the Jess Journals: Style 101

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Style 101: What to Wear at the Airport/For Travel

I'm off to Hong Kong today! I normally go either over Thanksgiving or Christmas, but this year is different because a really good friend of mine is getting married in Bali. (I've never been to Bali, so I have another reason besides the wedding to be excited about it!) At the end of the month I'm also off to California for a big family reunion to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday, so I'll be traveling quite a bit during throughout the rest of September.

With three trips in my immediate future, I thought I'd leave with a Style 101 post on what to wear for traveling/at the airport. What to wear in these situations can be a little tricky especially if you're flying from one climate to another, and it also sometimes varies according to whether you're traveling on a long-haul flight (like NYC to HK - 16 hours!!) or a shorter flight. Here are my tips for what to wear to stay comfortable, go through security conveniently, and still look pulled together.

Footwear:
Having to untie and retie shoelaces when going through security is pretty annoying, so opt for flats or flip flops for ultimate convenience. In cooler weather, ankle booties with a zip (like these) or smoking slippers (like these) for a little more coverage are ideal. For long haul flights, keep a pair of socks in your carry on just in case your feet get cold, and you're set! // French Sole Certain flats, J. Crew Wordy trouser socks
Bottoms:
Unless I'm on a really short flight, I prefer not to wear jeans on the airplane. Luckily, right now "nicer" sweatpants are all the rage, which makes it easier to stay comfortable while still looking like you wore them on purpose and not like you just grabbed the first pair of pants in your drawer. // Zara Velour Trousers, Current/Elliott Vintage Sweatpants
Maxi dresses:
For warmer trips, I like to wear maxi dresses (and flip flops) as they're easy to throw on and go. I'll probably wear one for my Hong Kong to Bali flight! // Whistles Maxi Dress
Tops:
The main thing for me while traveling is I don't want my chest to get cold, so I'm all about crew neck or boat neck tees. Simple, neutral colors keep things chic and comfy at the same time. // Stylemint Classic Crew
Outerwear:
On short flights keep a cardigan with you in case the plane is slightly chilly. For long haul flights, a zip-up hoodie is convenient to layer with and you can add either a lighter jacket or parka on top to layer up if it's cool in the city you're departing from/arriving in. (In the winter, have a winter coat on over everything and just throw it in the overhead compartment during the flight.) // J. Crew Merino Tippi Cardigan, American Apparel Polka Dot Hoodie, Topshop Hooded Parka
Scarves:
Scarves are practically a must on long haul flights! Pick a colorful one to brighten up your outfit, or even a large one (like those by Theodora & Callum) so you can use it as shawl if necessary. // Theodora & Callum Berber Scarf

For more airport style inspiration, check out this slideshow put together by Popsugar.

What are your traveling outfit go-to's?

See you on the other side!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Style 101: Beat the Heat

If you're like me and trapped in a hot, sweltering summer where it's too hot to even really want to wear clothes, you need these 10 hot weather essentials to stay as cool as possible!

