How To Fly

I'm betting 80% of you looked at this title and gawked a little inside. How to fly?!!?!? Unfortunately, I'm not going to be sustaining those gawking faces throughout the course of this post (unless you will marvel at how extraordinary my packing tips are, which is highly doubtful). You will probably be seeing more of these How To Fly (at least one) posts, and plenty of What Comes After The Flying (aka the touristy, outfits during the trip, kind of posts) afterwards. So get ready! 

But first I have to pack, a task I find both daunting and thrilling. Does anyone else get the feeling of exhilaration while planning outfits, packing toiletries, and gathering passports and other 'adult papery things'?? At the same time, I always end up somehow putting off packing (told you, procrastinating Ph. D. right here), and why I do that I have no idea. The way I see packing is very similar to the way I see my first solo flight - daunting and thrilling. No annoying brother, and the whole unaccompanied minor perks situation = thrilling. Missing my flight, crashing in the middle of the ocean alone = daunting (I watch too much TV, okay?). I wanted to do this post because I know a fair amount of people flying this summer as well, and to organize my brain before the daunting/thrilling adventure awaiting me commences. So, lets begin!

Tip #1: Pack intelligently (luggage)

If you are planning on doing a lot of shopping in your destination, I suggest packing light. But how? I have so much trouble with this, it's sad (#firstworldproblems). But, you just have to think and pack intelligently. 

Find clothes that you know you like and wear regularly, for a start. That way you won't have flown them over the globe for nothing.

Also, pack  clothes that are versatile. T-shirt dress one day, tied into a shirt and worn with overalls the next day. One clothing item for two days, see? That way, each day your outfits will be unique but you won't have had to pay for the extra weight. 

Tip #2: Pack intelligently (carry on)

Carry on luggage is a tricky thing. Don't pack enough, and you'll be bored for hours on your flight. Pack too much and you have to carry around a two-ton bag in the airport for hours for nothing. 

For a start, you have to rationalize the amount of everything you are taking based on the length of your flight. I'd bring one or two books for a 7 hour and under flight, and two to four for anything over. Maybe load up a couple of movies onto your phone or device, but remember that your flight will likely already have TV and/or movies. And always, always buy new music!

Also, remember to pack EVERYTHING you consider valuable in your carry on. Money, laptops, phones, chargers, passports (duh), etcetera. Luggage is easily lost.

Tip #3: Moisturize!! + a Tanisha tip

Planes are filled with dry, recycled air, making your skin the opposite of what you want it to be for summer (especially if you are beaching). So make sure you are moisturizing around the clock!

My friend Tanisha reminded me about this a while back, and I asked her "oh, I've made the mistake of moisturizing in flight before - not doing it again!" (I opened a bottle of it on a plane and needless to say, plane going up = compression in bottle = not very pretty situation). But she told me that she just uses body butter - too thick to explode everywhere, and ultra hydrating. It's a win-win!!

Tip #4: Handle ear-popping like a pro!

I hate ear-popping, whether it's from going up a ski lift or from a plane taking off. So, I always keep a package of hard candies with me in the seat pocket (Jolly Ranchers or Werther's are my suggestion). Suck on it while the plane takes off and it should eliminate or decrease the annoying ear situation. I have also heard that gum works well for this, but I haven't tried. Whatever works best for you.

Tip #5: HYDRATE! HYDRATE! HYDRATE!

I cannot stress this enough. Drink water before, drink water during, and drink it afterwards. I think that lately I've been pretty dehydrated, because I have been experiencing blackouts in vision and dizziness when I stand up after lying down. Yesterday I was sitting in bed trying to fall asleep but the room wouldn't stop spinning. It took me a while to think about what could be causing it, and then I remembered that hydrating normally helps these problems for me. You don't want to spend your plane trip like this, and if I was as dehydrated on the plane as I was yesterday, it may have been way worse. So buy water after security, and ask for liquids on the plane. DON'T FORGET!! It will likely make your experience way better, even if you have to use the bathrooms more often.

 I hoped this helped with your packing and preparation if any of you are in my shoes this summer. Be prepared for another How To Fly soon, and then no posts for a little while (I can't bring the Canon with me). Enjoy your summer wherever you are/are going, and I will talk to you soon!

xoxo, G.

A Contemplation on Trends

In my opinion, trends can be extremely pointless. I don't think that we should be relying upon fashion mags and celebs to dictate what we consider our 'personal style'. It's ironic, really. These days, 'personal' style, means taking outfits you love from someone else's closet and replicating it on your body. I think there should be some sort of plagiarizing rule for fashion; that you have to add a touch of personal flair in every outfit. It's what I try to do every day.

 Trends can be pointless. But not always. I like to assess trends and pick out the ones that interest me, cultivating, but not dictating my personal fashion sense.  I think that fashion designers/magazines are here to help shape and discover our personal styles, not to be copied. And if you see a trend that you love, GO FOR IT! I'm not saying ignore all trends, but you shouldn't follow ones you don't like, just because others do. 

