London and Amsterdam Outfit Diary

I was itching to get back to Europe. It had just been TOO long. When my girlfriend and I actually discussed the idea, we didn't think it would happen... until we looked at each other and our eyes light up... "LET'S DO IT!".

Traveling to Europe with a carry on sized bag is never an easy task. Especially when you love taking photos, showcasing your outfits and sharing content. But girl's gotta travel light if she wants to be efficient! I mean-- I was taking planes, trams and walking my behind all over so it was just not an option to travel with a large suitcase. So I packed the essentials. A few pieces to really mix and match my ensembles and make it seem like I had more to work with. I think it worked out pretty well, plus I still had room to bring home two pairs of shoes from Primark and a new satin pink skirt! I was smitten.

Here's how I worked my wardrobe to maximize my outfits:

BOTTOMS
I brought 4 pairs of pants with me; a pink pair, a white pair, a pair of mustard culottes and a pair of jeans. I wore them all at least twice each! This may seem like a lot, but since they are all very thin wide leg style they rolled so well in my carry on and took up no space! The thickest pair of pants, my comfy jeans, I wore on the plane and on the colder days in London. They were great to pair with a tank top and also my sweater. It's just practical to bring a pair of jeans while travelling since they are so versatile. I find darker jeans to be best for travels as they are super easy to make look fancy with some accessories! The pants I mixed and matched with my tops all week.

 TOPS
I brought all the basics, all neutrals and all thin piece which were perfect for layering. A knit white tank, a fine black tank, and a pink crop top. Each top could be worn with each pair of pants so my outfits literally doubled. I stuffed them my rattan bag in my suitcase so once again they took up no space! Very effective! I ended up picking up a leopard crop top which was once again SO thin that I knew it would take up no space when rolled.

SWEATER
I wore one sweater on the plane and ended up getting SO much wear out of it, since it was chilly when we would leave in the early morning on our adventures. It was pink (naturally), and once again could be paired with white, more pink, yellow and of course, the denim jeans.

JACKETS
I brought my jean jacket in my suitcase and wore my leather jacket on the flight. Having two options was great as it allowed me to switch up my looks from day to night and make my outfits edgier.

STATEMENT PIECES
I had to bring some fun pieces! A little leopard dress, my Gucci bag (which stayed with me in my carry on all flight), and a fun dotted jumpsuit. On my travels, I picked up the satin long skirt which was literally 9 pounds, so I HAD to jump on it!

ACCESSORIES
Here's where I go a bit fun! Big earrings, hair clips, rings, and chain necklaces. They really change up the look of an outfit and are so easy to add a touch of glamour or grunge to any look. As much as I wanted to bring all the clutches and bags, I brought two-- my pink GG and a rattan bag. Both large enough to fit phone, wallet and my lippies. I always had hand wipes in my bags, and my watermelon face mist. Pro tip-- stuffing your bags with your tank tops is a great way to save space!

SHOES
I love a simple white sneaker while travelling. They are so versatile, and go with everything! Not to mention they are so comfortable to walk endless miles in. I wore my white Keds on the flight and with a few looks. It's so essential to bring a few options because you never know how your feet will respond to walking for hours in one pair. I brought a pair of black slides as well and ended up purchasing a pair of white slides at Primark. I brought along one pair of high heeled black slides which I wore in the evenings. I love that they were low in height, still comfortable for daytime walking, and are open in the back (no swelling!).

I don't think I overpacked since I got a lot of wear out of EVERYTHING in my suitcase. Next time, I would consider a blazer in place of one of the coats because I am just loving oversized blazers right now! All in all, I think I did pretty great! I even managed to minimize my skincare routine (which you can still catch in my story highlights on Instagram). All my outfits in live action and beauty products are in my London & Amsterdam highlights if you'd like to take a peek!

What an amazing trip. Honestly, it felt so good to get away even if only for a week! It's amazing how energized and inspired a little travel, culture and new experiences can make you!

What are some of your packing/traveling light tips?

