What to Pack for a Winter Week in Europe

It may be crazy, but for my six-day trip to Vienna and Paris, I decided to stick to carry-on luggage.

I kept my wardrobe simple and made sure to pack essentials that would be light and useful for the trip. I'm not even bothering to bring my laptop, which is just as well, because it's better to pay attention to focus on where to go and what to do instead of focusing on finding a WiFi connection at the hostel.

The Packing List

Clothing 

1 cardigan sweater
2 pullover sweaters
2 flannel shirts
2 pairs of jeans
1 black dress
2 sweater dresses
2 black cotton long-sleeve shirts

Accessories

1 pair of black boots
1 black clutch w/ built-in iPhone charger
1 reusable tote
Makeup
Toiletries (liquids repackaged in small travel bottles)

Miscellaneous

2 two-prong adapters
1 three-prong adapter
1 photocopy of passport
KIND bar snacks

Worst case scenario, my return flight back to the States allows me to have two checked bags and a carry-on, so I could buy a suitcase in Paris to bring back whatever I end up buying...

Baby, Pull Me Closer

A personal photoshoot inspired by The Chainsmokers' hit, Closer

If you haven't been able to tell from past blog posts, I don't focus on my personal style and outfitting.

Why?

Because I don't have a dream budget to hire a team or a live-in photographer boyfriend with a DSLR to take all sorts of stylish pictures necessary for running a proper style blog.

Most of my blog content relies on a set of core topics, more compelling copy and basic flat-lays or travel pictures, edited so perfectly with my iPhone 6 plus—but it is finally time to embrace the occasional photoshoot for the blog.

Inspired by the pop anthem of 2016, these photos are part-fashion diary, part-love letter and part-portfolio update (in that order).

I had the pleasure of working with Maaike Bernstrom for this shoot in Newport, Rhode Island—we've worked together on projects for Laura Jean and The Newport Blast and I couldn't trust anyone else to help bring this vision to life. After Maaike and I booked the date, I made sure to schedule my hair salon at JF3 Salon for earlier the same day.

So yes. This is it. This is me. Trying to be casual. Yet also trying not to be too casual.

But definitely trying to have nice pictures for my inevitable blog revamp.

Please be kind. I know I'm not a model. I'm barely five feet tall, sell clothing as my day job and write as my passion and side-hustle...

Closer by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey

Hey

I was doing just fine before I met you

I drink too much and that's an issue
But I'm okay

Hey
You tell your friends it was nice to meet them
But I hope I never see them again

I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke-down car

And four years, no calls

Now you're looking pretty in a hotel bar

And I can't stop

No I can't stop

So, baby, pull me closer

In the back seat of your Rover

That I know you can't afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Of that mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain't ever getting older

We ain't ever getting older

We ain't ever getting older

You look as good as the day I met you

I forget just why I left you,
I was insane

Stay 

And play that Blink-182 song
That we beat to death in Tucson,
Okay

I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke-down car

And four years, no call
Now I'm looking pretty in a hotel bar

And I can't stop
No, I can't stop

So, baby, pull me closer

In the back seat of your Rover
That I know you can't afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Of that mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain't ever getting older

We ain't ever getting older

No, we ain't ever getting older

Photography: Maaike Bernstrom

Hair: JF3 Salon

Location: Newport, Rhode Island

Plaid Shirt Outfit: Top, Jach's Girlfriend (available at Crosswynds Traders); Jeans, FRAME Le High Rise Skinny; Shoes, Frye Sacha Moto Shootie in Cognac

Black Shirt Outfit: Top, Theory; Jeans, AG Jeans Tomboy

Silk Cami Outfit: Top, Free People Intimates; Sweater, Theory Open Cardigan

Find of the Week | 43

I came home today to find a surprise birthday package on my doorstep!

My friend Julia sent a few fun, girly goodies from Austin, Texas—nothing could summarize my personality more than a package including a mini coffee kit, sea salt soap and champagne gummy bears.

Who knew that champagne gummy bears are a thing? 

Find of the Week | 42

Fall is here, which means it's time for denim, sweaters and boots!

The temperatures haven't dropped low enough to break out shearling-lined footwear, but damp weather means taking out the Hunter boots. I went to Chou Chou in Wilton to get a black, matte pair—I even bought shearling in-soles to make them extra cozy.

I forgot to feature this bag months ago, but it's a vintage Coach crossbody I bought at Wish Consignment in Newport. 

The Ultimate List of Fall Wardrobe Essentials

Now that it's October, I'm finally ready to embrace autumn.

It's not that I don't like fall. Going apple picking, strolling through harvest fairs and drinking at cider tastings is a lot of fun. Not to mention layering up in your favorite denim and flannels releases all sorts of endorphins...

... But shopping for colder weather takes effort. 

If you like to think of yourself as a stylish individual with discerning taste, you know what effort means. Effort typically means not having enough time and spending more money than you had intended—but in the end, you're not sorry about it. 

I've put together a comprehensive list of staple pieces for fall—a great list to help you keep track of what you'll need every fall, regardless of the year's trends. 

What are your fall wardrobe essentials? Feel free to share and comment below!

Summer 2016 in Pictures

After two difficult years, this summer has made up for time I thought I already lost. 

It was the first summer that I wasn't either living or spending an extended period of time in Rhode Island—I thought I was going to be stuck in suburbia, perhaps make the occasional trip to New York City. I was concerned that it was going to be a bore. 

I was wrong.

Caught up with friends who I haven't seen in a while. Finally went to the Westport Duck Race. Found a speakeasy in New York City while celebrating Cara's birthday. Flew to the West Coast for the first time to visit Steph in California. Read a few books. Tried new restaurants. Spent a few weekends in Rhode Island—not just in Newport and Narragansett, but also Watch Hill with my family. Went sailing. And probably tried every Pimm's Cup and prosecco cocktail between New York City, Westport and Newport.

Effy's Kitchen | Spanish Harlem, NYC (blog post)

Fashionista Hosts Garance Dore (blog post)

Bottomless Brunch in the West Village (brunch)

The Ocean House & Watch Hill Inn

California Central Coast | Big Sur

How to Spend 72 Hours in California | Part 2 (blog post)

How to Spend 72 Hours in California | Part 3

How to Spend 72 Hours in California | Part 4

Fishers Island Lemonade, the Next-Level Hard Lemonade (blog post)

Tusk and Cup Opens New Location (blog post)

Find of the Week | 40 (blog post)

Rothbard Ale + Larder (blog post)

The Starboard Sea (blog post)

BXL Zoute | Flatiron District (blog post)

Looking through these photos, I am grateful for having amazing friends and family that have made this summer—and the rest of seasons—an absolute dream. There are a lot of moments that are not captured in pictures, but I try to take snapshots of the best of them.

Time to switch from Pimm's Cups to spiked hot ciders...