I like to pride myself on my packing abilities when it comes to traveling. Jhonathan and I have made many trips with only a carry-on, but to do so I have to use space saver bags and limit the amount of shoes and accessories I take, etc. Well with the Andiamo Classico, I wanted to see exactly what all I could fit inside without space savers! Below is everything I packed for my recent 4 day trip to Albuquerque. And in case you were wondering, yes the Classico is a carry-on!
So for this trip I wanted to bring a variety of colorful dresses and athletic wear. We would be experiencing all different types of terrain on this trip so I wanted to be prepared, but still pack efficiently. I was able to pack all of the following, easily in the Classico.
3 – Dresses
- Short long-sleeve black dress
- Double layered navy long-sleeve maxi dress
- Double layered turquoise long-sleeve maxi dress
4 – Shoes
- Tan sling backs
- Cognac slip-ons
- Rhinestone flip-flops
- White leather block heel ankle booties
4 – Athleticwear pieces
- Sports bra
- Leggings
- T-shirt
- Hoodie
1 – Jewelry organizer filled with jewelry
1 – Straightener
1 – Curling iron
1 – Hat
1 – T-shirt
1 – Pair of shorts
(socks and undergarments and pjs)
And just for fun I have included 4 of the looks so you can see the pieces I packed, how I styled them, and the condition the clothes were in after being in the suitcase (no, I didn’t iron anything)
Now whenever I travel I always wear a comfortable look and my athletic shoes, that way I do not have to take up the space in my suitcase with two large pairs of shoes…so if you were wondering where my sneakers were, I was wearing them instead of packing them.
And that’s it! Everything I needed to look my best on this trip fit perfectly in this case without space savers! I of course put my electronics, makeup, chargers etc. in my “personal item” for easy access, but when it comes to carry-on’s this case is truly chart topping! From the sleek appearance, to the storage capability this suitcase is well worth the investment and will definitely be headed with me to Paris in the Fall. Find the perfect Classico color for your next trip at the Andiamo site linked here, and happy traveling! <3
For NY street style I went with red, black and white this season. These two looks were my favorite for comfort and style and the pieces are seriously so transitional! You can create so many looks with these staple pieces!
Look 1 is white leather booties, ripped jeans in a light wash, and a bright red sweater. For accessories I added tights, a knit beret, red lipstick, and a leopard skinny belt. These pieces combine to make a fierce look ready to take on the city.
Look 2 is a completely black and white look constructed of this off the shoulder sweater, fleece lined faux leather pants, black and white booties from ASOS, a faux croco bag, and knit beret. The mix of textures and the contrast of black and white make this look really pop!
Sunday
Ennyluap
This line was elegant clean lines of beauty and ready to wear style.
Nolcha Shows
Thanks to THB Marketing House I was offered front row seating at the 4pm Nolcha showcase. This was such an honor for me, and it could have not been for a better show! I had the opportunity to see 7crash which brought an innovative futuristic line to fashion week. Also featured at this show was Lavanya Coodly. Her beadwork was breathtaking!
And the last show I attended for fashion week was Negris Lebrum. This line was full of luxe textures and all black ensembles with a 70’s feel and a mix of gold and burgundy.
F/W NYFW 2018 was incredible and full of innovative and classic fashion! Hope you loved my recap and I cannot wait for September! A very special thanks to THB Marketing House, The Riviere Agency, and Ecru New York for making this fashion week so amazing!
Saturday
Saturday started bright and early with the Dan Liu show at Spring Street. This show was James Bond themed and the clothing was so beautiful, definitely my style! I loved the scarf and sunglasses used to finish off the looks.
Following Dan Liu we were off to Misha Kaura. This was a presentation, so we got to see all of the looks at once and walk up to get closer angles of the pieces. The embellishments were exquisite and I especially loved the bright reds and warm purple hues.
Late in the afternoon Jhonathan and I attended the Yuna Yang show. This was in a walkup which gave the show a cozy feel. I loved the headwear and belt accessories she used to finish her pieces and really loved her outerwear pieces.
In the evening I attended the CAAFD’s Collective Showcase. This show not only offered amazing fashion, but also musical entertainment to build excitement for the showcase.
Here’s a quick glimpse at my schedule from 2018 Fall Winter fashion week, including my favorite pieces from the shows I attended.
Thursday
This was actually the day I flew into New York so I only attended one event, which was the Dekad Lifestyle showcase. This line of men’s and women’s bespoke suits offered a mix of edge and sophistication.
Friday
My first full day of shows started with a makeup touch up at Rouge Salon. This was a collaboration with Style Collective and was a super fun super quick pampering session. After that, we were off to see Pricilla Von Sorella’s collection at The Plaza hotel. She was showing with Dahlia Razzook and the both of them had gorgeous lines.
