessories are a space stealer so the more you can limit, the better. Try to bring pieces that will go with multiple looks. I brought: 2 berets, 1 necklace, 3 pair of earrings, 2 scarves, 1 pair of sunglasses, 1 clutch, 1 crossbody and 2 belts – again nothing extra here, everything was planned out to go with the outfits I created.
And most of all: Get space saver bags!
This is my saving grace for all trips! I am able to pack everything I need to with space still left over for souvenirs! Seriously, I can’t travel without them!
So those are my tips for packing stylishly but also compactly. It can be tricky only taking a carryon, but that never means you have to compromise on your style!
While at fashion week I had the pleasure of attending a variety of shows from streetwear to cocktail attire, there were so many trends to take in! Here I will be sharing a snapsnot of the shows I attende as well as some of my favorite pieces and favorite trends to keep on the lookout for this upcoming spring and summer, enjoy!
Metallics, silks, textured sheers, embroidery, and shades of yellow and emerald were popping up everywhere! I also saw lots of statement sleeves so don’t believe that trend will be going out anytime soon!
Below you will see some of my faves from the following shows presented during NYFW.
Aranyani – Presented by Nolcha Shows
KavenLiu – Presented by Nolcha Shows
So you guys know I only travel with a carry on, so for fashion week this can really test my limits and skills as a light packer. If you are interested in a breakdown of how I travel with only a carry on check out the post I did for Rome! My techniques are the same, the only difference is that I now take my Andiamo Classico, which is seriously the BEST investment for any traveler.
So on to the looks!
I am a huge fan of extended weekend trips. Jhonathan and I take them pretty often and love to fit as much as we can into the short time we are in the city. So for me, and extended weekend would consist of Friday (or late Thursday night) to Sunday or Saturday to Monday. And I’d like to add, these trips are always within the U.S. and consist of flights under 4 hours. I find it such a fun challenge to see just how much we can take in from a city in just a few days!
So our most recent trip was to Chicago. This was not my first time visiting the city so we did not hit the most popular tourist attractions as we have already done that. If you haven’t been before you MUST visit the Bean along with these awesome stops I will be sharing with you.
Accommodations
So on this trip I did something a little different and booked our rooms through Hotwire. This ended up being an amazing deal with us spending under $350 for all 3 nights! We stayed at Sofitel and the Freehand. Both hotels are located in great locations, but for me the Freehand was in the better location wise as it was close to everything we had on our list. We had some rain during our trip but so much was close by so it wasn’t an issue.
Shopping
While in Chicago we shopped at Topshop, Louis Vuitton, and Bloomingdale’s. If you are looking for some epic shopping on your trip then all you have to do is head for the Magnificent Mile, it’s Chicago’s version of New York’s 5th Avenue!
Bloomingdale’s was actually right across the street from our hotel and was a huge lifesaver once the rain began. They sell the most perfect travel bag! It is a tote constructed of plastic with a zip top. I was able to safely store my camera, crossbody and around town essentials easily so they could stay totally dry!
When we travel to new cities, Jhonathan and I started to tradition of purchasing a Louis Vuitton travel guide for that particular city. This tradition started after our first time here so we decided to pick the guide up on this trip.
And of course, if you haven’t visited a Top Shop it’s the perfect stop for some sunnies and to get a glimpse at the latest fashion trends. I love the Chicago Mag Mile location!
Entertainment
We decided to head south to check out a White Socks game! The stadium is really beautiful and has such a fun feel to it! One of the coolest touches I noticed was that the vendors carried the snacks and drinks in old wooden soda crates! So cool! We purchased tickets of the club level which is honestly the very best deal! There was even an opportunity for us to visit a suite to play video games and watch the game from a closed in air conditioned space! – Yes, this is not like the stadiums here in Houston that feature retractable roofs, this space is always open rain or shine.
Jhonathan and I both watch Shameless which is set on the southside of Chicago, so while visiting the southside we had to try Frank’s fav beer, Old Style and ride the L.
Eats
Pizza, cheese curds, and Hotdogs all the way! Oh, and I ate a salad once.
Portillo’s – All I can say is yum, and it’s open late! Jhonathan got a Chicago dog here while I opted for a heaping plate of fettuccine Alfrado with garlic bread. We also both ordered sundaes to enjoy on our walk back to the hotel.
Sugar Factory – I would like to point out, we didn’t actually eat here. The wait for a table was 2+ hours but the bar was open seating, and since we were just getting a drink that was perfect! So note that if you are going just to get one of their amazing candy filled drinks you don’t have to wait, just head to the bar! We tried a mango themed drink with little penguin gummies and sugar coated orange slices. SO much fun to watch them make the drink and so much fun to enjoy! Also I’d like to mention the interior of this place is beautiful! It have an elegant feel to it, mixed with fun candy and alcohol!
Sights
So on this trip we kept the sights pretty minimal with just a trip to the top 360Chicago. This is a skyscraper that takes you up over 90 stories to panoramic views of the city. There is even a bar atop so you can have a nice drink, or even an ice cream while you take in the breathtaking views of Chicago. I highly recommend this stop as there was virtually no line! I feel like not as many people know of this in comparison to the Willis Tower Skyview so if you are short on time, stop here instead!
