Category Archives: FASHION

Check, Mate: Chess Gets its Sexy Back

Stop swiping randomly right and left on your smartphone for just a second. Why not try a new twist on an ancient concept of conquest instead?

There’s a niche for everyone to embrace chess at its purest or self-expressive forms. Critics say two recent screen gems – Pawn Sacrifice, starring Tobey Maguire and Liev Schreiber, and The Dark Horse, starring Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead) – should spark major interest in this game of strategy that has literally torn families and nations apart and driven prodigal geniuses crazy. At the cutting edge of virtual reality, chess fanatics compile and share lists of the world’s sexiest chess players. Sites for chess singles who only date their own kind are mushrooming.

A nice chess set can serve as a conversation piece or an aphrodisiac these days. Go head-to-head, eye-to-eye and hand-to-hand over a chess board if you really want to feel intimate and empowered with somebody. Here are seven chess sets that could take your game up another notch.

Glowing Chess Set

glow chess set

Cue up the Teddy Pendergrass soundtrack, dim the lights and get busy with this LED Glow set. The pieces don’t stop glowing until they’re captured. The polished playing board is powered by a plug-adapter or AA batteries, so there’s always a flicker of hope that events will unfold in your favor.

 

Sets From King-Sized to Micro

life size chess setAwe your opponent with the expanse of your devotion to the game with a King-Sized Lawn Set. Pieces as tall as 12 feet are hoisted and moved across boards landscaped to wide open space perfection. Or, make them green with envy through subtle or grand gestures on a Micro Planter set  – where seeds cunningly sprout from  3D-printed pieces. Players must maneuver pieces planted with tiny herbs and succulents around the board.

 

Shot Glass Chess

shot glass chess

Play on a Shot Glass set to ease the pain of getting out-witted at every move. On this tempered glass set, players make opponents pay not only with the loss of a captured piece but with a jolt of libation as well. Each piece’s volume is measured by its value in the game: Pity the fool who loses the queen. With 16 pieces per side at risk, losers should probably think twice about demanding a rematch.

 

African Challenge

african chess set

Tame the other “player” in the midst with an African Challenge set. The pieces are hand-carved from soft sese wood to mimic monuments in Ghana; and the board is covered in tooled leather. The rules of the game remain the same, but sets like this offer a home field advantage in terms of style points.

Wobble Set

wobble chess set

Note the difference between your queen getting tipsy versus getting toppled with the Wobble set from Umbra. The round-bottomed walnut and maple wood pieces are cupped by concave squares on the board.  As players waiver and waffle over their next moves, the pieces wiggle it just a little bit. Blame it on the board, in case it seems like your playing hand’s trembling.

Wood Travel Set

wooden magnetic chess setBring your A-game everywhere you go with a folding, Magnetized Wood Travel Set from The House of Staunton. This self-contained set made of rosewood and maple tucks away as easily as an airport newsstand paperback. Turbulence? No problem: The board and pieces are so highly magnetized you can play upside down.

 

Minimalist Chess

bauhaus chess set

Apply your basic instincts with a block-shaped Bauhaus set. The pieces’ minimalist design dates back to the austere 1920s. stressing function over ornate forms. This set makes the simplest of statements: Like any other game, chess is more mental than physical. And yes, size does matter.

 

5 Thrifted Items you MUST Own

Take a look around. What do you see? Bell bottoms? Fringe? Moto Jackets? All are being sold in stores in 2015. And are we to be daft enough to believe that this is the first time these styles have graced store windows? No!  We, my friends, are the style gifted! And if you’re not, you will be after today. That is to say, not only do we know that these styles have come and gone and come again, but we also happen to be filled with the wisdom of where to snag these boomerang style items for much, much less.

So where does our sartorial treasure map lead?

The Thrift Shop!

Much like Macklemore aptly reminds us, we sometimes find ourselves “being tricked by a business.” Sure, sometimes there are items that we just want, and, doggone it, we deserve them solely because of our desire to have them. But other times, we are blinded by brand names and the popularity of the item. The bottom line is that the exact same item exists elsewhere, possibly even a better quality version and certainly with a better story. There is a way to enjoy both the feeling of starting your own style story and continuing someone else’s. Here is a list of vintage thrift shop items that you can add to your clothing repertoire while adding a unique spin to your look.