Lace bralettes:
It may be a little TMI, but in this weather, who really wants to wear a bra? These lace bralettes are the perfect solution (assuming you're on the small side), plus they come in so many different colors, it's fun to let a little peek out on the side or top of a tank top! // Honeydew Emma Bralette
Cotton tank tops:
It's simply too hot to walk around outside wearing t-shirts, but it's not like you can walk around topless or in a bikini all the time. The solution? A light, airy cotton tank. This particular one from Old Navy comes in a million colors and won't stick to your skin (the worst feeling!). I also love the Everlane Ryan tanks, but they're relaunching next month (I can't wait!). Sign up for Everlane here. // Old Navy Keyhole Bubble Tank
A silk sundress:
Sundresses are the best in the summer - throw one on and you're out the door. In this case though, you want to pay attention to the material. Silk is the best for a light, breathable material and won't leave you as sticky as polyester will. (Plus, not to be gross, but silk dries super fast if you're sweating!) // Madewell Silk Cami Dress
Silky shorts:
Even just wearing a pair of denim shorts these days feels suffocating - air out with a pair of silky (or silk-like) bottoms. I'd wear them with a light, relaxed, airy tee or a cotton tank, with the just the front tucked in. // Forever21 Retro Print Dolphin Shorts
Sandals:
As much as I love my Havaianas, my feet get tired from walking around a lot in them. Sandals are the best to keep your feet strapped in without any extra effort, and are definitely less casual than flip flops. (Perfect for a weekend brunch date, for example!) // Madewell Sonny Sandal
Sunglasses:
This is pretty much a given, but I'm loving my Ray-Bans so much this year - they're so classic and I know I'll be wearing them for years to come. // Ray-Ban Folding Square Wayfarer
A panama hat:
Panama hats are so classic! I haven't for a second regretted purchasing mine last summer, and it's gotten tons of use. Plus it helps for extra UV protection, and the extra shade will also prevent you from squinting (even with sunglasses on), which means fewer wrinkles in the long run. // J. Crew Panama Hat
Cotton jersey mini skirt:
The best one I've found so far is the James Perse one, and I wear it all. the. time. It's good because it doesn't ride up the way some other stretchy mini skirts would. This is perfect to wear casually with flats or sandals, or dressed up for a night out! // James Perse Knit Mini
Silk tank tops:
I am so grateful for the silk tanks that I have - it's about the only type of top I can wear at the moment, and it's the perfect item to wear to still look dressy without overheating (as much as possible!) Wear it with the cotton jersey mini to stay cool while dressing up! // Madewell Silk Slip Cami
A small crossbody bag:
Who really wants to be lugging around a huge bag through this heat? Not me, that's who. I've resorted to using all my smaller cross body bags and clutches, but if I had to pick one, I'd choose a cross body, as it'll keep me hands-free! // Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

What are you wearing lately to keep cool?

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Style 101: The Bags

For today's Style 101 post, I bring you what I consider to be the five essential types of bags to have, enough to cover every occasion. (Technically, you only need one in each category...but it's so much more fun to have options!)

For work:

I've said it before, but there are three essential components for a work bag: 1. It must be big enough to hold papers if necessary; 2. It should be in a neutral color so that it isn't too flashy and will go with pretty much every work outfit you wear; and 3. It should have the option to carry it on your shoulder in case it gets heavy during your commute (assuming you don't drive to work). Both of the bags I chose to feature have all of the above, and I know I was using my Emilie for work all the time.

1. Michael Kors | 2. Alexander Wang Emilie

For dressed up fun:

Clutches are perfect for evening - all they have to hold are your credit cards, a little cash, your phone and keys, and they're so chic! They're perfect for weddings, drinks with the girls, or pretty much any evening event. Depending on your lifestyle, I'd recommend having a few in different colors, as they're also perfect to add a little pop of color to your outfit.

3. Saint Laurent | 4. Coach | 5. Style & Co.

For weekends/the gym:

These bags are great for short vacations like a weekend away, for the gym, and as a carry on when you travel. (I've been lusting after the Lo and Sons OMG bag for ages, but I currently use my Longchamp and love it because it's light and big enough to carry extra things on trips, run errands with, and still fits under the seat in front of me on an airplane.)

6. Lo and Sons | 7. Longchamp

For travel day:

Cross body bags are great for travel because they leave you hands-free, and these options are big enough to still carry a camera along with my daily essentials, perfect for walking around and exploring new places all day. (If you haven't noticed, I use my Mulberry Alexa all the time when I'm traveling because I can fit everything in it!)

8. Mulberry Alexa | 9. Proenza Schouler PS1

For hands-free fun:

This category isn't really essential, but I know I like to have a hands free option for nighttime as well - how better to hold a drink in one hand, and a date's hand with the other?

10. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC | 11. Rachel Roy

What would you say are your essential types of bags?

For all Style 101 posts, click here

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Style 101: How to Accessorize

For the second installment of Style 101 post, after discussing The Basics, I thought I'd cover the essentials of accessorizing with jewelry.

