How To Not Die of Boredom on Long Flights

I've been traveling a lot lately.  Back and forth from school, during break to Oregon and San Francisco, and what I realized is that if you aren't properly prepared for a long flight, it can be MISERABLE.  Example: my flight home from Boston to LA on American Airlines.  It was a long, long flight and I'd just come from taking a final, so I wasn't really prepared or on top of my traveling situation.  I didn't bring any food (for six hours!) and I have a stomach condition where not eating for that long is just unacceptable.  And I forgot to bring anything to watch/read, AND I dressed terribly for a plane.  It was a disaster.  So, I thought I'd put together some tips (for myself mostly) on how not to be so miserable on a flight.


1.  Dress appropriately.  This can be difficult if you're going from somewhere warm to somewhere cold or vice versa.  What I'd recommend doing is wearing jeans or a longer skirt/dress.  Please step it up from sweats.  If you're wearing shorts or a short skirt you will just freeze.  Planes are always too cold.  As far as shoes go, you could do Uggs if you have cold feet, or I'd recommend a simple leather boot, boat shoes, Conserve, really anything but heels or sandals.  Heels are just silly, and sandals will give you cold feet.  But the real key here is doing light layers.  That way you can prepare for any climate while not carrying too many bulky parkas or jackets.  I had only a parka and a tee, and in the parka I was boiling but in the tee I was freezing.  Such a fail.  Be smarter than me and do something like this:


Love Quotes Eyelash Fringe Scarf, $60.20 at shopbop.com, C&C California Striped Draped Cardigan, $171.50 at shopbop.com: I am a huge fan of big sweaters like this for flights.  You can leave it open or wrap it around yourself for extra warmth, and this one is big and cozy with a hood and a cotton-cashmere blend (just warmth enough).  It's so long that it can basically double as a blanket, but it isn't bulky or unflattering, AND it's on sale.  I always take a scarf on plane flights because they are fabulous multi-taskers.  If your neck is cold, wrap it around your neck.  Or you can wrap it around your shoulders, use it as a blanket, use it as a pillow, etc, etc.  Getting a scarf in a neutral color means that you can get more wear out of it (and this is also on sale).

2.  Snacks.  You always need to have snacks.  Airplane snacks are terrible and ridiculously overpriced.  Bring your own snacks, and be a much happier person.  I like to cover multiple snack categories so that you can satisfy most cravings.  I'd do something sweet/carby, something healthy, and something savory.  For example, a scone or two, some apples or carrots, and some pretzels or some sort of chip.  As far as drinks go, it's difficult because you can't bring liquids past security.  What you could do is bring powdered drinks, and then add water once you get past the TSA.  I love Crystal Lite's Green Tea Mango packets.  Delicious.  Or you could bring tea bags and get hot water from the stewardess.


3.  Entertainment.  The most important category.  I usually fly Virgin, which has fun personal TV screens where you can watch satellite TV or a selection of movies or TV shows.  And they have great variety, and always things that I like.  American has...nothing.  Blah.  In general though, you can either fall asleep, watch or listen to something, or read something.  As far as watching and listening goes, obviously bring your iPod, and either bring some DVDs or rent a movie on iTunes (do it before you get on the plane when you still have internet access) if your laptop has a good battery life.  If you like sleeping on flights (I so envy you if you can do that) then bring a traveling pillow and an eye mask.  It is hard to sleep with video screens playing and tons of windows open.  A cute eye mask like this one from Etsy will make your life so much easier.  Now, for the books.  This is tricky.  I made the mistake of only bringing the book I was reading at the time (The Decameron, yes, I am a nerd) which is very intense 14th century Italian literature.  But the problem is, that once you go through the whole drama of the airport and getting on the plane and taking forever to taxi to the runway, you won't be in the mood for something hard-hitting and dry.  You'll probably want something lighter and more fun.  The best solution is to bring two or three books that cover all of your reading interests, so something light, something intellectual, something action-packed, etc.  That way you won't be stuck with a book you can't bear to read and nothing else to do.  My current favorite airplane reads are White Queen by Philippa Gregory, an awesome historical novel about the War of the Roses--more fun than it sounds, I swear--and 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which is a fantastic semi-surrealist novel about colonialism in Colombia.  I realize that sounds really pretentious to have as a favorite book, but it's seriously one of the most entertaining, action-packed books I've ever read.

I hope that helps somebody!  Now if only I could take my own advice...


