Strategic Packing for International Travel

/in , , /by

Strategic Packing Made Perfect

 

Happy Monday!

Let’s address something we all likely struggle with… Strategic packing for International Travel! How many of you have loaded down four bags for a week-long trip only to arrive with nothing to wear? Even worse is when you pack just a carry on and then freeze/burn your booty off your entire trip because you were ill-prepared.

Packing can be TOUGH, this is no secret. But packing with purpose can give you peace of mind and zero stress when you are on your trip, but you must make a plan! For a few logistical packing strategies, here is a link to a blog I did several months ago.

Here are also some visual aids to make the physical aspect of packing easier: VIDEO ONE   |   VIDEO TWO

My goal for today’s post is to give you specific tips on actually WHAT TO PACK for a 7 day trip even up to a month’s worth of outfits {if you have access to a washing machine} with a few simple essentials from your wardrobe!

The inspiration for this post came from a recent client session who is taking a seven-day trip to Israel in October. My advice to her was simple, pack with sense and with items that make you already feel confident. Let me expand….

Pack with sense: I cannot stress enough how important paying attention to the weather and the culture is. Knowing the background on the places you plan to go is one of the most helpful things for not only packing right, but also feeling right in your temporary environment. Is it going to be cold? Pack a coat. Does it seem like the weather is warm or seasonably unpredictable? Still bring a light jacket or a simple sweater for layering.

Don’t overdo the shoes {even if you are a collector/addict like me} since they are your heaviest items; also avoid acting like it’s your time to wear everything in your closet. There is no shame in re-wearing outfits in a fresh way every day. This is  not only smart, but no one is going to be judging you in photos if they see a “repeater.” They will be too busy thinking how you were awesome enough to get everything in one bag without paying those overage fees. Keep in mind that there is a 50 pound weight limit even for international travel.

And when it comes to packing what makes you feel confident, do just that: Don’t leave home without your favorite jeans. On the flip side, don’t make your trip the time to “try out” that funky outfit you’ve been looking at for weeks and never actually pulled out of your closet. Packing for a trip is a time to play it safe, because that is what will help you play it smart!

Let’s talk specifics on accessories: think minimalistic. You don’t need to pack every scarf and necklace you own, but you do need to pack your accessories with intention. Wear heavier items on the plane including jackets and shoes, and if you plan to pack a hat, wear it on the plane or pack upside down in the center of your bag. Stuff with knits. Bring a pashmina wrap which can also serve as a scarf later.

With re-used basics, and pops of jewelry we were able to make this trip one of stand-out outfits and save her major room for SHOPPING while in Israel.

Feel free to print out this list of essentials we came up with and share with friends.

 

Here is the gallery of examples of how we mixed and matched for the perfect outcome:

 

In case you need some items off our Packing List to complete your look:

So as you start to get ready for your next trip, take time to make a plan, and then enjoy your time away as a result!

But if you start to fret, Contact me and we can tackle this packing thing together!

 

Bon Voyage,

 

Jen Young

 

Be The First To See Springs Latest Trends

/in /by

Spring Trends 2017

 

Hello flowers and light colors! Hello white jeans! Spring is officially here, at least according to my closet, and I can’t wait to celebrate. It’s time to let you in on the latest in fashion, so you can start getting ready for the months to come. Here are my favorite Spring Trends of 2017:

 

Sprint Trend Tops

From pretty with puffs to cute with cutouts {also know as the cold-shoulder as shown}, detailed tops are all I can think about these days. They are the perfect way to transition from “cold” weather to warm, since most are quarter sleeve. And adding to the trend, denim is more than hot this spring. This play on the fabric is a more classic way to wear blue jean on your top half.

Spring Trend Jewelry

Are you someone who is often times conflicted between gold and sliver? Which is more timeless? Which looks better on my arm and skin tone? Good news for you… this year is all about the mixing of metals. Wear a chunky gold bangle with a simple silver link style. Or better yet, mix your metals together with the watch shown above. Paint your nails with a dark but fun color and you are trend approved!

 

 

Spring Trend Pants

 

Just when I thought jeans couldn’t go anywhere else. The uneven hem trend is perfect for spring, and might be the best thing that might have ever happened to up- cycling. All your old jeans are about to get a face lift. Since a frayed cut is in, you can get crafty and make a pair of the “high-low” variety all on your own. I took my kitchen scissors to this pair and salvaged an item of clothing I usually shove in the back of my closet. They are now one of my favorites!

 

 

Spring Trend Shoes

 

Are you still on the bootie kick like me? Good thing this spring is all about peep toe booties. This camel color makes for a pretty transition, and the chunky heel is a MUST HAVE to be on point with this years Spring Trends. Did I mention this is going to be great for our feet? The chunkier the heel the less pain in the game. That’s what I call comfortable-effortless style!

 

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

A Touch Of Leopard

/in /by

 

From shoes to shirts, and all that is in between… When it comes to leopard, I simply can’t get enough! As a stylist we all tend to lean towards a signature trend, mine just happens to be the newest form of neutral. Leopard is the perfect addition to a simple outfit, and a great way to add a little something extra to your wardrobe.

 

Leopard Shoes

 

Let’s kick off our animal print look from the bottom up. Heels are the perfect touch of tan and black spots. Kitten heels are great when paired with distressed jeans and a tee. You can also switch it up with a great leopard wedge. I love Toms tie up option, and they are comfortable for days full of walking or shopping!

 

Leopard Purse

 

Are you a little nervous to jump right in to a bold print? Starting with an accessory is the perfect way to dip your toe in the fashion pool! A smaller clutch looks amazing paired with a black color scheme, and keeps your outfit on point transitioning from season to season. You can also replicate this look in a bracelet or small scarf. Tie it tight around your neck and you’ve got this Springs latest accessory trend taken care of.

 

Leopard Dress

 

And for those of you looking to take my favorite color (dare I say it is a color) to the next level, dress it up! A literal dress, or top, is a fabulous way to add leopard into your wardrobe. This off-colored dress is a great way to neutralize a bold print, but keep the effect of its fun feeling. Paired with a leather jacket or cardigan during the spring months, also helps lower the impact. Then, for the moments when you feel like being bold, pull off your outer layer and let your leopard shine!!

 

 

Fashionably Yours,

 

Jen Young

Nude Heel How To

/in , /by

Nude Heel

 

Hello ladies…and Hello it’s almost Spring.

 

Let me make your mid-week blues a little more nude… From date night to wedding date, nude heels are a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. But finding a pair that isn’t sky high or too intense to stand on is always tricky.

 

Here are my tips on how to do it right, for day or for night.

 

Nude Pump

A casual heel is a first thought when it comes to this season’s bell bottom trend but I always seem to come up short when looking for one that is a good height and not killer on my toes. For this I always suggest looking for a great platform. The thicker the base the easier a shoe is for support. For us shorter girls, having those extra inches only means our bell bottoms can be bigger, making our legs look long like the models!

 

Nude Classic

What better way to do a professional nude heel than to look at JCrew? This entire outfit is made up of their classic, and statement pieces, and if you ask me it’s perfection! Pair a colorful pencil skirt with a rolled-sleeve shirt, add a statement necklace, and the perfect suede heel for a polished look. This shoe is a great heel height, and though simple, makes an impact when you walk in the room.

 

Nude Evening

And when it comes to stepping your style up a notch, I like to think of adding a little something to your simple heel. Try a shine finish or a buckle detail! Do something out of the ordinary with your nude heel. It makes a little black dress look as if it came right off the runway, and brings your outfit to a whole new level of chic.

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young