 

Fedoras

A well-made hat can cost a pretty penny. If you’re looking to add to your hat collection, a thrift shop is the frugal way to go. You’ll find that a vintage fedora originally sold by a hatter will last much longer than a hat that has been made by a machine. These old school fedoras have been made with love by a milliner whose aesthetic calling is to fashion a hat that will look good and last.  And don’t be deterred by a slightly beaten up fedora, this can add character to your look.

 

Photo Credit: R/DV Flossy’s Suitcase, Highland Park MI

 

Bags

Boy, has the fashion industry outdone themselves with such a diverse array of bags. So many of these bags are colorful, bold and can add just the right touch of historical meaning and beauty to your outfit. These days a bag’s job is twofold. On one hand, it acts a vessel to transport items like phones, keys and money. But on the other–much more fashion forward–hand, it acts as an additional element with which to tell your personal story. Bag thrift shopping gives you a chance to take some style risks by allowing you to mix and match from different fashion eras with more current pieces.

 

Photo Credit: Feathers Boutique Vintage 

 

Oversized Sweaters

An oversized sweater is a wardrobe staple. Any thrift store in a place that experiences winter will have rows and rows of women’s and men’s sweaters for a fraction of the price that retailers are selling them for today. Mohair, wool, cashmere are typically all available for the taking and usually with a sub ten-dollar price tag. Give yourself some time to try each sweater on. Give it a good once over to check for fading, missing buttons and irreversible damage. All it takes is one or two trips to the thrift store to rack up on light and heavy sweaters for the fall and winter seasons.

 

 

 Photo Credit: Sarah Collins Photography for Highway Robbery Vintage

 

Denim

Even the fashion inept understand that denim will never go out of style. And it is for this very reason that thrift stores provide an inordinate amount of value where denim is involved. Styles come and go, but denim sticks around like a stalwart sartorial soldier. A really good thrift shop will offer up racks upon racks of denim from the 70s, 80s and 90s all riddled with a host of distressed features. Give yourself an hour and go home with a denim piece from every decade.

 

A photo posted by Pink Suede (@pink_._suede) on

Photo Credit: pink_._suede

 

T-Shirts

Oversized and over-worn are the two characteristics to look for when you pick out your t-shirts. A funny saying or an old school band is always preferable to plain, but the feel and versatility of the t-shirt is just as important. In order to be a successful vintage tee shopper, flip through the t-shirt rack relentlessly asking yourself if you can see yourself wearing the t-shirt with everything. Would you be cool with wearing this t-shirt with your favorite pair of jeans? How about that black tulle skirt you own? And those overalls? If you can say yes to pairing this t-shirt with most items in your wardrobe, it’s a keeper. Move on to the next t-shirt in line and repeat. You’re sure to acquire a hefty collection of vintage tees in no time.  

Photo Credit: Penny Lane Vintage

 

So, get out there and start thrifting! Once you’ve acquired pieces that you absolutely love, you can begin pairing them with the rest of your wardrobe. Then take your thrift store fashion to the streets. And when a stranger taps you on the shoulder, compliments your distressed Levis and asks you where you got them, you can respond apologetically, “Oh these old things? They’re thrifted!”

 

Dressing “Outside of the Box” When You Work in One

Many of us work in a stale, dank, bordering on depressing, office. Every day, we drag ourselves into work hoping for a glimpse of excitement, an ounce of dynamism, a tidbit of color. But instead, we’re met with a cubicle that feels more like solitary confinement and an underwhelming outfit that fits right in with the dull surroundings. It’s easy to feel like you have to act and, ultimately, dress like the people you work with in order to be taken seriously.

It’s actually the opposite. Expressing yourself differently in an environment where the majority dresses the same can be a great way to start a conversation and break the ice. It’s even possible that, through your style bravery, you may be giving someone else the courage to express themselves as well.

Here are some ways to liven up your wardrobe and feel confident in your work environment:

Get Lippie

Maybe you’re not quite ready to wow your colleagues with your pattern mixing abilities, so instead opt for a neon-colored lipstick. There’s no need to showcase a full face of make-up if that’s just not for you. A simple touch of mascara and a bright lip color is more than enough to add some color into your wardrobe for the day. In the winter, instead of a dark red lip color, grab a dark green, or a dark gold color. These lip colors will keep your colleagues guessing and give you a reason to talk more at meetings.

