My Travel Essentials

It was very tough for me to pack for 2 months -- I wanted to bring everything! I decided to scale back on clothes (because obviously shopping in Paris is at the top of my to-do list) and instead bring a few of my travel essentials. Here are some of my go-to items for traveling:

1. A fedora or hat to protect my sensitive (read: pale) skin. I have this one and wear it all the time. (Asos: $57)

2. A Turkish bath towel for spontaneous picnics. The bonus here is that they're light and easy to pack in your suitcase and purse. (Amazon: $25)

3. Sunglasses - my go-to pair are these classic Ray-Ban Aviators. They look good with both casual and dressy clothes. (Shopbop: $150)

4. A bag to carry all of your belongings. My Cambridge Satchel doubles as a work bag and day bag, which is perfect for this trip. The 15" version holds my huge Macbook and all other essentials. (Cambridge Satchel Company: $190)

5. A soy travel candle to make our corporate apartment feel cozy. In my opinion, there is nothing homier than fresh flowers and candles. (Amazon: $55 or this one: $30)

6. We've had sporadic rain showers every day since arriving, so I'm really happy I brought my umbrella. Mine is from J.Crew but I love this tiny version for traveling. (Orla Kiely: $50)

7. A scarf to feel very French and to double as a head scarf when it rains. (J.Crew: $30-125)

8. These Converses are hands down my favorite shoes for traveling. I've always loved the look of Converses, but the originals have thick soles, which feel clunky. These are a slimmed down version and they feel effortless and cool with no socks. As much as I'd love to walk around Paris in heels (how do they do it?), I need some support. :) (Zappos: $55).

9. Finally, a travel journal, so you never forget the name of the cute little brasserie that you went to! (Rifle Paper Co: $15).

What are your travel essentials? xoxo

Summer Platform Sandals

My favorite summer trend has to be platform sandals. The best thing about platforms is that they are tall, so they make your legs look long and lean, but they also have relatively flat soles, so they are super comfy and you can walk in them all day.

My two favorite pairs are:

-Tory Burch Almita Sandals

-Swedish Hasbeens Braided Sky High Sandals

What trends are you into this season?

Spring Wish List

I realize that most of the country is still under snow, but in San Francisco, the weather has been delightful. The last two weekends have been perfect: sunny and 70! The warmer weather makes me excited for my August bachelorette party to the beach and my honeymoon to Hawaii in November. Here are a few of the things on my spring/summer/vacation wish list this year:

-1. This adorable one piece - Tory Burch ($225).
-2. Cat eye sunnies to feel glam - Stella McCartney ($225).
-3. Straw fedora to shield my face from the sun - Old Navy ($12).
-4. A DVF iPhone case in a bright pattern - DVF ($40).
-5. Swedish Hasbeens in poppy, because Hasbeens are hands down my favorite summer shoes - ModCloth ($220).
-6. Nail polish in bright, Spring colors - OPI or Essie ($8-15).
-7. A sweet, pastel watch - Kate Spade ($195).
-8. A straw clutch, which will transition well from day to night - Boohoo ($36).

Wedding Shoes: Flats or Heels?

One of the fun parts of wedding planning is the dress and shoe shopping! I found my dress last week and now I'm beginning to look at shoes.

Since then, I've been debating whether or not to wear heels at my wedding. I'm normally a flats kind of girl, and I want to feel comfortable on my wedding day (check out these beautiful Vera Wang flats). Still, there are so many gorgeous bridal heels on the market (like these or these) that it's a tough decision. While there is no huge hurry for me to decide, I'll need choose my shoes before getting my dress altered.

So I'd love to hear, what type of shoes did you wear at your wedding? Did you choose comfort or style? XO

Fall Boots

"Indian Summer" is about to hit San Francisco, which means the best weather of the year! Although we get our warmest days from September to November, I can't help but anticipate fall boots season anyway. I just picked up these Coach ankle boots and I can't wait to bust them out. On Wednesday, we're heading to NYC for a week, so here's to hoping the weather is cool!

Loeffler Randall Fall Shoes

Eva Stacked Heel Bootie:

Joanna Welted Oxford:

Nanette Cap-Toe Bootie:

While I never want summer to end, I'm looking forward to boots season. Have you seen the new Loeffler Randall fall shoe collection? All of the shoes are to die for. Here are a few that are currently on my wishlist.

Sequin DIY Project

Wish I had the supplies to make these sequin shoe clips and sequin pocket tee during this snow week! Tutorial here and here.

Perfect Flats

Aren't these dressy bow flats great?! From Topshop.

Darlingtonia Moccasin Company

I want these Tiger Lily Moccasins to wear to class in the fall.

Old Navy Finds

I love walking into Old Navy or Gap at any given time knowing I can pick up some great basics - tops, shorts, shoes, blazers, etc. While these stores don't usually have "statement" clothing, they are consistent and reliable and I love them. Kristina and I ran into Old Navy yesterday and I found a few things!

I got these beauties for $12 (except in a great mustard yellow color): I love my black Old Navy trench coat, and I had to pick this red one up for UGA games in the Fall: I wear shorts all the time in the summer, and these $15 white ones are my new favorites:

TOMS Shoes

I have been debating on whether or not to buy a pair of TOMS for a while now.

It is fantastic that the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for each pair sold, it's just that it seems a little ridiculous to pay about $50 to donate a pair of shoes to someone. I could easily go to the store and buy a much less expensive pair of shoes for $20, which would probably offer more foot support, and then donate the remaining $30 to a philanthropic organization. Don't get me wrong, it is pretty fantastic that as a for-profit company, TOMS has donated so many shoes to children in need. I just feel like sometimes people buy them and wear them so that everyone can see what a charitable, do-gooder they are. At the end of the day, I think it is important to discern the difference between donating to charity and wearing TOMS.

But with that said, TOMS recently teamed up with Teen Vogue to have a "Style Your Sole" contest. I love the winning shoe (pictured above) - I think the design is really great. And I suppose buying a pair of TOMS is better than buying a different brand of espadrilles. Thoughts?

April Showers...

Are coming soon! I really need some new rainy day gear. Here is my spring wish-list:

Prepared For Precipitation Umbrella: From ModCloth.

Right To Remain Stylish Jacket: From ModCloth.

Hunter Rain Boots: From Hunter.

*Update - Scored a great deal on navy Hunter rain boots on Ebay! So excited!*

New Shoes!

Always a good thing. I love my new Bandolino shoes! If I have to work 9:00 - 6:00 everyday, at least I can do it in style.

New Goodies

I went shopping for Christmas Gifts with Kristina and came back with a few gifts for others and a lot of gifts for myself (whoops!).

Kristina and I both bought these Nine West rhinestone-embellished-satin-black-peep toe-pumps! Love.

I also got this black and tan tote for DC next semester! It looks small, but it's nice and roomy. I can fit my Mac and books, notebooks, etc. It is from Target!

Also from Target, I got this top for work. It is a purple tweed top. I love the detail at the neck!

So happy with my new purchases. :)