What to Pack: Weekend in Vegas

So here’s the thing: I’ve never actually been to Las Vegas, but here I am, advising on what to pack for a weekend away there. Details. Anyway, I am headed to Vegas this weekend for the bachelorette celebration of a dear friend, and I am pumped to experience all that the City of Sin has to offer. Well – not all, but you get the idea. It’s gonna be fun.

A sick party dress (or three) is in order for a night out in Vegas, since, as I understand it at least, clubbing/casino-hopping/strip-cruising must all be done in fabulous attire. And obviously those of us who don’t get all Vegas-fied in our hometowns (since, you know, the local speakeasy is not so glamourous) should embrace this opportunity whole-heartedly.

From left:
Rebecca Taylor sequined fine-knot mini dress
Topshop ultimate fringe bodycon dress
Rebecca Minkoff Claudia dress

My sources tell me that Vegas by day is all about the pool parties, so swimwear for poolside lounging/partying/dancing will definitely be going in my suitcase. And yeah – I realize that these parties are probably all about showing as much skin as is legally allowed, but I like to make sure all the essentials don’t have any chance of escaping, especially while indulging in tropical cocktails and a little daytime boogying.

From left:
Zimmerman Hawaiian-print bandeau bikini
Lisa Maree the elevated landing crocheted bikini
L Space Audrey bikini

After the pool party, a little strip strolling and shopping is on the agenda, so cute – and breathable – cover ups are a must. The temperature’s supposed to reach over 100 this weekend, so something light and airy is imperative.

From left:
Topshop coral fringe burnout cover up
Mara Hoffman printed jersey playsuit
Volcom vintage finds cover up

What to Pack: Mediterranean Cruise

I had a query from a reader on what to pack for an upcoming Mediterranean cruise, and I have to admit – I dove into this request and went a little nuts. Daydreaming of strolling through cobblestoned Italian streets, sailing around Greek islands and lounging on Portuguese beaches got me conjuring up images of floaty dresses and brightly colored accessories, and I couldn’t help but find about a zillion things I’d like to stuff into my suitcase for such an excursion. But can you blame me – who wouldn’t want to be sipping sangria on the Spanish Costa del Sol right about now? Here’s just a wee selection of the shopping list I’ve compiled for my imaginary Mediterranean trip – but you get the idea.

1. Pour La Victoire Neysa Two-Tone Sandals – You’ll need a great pair of heels for any cruise, and the pop of color on these perfectly matches the turquoise of the water surrounding Santorini.

2. Mango Scarf – Though I’ve never actually been on a cruise, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time by the sea and can imagine that the deck of the ship can get a little chilly after the sun goes down, so a summer-weight scarf is definitely in order.

3. Theodora & Callum Cherokee Scarf Dress – The colors of this dress seem perfect for a Mediterranean vacay to me, and with lots of dinners to dress for on a cruise, I’m sure this beauty will come in handy.

4. Reiss Fiji Cropped Oversized Jersey Top – I’m picturing this top paired with high-waisted shorts or a maxi skirt for daytime explorations of seaside towns.

5. Style By Marina Open Waist Maxi Dress – What I love about this dress is that it could easily take you from daytime to dinner, and the open waist at the back adds interesting details (and keeps you cool under the hot Mediterranean sun).

6. Rebecca Minkoff Canvas Stripe Bucket Bag – Since your packing space might be somewhat limited, you’ll need a handbag that’s versatile and roomy, and I think this one could work just as well for the beach as it could for shopping trips through Italian towns.

7. Ondademar Riviera Colors Embroidered Tunic – On a cruise you’re likely to spend more time in your bathing suit than anything else, so a cute (and comfortable) coverup is crucial. I love the pom-pom details of this one.

8. Lemlem Losha Maxi Dress – I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy this dress, and a Mediterranean cruise would be just the reason I needed. The floaty fabric will serve you well on day-long walking trips.

9. Bop Basics Floppy Raffia Sun Hat – Being on a boat and walking around coastal towns, you’re sure to be catching a lot of rays, so a hat is of the utmost importance.

10. Tigerlily Ariella Bikini – On a cruise a good selection of swimwear is obviously a priority. Love the pastels of this one.

11. Loeffler Randall Starla Plank Sandals – Cobblestone streets + high heels=broken ankles, so flat sandals are a must, and these are adorable.