Fashion Hong Kong Afterparty
Jhonathan attended this afterparty on my behalf. During the night the models came out and stood on platforms so you could get a closer look at the runway pieces so here are a few shots of my favorites.
Flying Solo Backstage and Show
Thanks to Ecru New York I had the opportunity to see backstage first hand! I was able to see the 70 models transform for the show with amazing hair and makeup application. Getting an up close and personal backstage experience was so amazing because you get to see what all goes into making the show happen. There are so many moving parts, its just incredible to see it all happen before your eyes.
     
Flying Solo was a collective showcase so there were many designers presenting. Each had 2 models walk together at the same time so this show moved very quickly and there was a lot to look at! Here are a few of my favorite looks.
That’s it for day 1 and 2, be sure to check out days 3 and 4 in my additional posts!
For the 4th day of NYFW I attended the Ennyluap show, the Nolcha 4pm showcase and the Negris Lebrum show. With a full day ahead, I wanted a fab look that would transition me from morning to night as there wouldn’t be a break for me to change looks.
I chose fleece lined faux leather pants, a crest printed button front top, double breasted peacoat, faux fur wrap, and red sock booties. The color accents I was going for was red and dark green. These colors were brought out with my handbag, lipstick, shawl and sock booties.
I think out of all of my looks for fashion week, this was by far my favorite! I was able to stay warm in the elements without a lot of added bulk and the mix of textures just looks so chic!
A very special thank you to THB Marketing House and The Riviere Agency for my Sunday NYFW schedule! I’ll be posting a recap of the shows I attended soon, so stay tuned! <3
For a fun day out in NYC; eating at some of the funnest dessert places like Rice to Riches, and Beard Papas along with walking the Brooklyn Bridge I wanted to wear a classic black and white ensemble with a touch of edge – it was Fashion Week after all! So this is the OOTD I came up with.
This white cozy sweater and chunky heeled boots are both from Express. I scored them during a 50% off sale and absolutely love both of these purchases. My skirt is from Tobi and is made of a faux suede material and features a snap front with brass tone stud accents. Tobi runs special promos all of the time so be sure to check out their site for some amazing deals! For an added touch of texture, I decided to wear black pantyhose with black fishnets over top. This creates such a unique look! For accessories, I have my favorite black sunnies, a knit beret, these super fun black and white floral drop earrings, and for a pop of color this beautiful tassel clutch from Stella and Dot.
When you have only a day to visit the nation’s capital, what all do you have time to see? What do you wear? Are all of the locations easily accessible? Well I am here to answer those questions!
First of all, I’d like to start off by saying I think January-February is a great time to see D.C. because there aren’t lines! This really optimized how many stops we were able to fit into out day trip, not to mention that the weather is PERFECT! All you need is a sweater and maybe light jacket.
On our trip to D.C. we were able to visit:
- The White House
- Lincoln Memorial
- Reflecting Pool
- Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
- National Archives
Honestly this was a lot of stops to fit into one day, but with no lines or crowds it was totally doable!
But, what do you wear?
So when touring you want to be comfortable, BUT you are going to be capturing pictures you are going to keep forever sooooo you want to look nice, AND be able to go from museum to dinner without having to change. The ensemble I selected was not only comfortable but on trend and so stylish! I was warm, my feet didn’t hurt, and I never looked underdressed.
I choose a soft knit sweater from Express, oversized Quay sunglasses, a metallic accordion pleat skirt, a knit beret, and over the knee boots. I think the skirt color, along with pleating detail is what really dresses up this look, along with the crisp white. I was able to comfortably walk everywhere and never felt underdressed while out and about. So I think this style is perfect for travel and transitioning from day to night.
Now on to what all we did!
Note to self: Monuments are open 24/7
This is important to keep this in mind, as you have no time restraints when planning out tours and stops to these locations. That means you can stop at the memorials very early in the morning before the museums open, or late at night when everything else is closed – depending on if you are wanting pictures during the day or not. We chose to fit in the monuments after touring the Smithsonian and National Archives.
Museums are only open from 10-5ish with last tours starting around 30 minutes prior to close.
I am pointing this out because the museums are only open for a short timeframe so you have to time them right if you are wanting to visit multiple locations in a day. There are also no tickets to be purchased because everything is free. That is why I think it is important to map out your route, and have a game plan before heading out.
Okay so now that all of that is out of the way, here is how we spent our day!
9:00AM Breakfast at the Juniper.
The Juniper is the restaurant located in the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown which is where we stayed. For info on the hotel and our accommodations click here!