Images via shopbop.com, barnesandnoble.com,

Last Minute Xmas Shopping

My go-to last minute holiday gifts are always books.  Partially because I'm a book nerd, and partially because books are an affordable present that you can put a lot of thought into and really get something that will resonate with whoever you're giving it to.  Here are some books that I'm really interested in (and may have asked for for Xmas) that will hit a lot of different bases.


Cleopatra: A Life, $15.74 at amazon.com, Geek Love, $10.20 at amazon.com: For all your history nerd friends, this new Cleopatra biography is supposed to be amazing.  Ancient Egypt is always fascinating, and the backstory behind this femme fatale empress looks just as fascinating as the myths.  Also the cover is pretty, and yes, that does sell me.  For your friend that loves all things quirky and offbeat, Geek Love is about a troupe of circus freaks who start a religious cult and go around manipulating their followers.  Definitely not the usual fare, but done in a strangely mesmerizing way.

100 Years of Solitude, $9.59 at amazon.com, A Vintage Affair, $16.33 at amazon.com: For your serious, intellectual friend, this beautifully illustrated novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a classic, but not in the boring, dusty sort of way.  His writing is impeccable, and this is the sort of book that you can proudly display on your bookshelf AND actually have interesting conversations about.  Lastly, for your fashion-forward, beach reading friend, A Vintage Affair centers around a girl running a vintage clothing store.  It combines her life with the lives of the clothes in a really touching way, and again, the cover is adorable.

Images from stacyschiff.com, pilliebeebooks.blogspot.com, signatureillustration.org, amazon.ca. 

Anthropologie Holiday Shopping!

I love Anthropologie for presents.  I know most of their stuff is pretty pricey, but there are some great affordable finds if you can scrounge around a bit in the store (am I the only one that gets distracted by the tubs of pretty drawer pulls?).  Here are some fun holiday presents that won't break the bank.


Monogrammed Mug, $6 at anthropologie.com, Lipstick Queen Medieval, $20 at anthropologie.com: These cups make great gifts because they're sweet and personal, actually practical, and look like they cost a lot more than they actually do.  I had one all last year until I shattered it (ahem), but they really do make great stocking stuffers.  Or you could fill them with little gifts, like lip gloss, candies, etc and wrap it all in colored cellophane paper--adorable.  This Lipstick Queen Medieval lippie has been haunting me.  I want.  It's a red, which terrifies me, but it goes on very sheer and gives you that just bitten look.  Plus I'm kind of on a medieval kick right now, having just come off a medieval architecture research paper.

ToykoMilk Wrapped Soap, $11 at anthropologie.com, Illume Boulangerie Jar, $16 at anthropologie.com: ToykoMilk is fab.  They have great packaging, and their products are top-notch with really creative scents.  Yes, $11 is a lot for soap, but when the soap has notes of soft linden blossom, French lavender, honey, mimosa, and tea rose, you have to make some exceptions.  This candle comes in Vanilla & Fig (nice and seasonal), Angel Food (for all you bakers), Sweet Vanilla & Cinnamon (OMG YUM), Apple Blossom (light and fresh), and Pineapple Ginger Cake (nom).  The burn time is 40 hours, and the packaging is adorable.  Buy this for people and they will think you are super swank and awesome and fancy.

Domino: The Book of Decorating, $32 at anthropologie.com, The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, $19.95 at anthropologie.com: If you don't know Domino, it was the best home decor magazine EVER.  No joke.  I have all the issues saved up at home.  I may have teared up when I heard it was canceled.  This book has some of their best shoots and ideas, and it will look chic on your bookcase to boot.  I don't think this second one needs any explanation.  Coco Chanel as a life coach?  Yes, please.

Images from anthropologie.com.

This Belongs in My Life

This book needs to be in my life.


Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution by Caroline Weber, $11.56 at amazon.com: It is a literal history of what she wore during the revolution, the political and social impact that her clothing choices, and all that jazz.  DOESN'T THAT SOUND AMAZING???  I'm so curious.  I feel like there would be a lot of juicy tidbits in this.  How did she get her hair that high?  Was it just full of secrets? (Mean Girls reference, anyone?).

Has anyone read this?  Do you think it sounds awesome, or just cheesy?

Image from amazon.com.

Inspired by: Love Over Scotland/Plaid

Alright y'all, so I'm still in Hawaii.  I've been doing a lot of beach reading, and I wanted to do a post about one of my current favorite series.  It's called 44 Scotland Street, by Alexander McCall Smith, and it's adorable.  There are the kinds of beach reads are like candy bars--yummy, but you know they're trash, and there are the kinds of beach reads that are more like a red velvet cupcake, still little and cute, but a bit more sophisticated.  This is the latter.  These books are short, easy reads, very light hearted and sweet, but they're really well written and unique.  They center around the lifes of a group of people who all, at one point, lived in an apartment building in Scotland.  There's a precocious six year old and a 60 year old female anthropology, and everything in between, so there's something for everyone.