With high, round, or boatneck necklines, you can afford to wear a big, statement necklace that is longer than your standard 16". This is especially true with plain t-shirts!
Blue tee: J. Crew | Gold metal & rhinestone necklace: BaubleBar
With v-neck shirts, I love to accent with a necklace that mimics the shape of the neckline.
V-neck tee: J. Crew | Gold necklace: BaubleBar
With a dress or top that has a lot of detail, I would avoid necklaces altogether. Anything on the neck would distract from the gorgeous embellishments and details that's in the clothing, so here I would opt for beautiful earrings to balance the detail on the shirt/dress and add something closer to your face. (How gorgeous would those earrings look with that dress? And especially with the model's hair like that?)
Lace dress: Yoana Barashi | Earrings: Jules Smith | Necklace: Valentino
Anytime your sleeves are rolled up or you're wearing a 3/4 sleeve, put something on your wrists! Don't be afraid to mix metals either, no matter what metal your watch is! (If you wear one.) Image (faux leather jacket): Free People | Bracelets: BaubleBar
When to wear a statement ring vs daintier rings? I would say if your sleeves are long, or your wrists bare, feel free to wear a statement ring. However, keep your outfit simple by keeping the rest of your accessories smaller - one statement piece of jewelry per outfit is enough! If you're wearing statement earrings, a statement necklace, or a stack of bracelets/cuff, however, adorn your fingers with dainty rings if your heart desires it!
Statement Ring: Saint Laurent | Stacking Rings: Gorjana

In general, wherever there's some bare skin is the perfect opportunity to add a piece of jewelry, and jewelry is the perfect accessory to add some sparkle, some edge, or some color to your outfit.

See all Style 101 posts here

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Style 101: The Basics

I was inspired to do this post when a client recently reached out to me with the opposite dilemma of what I'm used to getting - her closet is filled with bright colors and fun prints, and she doesn't have enough of the basics to complement it. So I got the idea to start a mini-series, Style 101, with all the style basics and essentials to building a functional wardrobe. Today we're going to start with the basics - the pieces I consider will go with everything and anything!

A black blazer: This can be thrown on over pretty much anything to pull a look together. For this reason, I have two go-to black blazers (one is more drapey than structured) that I can throw on over any outfit to look more polished and pulled-together.
Skinny, or straight legged jeans: (Depending on your body type) One pair of darker washed jeans is the perfect complement to any tops. Whether, like my client, you own a ton of bright and/or fun, patterned tops, or you like to keep it simpler, these jeans are a staple for day or night situation.
A (faux) leather jacket: This is sometimes much more versatile than people think - it functions as a blazer, but is thicker, adds "the cool factor" into an outfit, and is perfect for nighttime or cooler temps. The classic style is a motorcycle jacket, but a more polished cut is great too!
V-neck and/or crewneck white tees: I love a basic white tee to offset a girly skirt. Look casual but pulled together with a white tee, leather jacket or blazer, skinny or straight jeans, and cute shoes - see, with these 4 items so far you've already got an outfit!
One pair each of black heels, black flats, nude heels, and nude flats: These go with everything: nude shoes are perfect if you're wearing a patterned outfit with lots of colors, or if you want to elongate your legs, or if you want to keep the focus on your outfit. Black shoes are great in pretty much every other situation. (Tip for buying nude shoes: The perfect "nude" color is different for everyone, so try them on and buy the pair that most closely matches the skintone of your legs.)
A white button down: Just slightly more polished than your basic white tee, but it'll work in pretty much all the same situations.
A denim jacket: Perfect thrown over dresses and as a light jacket in warmer temps. I practically live in mine in the spring and fall!
Chambray shirt: This is great with dark jeans, white jeans, worn open over a bikini as a cover up, or dressed up with a dressy pant or skirt. (Come back for tomorrow's outfit post for an example of how to dress it up!)
A black v-neck cardigan: I would recommend having two - one in cotton, and one in cashmere. I use both of mine to layer under jackets or blazers (which is why I recommend v-neck - it'll stay hidden under a jacket!) when it's chilly out, and they perfectly add that extra layer of warmth. They're also useful on their own, over tank tops or dresses.
A basic work/on-the-go bag (also available in black): There are three things that make a bag a "go-to" bag - 1. the size (it must be able to fit all your day to day essentials); 2. the color - stick with a neutral color or print (such as leopard); and 3. multiple ways to carry it. Although I love top handle bags, sometimes while commuting on the subway my arm gets tired, and I need to switch to a shoulder strap. So if this also resonates with you, make sure your bag allows you to do this, like this bag does!

Style 101: What to Wear at the Airport/For Travel

Style 101: Beat the Heat

Style 101: The Bags

Style 101: How to Accessorize

Style 101: The Basics

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