Pops of neon

Ok, ok – I know everyone is getting tired of neon. But you know what? I’m not. I can’t get enough of it. I was reminded of this yesterday when one of my favorite bloggers discussed her love of the return of neon, noting particular affection for it given her status as a child of the ’80s. Possessionista’s got an awesome collaboration going on with LaSoula expressing that love of neon – and diamonds (see below, number 8. And remember that my birthday is just around the corner). Anyway, I too was a child of the ’80s and am seriously digging the bright accents cropping up everywhere, so I figured I’d share a couple with y’all, though there are so many awesome pops of electric color floating around the interwebs right now that it was hard to select just a few.

1. Charles Philip Shanghai neon brights flat
2. Clare Vivier neon stripe flat clutch
3. Basta Surf Zunzal bungee bikini
4. Pura Vida bracelet hair ties
5. Blue Life tee dress
6. Zara necklace
7. Sparkle & Fade neon mini skirt
8. La Soula Little Wish neon/diamond necklace/wrap bracelet
9. Bruna ombre clutch
10. J. Brand neon twill mid-rise pant
11. Rebecca Minkoff Baha flat sandals

(Friend Sarah and my tribute to neon. Dang)

What to Wear: Weddings

After wedding season officially kicked off for us last week, I started thinking about the various types of weddings we’ll go to this season, as well as those we’ve been to in years past. Weddings can really run the gamut from super casual to black tie, making it a little tricky to put outfits together, so without further ado, here’s my take on what to wear to weddings.


Zara printed box clutch, Jenni Kayne suede ankle strap sandals, ONE by Contrarian bibb maxi dress

For a classic black-tie affair, I think it’s safest to go with a full-length gown, though more formal short dresses are ok too, depending on the wedding. I’ve been loving this season’s minaudiere trend, and I think this one spices up a formal look a bit. As for the sandals, I’d wear them just as soon with cropped pants for a night out as with a gown – love them!


ASOS skater dress, ASOS envelope clutch, Sigerson Morrison Dali wedge sandals

Being from the South, I end up attending a fair amount of church weddings/country club receptions. It can feel inappropriate to have bare shoulders in a church, but sometimes I hate carrying a wrap since, a. it’s usually so hot I don’t need it, and b. it’s just another thing for me to lose. Enter a dress with sleeves. This one avoids being too stiff with a lace top, but still maintains a somewhat conservative vibe.

Paper Crown Bora Bora gown, Loeffler Randall Dita heels, Zara plaited clutch

 For the mountain retreat wedding of your hippie-chic friend, I think it’s safe to say that wedding-guest attire will vary widely, so why not go with something that feels fun and casual while still formal enough for a wedding ceremony? I’m particularly obsessed with this dress, and think it’s versatile enough to work for a mountain wedding as well as a casual weekend night out. Plus, a maxi dress will serve you particularly well with some added warmth when you’re gathered around the late-night bonfire by the lake. Platforms with a wide heel are a comfortable high-heel option – totally necessary (if you’re not going with flats instead) since you’re likely to be clomping around on various terrains.


Kenneth Cole Reaction heels, Rebecca Minkoff minaudiere, Zara dress 

More and more weddings are outdoor affairs these days, and while they don’t feel casual, the atmosphere can leave guests feeling a bit confused as to how formal to take their attire. For these types of soirees I like to wear something a little more daytime, but still with a decidedly dressed-up feel. The fun details of this dress make it perfect for this sort of party, and as an added bonus, you could throw a cardigan over it and make it office-appropriate down the road. Plus this minaudiere (I think we’re seeing a pattern here) jazzes up the ladylike vibe.

Elizabeth and James Clair colorblock sandals, Riller & Fount halter maxi dress, Bop Basics rattan clutch

As someone who got married on the beach, I can attest to the fact that nothing confuses a wedding guest more than getting dressed for such a party. By the same token, I have to say that there’s nothing better than a seaside celebration, so let’s hope you’ve got one on your agenda this year. I think beach-wedding guests in particular should run with the theme of the affair and go for an island-chic look that’s not too dressy, and flowy maxi dresses are particularly conducive to that. I’m also a big fan of adding pops of colors with these sorts of looks, and these shoes fit the bill nicely – just don’t forget to take them off for the ceremony if it’s actually on the beach, since no one likes to see a wedding guest eating sand.