Love Over Scotland and The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith: Here are two of the books in the series.  Yeah, one of the is called The Unbearable Lightness of Scones.  If that doesn't make you smile, the Grinch is missing you over in Whoville.

Anyways, the point of all this was that all that talk of Scotland was making me start to crave plaid (I know, I'm on a Hawaiian beach, and all I want is plaid and scones.  I'm crazy).  I picked out a few plaid pieces, and I really tried to go beyond the usual plaid boyfriend button-up and find some more unique pieces.

Joie Plaid Somalia Dress, $228 at revolveclothing.com, Joie Yarn Plaid Vanette Tank, $74 at revolveclothing.com: Taking the usual boyfriend flannel and turning it into a dress is a fun take on wearing your boyfriend's shirt in a public appropriate sort of way.  The belt is included, and adds a much needed emphasis to your waist.  This tank might be my favorite piece.  It's loose and drapey, very Alexander Wang, but the faded plaid adds a casual, countryish vibe to it.  The row of buttons down the front feminizes it just enough.  I'd pair it with some straight leg jeans and statement necklace.

J. Crew Tomboy Plaid Shirt, $72 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Wool and Cotton Plaid Scarf, $54 at jcrew.com: So I did one button-up, just to show that if you do it in a different, girlier color palette it doesn't have to scream 1995 grunge.  The white/gray/pink color palette is fun and feminine, and adds a really interesting twist to the usually boyish look.  This scarf has the same color palette, and it's equally gorgeous.  I love light wool scarves--they're really light and airy, but at the same time when it gets cold, they'll keep you super warm.  The muted colors make it the ideal complement to a lot of different looks, but I think I'd wear it with a pair of dark wash jeans, some knee-high leather boots, and a plain white v-neck.

McQ Wool Cable-Knit Biker Jacket, $365 at net-a-porter.com, Crumpet Checked Cashmere Cardigan, $695 at net-a-porter.com: Okay, so this first sweater isn't plaid, but to be fair, in the books they talk a lot about Fair Isle/heavily knitted sweaters, and this reminded me of those, but a fab modern version.  The cable knit definitely screams old school/my grandma knitted this for me, but the biker jacket cut and big zipper add a much needed badass quotient for something that's really comfy, but still makes a statement.  The cut of this Crumpet sweater is perfect.  It has all the ease of a cardigan with all the oomph of a motorcycle jacket, and it's so easy to wear.  The blown-up checks are a fun riff on plaid, and the black and white color combo is so graphic and fun, and a great contrast to the loose shape of the sweater.  And yeah, it's $700, but...it's cashmere?  It's like having baby kittens hug you all day.

Images from:
tesco.com, alexandermccallsmith.co.uk, revolveclothing.com, revolveclothing.com, jcrew.com, jcrew.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.

Inspired by: The Sartorialist and Schoolgirl Skirts

One of my daily activities is always checking out the street style blogs (mainly Garance Dore and The Sartorialist) for outfit inspiration.  It's really, really easy to get stuck in a rut at college, where you can get away with wearing jeans and a tee everyday.  My latest inspiration is this look from The Sartorialist.  It combines my love of contrasting shapes and incorporates a pleated mini skirt, possibly an opportunity to revamp a school uniform piece from highschool?

Ever Stillwater Chambray Skirt, $145 at shopbop.com, American Apparel Tri-Blend Light Weight Raglan Pullover, $36 at americanapparelstore.com, DANNIJO Edith Crystal Fringe Locket, $238 at shopbop.com: A high-waisted, pleated khaki skirt is ideal for this look.  The shape does have inherent schoolgirl vibes, but the high-waist, soft pleats, and light hue take it more in the direction of Celine than 10th grader.  I'd tuck in a slightly oversized raglan.  The contrast of the grey and the pale beige is so chic, and the two neutral work really nicely together without being flat or boring.  The juxtaposition of shapes, the clean, geometric lines of the skirt against the soft, draping lines of the top, is perfect.  The top is masculine and casual, the skirt is girlish and formal, and together, it's the ideal balance for a chic ensemble.  I'd stay away from a ring or a bracelet, just because there's so much volume on the arms of this top and I don't want to detract from the skirt, but a simple pendant necklace adds just enough weight to the outfit.  The silver keeps it in the neutral palette, but the turquoise beads add just a pop of color.

