Sweltering Style: How to Pack for Hot Climates

Sincere apologies for the lack of updates this past week. Jonathan and I made our way to Texas for work and some and family time. Thankfully I had several photography gigs, and Jonathan had some cartoon voice-over work the same week! 

The Texas thrifting scene is PRIMO, and I miss it now that I'm amongst subpar Cali thrift shops (no offense, surfer dudes). With a copious selections and insane prices like vintage secretary dresses for $2.99, there is plenty in TX to choose from. I knew I was going to need room in my suitcase for the trip home, so I tried to be super thoughtful in packing. Luckily, when traveling to Texas, you don't need many layers! 

Here's how my packing gears grind: 

1. A transitional (day to night) maxi dress READ: ESSENTIAL. I wear maxi dresses on planes for the comfort factor. (However, if you opt out of the death-laser-naked-picture-airport-scanner, the TSA agent gets annoyed with how much fabric she has to finagle). This time I had to go to a party directly from the airport, and with a little freshening up (see lavender oil), and a change from boots to sparkly sandals, BOOM, I was ready to double fist cocktails (it was my mother's work party) and miiiiiiingle, y'all. The next night I wore the same dress to the theater. 

2. Four blouses that match every bottom I pack. Typically I stick to solid colors or simple patterns for my tops, because it's easier to mix and match that way. These blouses can also be used to layer over the maxi dress, and belted at the waist. How's THAT for versatility?! 

3. Printed, high waisted maxi skirts: The BEST for hot weather. Easy, breezy, and day to night transitional. Dress em up, dress em down, hike em up and show some leg while you're enjoying chips, queso and margaritas. God bless Texas. 

4. Because this was mostly a work trip (and when this girl works, this girl squats) I needed cute and appropriate shorts. A textured black short goes with every blouse I brought. I am of the opinion that shorts of an appropriate length are TOTALLY doable for work. Particularly in hotter climates. 

5. Footwear! This is where I stare blankly at the suitcase every time I'm packing. It's hard to choose what footwear to pack because, well, shoes make or break you (maybe that's a little harsh..............actually, it's not. It's the cold hard truth). I always wear boots on the plane because they take up the most space in luggage. A sandal with a pop of color is necessary. I find cobalt blue, red and emerald the most versatile. Finally, a more modern/professional slip-on is ideal for work. You might notice I don't have any heels, but honestly, when trying to save space, an embellished sandal can cut it for dressier occasions. 

6. As far as accessories. I try to stick to the same flavor of metal (gold this time). A delicate necklace, a statement necklace and a small pair gold earrings (with some attitude) is my traveling jewelry trinity. And when making your way to a sweltering spot, a panama hat is prime headgear. Put it over your eyes to sleep on the plane, and protect your peepers from the sun's rays. Plus panama hats go with EVERYTHING. 

7. A swimsuit for swimmin' ! I'm investing in a vintage inspired suit this season fo' sho. 

8. A medium sized brown tote. I avoid packing extra handbags. Every lady should have at least one handbag that goes with nearly everything in her closet. This is important: That handbag should be large enough to pack snacks for the plane. :) A lot of people forget you can bring food from home on the flight! I surprised Jonny with some homemade vegan cookies (my friend made) half way through the flight there and a piece of red velvet cake on the flight back. The man has a sweet tooth. 

More pro-packing tips: Roll your clothes instead of folding, and DON'T skimp on the underpants.  

Alexander Wang Tees · farfetch.com Sleeveless Tops · Dorothy Perkins Long Skirts

How to Wear Tropical Print

{Shirt: Vintage, pile sale find (similar)} {Skirt: thrifted vintage} {Glasses: Similar} {Necklace: F21} 

{Shoes: c/o Charlotte Russe} {Clutch: Abas, old(similar)}

Homer Simpson once famously said, "There are only 2 types of people who wear Hawaiian shirts: gay guys and big fat party animals" Although that may have been the case in the 90's, it is no longer. Although I do kinda consider myself a big fat party animal, it can't be said for the masses sporting the tropical trend now-a-days. 

I have this theory that the "Aloha" trend reared it's ironic little head recently due to economic stress. Who has time to drink Mai Tai's while lounging on a yacht listening to Hall & Oats (traditionally what one is supposed to do when wearing a hawaiian shirt, right?) when there's WORK to do? Most Americans can't afford a tropical vacation, so maybe that lack of ability to put ourselves in a sandy paradise is what led us to dress like we are in one (fashion as escapism, yet again). 

"I'll take my tropical vacation in a size Medium for $15.99, please."

Wanna get a piece of this paradise, but unsure what to pair your tropical prints with? I put together a few ideas at the bottom of this post!