Get Lippy blue lipstick

Shun the Boring Shoe

There is no better conversation piece than a funky shoe! Shoes have been known to start lasting friendships and spark newfound obsessions. Slipping on a pair of fun and attention-getting shoes will immediately give you a pep in your step. Just make sure you feel good in them. Wearing a pair of six-inch stiletto heels that you can’t walk in may be attention-getting, but it won’t act as a confidence booster and will absolutely become fodder for the naysayers.

fun and funky shoes
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

Dress to Shock

For those of you that just want to blow your colleagues out of the water, this is the phase for you! No more beating around the bush. You love turquoise lipstick, patterns, feathers, fringe, lace, and emoji shaped purses. And you’ll be damned if any workplace inhibits you from shouting it from the rooftops. If you fall comfortably into this category, then you know about the naysayers and couldn’t give a flying Fendi monster baguette about them. But for those of you who have just gained free admission to the “Express Yourself” cruise, sailing daily you should know that there are petty, passive-aggressive piranhas in your midst…

Dress to shock
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

Beware of The Naysayers

Most people are too afraid to represent themselves honestly because they are worried about the repercussions, and rightly so. It’s scary to show yourself so openly, to then receive what feels like a vicious verbal attack solely because you chose to express yourself. Just be aware that these reactions are inevitable and have nothing to do with you. Any snide, passive-aggressive, or blatantly obnoxious remark flung your way is really just the flinger’s way of repositioning their understanding of the “normative.” In other words, you’ve just blown their minds and they’re trying to make sense of it all. Unfortunately, something as simple as a neon pink lipstick can lead to demeaning comments being hurled your way. My advice is to come up with a sound bite that you use in these situations like,” I can see that my [insert fashion-forward item here] makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, but when I wear it, I feel like a million bucks! “ Then execute your best catwalk strut back to your cubicle. They’ll get the point. And you’ll be standing up for what you believe in– freedom of style!

Beware of naysayers
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

Encourage the Style Curious Colleague

Although you may hear some negative responses, you may also hear some that exhibit an eagerness to follow in your footsteps. These feelings can be disguised in comments like, “I love that on you, but I could NEVER pull it off.” These are the moments when you can help your colleagues build their own style confidence. Recommend some items they may feel comfortable trying and if they are brave enough to try them, shower them with compliments as soon as you see them. Your workplace, although maybe not your happy place, should at least be a place where you can be yourself and feel happy doing so.

Style and Fashion

How to be Glamfordable: Tips from a Wardrobe Stylist

It’s just past sunrise on a blustery day at a New Jersey beach and wardrobe stylist, Kristen Robertiello, finds herself crouching in the sand at Steve Buscemi’s feet. He’s wearing custom-made Italian leather loafers that must be kept perfectly dry. This is no small feat considering the shot the director is trying to capture for the Boardwalk Empire show open involves waves washing over Buscemi’s shoes over and over again. It’s a challenge, but for a seasoned wardrobe stylist, it’s just another day at the office. With nine years of styling celebrities under her belt, she’s learned a thing or two. Here are some fashion tips, shared from the trenches:

 Fashion and Style tips Infographic


  Follow Kristen on Facebook KR Wardrobe Design and Instagram krwardrobedesign.

Last-Minute Celebrity Halloween Costumes 2018

We can’t all totally slay Halloween like Heidi Klum does, but you can still gather inspiration from celebrities and throw together a killer last-minute costume that won’t break the bank or require a ton of effort (all puns intended). Here are some of our favorite celebrity Halloween costumes.

 

Beyoncé as Barbie

 

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You can never go wrong with a classic Barbie costume. To copy Beyoncé’s Barbie look, simply pull your hair into a tight and high updo, throw on your favorite girly outfit, put on a bold lip (preferably hot pink or red), and accessorize with your best earrings and sunglass combo! If you have a little extra time, grab the biggest box you can find and deck it out with everything pink and Barbie-esque and hop inside!

 

Kate Upton as Sandy

 

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#Repost @justinverlander with @repostapp ・・・ #happyhalloween everyone!! From Sandy and Danny.

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A classic couples costume that just about anyone can pull off is Danny and Sandy from Grease. To get the Sandy look, make your hair as big and curly as possible, throw on a red lip, and pull out your sexiest, figure-hugging, all-black outfit and you’re good to go. If your man isn’t totally game for a full-on Halloween costume, Danny is the perfect option because all he needs is a black-on-black outfit and a leather jacket!