ROSEGOLD Casey Knot Wedge Sandals, $168 at shopbop.com, Rebecca Minkoff Tie Dye Easy Rider Date Clutch, $375 at shopbop.com, Blow Hair Care Texturizing Mist, $21 at ulta.com: These wedges fit into the neutral color palette still, but warm it up a little.  They add visual weight to the lightness of the skirt and the volume of the top, and the twisted leather and cork give the minimalist lines and fabrics an organic twist.  I just really, really want those wedges. They're so perfect for summer!  I think a giant, slouchy hobo would ruin the lines of this look, so I'd go for a little shoulder bag.  Since the bag is so small and the outfit is so netural, you can afford to go really funky with the colors of the bag.  The blue ties in with the blue of the necklace, and the tie dye/studs/zippers keep the simple outfit from going flat.  As for the hair, I really love the rough volume that the girl in the picture is wearing.  It contrasts perfectly with the simple, polished feeling of the outfit.  I like Blow's Texturizing Mist for creating beachy waves, texture, and a little rough volume.  Spritz it on damp hair and then scrunch it through your hair with your fingers, and let air dry.

Some people are just genetically and stylistically gifted.  Camilla Belle is one of those people.  I don't think she's ever worn something I didn't like.  Just look at this Marchesa gown.  It could be unflattering and dumpy, with the greyish blue hue and high-waisted empire cut, but against her tan skin and with the cutaway hemline in the front, she looks young and incredibly polished.  I like how she keeps her jewelry and accessories simple, to let the gown itself shine.

Sense & Sensibility, $13.60 at amazon.com, Alice in Wonderland, $13.60 at amazon.com, Great Expectations, $13.60 at amazon.com: Penguin Classics like to put out versions of my favorite books covered with adorably patterned fabric, which makes me want to buy them even though I already have regular copies.  Sometimes the patterns are relevant to the time period, like the Victorian floral pattern on Sense & Sensibility, and sometimes they're quirky plays on something in the book, like the flamengos on Alice in Wonderland and the chandeliers on Great Expectations.  Aside from the fact that these are great books, they'd make a fantastic addition to anyone's bookshelf just visually.

Image Sources:
Sense & Sensibility: amazon.com, Alice in Wonderland: amazon.com, Great Expectations: amazon.com, Camilla Belle: gofugyourself.com, The Sartorialist pic: thesartorialist.blogspot.com, ROSEGOLD wedges: shopbop.com, Ever skirt: shopbop.com, American Apparel ragland: americanapparelstore.com, DANNIJO necklace: shopbop.com, Rebecca Minkoff clutch: shopbop.com, Blow spray: ulta.com.

Spring Break Shopping

I know it's a little late for most people, but it's finally SPRING BREAK!!! I'm going to NYC, not anywhere tropical or beachy, but I thought I'd put together a few cute pieces for anyone who's traveling to a coastline local in the next few weeks.

Victoria's Secret Triangle Bikini Set, $19 at victoriassecret.com, J. Crew Solid String Hipster, $38 at jcrew.com: This Victoria's Secret bikini is pretty much the perfect basic bikini. I have one in black (but I'm seriously eying this purple), and it's really simple, but really well made. The cut is on the skimpier side, but I think the clean lines of the bikini keep it from crossing the border into skanky. It comes in a rainbow of colors, and it's so affordable that you can afford to try out different shades. For a pair of bottoms with a little more sturdiness and coverage, these J. Crew bottoms fit the bill. They have a little more fabric in the booty area and a slightly higher cut, and come in a lovely, subdued range of colors. It's not cheap, but J. Crew swimsuits literally last forever.


All J. Crew: French Sailor String Hipster with Neon Ties, $46 for top at jcrew.com and $48 for bottoms at jcrew.com, Scalloped Underwire Top, $50 at jcrew.com, Gingham Underwire Top, $50 at jcrew.com: If basic swimsuits aren't really your style, J. Crew makes some fab statement suits. This striped bikini is a nice twist on the typical nautical look, with the thin stripes and neon ties for a jolt of modernity and color. It's classic and chic, but still fun. I'm really feeling bra-cup swimsuits right now. They fit nicely into the retro-glam, chest emphasizing looks that we've been seeing on the runways. The basic bra-top can look a little lingerie-ish, so I love this scalloped bra top. It's the kind of subtle detail that adds so much delicacy and so much visual interest to an otherwise basic swimsuit. I'd skip the scalloped bottoms and go for the simple bikini bottoms above, though (the scallop looks a little around on the hips). This gingham bikini is giving me serious Christopher Kane vibes. The bra cut keeps all that gingham from being too Dorothy, and it's slightly nostalgic and cheeky with just a hint of Lolita. Again, I'd swap out the bottoms for a solid pair of bottoms in a nice navy blue (who wants gingham across their hips? Not me).