Ranting aside, I have found three trends that I personally love and want to introduce to you. I also have one trend that I sincerely despise, and hope you steer clear of too. Hopefully this post will help to cultivate (but remember, not dictate) your style!

Trend #1: Two-Tone Lips

From my viewpoint, the most recent lip trends have not been capturing my attention. I prefer to stay away from the fuschia, bright orange, or any other crazy-coloured lip. However, I must admit this two-tone trend has gotten my vote! I love using simple shades that have noticeable differences in colour (but not too drastic of a difference) to individualize this trend.

NYC - sheer red & petal

Trend #2: Overall Shorts

I have completely fallen for these babies. Not kidding, I was in desperate need of a pair of overalls for the longest time. When I finally found them, I wore (wear) them all the time, upwards of 2x a week. They are comfy, casual, and easy to throw on. I particularly enjoy matching them with tank tops. Shorter, flowy cropped tops don't look great (in my opinion) with them, since the top flares out the side of the overalls, and it just does not look flattering. I definitely need to invest in a unique pair soon!

hollister

Trend #3: Statement Necklaces

These things are my kryptonite. I have probably bought upwards of fifteen of these, and I am definitely not stopping there. My closet is embracing them wholeheartedly, but my wallet? Not so much. I think I need to start applying for some jobs in order to keep whetting my statement necklace fetish. I am in love with Bauble Bar necklaces (however I have not yet ordered one)! They are unique, bright (that word doesn't often make its way into my closet), and super eye-catching. My second favourite place for statement necklaces is H&M. Theirs are not only super unique and eye-catching (not to mention plentiful and diverse), but they are durable and - get this - cheap! Not a single necklace from there of mine has broken. My Aldo necklaces, often 2x more expensive, have broken more! If you are as in love with statement necklaces as I am, head on over to H&M or BaubleBar for a great impression.

aldo, h&m, garage, local store

The Despised Trend: 'Tumblr' Outfits

Can we please just take a moment to reconsider everything Tumblr in our wardrobe? Yes, all those Brandy Melville crop tops, skirts, and shorts, the piled on makeup that turns you into a different person, the exposed belly buttons (and belly button rings) and bottoms, and the distressed light wash, highwaisted shorts. Are they really a true reflection of your style?

It seems like every single teenage girl nowadays is striving to become the 'Brandy Babe', buying clothes that turn you into something I instead like to call the 'Brandy Barbie'. Seriously, I hate it when people wear exact replicas of what you can find on jgaltusa's or brandymelvilleusa's insta. Even worse is when people praise them - "OMG! You look just like a Brandy Babe!" or "I love your outfit! How did you get so Tumblr??". People, you are praising someone for duplicating an outfit and putting it on their body. Honestly, can we please begin praising those who take the time to find their personal style, scour stores for what they feel matches their personality and style, and show it off with pride? Instead, we are living in a society where looking the exact same as everyone else makes you 'cool' or whatever. Self-consciousness begins with wanting to look like everyone else. But if everyone looks different and owns their OWN style, would self-consciousness even exist? 

If there is one thing I want you to take away from this rant, it's that you need to be yourself. If everyone was themselves, this whole dilemma would most likely be nonexistent.

So, negativity and opinions aside, I hope that you can take away at least a little from this post. Because if you can realize just how important being yourself is and put it into action, it can honestly help others in ways that nothing else can. 

P.S. I am not saying that you should refrain against buying from the tumblr girl shops. These shops provide great basics for you to base your outfits upon (I have a striped dress from Brandy Melville that I love). But don't just rely on one shop to dictate your personal style. Personal style comes from a collection of clothing that you build up from different shops, in my opinion.

J'adore July; Beauty, Style & More

I feel like I should be posting another current obsessions entry. Why? Well for a start, I'm nosy, and I am always intrigued to see what items other people demand having present in their lives at all times. I figured if I'm nosy, a lot of you all are too. Also, my last current obsessions post was probably the most popular post I've ever had. And since I want to provide you with content you will enjoy, I figure I should do another. So, lets get started.

Beauty & Body

 The first j'ador"ee" (okay, I'll stop) up to discuss is this "Wet" Brush. Why the name? You use it when your hair is wet. Who'd have guessed (the sarcasm is strong today)! I've had it since ~2 Christmases ago. This brush rivals no other. Not kidding around here. You can pull as hard as you want and barely feel a thing, whereas with other brushes, it felt like elephants were hanging onto each strand. Plus, it takes me a total of 10-15 seconds to brush my hair, getting out every single knot. Can we just give it the "Brush of the Century" award already?