 

Vanessa Hudgens as a Skeleton

Heidi Klum is known as the queen of Halloween, but Vanessa Hudgens is a close second (her Instagram has been a Halloween tribute all month long)! Take a cue from Vanessa and try your hand at skeleton makeup. All you need is black and white face paint, or even light foundation and a black eyeliner if you’re in a pinch.

 

Martha Hunt as Elvira in Scarface

 

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Don’t call me baby 📸@j_mcd

A post shared by Martha Hunt (@marthahunt) on

Another super easy costume to throw together last minute is Elvira from Scarface. Martha Hunt wore this costume and looked absolutely amazing, and you can too with a sexy white dress, red lipstick, and glittery earrings.

 

Jenna Dewan as a Unicorn

 

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Ok last one I promise 🦄🦄🦄🦄

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Probably the easiest costume idea of our entire Halloween roundup – the unicorn! To achieve the unicorn look all you need is a horn – hello, Amazon prime – lots of pink glittery makeup, and a high, slicked back ponytail. The best part about the unicorn look is that the colors and options are limitless – go wild!

 

Irina Shayk as a Cat

 

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The cat is out and about.. 🐱🖤 #HappyHalloween

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Irina Shayk is undoubtedly the most beautiful kitty we’ve ever seen and you can copy her look with just a few items you likely already have. You’ll need cat ears and black eyeliner (for the perfect cat eye plus whiskers and a kitty nose).

 

Lauren Conrad as Cruella Deville

 

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If she doesn’t scare you no evil thing will… I’m sharing this years halloween costume on laurenconrad.com today 👻🎃🕷

A post shared by Lauren Conrad (@laurenconrad) on

There’s nothing quite like a Disney villain is there? Steal Lauren Conrad’s 2017 Halloween look by throwing on a bold red lipstick, a little black dress, a white faux-fur coat, red gloves, and some green eyeshadow! You can pick up a black and white wig or use temporary black and white hairspray.

5 Workplace Fashion Rules You Should Never Break

It’s been said that you should dress for the job you want and not the job you have, but working nine to five is hard enough without having to stress over what to wear each and every day. Whether your office dress code is pretty laid-back or super strict, there are some general guidelines you’ll want to follow in order to look and feel your best. We’ve got you covered with five workplace fashion rules you should never break (plus suggestions on how to give your work wardrobe the promotion it so deserves).

5 Workplace Fashion Rules to Follow

Rule #1: Wear sheer fabrics very strategically.

A see-through mesh panel along the neckline or sheer sleeves on an otherwise modest blouse? A-Okay. A semi-sheer top that reveals your bra in direct sunlight? Not so much. Sheer fabrics are a challenge to pull off in the workplace, so it’s best to always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, layer the garment in question with a camisole or slip for foolproof coverage.

Try:

workplace fashion blouse

Pixie Market Mimi Organza Polka Dot Top, $99

Rule #2: Re-work backless styles to make them more appropriate.

Backless tops and dresses are modern essentials that show off just a hint of skin, but it’s usually a good idea to save them for your weekend outings. One exception? A reversible sweater. Choose one that you can wear as a cardigan at the office or flipped around as an open-back statement when you’re off the clock.

Try:

sweater for workplace fashion

J.Crew Point Sur Open Back Sweater, $98

Rule #3: Short skirts aren’t so good for climbing the ladder.

Midi skirts are a dream come true for modern working women thanks to their versatile style and overall professionalism. Skip the minis in favor of these longer (and more practical) wardrobe essentials — and wear them year-round with blazers, sweaters, and blouses alike.

Try:

midi skirt for workplace fashion

J.Crew Pleated Midi Skirt in Party Dot, $99.99

Rule #4: Leggings are like vacation days. Use them wisely.

Leggings aren’t exactly a workplace no-no, but they’re a little risky for the corporate environment. A basic pair may look fine at home but reveal way more than you ever imagined in the light of day. Ponte-knit designs are a safer option (especially when paired with tunics), but your best bet is to stick with dress pants instead. Many of today’s styles are surprisingly fashion-forward and figure-flattering with high waists and slim silhouettes.

Try:

dress pants for workplace fashion

Pixie Market Oslo Double-Waist Pants, $106

Rule #5: Don’t go too casual on Casual Fridays.