Colin Stuart Ruffled Sandal, $29 at victoriassecret.com, Mystique T-Strap Python Sandal with Studs, $145 at singer22.com, J. Crew Reese Gladiator Sandals, $88 at jcrew.com: Picking good shoes for the beach is difficult. On the one hand, you want to look cute, and on the other hand, you want to be practical. I usually go for flat sandals. They're easy to walk in, easy to shake sand out of, and all the openness lets your feet dry off more quickly. These Colin Stuart sandals are really flirty, with their punchy colors and ruffles, but the simple cut keeps them from going over the top. For an edgier look, I like these Mystique sandals. The python leather screams Upper East Side diva, and the studs add a little downtown bite. If you're into a simpler, earthier look, these J. Crew gladiators are perfect. The brown leather is classic and very Italian, the thin straps are delicate and girly, and the overall effect is bohemian, but refined.


Ray-Ban Outsiders Oversized Wayfarers, $145 at shopbop.com, Diane von Furstenberg Nobi Cover-up Dress, $285 at shopbop.com, Jen's Pirate Booty Senorita Dress, $115 at singer22.com: Oversized sunglasses are a MUST for any beach trip. They're like sunblock for your eyes! And they're super glamorous. I love the classic Wayfarers, but their oversized cousins are on the top of my sunglasses wish-list. They have the same retro shape with the inherent fabulousness of oversized frames, AND they come in tortoiseshell. One of the hardest parts for me about beach dressing is finding something to put over my swimsuits. Shorts and tops can get a little cumbersome, so I like to turn to easy, floaty dresses. They're great transition pieces between the beach and the street, and they don't cling to the body as much as, say, a pair of shorts, so they're likely to dry more quickly if they get wet. This DVF cover-up is so festive and fun in that pink leopard print, which is so perfect for spring break, and it would look great loose and as-is, or belted for a little extra shape. Jen's Pirate Booty makes the perfect beach dresses--slightly boho, a little Oaxacan, a little pirate wench, they're sassy and young. I love this blue dress because the off-the-shoulder cut helps eliminate tan lines and is super-sexy, the blue hue is very tropical and beach appropriate, and the light fabric would be perfect for frolicking in the sand.


Zimmermann Gitana Drawstring Bag, $81 at shopbop.com, Juicy Couture Resort Tote, $103.80 down from $148 at shopbop.com, Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones, $11.97 at amazon.com, Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes, $7.99 at amazon.com: One essential for the beach is a good tote bag. You want something cute, but also something big and functional. No leather (the sand and water will only ruin it), but canvas is a great option. It wears well and it's easy to clean. This Zimmermann bag has a boho, summery feel to it, and the slouchy lines are really relaxed and beach appropriate. I love the idea of a floral print with a black background--it's still summery but it has a bit more of an edge. For a cleaner, more structured look, I love this Juicy tote. The zippers and compartments are great for storing and organizing, the basic black works on and off the beach, and it's big enough to store all your sunglasses, snacks, and trashy beach reads. Speaking of beach reads, here are two of my favorites. I know I've mentioned Fashion Babylon before, but if you love fashion and its culture, you'll love this. Not only is it full of interesting, juicy details about the fashion industry, but it's a really fun, light read. Bergdorf Blondes is a Gossip Girl for the 20 and 30 year olds, centered around socialites and heiresses in NYC, and the girls that they're friends with. It sounds dumb, but it's highly entertaining, and packed with relatable characters.


Image Sources:
Victoria's Secret bikini: victoriassecret.com, J. Crew hipster: jcrew.com, J. Crew striped bikini: jcrew.com, J. Crew scalloped bikini: jcrew.com, Gingham bikini: jcrew.com, Colin Stuart sandals: victoriassecret.com, Mystique sandals: singer22.com, J. Crew sandals: jcrew.com, Ray-Ban sunglasses: shopbop.com, DVF dress: shopbop.com, Jen's Pirate Booty dress: singer22.com, Zimmermann bag: shopbop.com, Juicy Couture bag: shopbop.com, Fashion Babylon: amazon.com, Bergdorf Blondes: amazon.com.