How to Pack for Your Holiday Travels

Good morning loves! I can’t believe Thanksgiving is this week. Autumn has come and gone way too fast. Hopefully, most of you are spending the holiday with those you love. My family usually spends the day together. All of my grandparents have passed away and extended family lives pretty far from Maryland. I’m not going to lie, it can be pretty lonely during this time of the year. However, I’m grateful that I have my parents and sister. Some people don’t even have that.

If you’re like many Americans, then you might have travel plans for Thanksgiving. In recent years, many Americans are opting to drive instead of fly, but if you’re one of the few who is flying, then I’ve created a little visual guide for a few things you might want to take with you in your very limited luggage allowance.

 

First, I highly recommend you take boots with you because they go with almost everything. Taking a pair of flats in a fun print like these Steve Madden ones and a pair of black heels covers all the other bases of what your holiday travels may require in terms of footwear.

Accessories wise, you can’t go wrong with a thick infinity scarf and mittens. For jewelry, your best bet is on a string of pearls and diamond studs. I always travel light when it comes to jewelry because I hate dealing with tangled necklaces and things like that.

When I travel, I take two pairs of jeans with me, one in a dark wash and the other black. With these I usually wear a cardigan like the sparkly one above and then a light weight blouse. You might also consider taking a hoodie or sweatshirt for cuddling up in and watching a few christmas classics with your family. Don’t forget to pack a tank to go with the cardigan!

For Thanksgiving dinner, depending on your family’s style, take a nice dress like this BCBG Maxazria find. If you’re a little more casual, take a jersey or shift dress.

Finally, this may seem obvious, but pack your pjs! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgot that basic necessity. Remember your socks and undergarments as well. I’ve forgotten those too and regretted it.

I hope you enjoy your weekend and realize how blessed you are!

Wardrobe Inspiration: Day at the Office

Day at the Office by oceangirl15 featuring red shoes

The one thing I miss the most about working in an office setting is the professional wardrobe I got to wear. There’s nothing better than walking into work looking and feeling like a successful lady. In DC, I could walk to work everyday and sported flats until I got to the office. I traded those in for heels. As Victoria Beckham said “I can’t concentrate in flats.”

I was inspired by yellow and navy today because I think they are good transition colors between summer and autumn. The pop of red in the heel adds that hint of fall while the bright yellow reminds us of summer. I absolutely adore these nautical accessories too!

A few tips for new ladies to the professional scene:

1. Raid discount stores

Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, and a few others have designer brands on mark down here. I’ve found the majority of my skirts and tops for work at these places. Just a little hint, go straight for clearance and look through it then hit the full price racks.

2. Shop often

I go to my favorite stores at least once a week to shop. Some of you may wonder how I afford that. Well, it’s simple really- I don’t always buy anything. The reason I shop so often is so that I can find full price items that I like and check back every week to see how far in price it has dropped. If I feel that the price has been marked down enough, then I will purchase it.

3. Take advantage of New York & Company

Every so often they do a promotion that gives you something like $50 off if you spend $125 or more in the store. Whenever I get these in the mail, I am sure to use them for things I need in my wardrobe such as a suit (blazer and skirt) or a little black dress.

4. Pick neutrals and then add color

In a previous post I discussed neutrals and utilizing them to expand your wardrobe. Invest in them! Pick quality items such as pants, blazers, and skirts that will last awhile. To add the color you want I recommend being careful with what you buy and the cost. Many colors and styles go out of style overnight so splurging on a teal business suit is not the best idea. However, buying a teal top to go underneath a neutral suit is fine.

Hopefully this gives you all a fair look into saving money and looking professional as well as a little outfit inspiration. Enjoy!