I Like That: Travel Essentials

When traveling, I like to pack light. But I also want to look good and have choices for what I can wear. Possible? I think so. 

My key tip for packing is to plan ahead. I want to make as many outfit combinations as possible with just a few items. This might sound ridiculous, but I try on every outfit before making the final decision to allow it into my suitcase. That way, when I'm traveling, I know what my options are and I don't have to put any thought into what to wear. 

I start by packing my basics- denim shorts (or jeans depending on the weather), a black skirt, a few plain tees, and a light jacket or blazer. Then I add in some variety with a few patterned pieces and accessories. I like to stick to a color scheme so that each item can be worn interchangeably. For the set below, I've picked  black, cognac, yellow, and pink. 

1. yellow flats- modcloth 

2. striped maxi- top shop

3. linen tee- jcrew

4. panama hat- anthony peto

5. aviators- armani exchange

6. scarf- nordstrom

7. reversible stripes and dots bikini- madewell

8. tote- anthropologie

9. striped skirt- dorothy perkins

Why it Works: 

These accessories should go with everything in your suitcase. The bag is the perfect size to carry everything you might need during the day, but it's also stylish enough to take out to dinner. If you want to recycle an outfit, add in the scarf or hat to make it feel different. Wear the sunglasses and yellow flats with everything.  

Wear the maxi dress with the scarf and the hat for a laid back feel. Or turn into into a skirt by wearing the linen tee over it. Tie the tee into a front knot to create a sleek waistline. You can also use the dress as your bathing suit cover-up. Speaking of bathing suits, this one is reversible- so you get 2 looks, but only pack one. 

Wear the tee with the striped skirt. Or with any other bottoms you brought along. Wear the skirt with any other tops you packed because yellow stripes go with almost everything. The key here is that there two items  will add attitude to any outfit individually, but they can also be worn together.

I Like That: Swimwear

It's that time of year when the sun is shining, and all I want to do is hit the pool deck. And I always say, if you are going to hit the pool deck, you might as well look good. Ok, maybe I don't always say that, but you get the idea? Here are some of my favorite's in swimwear that are popping up all over retailers right now. 

1. bandeau tank one piece- Jcrew 

2. blue and white striped bikini - Target

3. polka dot two piece- Jcrew

4. orchid print bikini- Ted Baker

5. bow tie bikini- Jack Willis

6. lemon print bikini- Top Shop

7. black sequin bikini- All Saints

8. zig-zag striped cut out- Net A Porter

9. geometric cut out- Target

I Like That: All About Denim

I'll be the first to admit that I used to think denim was only for jeans. I had my token denim jacket in high school, but other than that, denim and jeans were basically synonyms. 

My, how the times have changed! Lately, I just can't get enough. Here are some of my favorite denim pieces, that are so much more than just your average jeans! 

1. boyfriend shorts- Urban Outfitters

2. polka dot blazer- Bloom

3. bleached jeans- Target

4. Chambray dress- Jcrew

5. moto denim dress- Top Shop

6. chambray shirt- Madewell

7. denim vest- Rag and Bone

8. roll up jeans- AG

I Like That: Spring Pastels

A year ago, if you asked me if I liked pastels, I would have told you that I prefer bold colors. For some unbeknownst reason, I thought pastels were too dull for my taste. Well, I was wrong. This year, I can't get enough of pale pink, mellow yellow, soft purples, and of course, mint. Here are some pastel favorites that I'm currently coveting.

1. zig zag sweater- lucca couture

2. one button blazer- vince camuto

3. yellow skinny jeans- marc jacobs

4. structured blazer- topshop

5. abby ballet flats *- banana republic

6. santa fe maxi- ella moss

7. taylor piped blouse- piperlime

8. striped racerback- old navy

9.  ankle skinny jeans- vince denim

(*I gave in and bought the mint flats from banana (currently 30% off with a banana card). They are the perfect color and shine and it turns out that mint shoes go with almost everything!) 

I Like That: Black and White

Last night, I wore a black blazer over a basic white tee and ever since, I've had black and white on the mind. And when I've got something on my mind, I'm obviously going to virtual shop for it. Right?  Here are some items currently lurking around my shopping cart in the black and white (and sometimes with a pop of orange) department.

1. Spot Shirt- Top Shop
2. floral print sweater- Nordstrom
3. Stripe Satchel- Kate Spade
4. Tiger Knit Sweat- Top Shop
5. black and white heels- Zara
6. color block bag- h&m
7. Amie Maxi Dress- J.Crew

I Like That: Printed Pants

It has taken me 9 months, but I think I finally feel comfortable with the outfit post. Some people take 9 months to grow a child, I grew a blog. Go figure. I've decided it's time to spice things up with a new feature. I'm calling it.... (drum roll please!).... I Like That. 

It's no secret that I like clothes, and I spend a fair amount of time browsing through my options either online or in stores. I'm a rational girl on a budget- so I can't buy everything I want. My shopping model is based on a buy well, save well conundrum, so I try to buy things that really fit in with my style, my existing wardrobe, and my price point. All while saving the big bucks. Makes sense, right?  

So when a new trend comes along, I'm like a kid in a candy shop wanting to get my hands on it. But then this little voice kicks in and says things like- 

do you really need that?  is it worth the money? how many times will you wear it? can you pull off that trend without looking too trendy? shouldn't you be saving that money for something? how many clothes does one girl need? 

It's often an annoying voice. But I try to act wise and listen to it at least 85% of the time. 

Which brings me to the point of I Like That. When I'm looking for a new item, I do a lot of looking, thinking, and placing-in-cart-then-removing. And I want to share some of my favorite clothes crushes with you all, while clearing up my own thoughts on the matter. And I'm starting off with the trend that's been running around in my mind lately- printed pants. 

1.  summer bloom skinny jeans- Ted Baker
2. the skinny- Rag and Bone
3. floral printed pants- Ark & Co.
4. avedon rose print- Citizens
5. cafe capri- J. Crew
6. tropical print skinny jeans- Mossimo
7. floral striped skinny jeans- Current/Elliot
8. vigoss print skinny jeans- Nordstrom BP

What do you think about printed pants? Have you tried them and do you have any favorites lurking around those online carts?