Fri-yay is cause for celebration, no doubt. But it’s easy to take the casual thing a little too far. If your go-to Friday jeans have rips and tears or embroidery and bedazzling on the butt pockets, then I’m talking to you. Reach for basic denim in dark blue washes for the most sophisticated take on TGIF.

Try:

jeans for workplace fashion

H&M Skinny High Ankle Jeans, $9.99

 

Which workplace fashion rules do you live by, and which ones do you think are outdated? Sound off in the comments section below!

How to Style Mixed Prints: A Guide for Beginners

Fashion is all about having fun, but the idea of mixing prints can leave style newbies feeling more than a little stressed. If you’re wondering how to wear leopard with polka dots or debating if plaid ever goes with florals, have no fear. We’re offering up some simple guidelines on how to style mixed prints like a pro.

5 Easy Ways to Style Mixed Prints

1. Keep Things in Proportion

mixed prints outfit

Mixing prints is a bit of a balancing act. You want to choose pieces that work together in perfect harmony without clashing or competing with one another. A no-fail formula is to pair a small print with a bold one. (Think broad stripes with dainty florals.) Essentially, the bold print will dominate and the smaller one will serve as more of an accent.

Try:

mixed prints pieces

J.Crew Silk Button-Up Shirt in Party Dot, $79.99
J.Crew Tie-Waist Short in Clip Dot, $55.99

2. Look for a Common Hue

floral mixed prints outfit

One of the simplest rules for mixing prints is looking for pieces with similar color palettes. Make sure both designs share at least one hue to guarantee a cohesive presentation, but don’t feel pressured to find exact matches. For example, you can mix and match a pastel shade of blue with a richer sapphire shade for a more intriguing combination.

Try:

mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Button-Up Lace Top, $120
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Wide-Leg Pant, $138

3. Play With Details

mixed prints outfit

When it comes to styling mixed prints, it’s important to use details to your advantage. If you’re searching for a piece that will work with a particularly bold print (like camo or all-over florals), you may want to choose a statement piece with sequin embellishments or perforated faux leather as an alternative to basic solids. These little details take an outfit to the next level without looking too busy or complicated.

Try:

pieces for a mixed prints outfit

J.Crew Sequin Floral Embroidered Cotton Jackie Cardigan, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Tank Top, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Slip Skirt, $128

4. Invert the Colors

polka dot mixed prints outfit

Another helpful approach to mixing prints is choosing two styles with inverted color palettes. For example, style a white button-down blouse covered in navy dots with a navy skirt covered in white dots. It’s simple but oh so effective.

Try:

polka dot mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Drapey Tie-Neck Top in Polka Dot, $79.50
J.Crew Boyfriend Chino Pant in Polka Dot, $79.50

5. Stick With the Same Pattern

outfit using mixed prints

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when they begin styling mixed prints is looking for pieces that are too opposite. It’s actually fine (and oftentimes better) to choose designs that are similar. Pair two different floral pieces with one another to turn separates into a dress, or go for a mod look with stripes on stripes or gingham on gingham. Just stick to the rule of two when you’re first getting started so as not to overcomplicate things. (Don’t worry; you’ll graduate to Rebecca Bloomwood status soon enough.)

Try:

mixed patterns jackets

J.Crew Ruffle-Neck Bomber Jacket in Gingham, $64.99
J.Crew Relaxed Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham, $59.50

 

Do you regularly mix and match your prints, or are you a mixed prints rookie? Let us know your styling concerns and fashion tips in the comments section below!

How to Pack Efficiently for Summer Vacation

Your flight and hotel are booked, you’ve pre-ordered your Uber, and you’ve checked the weather at your destination. There’s just one thing left to do… and it’s a biggie. It’s time to pack for your vacation. While some ladies relish this job, most of us mere mortals find it strikes fear into our hearts. It can so easily go wrong. Luckily, we’ve got your back. Want to learn how to pack a suitcase efficiently? Here are some killer tips to help you get the most out of your luggage.

How to Pack Efficiently

Choose Your Colors First

If you’re the kind of lady who sticks to one color palette (oh hello, monotone wardrobe!), you can go ahead and skip this tip. You’ve got it covered. However, if your wardrobe looks more like a festival of colors than a black parade, you’ve got some thinking to do.

Since you can’t take your entire closet of clothes, you need to pick out pieces that work with one another. Before you decide what you’re going to take, choose a color style that works for your trip. It may help to select three complementary tones you can weave throughout all the outfits you choose. Simple.

