Summer Style

Is there anything better than enjoying summer and the sunshine in a sundress? Summer is my favorite season and I can't think of anything I'd rather throw on than an flowy, colorful dress. This summer has been filled with sunshine, fun hangs with friends, travel and shoots with my favorite cousin! 

A couple of my favorite pieces are below and they're the best because of how versatile they can be. Perfect for a casual day walking around or dress it up for a night out. Both items were purchased at Kittsona. The handbag is from The LionHEART Collective. 

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WEEKEND IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Scottsdale. Perfect weather. The perfect combination of relaxation & adventuring. The perfect getaway destination. 

Having visited the Phoenix, Scottsdale area many times while since I was young, I have seen this area change immensely into a iconic destination for celebrations, fun, hiking, exploring and just a place to enjoy the heat. There is a perfect blend of the old city charm with chic new restaurants, rooftop pools and amazing views. 

A perfect weekend getaway in this lovely city should include a stay at the adorable and chic Saguaro hotel, which is also a "bloggers paradise." This colorful, lively and well decorated hotel is located in the heart of Old Town and a short walk down the road from another favorite of mine, Misson restaurant. Hands down, some of the best Mexican cuisine I've had. Make sure to try their traditional marg and make to order guac!  Of course Fashion Square shopping will have everything your heart desires and lastly stop at the W Hotel Scottsdale for some cocktails next to the rooftop pool. 

Photos from my weekend getaway below: 

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!

Taiwan...Asia's Hidden Gem

My idea for my first post about traveling was an easy one for me. One of my favorite places in the entire world and that I am OBSESSED with is, Taiwan!

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall 

First off, I am OBSESSED with traveling, in general. I can easily say, this is the number one thing that I love and that I love to do. It is a passion of mine and I plan to never stop exploring. Having the opportunity to do some extensive traveling in the past, I have a few places that you NEED to explore and that I can't wait to tell you about. But, for right now, I will give you tips and information about why you must visit Taiwan at some point in your life!

I am OBSESSED with everyone in Taiwan, aka. the Taiwanese people/expats/etc. I am obsessed with its culture, people, food, its natural landscapes and language. A few years back, I moved to Taipei, Taiwan. I lived there for a year and fully immersed myself into the Taiwanese culture. The moment I arrived, I was greeted with an inviting welcome, hospitality and eagerness to please and help. Taiwan is a hidden gem of an island, located off of the coast of China and its beauty is insurmountable. The capitol city of Taipei, is very commuter-friendly by the Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT). The bullet-train from the north side of the island to the southern most tip of the island, allows for a quick and easy way to check out both sides of the island, and lastly you can easily explore the nearby islands by taking a quick hopper plane or ferry to, to check these islands out for the day, as they are right off the coast of Taiwan.

Southern most tip of the island - Kenting 

Taiwan has temples and night markets everywhere you go, allowing for an exposure and insight into its incredible culture and ways of living. While in a temple, you will have the opportunity to participate in the praying rituals such as offering up items or lighting incense, or just observe and watch. Longhshan Temple is a must while exploring the capitol of Taipei. Oh and DO NOT forget to go to Shilin Night Market. Shilin Night Market is located off of Jiantan Station on the red line and is the largest night market in all of Taiwan. You will be delightfully overwhelmed, when entering the market, with noises, lights, smells and people in every direction you go!! It is incredible! And if you're daring, you'll try and stinky tofu!! 

Longshan Temple 

Furthermore, I am mostly obsessed with Taiwan because of how safe it is. Having a sense of safety and security while walking alone or not having the worry if any of my possessions would be stolen, made my time there, so much more enjoyable and put me at ease. The Taiwanese are wonderful people who believe in karma, so they try not to cause anyone harm or to do anything bad to others as they believe it will come back to them. Pretty amazing, right? Can't we ALL think this way? 

Finally, Taiwan's natural beauty and landscapes will keep you mesmerized and busy for days, even weeks! Taiwan not only has mountains, oceans, beaches and an incredible downtown metro area, it has also incorporated many parks into the surrounding city limits as well as having a national scenic park outside of the city called Sun Moon Lake and a World Heritage site called Taroko Gorge.

Temple in the mountains in Taroko Gorge

Mountains in Taroko Gorge

Out of all of my many travels, I can say I am truly OBSESSED with Taiwan and that you should experience everything it has to offer at some point in your life!

Olivia's Obsessions/Recommendations:

1  Head north on the MRT to Xinbeitou. Walk around the quaint town and visit the natural hot springs and take a dip in the thermal hot spring baths. Here, you will also find hotels offering traditional Taiwanese massages. Spend the day relaxing and pampering. 

2  Day trip to Wulai. Wulai District is a mountain indigenous district in southern New Taipei City and also is known for its hot springs. Take a hike through the mountainous region to a natural three tier waterfall to experience the natural beauty of Taiwan. 

3  Shillin Night Market - As the largest and most expansive night market in Taiwan, this is a must. Right off of the Jiantan station on the red line, it is a short 20 minute commute outside of the city center. 

4  Taroko Gorge. (see above) - Located on the east side of the island, you can take a three hour train on the coast to Hualien. From Hualien, you will then be able to drive, rent a scooter or take a tourist bus to and through the famous Taroko Gorge. 

5  Kenting - at the southern most tip of the island, this beach town is filled with fun activities to do during the day as well as a great place to party. Check this out, if you're looking to get out of the city and for something more laid back and relaxing. 

6  Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall - this massive memorial hall created for the leader of Taiwan who led the revolution against the Chinese is a must. I am actually OBSESSED with its detail, enormity and overwhelming beauty it offers! 

Enjoy & travel well!