10:00AM Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
We decided to conserve our energy and Uber to our first stop for the day. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was awing. The sheer size of some of the pieces they have will stop you in your tracks! Jhonathan was like a kid in a candy store, and I felt like I had to pry him out of there just so we would be able to make our remaining stops for the day. The museum is cataloged and organized so well! No matter what era of aviation interests you, they have it! Not only that, but they have artifacts and pieces that transport you through time….not literally but, you know what I mean. We even took a spin in the flight simulators they have available! Here you can do barrel rolls, fly a jet and even be a gunner! Needless to say we both very much enjoyed all this museum has to offer.
12:45PM National Archives
Just a short walk across the street we arrived at the National Archives, and after a brief security scan we were inside. Sadly, there is no photography allowed in the Rotunda but getting the opportunity to see the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights with my own eyes was such an incredible experience. There are many other historical documents and rooms to visit while in the Archives building, but as we has a lot to still do, we only attended the Rotunda. I also recommend stopping in for your souvenirs while at the National Archives because there is a little bit of everything D.C. related available in their shop and its fairly priced.
2:00PM Joe’s
It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Archives to the White House so we decided to hop over to Joe’s on the way. I ordered mint ice cream with hot fudge and chicken wings – yes I know, what a combo, and Jhonathan also ordered a mule. The architecture of this building is exquisite, and so welcoming. After a rejuvenating snack it was time to see the White House.
3:00PM The White House
We walked by the White House and took pictures, but did not tour or stay in the area for long. There were many protestors out, and the grounds were double barricaded. I really only wanted to see it in person, so I got to do that and check it off of my list.
3:45PM Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
We Ubered from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial as it would have been a 25-minute walk. This is totally walkable, but we didn’t want to loose sunlight so we opted for the 5 minute Uber ride. I definitely think the monument was the most moving thing I saw on the trip. The sheer size is overwhelming and the words, so meaningful. This is a MUST for anyone traveling to D.C.; I think all of our stops were, but this one even more so. We stood atop and looked out to the reflecting pool with a beautiful clear blue sky as the back drop. Such a perfect way to end the day. On our way out, we spotted a lady taking pictures of her two golden retrievers so I had to snap a pic of the cuteness.
6:00PM
We finished the evening back at our hotel, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown for dinner in their lounge. The perfect ending to a lovely day!
There is so much to see in D.C., and I am definitely interested in going back to see more; but for one day in town, I think these stops are a must if it’s your first time in the city. Thanks for stopping by, and look forward to my upcoming NYFW posts as I will be traveling there in ONE WEEK! <3
During my brief trip in Washington D.C., I wanted to stay somewhere that was close to everything yet quaint and luxurious. The Fairmont was the perfect fit!
(stay tuned until the end of this post, because I will be sharing some fun events the hotel has coming up in the next month!)
The Fairmont Washington, D.C.,Georgetown was recently renovated, and man is it glamorous! I instantly fell in love with all of the lobby’s decor, full of plush jewel tone pillows, high back chairs and sparkling geometric sculptures.
Throughout the hotel there are subtle hints of history, with presidential and D.C. monument inspired artworks. This adds such a customized feel to this Fairmont location, and a charming warmth of heritage without the feeling of being themed.
Georgetown
This adorable town is filled with cute shops and eateries all within walking distance, creating picturesque moments any time of the year.
During my stroll I of course had to stop in somewhere for a treat, and this decadent chocolate mousse cake did the trick!
Check-In
The room we stayed in faced inward to the courtyard, with a balcony that provided a beautiful sunset view. The rooms also pay a subtle tribute to our nation with artwork of the president’s signatures and stamp collages, to name a few.
We were also welcomed with a cheese and fruit plate, along with rosé; perfect after a day filled with travel.
 
    
Early Riser
After a comfortable, and restful night’s sleep we started the morning off right with a hearty breakfast at the hotel restaurant; the Juniper. Jhonathan opted for the pancakes, while I tried the buffet. This cozy restaurant has French parlor vibes with beautiful bright windows welcoming in natural light, marbled tile and lantern sconces. The buffet was well assorted with sweet, savory and even healthy options! I went with eggs, bacon, a pecan sticky bun, fresh fruit, potatoes, and spinach apple juice.
 
Following a filling and energizing breakfast at the Juniper, it was time to tour the city. Here I have added in a few highlights from the stops we made, but will create a separate post for all of the details, like how I captured this shot of these cuties!
Evening Dining
Exhausted after a full day of sightseeing, we concluded the evening with dinner at the the hotel Loggia Lounge. For eats we dined on appetizers of crab cakes, calamari, oat and walnut bread with honey butter, and concluded with salad and steak. Our meals were beautifully prepared and cooked to perfection. I enjoyed the upscale lounge setting, perfect for chatting, enjoying a meal, and relaxing after a busy day.
For drinks, we had the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Bee-tini. Not only is this drink smooth and sweet but also special because the honey is actually produced on the roof of the hotel from their own bee colony – how cool!