Select Your Vacation Staples

vacation outfit

Next, it’s time to select your vacation staples. These are the items you will rely on when you’re away. For example, you might choose one flattering pair of jeans, a jacket, a simple yet chic dress, and a decent pair of sneakers.

Having these in your case means you’re ready for almost any situation. Stick to clothes you tend to wear frequently as you’re sure to need them while you’re away.

Pick Out “Double Duty” Items

Clothing items that serve “double duty” are a blessing. For example, you might have a simple black dress that can be worn with flats and a sunhat in the day and dressed up with heels and accessories at night. When you’re choosing the pieces you want to take with you, consider what situations you can wear them in and whether they are versatile.

Take a Few Key Accessories

Accessorizing might be your secret weapon but taking a million necklaces on your next vacay isn’t the way to go. Keep things simple. Just as you chose clothing staples, you need to focus on key pieces that can be used in a variety of situations.

When it comes to your jewelry packing, you should take one necklace, one pair of earrings, and perhaps a bracelet. Sunglasses and a large hat are essential items whether you’re heading to the beach, the pool, or on an exciting city break. However, you only need one of each of these items in your suitcase.

woman wearing a hat

Be Lean When it Comes to Shoes

Love shoes? Sit down – we need to have a little chat. Yes, you might want to take 10 pairs of shoes so you have variety but that’s not a smart move. The main problem with shoes is they are likely to be the heaviest items you pack. Keeping things lean might sound like zero fun but it will open up a whole load of room in your case.

Let’s go through the basics. You need one pair of sneakers (for walking), one pair of heels (for style), and one pair of flats (for comfort). If you’re lucky, your sneakers and flats can be the same shoes, which means you only need to take two pairs in total. Wear your flats or sneakers on the flight and simply pack the heels.

Ditch 20% of Your Packing

By now, you should have gotten to a good stage with your packing. You’ve likely pulled a whole host of items out of your wardrobe and laid them out on your bed, ready to put in your suitcase. Now comes the hardest part. Take a deep breath. It’s time to edit down your luggage.

The sorry truth about packing is that the majority of us get it wrong. We over-pack. It’s only natural you’ve slipped in a few items a) you won’t wear on vacation or b) you might wear but you could do without. Get rid of them. Aim to ditch around 20% of the items you’ve picked so far. You’ll thank yourself later.

Fold it Up (the Right Way!)

stack of folded clothes

If you’ve already read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, you’re one step ahead of the game. While her folding advice is meant for your drawers, you can easily apply it to packing a suitcase. It’s pretty simple.

Fold your clothes up and – instead of laying them flat on top of one another – put them upright. The thin edge of the folded item is all you should be able to see in the case. This technique means your clothes will be compact and you can fit more in. When it comes to your socks, you can’t fold them, but you should roll them up into sushi-type shapes.

Leave No Space Unfilled

Finally, it’s the packing golden rule: leave no space unfilled. Before you zip up your case and slip on that padlock, you need to check out your luggage. There could be spaces inside you’re letting go to waste.

For instance, you should check the corners of the case to make sure they are full. Equally, the inside of your bras and shoes can be used to store smaller items like briefs and socks.

Ready, Set, Pack!

Now that you’ve read our tips, what are you waiting for? Packing doesn’t have to be a chore. When you follow this advice, it can be pain-free and quick. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can “switch off” and start looking forward to your trip.

Must-Have Beach Bags for the Summer

Summer is here and if you’re not spending every day at the beach, you’re doing it wrong. Check out our roundup of beach bags below, pack your favorite with all of your summer essentials, find the nearest body of water (even if that body of water is a kiddie pool in your backyard), and live your best life.

 

the silicone beach bag

One of the best things about silicone beach bags is they’re completely waterproof. What’s even better than that is silicone beach bags actually repel sand. Silicone as a material is super durable and is wipe-able and washable so you’re not tracking sand all over your car. These silicone beach bags are super affordable and come in several different neon colors.

 

the sneaky beach bag

Perhaps my favorite beach bag of the bunch, PortoVino has a collection of bags you can take from the office (sans alcohol) to the beach (obviously with alcohol). With the PortoVino bag, you can conceal and carry two bottles of wine (or 1.5 L of margaritas, if you’re like me) in its insulated pocket. The bag even comes with a pouring spout so you can pour your alcoholic beverage straight from it. If you’re not into breaking the law and drinking in public, the bag is fully usable to carry other boring things, like your sunscreen and your beach towel!