G E T  T H E  G O O D S

Three Books to Get Your Butt in Gear

In need of motivation, boss guidance or just a play-by-play on starting your own business? Yeah, we all could use a little butt kicking from time to time. These three books have been helping me navigate my creative journey. If you've been following my Instagram posts lately, you'll know I am in the process of rebranding and relaunching. So it's been amazing to have these resources to turn to and figure out some of the more difficult concepts. Navigating life, business and self love is never easy, but these three women are making it easier for me.

Attention all female creatives, hustlers, and bosses, here are the three books you need to read to get your butt in gear:

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals
Titty twisters and milenial boxes of chocolates,  anyone? Rachel is actually hilarious. She proves good girls can hustle and shares actionable skills on just how to get yourself up after being bumped down by the expectation of others.  This book isn't just for the woman looking to launch her own business either! Rachel discusses family life, how not to downplay your achievements,  and ways to rid yourself of excuses to take on your empire. Drive, hustle and the desire to work as hard as you can to chase down a goal... that's her love language. And I'm loving it.

WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams
I've talked about this book a while back. It's still one of my favourites! It's basically a how-to guide on creating and cultivating the career of your dreams. Jaclyn dealt with major moves for her career, like literally moving across the country, and then major letdowns.  She bounced back, created a massive online platform for female entrepreneurs and is definitely still on the rise. I love the real anecdotes Jaclyn shares and her interviews with some of the most powerful ladies out there today. I have since become addicted to not only her podcast of the same name but also the website and her social channels for a good daily dose of motivation.

Little Black Book
Do yourself a favor and get this toolkit for the working woman. It's a short, quick read but provides actual steps on how to grow your own business. Are you looking to freelance? What about trying to register a company? It's backed with amazing resouces to get you started! I'm really looking forward to her next book, it's all on how we need to speak openly about money! If you want a taste of Otegha, check out womenwho.co the online community for creative women that she built.

Do you have any books you are loving right now? Let me know!

S H O P  T H E  P O S T

H&M denim, Honey blouse (available here), head scarf via Amazon, Blue Lemon Paris bag

Leopard Midi Skirt

Hello, leopard midi. AKA the "it" skirt of the season. 

There is a reason you cannot go into a store right now without seeing leopard print everything. It has become timeless. It's luxurious and sophisticated and playful at the same time. I've been wearing leopard print for years and while I used to get the strange looks, now my leopard pieces are some of my most sought-after pieces!

I recently started reading Fierce: The History of the Leopard Print, and have become even more obsessed with the print! I love the images, the inspiration and the whole tone of the book! It divulges into the history and contains stunning imagery and really makes you feel FIERCE!

But sometimes I get questioned on what to pair the leopard print with. Really, it goes with anything! But if you need some leopard outfit inspo, I got you!

Here are a few styling tips for your new leopard midi:

1. Pair with booties.

I love how this instantly makes the skirt more casual and less dainty. I threw on a chunky knit and some booties to run errands this week and it was the perfect daytime outfit. The boots have a bit of a heel, but are not fancy so it served well for daytime activities! I've also been loving pairing the skirt with a turtleneck for the office. The turtleneck really hones in on the sophistication! 

2. Glam it up.

Pair it with heels, and a tank top for a swanky soiree. You can totally take the leopard midi dancing. I love the slit on the leg! I opt for a satin flowy tank top to take this number on the town. 

3. Break it up with a leather coat.

Black accessories like a leather coat and leather flats break up the print. They really allow the leopard print to become a wardrobe neutral. 

4. Go bold with more prints.

I love doing this for some fun! Pair the leopard print with a polka dot blouse, or a floral top. It's such a fun twist on playing with neutrals.

5. Add a slouchy tee. 

Extra casual. I would totally wear this with a tied up t-shirt on the hot summer days walking up and down the boardwalk. Do I even live near a boardwalk? Sadly, no... lol but I can totally see it happening on vacay! 

Do you love the leopard midi? What's your take on it?  