Chicago is such a great city, with so much to do and so much to see! I’m sure I will be adding many more travel guides for the city as we will definitely be back!
Today I want to chat with you all about Stay Alfred! If you are unfamiliar with the brand, Stay Alfred is a hotel alternative for travel! They offer furnished apartments in the center of some of the hottest cities, giving you easy access to local attractions with all of the comforts of home on your vacations.
We stayed at The Star, a historic building in downtown Houston that was renovated and converted into apartments. The room was a one bedroom with a full size kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry room, and bedroom. The furnishings were neutral and beautiful making us feel immediately welcome and at home upon entry.
What You Need To Know
So I want to share with you the info that I would want to know before doing something like this! I always have lots of questions when trying something new, so I want to share with you the “check-in and out” process just so you will have a heads up and feel super comfortable! So before your stay, Stay Alfred sends you a detailed itemized email with your check-in and check-out time, amenities, parking, key access and drop-off, room number, and travel dates. They even provide you with picture references to make things easier! So for check-in, the keys are located in a digital valet on the wall of the lobby which has a touchscreen. You just follow the instructions provided to you via the email and steps prompted on the touchscreen and a small drawer opens with your keyfob inside. You then return it to the same location at the time of check-out. Super simple!
Location, Location
During our stay we walked a few blocks over to Minute Maid Park and enjoyed an Astros game! It was $1 hotdog night at the stadium so that was such a bonus, lol. Stay Alfred makes sure its locations are in prime areas so that you feel close and connected to whichever city you are traveling to. After the game we walked back over to the apartment and enjoyed a night in and even had a few girlies pop over for some wine and chit chat!
Their locations also offer you access to the apartments amenities. (Be sure to check their site to view what all is available at each specific location.) At ours there was a beautiful pool and relaxing patio area, which we made sure to enjoy.
So what really sets Stay Alfred apart in my eyes is that you can vacation like a local. You are staying in a building that where locals live, therefore you can get a real taste of the city. Also, since it is a real apartment, you lose the “living out of your suitcase” feel that often occurs on extended hotel stays. Here you can wash your clothes, hang them in the closet, and even fix a meal in a full size kitchen, just as you would at home! They also are perfect for groups! With 1, 2, and 3 bedroom options Stay Alfred is perfect for families and groups so that everyone can stay together with beautiful common areas but have separate sleeping quarters within the same place!
I definitely recommend checking out Stay Alfred for your next vacation or staycation! They have wonderful locations, and great prices for all sizes of traveling groups!
While if New Mexico we traveled out to the Bisti Badlands and of course I needed a few pictures here before we started our adventuring. 😉 So this look is so light, airy and perfect for the summer and late spring. The beautiful turquoise color of the dress looks perfect with all skin tones and hair shades! I point this out because I recently dyed my hair back to its natural color and have noticed certain colors I would wear as a blonde I might not feel it looks as flattering on a brunette and vice versa. But this color is perfect for everyone for the season.
This is another dress I ordered from Boohoo and I love the boho feel of this piece. It looks beautiful with cool tone jewelry such as silvers and blues, and even shades of taupe for accessories. Here I paired it with a taupe felt hat from Jessica Simpson, this beautiful silver mesh watch from Vincera and sparkling silver rhinestone sandals. This Boohoo dress is great quality and was an amazing price so be sure to get it before it sells out if you are interested in it! I really love this dress and am sure I will be wearing it on repeat this season!
While exploring Old Town Albuquerque I wore this beautiful floral peasant maxi dress, and seriously received so many complements in it! It is such a flattering and comfortable dress! I must also add that it is totally travel friendly. The weight of the fabric is ideal as it does not wrinkle so you can literally pull it out of your luggage and put it on.
The dress was perfect for the desert climate as it has long sleeves and a breezy full skirt.
I paired this dress with a few pieces of my grandmother’s vintage silvery jewelry and simple slip-on sandals. This dress is a warm shade of navy and covered in a lush floral print which means you can wear it all day and not have to worry about changing for the evening.
This dress can be accessorized for a boho or southwestern look and is priced so well I am sure it will sell out soon! I purchased it for just over $30! – yes, that’s right, I know sounds crazy! So if you love it, be sure to order soon or you might miss out!
I am a sucker for clothing with embroidery so when I spotted this piece on the Boohoo website I made no exception and had to get it! The fit is so adorable with the pleated shoulder accents give it a unique touch.
So for this look I wanted to tie in color so that the embroidery would really pop. To do so, I added a bright orange scarf to my hair and wore my current favorite bold earrings from Sugarfix! And to complete the ensemble I paired everything with mywhite ankle boots. These actually ended up an excellent choice for the climate, as we were in New Mexico.
Hair accessories are super “in” right now so I have gone ahead and linked a couple of extra options here for you guys to check out. I really enjoyed wearing the orange bandana. It was such a simple accessory to add to my look but make such a huge impact!