 This shaving cream from Evolution of Smooth is my lifesaver. Being the CEO of Laziness Inc., it is a rare sight, seeing me moisturize after I shave. But this magical stuff saves my skin from looking like a boa constrictors, smells great, and lathers on so rich with so little (I don't miss as much hair anymore in the rush to get back to Netflix). Smooth as an infants butt, and you didn't even have to pick up the St. Ives!

 This 'Stays No Matter What' felt-tip liner from Essence is a miracle worker (trust me, I need one, and this delivers). I am not allowed to wear makeup on a regular basis, but for special events requiring a quick and precise wing, let me tell you, this is your liner! It costs virtually nothing, is quick and easy to apply, and *refer to name*. I cannot find a flaw in this liner.

Style & Accessories

These converse are hand-me-downs (kids, be nice to your older cousins), and I just recently began wearing them. I love the neapolitan uniqueness they behold. They add personality to every outfit, plus it makes anything more casual and appropriate for school (I do not mean wear fishnets and undie shorts with them). Before this pair I had the mindset that Converse were too Tumblr and mainstream for my liking. But I have grown to love my pair, likely because I've never seen ones like them before.

 My mom was having a clear-out the other day and found this old necklace. I wasn't a fan of how it looked on my neck, so I wrapped it around my ankle instead. It fits perfectly, doesn't skim the floor, and I can wear it with sandals, flats, and the vital, man-magnetic Birkenstocks. Loving how it adds some style in a generally bland place!

I picked this up at H&M in Chicago, and despite my attempts at adding colour to my closet, came back with only black, white & grey pieces (#typical). I have been on the fence about the jersey stripes trend, being particularly sour about the numbers aspect of it. This top only has the stripes, but is still maintaining a sporty air, since the stripes are made of a very subtle mesh. All in all, I like to call it t-shirt perfection.

Etc.

 My favourite music source (I am fairly certain will be for eternity) is 8tracks, and my current playlist on repeat is 'songs to play when the sun goes down' by crystalmanor. The songs I have to stand up and sing from it are;

Come With Me Now // The Kongos

Cardiac Arrest // Bad Suns

All of the People // Panama Wedding

King & Lionheart // Of Monsters & Men

Suck It And See // Arctic Monkeys

You (Ha Ha) // Charli XCX

Luck // American Authors

And finally, a Sophie Kinsella recent. Every single one of Kinsella's books I am in love with, especially this one. She creates characters that make you want to get into the book and tell them to pull their **** together, kiss the guy already, or DON'T YOU DARE DO THAT YOU IDIOT. She is my favourite author because I swear, I will get ulcers if I sit down for too long with one (medical luck must be on my side, then). Just do me a favor and read it, I promise (medical issues aside) that you will adore it!

Hope this J'adore July helped you with what to buy, read, or listen to, I can honestly recommend everything! If you don't try/buy at least one of these items, you are missing out on a life experience that is worth the moola and time! So get that baby butt skin and those ulcers, and trust me, you won't regret it! (Okay, maybe the ulcers, but hey, gotta take a risk, right?)

xoxo, G.

Nineties & Neon; Summer 2014 Lookbook

I collaborated with my friend Sarah (blogger-to-be!!)to create this lookbook, revolving around leather pants(nineties) and bright bracelets & aviators (neon). Enjoy! (For more pictures, follow @simplystyled14 on Instagram!)

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Sarah's Look; Neon Details

This denim went double duty today as a summery cardi substitute (dresses are too maintsream, pshaw). Black, white, and pops of neon add an edgy vibe.

Denim Dress | High-end thrift store

Sunglasses | Gap

Romper | H&M

Beaded Bracelets | Material Girl

Shoes | Old Navy

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My Look; Nineties Rethought

The 90's are back - but of course, within reason. These loose-fitting, faux leather beauts add a daring punch to this cropped tank.

Pants | Forever 21 bought from high-end thrift store 

Tank | American Eagle Outfitters

Necklace | Unknown

P.S. Pardon the awkward hairstyles we sport in some pictures. The wind was not in our favor!

xoxo, G.

My Bathing Suit Collection

Summer is upon us yet again, and where I live that means bathing suit season is in full swing. I thought I would show you my bathing suit collection (I like to call it small but stylish) for inspiration and ideas on what style of suit suits you best. As a side note, most of my bathing suits were bought very recently, excepting one. So if you see one you like, chances are it is still in stores!

Another thing; I have put links to my personal Pinterest board and The Simply Styled twitter page on the sidebar. For a more accurate representation of what my style is like, follow me on these pages to see! Hopefully there will be a Simply Styled instagram in the future also. Enjoy!

Old Navy, Summer 2014

La Vie En Rose, Summer 2014

La Vie En Rose, Summer 2014

Target, Spring 2013

Target, Spring 2013

Old Navy, Summer 2014

La Vie En Rose, Summer 2014

**INSERT GORGEOUS TRIANGL SWIMSUIT HERE** 

(cough cough if I had enough money)

P.S. I use the black and white bottoms on the purple swimsuit top