{btw- my skirt is from Dynamite, and it's on sale!}
S H O P  T H E  P O S T :

Three Networking Tips for Young Professionals

Networking can be overwhelming. Whether you're a young professional, in school, trying to make new contacts, or just trying to make new friends, networking can be down right scary!

The blogging sphere has become much more inclusive over the recent years however for someone that is introverted or shy, blogging events can be a scary situation, a hit and miss even. Will I know anyone? Will they be worthwhile? What will I get out of it. And let’s get real, sometimes we just need alone time and would rather sit on the couch reading. But instead of asking what will I get out of it, there is a different way to tackle the networking game. It all starts with asking what can I offer?

Here are a few tips to up your networking game and navigate the scene. 

1. Engage in conversation. 
Do not go to events looking to chat with the who’s who. If you are in conversation with someone actually engage with them! It can be so disheartening when you can totally tell the person you’re speaking with is glancing over your shoulder to see who they need to say hi to next. It's just sad and will make the person feel horrible. If you’re in a conversation with someone fully commit to chatting with this person and learn something about them! Make the mental note to repeat their name in your head (so it actually sticks), and to try and remember one thing you can take away from your conversation about them. Did they just come back from vacation? Are they taking a new night course? 

2. Focus on giving.  
Instead of asking what can this person do for me, ask what you can do for them.  It’s so important to not focus on your end game because what you put out to give, you will receive. Would you have gotten anywhere without the help of others? No, probably not. When your in an engaged conversation you can surely provide your expertise. It may be as simple as offering a contact, or saying something as simple as “sure, I’ll read it over”. It could mean the world to someone and you don't even know it! A talent or skill that comes so naturally to you, may not for the person you are connecting with. Networking is all about sharing your expertise and helping others. In turn, you will end up helping yourself. So try putting the other person first and see where it takes you! 

3. When in doubt- just keep talking. 
So is the conversation going nowhere? Are you bored and looking for an out? Try having a log of simple questions to pull out of your hat for when the conversation is dying off. Where did you grow up? What brings you here? What are you most excited about right now? What the best thing you have going on right now? If you just keep talking, you will find somewhat of a common ground. Having these questions in your back pocket to throw out when the conversation falls flat can be a game changer. 

Networking doesn't have to be a chore! It can be fun if you open up a little bit and embrace the possibility of really learning something new about someone. Even if you're shy or an introvert, you can apply these tips and really get something out of the conversation or event!

What goes better with networking than a new floral dress (on sale!)? Except this one is moody florals. Perfect for the fall season... to embrace darker, jewel tones, while still maintaining true to my core. It's so important to be comfortable in what you're in when your trying to make new connections. You'll feel more like yourself and this will enable you to open up.


Your turn! Tell me what networking tips you have!
S H O P T H E P O S T :

5 Fashion Pieces You Need For Fall

Do you love fall? So much newness on the horizon, right?! You really can feel the sense of revival in the air. It's refreshing to whip out some of those cozy, comfy pieces that have made their way to the back of the closet during the summer. I'm looking at you leopard faux fur overcoat! Over the past few years, I've started to invest in key pieces-- less is more. This is easier to do in fall since I tend to gravitate back to grounding, earthy tones, and more neutrals. It makes maintaining a capsule wardrobe much more attainable! If you're doing a closet purge or investing in some new staples, here are my top 5 pieces you need in your wardrobe for fall.

1. Dark Denim --Switching out the white and light for dark and grungy styles. I tend to do this every year come fall. Dark denim goes with anything, you can dress it up with a pair of heels and a blouse, dress it down with a loose t-shirt, or go casual with a knit sweater for an afternoon at the apple orchard. It doesn't matter what the occasion, darker denim is a sure bet. I like a bit of a wash in the thigh area to spice things up!

2. Teddy Coat - If you've tried to resist the teddy coat and have had no luck, raise your hand. I know... there is just something about them. The warmth, the feeling of comfort, the oversized nature of the piece. It's a must-have, and the fact that I'm on my second teddy coat just proves they are here to stay. My first one was so utterly cozy, I just wish I didn't run it into the ground! I scored this one online (shop the coat), which I love because it has a different shape than my previous style, has a straight collar, and a zipper. I went with the classic cognac colour as it pairs well with black, white and denim, but there are some adorable black ones, and I've seen red if you're feeling frisky!