When wearing a bold print it's always safe to go all black with the other pieces in your look:

Karmaloop Sunglasses · ModCloth Sandals · Topshop Dress Pants

Matching your shoes or accessories with a bright floral in your print can easily brighten your day:

Forever 21 Day Dresses · Need Supply Co. Sneakers · Nasty Gal Platforms

Pattern mixing with tropical prints is bold, but with traditional patterns like dots and stripes you can pull off something a little more fashion forward:

Juicy Couture Shortsleeve Tops · Stella Jean Button Front Tops · Delia's Skirts

Whether your print is on top or bottom there's one fabric that makes sporting patterns a breeze: denim/chambray(period)

jcpenney Skirts · Madewell Button Front Tops · J.Crew Factory Skinny Denim

10 Tips for Revamping Your Wardrobe on A Budget

Broke or on a budget and a new season upon you? I feel you, and I'm here for you, girlfreeeen. There are ways to give your closet a makeover even you don't have the money to shop.  Here's some tips to revamp your wardrobe when your wallet is looking a little frail.

1. Have a friend re-style your closet. 
When you've been looking at the same clothes everyday it's easy to get stuck in a rut. Closet full of clothes and nothing to wear, classic conundrum. Have a friend come over and re imagine your wardrobe! How would he/she style that maxi skirt you've been pairing with crop tops again and again? Have a glass of wine and style some looks out! Take pics to get inspired when your sartorial bubbles are getting flat.

2. Clean out your closet and uncover hidden treasures.
Wait..what? Get rid of stuff when you can't replenish the goods!? Yes! When you gut your closet, you're guaranteed to come across pieces you may have forgotten about. Get inspired by some older pieces you haven't worn in a while that may have gotten lost in the shuffle. You're on a budget what else do you have to do?!

3. Trade the old for the new. 
After you've cleaned out you closet you'll have loads of stuff you don't want anymore, right? Take your duds to Buffalo Exchange, Wasteland, or Crossroads Trading Co. They'll give you cash or store credit for you old threads. You can get a few new pieces or a fist full of cash! Your garbage as a form of currency!! Who knew!?

4. Don't underestimate the power of thrift stores. 
I'm a firm believer in shopping at thrift stores year round, but I know some of you aren't. If you're on a budget, however, you might not have a choice. To make it easier on yourself, keep certain pieces from your closet in mind, and find them mates! If you're not an experienced thrift shopper and you get overwhelmed, ask a pal who is to tag along and help you out. For more tips on thrift shopping look these ten tips for thrifting.

5. Host a clothing swap.
Any excuse to throw a party, right? Get a group of friends together and have everyone bring items they have expired or don't wear anymore. Drink wine and barter your faces off! (I know this is my second tip telling you to drink wine with your friends, but you're broke...no one's judging you).

6. DIY till you dye!
You can completely transform old rags into riches with scissors, dye or thread and needle. Even if you're DIY challenged, simple tricks can totally change the vibe of a piece. Hack off the sleeves of an old sweat shirt, fringe the bottom of a tee, or cut off and embellish some old jeans! You can get some inspiration on my Pinterest board if ya'd like!

7. Closet Crash!!!
Got a mom, dad, brother, boyfriend, or even better: a grandma? Kindly ask their permission to borrow and/or have some items. "Daddy, can I haz white button up?" (It will look totes amaaaaze with skinny jeans). Channel Stevie Nicks with your mama's burnout scarf. And what better way to spend an afternoon than bonding with Nana, talking about her old clothes and costume jewelry?! (And asking for some hand-me-downs).

8. Use gift cards.
If you have to get some retail therapy and you're going to spend the money anyway, buy gift cards at Giftcardgranny.com for cheaper than their actual value. You've saved the money before you even stepped foot in the store! What's more: promise yourself you won't spend more than what's on the gift card when you shop.

9. Channel the transforming power of accessories. 
Accessories are often cheaper than actual clothing. Spruce up a bag with a scarf like this. You can build an entire look around a reasonably priced statement necklace like this one.

10. Think outside the box
Try out styles you haven't before. Tights with shorts? Underwear as outwear!!! Don't be afraid to mix and match things you haven't before. Set aside some time for trial and error when trying out new styles to avoid frustration.

Buzy Makin' Buzkits

I've been craving some craft time like a mutha.
My DIY life = having piles and piles of fabric, glue, bright colored ink thangs, sewing machine etc
 and never doing what I plan on. I'll give myself credit for shredding shirts,
and recovering the occasional ottoman, but I really need to get cracking on this shiz. 

I've stumbled upon this blog that has THE BOMB-EST (?) DIY projects.
My personal favorite is the spike head band. Gad! Who doesn't want to look like a stegosaurus?
 Visit their blog and click on DIY to get the full how-to. They've got great photos too.  

Maybe if I make a promise to myself in blog-life.... I'll follow through. 

I'm gunna make that thing. 

In further news, my friend Kendall has moved to the country and started a blog!
  Clicky to looky!! She's neato, and so is her husband.
Plus she's starting an online vintage store, Yeah Vintage, so keep your eyeballz peeled. 

Pool time commencing. 

xo!