Packing Picks & Tips

Hi Guys!! So I leave for NY tomorrow and I am so excited! My boyfriend Paul and I are headed there for his birthday weekend & for a super fun getaway!

So, because its New York and one of the most fashionable cities in the world, it is so hard to not pack all of my cutest pieces! But, that wouldn’t really work if you’re just going for a quick getaway, over the weekend with a carry-on! So, I thought I would do a packing tips & picks post to share with you all. So, here are my tips and travel picks for my upcoming weekend! J

Its going to be Springtime in NY and the perfect time to show off your adorable spring dresses, lace & patterns! (Check out my Spring Picks & Pattern Play posts for ideas). So for my first tip, and for the short answer, try and bring as little as possible (because you’re going to want to go shopping) & items that can double for multiple occasions! If you need or forget something, its New York, go shopping!!

But, for the long answer of what you should pack, here are my suggestions:

1-    Dress or jumpsuit for going out

1-    Pair of jeans for both day & night

      a.     Night – throw on a pair of heels for the evening & you’ll be good to go!

1-    Jacket

1-    Pair of shorts or romper

1-    Pair of dress shoes

1-    Cute walking shoes – for all of your site seeing! J

2-    Sweater or shawls

3-    Cute tops that double for either day or night

Tips:

1.     Jewelry – roll up or fold in tissue paper or even a sock

2.     Delicates/lingerie – put in plastic bags & can use for dirty clothes as well

3.     Clothing – rolling vs. folding – rolling saves more space & no wrinkles

4.     Pack minimally & pack items that can double for multiple occasions

5.     Pack a scarf – it takes up literally zero room & will keep you warm & is a cute accent piece

I have been busy planning my outfits for each day that I am out in NY, so take a peek below to get some outfit combination ideas and inspiration for your next trip!

This first combination I put together is the perfect summer dress that still keeps you warm on that chilly Spring day! With the high neck and a jean jacket over it, you’ll be sure to stay warm! Accent this outfit with a long necklace & hat! The dress and necklace were both purchased at Francesca's and the purse and hat were purchased at Urban Outfitters. You can find the shoes at DSW. 

This second combination I put together encompasses more pattern & lace! This long maxi skirt and crop top goes perfect together with a loose shawl to throw on as well! Also, these colors are everything! The shawl and maxi shirt can be found at Francesca's and the top can be found at Forever 21. The shoes can be purchased at DSW and the necklace is from MODERNROOTS. 

The third outfit combo I put together was more of a casual look with jeans and a cute top! Throw on a pair of strappy flats or wedges and you have the perfect outfit to walk around town in! Accent this outfit with some dangly bracelets! You can find the bracelets at Alex & Ani. The top is from Forever 21, the jeans can be found at Gap! 

Lastly, I threw together one last outfit for the evening, when you’re going out to dinner, a play or a bar. This reddish-pink floral romper, along with a pair of nude pumps makes the outfit complete & is SO simple to put together.  The romper can be purchased at Banana Republic. 

I can’t wait to share more photos of my upcoming trip to New York with you this weekend, so follow along with me on my Instagram and Snapchat (OliviaJoan21)!! Oh and PLEASE leave me a comment below or suggestions you may have!

Spring Picks

I know I have been talking all about Spring and warm weather, but I can’t help but get excited! Us Minnesotans wait for warm weather to come around, for far too long every year, and I am personally obsessed with warm weather, sunshine and the opportunity to wear cute tops, shorts, dresses and all of the incredibly cute pieces that are in style right now!

So since I am incapable of waiting, I went out shopping to check out the new Spring trends and new outfits to wear for this Spring. After stopping at almost 3-4 different places, I noticed patterns and lace everywhere! The bohemian, whimsical, festival theme of clothing is still around and didn’t go away after last season. But, instead of carrying pieces that mainly consisted of floral and Aztec-type patterns, lace took a prominent place in almost every placed I shopped. In addition to see-through lace patterns, off-the-shoulder shawls are what to buy and keep an eye out for this Spring as well. This nonchalant, care-free, bohemian look and feel, not only looks great with a simple piece underneath, but doubles to keep you warm as well.

Lastly, another trend for this coming Spring season is the high neckline on tops and dresses. High necklines are flattering for all body types and pair great with necklaces.

The first combination that I put together was a beige, high neck, suede dress paired with a white lace shawl over it. Both of these pieces were purchased at PRIMP Boutique, a local business here in Minnesota.

The second outfit I chose for this Spring, was an off-the-shoulder white lace sheer top. This top is perfect for a casual look during the day paired with jeans or to dress it up, pair it with black jeans and heels. This top was also purchased at PRIMP Boutique.

The last outfit combination that I picked for this Spring season, was of course another, long-sleeve cream, lace shawl with a design on the backside to make the piece more interesting! I paired this with a loose grey & white top lined with embellishments on the bottom. The shawl can be found at Francesca’s & the grey & white top can be found at PRIMP Boutique.

I can’t wait to share more of my picks with you! Please comment or feel free to share any of your awesome picks for this upcoming Spring season! I hope you enjoyed this post and found some Spring-spiration from it!