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And now for the fun! While at the Fairmont, I was informed of all of the upcoming events they will be hosting and wanted to share that with you!
Super Bowl Sunday
The hotel will have the big screens ready for action with ample viewing space of the big game. There will be a buffet of sliders, chicken wings, pretzels, and nachos to dine on for $20 and specialty drinks and beers ranging from $4-$10. The party gets started at 5:00 and no reservations are necessary, so make sure you are there!
Valentine’s Day
The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown has two very special Valentine’s events planned this year! First is the Engagement! If you get engaged at the hotel during the days of the 9th – 13th you are entered for the chance to win a free nights stay with champagne at the hotel on Valentines. One winner will be chosen each day for the 5 days, so that’s 5 winning couples. Out of the 5, one will be upgraded to a suite! How amazing is that?!
There will also be super cute themed beverages at the bar and lounge during this timeframe so be sure to stop by for date night to enjoy a love themed beverage. And lastly, on Valentines the Juniper will be serving a four course meal from 5:00 – 10:00 pm with delectable steak and pasta options, and of course let’s not forget to mention amazing desserts!
Guys this is just a glimpse at what the hotel is offering! They are always creating special experiences for their guests and finding ways to make everyone’s stay rememberable and spectacular. So if you are in the D.C. area and are looking for a chic bar to visit, or a delicious meal to enjoy, or are searching for that perfect location to stay at for vacation, this is the place! I know I will be back the next time I travel to D.C.,they have everything I look for when I am staying at a hotel, and more!
A very special thanks to the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown for hosting me for the weekend!
So this past weekend Jhonathan and I took and impromptu trip to Seattle! Since this was the first time visiting there for the both of us, and seeing as we were only going to be there for the weekend, we wanted to pack in the best spots possible for the time-frame we had. So if you ever find yourself on a layover in Seattle, or just have a day to explore there, here are some must-see places!
Where We Stayed
Our accommodations were at the W Seattle. This hotel is not only beautiful with modern appointments, but it also features great live entertainment in the evening, comfortable spacious rooms, excellent customer service, and is walking distance from a lot of sights!
Favorite Breakfast
Sweet Iron seriously has the best waffles EVER! Just two short blocks from our hotel, this trendy breakfast spot was a must! Jhonathan and I tried two from the menu, one sweet, the chocolate dipped waffle, and one savory, the bacon with maple syrup, and loved both! The waffle is so soft and made to order. All ingredients are fresh and served to perfection. I also ordered hot chocolate, which was the optimal choice to finish off breakfast.
For Pictures
I know everyone wants to see the space needle, but how do you get a great picture of it? Go to Kerry Park! Kerry Park is on the Queen Anne hill, about a 15 minute drive from where our hotel was located. This park is on a hill, and provides the perfect view of the skyline, and on a clear day, Mount Rainier! We weren’t so lucky to get a glimpse of the mountain, but we were able to get the skyline.
The Market & Starbucks
After breakfast, we walked over to the market and stopped at the very first ever Starbucks! I of course had to pick up a few souvenir mugs, coffee, and get myself a hot cider to drink.
The Pike Place Market was not at all what I expected! It was so large with many floors and seriously has a shop for everyone! There are levels of stores, from fish, tea, to magic stores, comic books and collector model cars…everything! You could honestly spend an entire day here, there is just so much to see!
Quick eats
One of my favorite things about NYC is the easy access to food, i.e. street food (hotdogs and chicken kabobs) We found a park area across from Macy’s that had just the thing!
Speaking of Macy’s, since we were visiting in December they had their window displays set for Christmas and it was totally amazing!
And yes, if you a breathing, I am sure you have heard of Christian Grey. Well this is where he lived in the movies and the books. Sooooo obviously I had to take a quick snap of the Escala on our walk.
Bars
So the two bars we had to check off of our list on this trip were: Canon and The Nest.
Canon is a whiskey bar with a spirit collection of over 4,000 labels serving AMAZING specialty drinks in quirky serveware, with the perfect amount of gastro/old timey vibe!
The Nest is a rooftop bar in the Thompson hotel. It features beautiful views of the city and an amazing space to relax and have a drink while watching the ferry, ferris wheel, and city life.
Seattle is such a great city, and I cannot wait to visit again! Even though it rained the entire trip, that didn’t take away from the fun! I will mention I did not expect the amount of hills! LOL so yes, keep that in mind if you plan on walking, phew! But I did love that even with the rain my hair did not mess up! There is not all the humidity like we have here in Houston so I could actually fix my hair and it would hold through the weather!
The buildings are beautiful, the transportation is easy and convenient, the food is great and I cannot recommend it more! Next time I’m planning on checking out the mountains so I guess a spring or summer trip is is store?!