3. Black Thick Frame Sunglasses-- Every. dang. year. It's like clockwork, and I didn't even realize until now. In May I tend to put away my classic black Celine Catty sunglasses, and every September (just in time for my annual New York trip), I pull them back out. There is something so chic, so classic and so mysterious about a thick-framed black sunglass. I've had my Celine's for years. Completely worth the investment and I never go a fall without them. They elevate any outfit instantly. Seriously... I can be wearing my tights post workout and look like I'm going places! Just think Kim K walking off the plane at LAX.



4. Black Booties -- Is there anything more quintessentially fall? I didn't think so. You need a pair of booties for the season. Okay, they don't have to be black, it's just what I prefer! In all honesty, I pair them with the leftover summer pieces in my closet, be it a mini skirt, a shift dress, or even a midi skirt. Then we have all the outfit possibilities with the trousers, denim, and dresses. It's time to put away the flippy floppies. Pairing your summer pieces with a pair of booties really extends the shelf life! Summer florals look great with some darker accessories and the footwear can really tie the whole look to the season.



5. Earth Tones -- You don't have to out an buy a 2 piece mustard set, with an army green overcoat here. I just mean incorporating some of the tones into your wardrobe ever so slightly to set the tone. I love doing this subtly since I am not really an earthy tone lover. I'll add in a mustard tank here, or a deep purple lip there. You can do this with accessories such as scarves, or bags, too. Don't be afraid to tap into some new colour ideas, while maintaining some of your favorites. I've been doing this gradually! I.e. a mustard skirt (that is still floral!), a burnt orange jumpsuit, you get my drift!

What's your fall style like? Do you have any pieces that make a comeback every year?

S H O P  T H E  P O S T :

How to Dress Up a Jumpsuit for Fall

Here we have a colour I never thought I'd wear. And now, I'm obsessed. Burnt orange? Ginger? Whatever it is... this jumpsuit sold me. So much so, that I had to do a full blog post on it. I love the peek-a-boo back, and the ruffled shoulders. Paired with chunky heels and a designer belt, I wore it to a Christening this weekend, however, I've already been seen wearing it more casually with a denim coat and slides. It's so versatile and to say the price fit the bill is an understatement. Jumpsuits are such great transitional pieces. In the summer they are light and airy, however, in the fall they can help make any outfit glam with a few additions. I took this jumpsuit from summer caj to fall glam in a few easy steps. Here's what I did:

1. Add a statement.

I knew before I even tried this jumpsuit on that I wanted to pair it with my Gucci belt. I love the way it accentuates the waist and elevates the suit. I even took it a step further and paired it with another statement piece, my Chanel bag. They both were investments and just prove that a $30 jumpsuit can look ultra luxe when paired with the right accessories. You don't need to go all designer here either, a chunky gold belt or a pair of drop earrings can do wonders. 

2. Add some height.

Taking a jumpsuit from day to night, or casual to fancy can be done with the right shoes. Something that gives you a bit of lift will, without doubt, elevate the outfit. However, if heels aren't your thing you could add a pointy-toe flat to make the jumpsuit more fall appropriate.

3. Over the shoulder coverage.

The mornings have been quite chilly, so in order to stay warm yet still look fairly fancy, I added my leather coat on top of this jumpsuit. Leather coats really up the edge factor on any outfit instantly and I was feeling the glam! It was the perfect piece to tie in the accessories and throw over the shoulders for when it got chilly. Do without your basic cardigan and add a crop blazer or a collarless coat in the mix.

I found this jumpsuit at Forever 21 a few weeks ago and I can't seem to find the exact piece, but don't worry! I've linked a bunch of similar options below! What do you think of the glam jumpsuit look for fall? Would you rock it?