 

the clear beach bag

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There’s nothing worse than digging through your beach bag to find your fav pair of sunnies when there’s sand all over your hands, the sun is in your eyes, and they’re buried somewhere in the bottom — that’s where clear beach bags come in handy. These clear beach bags come with a full zipper closure so all of your belongings are safe and sound. This bag works especially well if you’re attending a summer event that requires a bag check as security can see right inside it.

 

the cooler beach bag

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If you plan on having a complete beach day, you’re going to need some refreshments, and that’s where a beach bag with a cooler compartment comes in handy (unless you like paying $14 for beach french fries). With a cooler compartment, you can pack an entire picnic with food and drink without anything overheating or going bad in the sun. We found this cooler bag, and the amazing thing about it is the cooler compartment is completely separated so you don’t have to worry about your sunscreen mixing with your sandwich.

 

the super cute beach bag

If you’re more concerned with fashion over function (guilty), you might want to pick up a beach bag that can easily be transitioned from the beach to the bar on those long summer days that quickly and unexpectedly turn into long summer nights. My favorite type of beach bag to transition from day to night is a straw beach bag with embroidery, pom poms, or tassels. These bags look perfect and can actually help to dress up a simple beach-y outfit.

2018 Swimwear Styles for Every Body

The greatest season of all is upon us – SUMMER! This means that it’s time to pull out your bikini collection and add some new swimsuits to your stash. Your swimsuit options are not limited to simple triangle bikinis and tie-side bottoms which aren’t always the best for every shape and size. Swimwear has evolved and now you can purchase several different styles that will flatter and accentuate your body type and best suit your personal style at the same time. Here’s a round-up of our favorite swimsuit styles of the summer!

The One-Piece


Beach style has evolved greatly from the teeny-bikini trend that used to occupy the waters. At that time the only people you’d see in a one-piece swimsuit were pregnant women and older ladies. Thankfully that’s all changed- so you no longer need to worry about skipping out on Taco Tuesday before heading to the beach to keep from bloating in your string bikini.

 

The Thong Bikini


We’re all about feeling confident in your body, this summer and always. If you’re feeling like showing off your booty, there’s a thong bikini for that!

 

The Bandeau Bikini

Perfect for tanning, this swimsuit keeps the dreaded tan lines at bay and will also flatter those with smaller chests. Another effect of the bandeau bikini is actually minimizing the chest, so it will even work for larger-chested women (just be careful of the dreaded nip slip).

 

The Halter Bikini

You may think that buying bikinis as a woman with a bigger bust would be super challenging, but the truth is that it becomes a lot easier when you know what will flatter your body the most and will keep ‘the girls’ in place. Halter bikinis are perfect for large-busted women as they tie around the neck and help to lift and support your breasts while the extra coverage keeps you feeling carefree and comfortable.

 

The Push Up Bikini

Where we’d rather be, in the Double Band Envy Push Up ☀ #vodaswim

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This sexy style speaks for itself and needs no explanation! You can never go wrong with a good push up bikini- whether you’re small or large-chested, or somewhere in between!

 

The High-Waisted Bikini

High-waisted pieces have recently become super popular, and bikinis are no exception. The great thing about these bikinis is that they suit and flatter just about every body type.

 

The ‘High Cut’ Swimsuit

Possibly the trendiest swimsuit of this summer is the Baywatch-esque swimsuits with high cut legs (insert Pamela Anderson slow-mo’ running down the beach visual). This style comes in one-piece and two-piece options and works to elongate your legs and slim your waist… who wouldn’t want that??

 

The Tan-Through Swimsuit

Hello Friday ! @alexacollins

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Did you know that there are swimsuits that you can tan through?? While I’m definitely all about protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, I’m also about getting a little summer glow sans tan lines. These swimsuits are made with a fabric that basically works like a medium level SPF sunblock so you can achieve a seamless tan all summer long!

 

The Tankini

The tankini is the best option for those who like a little more coverage in their swimsuit options but might love the freedom of wearing two separate pieces. Those with longer torsos will also benefit from rocking a tankini because if you have a long torso and have ever worn a one-piece bikini, you know the struggle – no explanation necessary.