Travel Tips

Pack light is the advice one always gets. My advice, don't pack light, pack smart. Pack things that are mix and match-able. When I pick specific outfits beforehand, I get bored with my clothes. Being on vacation and being bored with your clothes is not a good combination. But if you throw in some outfits that could be combined in several ways, you always get the opportunity to make it a little different each time you wear it. And who knows? Maybe it will go with that pair of earrings you bought at the tourist shop!

Some other things to remember:
~You can wear more than just jeans on vacation.
Skirts are great - they come both casual and dressy. Nice slacks are good choices for evening activities.
~Buy a travel steamer!
Ironing is sometimes bothersome, and if you can't pack exactly right, you have lots of wrinkles. Jiffy Steamer has a great travel steamer. (Let me know if you're going to buy one, I can help you out).
~Take a variety of clothes with you.
Often if you're going to a new place, you don't always know what goes on in the local life. Bring a variety of dressy-ness for activities that may be planned or unplanned!
~And then ENJOY YOUR TRAVELING!

Dressing Up 2

So it's getting to be that time in our relationship . . . you all know the time . . . it's meet the family time. But even with the pressure of meeting parents and family members, you must always remember to dress the part! Here's my example of practicing what I preach . . . I attended a church meeting with Soren, meeting one of his favorite role models, his mission president. I dressed the part. :)

Dressing Up

My boyfriend and I recently had the opportunity to go to the Utah Festival Opera and watch The Most Happy Fella and Showboat up in Logan. Not only were both phenomenal performances, but we had the opportunity to dress up for the event. Which is interesting, especially because the "older" generation thinks that "dressing up" is a foreign idea to my generation. But I have good news for all, not only were stares in our direction because we might have been one of the few younger couples there, but we also might have been one of the best dressed couples there.
Which is exactly what I like to be.
So, the moral of the story is, it's okay that people look at you. I'm kidding.
But the importance of learning how to dress up is valuable. Unfortunately, too many people judge others by their "covers" and looks and you should always be putting your best foot forward, and also your best look. So get out and do something fun and DRESS UP!

Money Money Money

Usually when people want me to go shopping with them they get really worried. They assume because I enjoy wearing nice clothing, I spend lots of money.
Here's a hint: I'm a college student, and therefore, I'm broke.
I shop on the sales rack!
Now that worries people too! They think if you shop sale, you shop trash. Not so. Pick your favorite store, figure out their cycle - when they get new shipments in, how often things go on sale. If you are a common size, sometimes you can afford to wait the two weeks until it goes on sale. If you're lucky to ever find your size, sale racks may not be for you and you may pay full price. Always shop end of season sales. You may not be able to wear them for a season, but you saved money, and if it isn't trendy, it will last you more seasons to come!

Note - If you are on a deadline - you need a dress for tonight or a sport coat for that party tomorrow, good luck shopping sales, you might pay the price for late notice!

Humble Heels

Heels . . . Some say they are uncomfortable. . . others say they are too tall . . .
but I say there can be no better bliss than a good pair of heels!
As I put on my brand new pair of slacks from Banana Republic (bought for a steal on sale, go shopping!) I once again saw that my legs are not always as long as I hope them to be, and must put on a pair of heels (my favorite Kenneth Cole pair) to make sure my hem doesn't drag across the ground. The point of this post is not to have you shop at Banana or buy Kenneth Cole, but to let you know the power and the secret behind a good pair of heels.

Some helpful tips for buying heels:
Buy a pair you can actually walk in. This takes two things into account: 1. Not something so tall you'll break your ankle and 2. Something with good support and insoles. Heels have come a long way from uncomfortable and can now be your favorite pair of shoes. (like my 3-inch Antonio Melani wedge heels) Most have plenty of cushion and a thicker heel to help you walk easier and to provide more support. Don't buy pointed-toe shoes because they tend to cram your toes. Give your feet some room to breathe! Also buy a pair you absolutely love! If you already hate heels, buying a cheap ugly pair will not change your mind. Spend time shopping! It will be well worth it!

My last note goes to you women with significant others who are close in height or shorter than you. Your guy may not want you to wear heels because it makes you taller than him. True, the social norm is to have the man taller. However, because that little bit of a heel will extend the line of your leg and make you look taller and skinnier, and more beautiful than ever - how can he complain?
Wear those heels with pride!