S H O P  T H E  P O S T :

Wedding Dress Shopping 101

I've been on the dress hunt for just over a month now. I was so intimidated to start because I really didn't know where to begin. I was too busy worrying about how daunting it seemed and psyched myself out of the whole thing! What a silly tactic! I mean I browsed through magazines, but it wasn't until I actually got into the stores that I started realizing which designers stood out to me and which styles I was drawn to. A dress can look so different in a picture, and especially on a hanger! If I could tell you how many times I thought "no way", but tried on a dress to realize how beautiful it has, we'd be here all day!

Shopping for your wedding dress should be fun, special and give you butterflies. While I still have not found the perfect dress, I have a put together a few of my tips to make your dress search go as seamless as possible.

First of all, here is THE LOW DOWN on dress shopping:

You enter the boutique (usually they ask you to remove your shoes). You chat with your consultant on your style, preference, thoughts, ideas, budget, etc. They take you around the store introducing you to designers and collections. You then pick 4-6 gowns and head to changing area to try them on. You usually have an area to yourself.  One by one the consultant will assist you to try on the dresses. Don't be shy here, ladies. They've seen it all. Some of them you can tell before you are even zipped up that it's a no. But, there are others that make your heart flutter and you just don't want to take off. By the end of the try-on, you narrow it down to a few of your favorites. Eliminating the majority of them makes it so much easier, but you still leave undecided. Or do you?...




Here are my tips for wedding dress shopping:

Take your time
Dress shopping is not something you want to rush. It's very important to know that it can actually take around 9 months to get the dress made and sent back to you. And then there are alterations! Do not leave it until the last minute. Even if you just pop into different stores to browse,  you may discover what you like about some and what you dislike about others. Take the time to try on all styles. You only get one chance to do it, so go all out! Trying them all on will never make you wonder "what if...".

Book your appointments strategically
If you want to enjoy your experience and not feel pressured or intimidated by other brides, book your appointments from Tuesday-Friday. Most bridal boutiques are not open on Sundays or Mondays, and Saturday is sure to be the busiest day of the week! I took off time from work to make my appointments. I had the boutiques all to myself, the consultants gave me their undivided attention and I had free reign at all the dresses to try! Again, be strategic and book a few appointments on each day in and around the same area so you can maximize your time out of the office. Also, do you know what makes you bloat, gasey, etc? Avoid eating these foods right before your appointments, because you will not feel the best, and you want to feel your best!

Choose your entourage wisely
Think a max two (or three) people. Each time I went with my mom as the appointments were during the day, but I also had my best friend on speed dial and screenshotted her pictures, real time! I really didn't want to bring many people with me as it's more special and intimate this way. And too many opinions are just no good. I overheard one too many heated conversations while shopping and am so glad I avoided that!

Trust your consultant, they are professionals
If your consultant brings you something to try on and you are appalled, just give it a go. Every time I thought I would hate something it ended up being not that bad! They know what they're doing and how all the dresses look on. It's so hard to judge from off a hanger! Don't be afraid to really try them on. And remember, sizing does not matter. Many gowns run small. Allow the consultant to order appropriate size for your measurements, not what you may think is your size.

Once you find it, move on
Here is a tip one of my consultants told me and it is SO key. She told me that once I find my dress, unfollow every bridal store I've followed on Instagram, stop looking at dress magazines, and move on to the next area of planning. You do not need to get sucked into "dress FOMO". You do not need to keep looking because guess what... there will always be a new collection of dresses coming out. There is no way to avoid it! Just remember the feeling you had when you put on your dress and that's it.

Okay, guys, my search continues next week. Wish me luck!

Our Engagement Shoot Part 2- How To Make The Most of Your Engagement

We finally did it! We had our engagement shoot.

Did you see them??

Did you love them??

Oh, we have more!!

This is part two of our shoot. Our look before THE LOOK. We decided to do two looks so we could get comfortable with Alix first and just have some fun walking around town! I love some of these shots and how playful they are! So casual... sipping an espresso, jumping on B. It's pretty much the daily routine! Haha..

But now... for some serious insight on being engaged for the past 7 months.  Let's get into my top tips for being engaged!


"Oh my gosh! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you... now when's the big day?!"

Um. Sorry? What... I literally got engaged five seconds ago.


That is pretty much how every conversation went down the months after we got engaged. Brandon proposed to me on vacation and from the moment we got home that's all we heard! Are you people serious?! All we wanted to do was enjoy being engaged and not rush into picking a date. It's such a special feeling. Even if you have been together for so long. It just feels different when you're engaged! You want to enjoy all the little moments that come along with this time. And most importantly remember it all! So to help you out, I'm sharing a few ways we have been making the most out of this special time!



1) Take in every moment.
Being engaged is not a countdown or timeline. It is a period of time. Why rush this? Just take the time to bask in each other's love and embrace. Get giddy and enjoy calling each other fiance for a while! It has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Take pictures, all the cheesy ones! Yes, with your hands in the air. And you best wave them around like you just don't care! We did it all! Hand up, holding the champagne glass, hand holding our lock on the love lock bridge in Paris. You will want to remember these little moments! When the wedding ball gets rolling, it will get rolling, and fast! Remember to slow down and make time stand still, even if just for a little bit.



2) Ignore the pressure.
Family, friends, colleagues, they all want to know-- when's the big day? You do not need to get caught up in all the wedding talk. You will set a date that works for you both and it will be magical. We got engaged in October and in January we finally picked a date and a venue! At times it was hard to admit that we didn't know when it would happen or hadn't started planning. But that's okay! We were just loving being engaged. Believe me, once you start planning it will feel like you've jumped on a high-speed train to the chapel so there is no need to get bogged down that nothing is in place yet. You will get there and you will get there fast once it starts.

3) Decide on a timeframe.
Okay, so I know I said to enjoy just being engaged and forget about the timeline, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Deciding on just a year, or month will make it all less stressful!  Most importantly, make the date realistic. What year are you thinking? What month? This will have a big impact on when you need to start venue searching.  We got engaged in October and knew we wanted to set a date for summer 2019, that way we would have ample time to plan. This timing also gave us a grace period where I didn't feel crazy anxious about not planning. I knew that once January came along the hunt would begin, which would give us around a year and a half to plan. Plenty of time in my eyes! Even as we were venue searching now, many places were still taking bookings for summer 2018. So I knew we were in the clear. Remember you can't pick a date without having a venue so don't get your heart set on a date as it may not be available for your ideal venue. The two go hand in hand (just like yours and your lovers... cheesy? I know!).



4) Brainstorm.
Here is where my eyes get real big, and a sly smile appears on my face. Ah, the Pinterest boards, the magazines, the wedding shows-- they can be so exciting! I would be lying if I said I didn't already have a wedding board on Pinterest before we got engaged, but this is the time when I started sectioning them out into venue looks, design elements, and decor. Just start collecting images that inspire you! Start compiling inspiring images and you will see a common theme starting to develop. I show them to B and it makes it so easy to see what he likes and doesn't. When I can't explain a design properly I can show him, and his reaction is a dead giveaway to see if he likes the idea or not. This part is fun and allows you to dream. What does your dream day look like? It can be out of reach-- even if just for a little while!



5) Stay true to yourself.
Guys, sometimes the FOMO is real. We all get it. The magazines, the Instagram accounts... they can be a little bit overwhelming and unrealistic. Most of the weddings chosen on these accounts and in the magazines showcase extremely elaborate florals, cakes, and decor. Remember that what is do-able for someone may not be do-able for you. Even if it is unrealistic it can still fun to look at and gain inspiration from. Just remember why you are in this and that is to be married! To commit yourselves to one another. The day will come and go and no one will be as focused as you are on the design elements. Stay true to the big picture and focus on the things you really want.



Does this help?! Let me know if you have any other suggestions. Do you have any wedding planning advice for me?! I'd LOVE to hear it!

All photos were taken by Alix Gould Photography.