How To Pack For A Holiday

I bid you all a fond farewell for the next two weeks, as I leave for vacation today. In the spirit of jet-setting and sightseeing, I thought it would be a good idea to share my tips on how to pack an ideally stylish and functional suitcase for traveling abroad. What you pack obviously depends on where you will be going, the climate, activities involved and type of vacation. These are the items that I usually pack for a spring/summer holiday away.

I start with adaptable pieces in neutral tones - basic t-shirts, skinny jeans and tights. Selecting fabrics that won't crease when folded is helpful for when you reach your destination. Looking back at former holiday snapshots, I realized that I have always packed a striped top, it can be repurposed in so many different ways. A shirtdress looks chic for both day and night, and travels well. It can be styled up with heels and dressed down with flat sandals. A 'little black dress' is a must if you intend on attending any formal evenings. For outerwear, I picked a classic trench, in case of rainy days, and an animal print cardigan, in case of chilly days.

Now that you have built up the basics, it's time to add some saturation. I usually pick one or two colours from my closet that work well with black, white, beiges and denim. Sticking to a similar colour scheme will also help cut down on accessories and allow for interchanging pieces. This holiday, my primary shade is coral. I picked skirts, blouses, a blazer, sweater and dresses in this shade, adding pink to spice it up, as well as hints of black, so that it will all cohesively blend into the contents of my suitcase.

I always find choosing the right type of shoes tricky. You never know what you will be in the mood to wear, and if there's a lot of walking and touring to be done, you have to ensure you carry a really comfy pair. Also, there may be occasions where you need to dress up and then you may require heels. I try to pick shoes and sandals that will match my travel wardrobe, dividing them into flats, trainers and heels. I don't ever take newly-bought-but-never-worn shoes with me - they may turn out to be feet assassins.

The most fun part of packing...is selecting co-ordinating accessories. I love vibrantly printed scarves for jazzing up a monotone look. I use a daytime bag that's big enough to fit all my travel essentials and also carry a easily foldable black clutch, for formal dressing. I keep jewellery simple with just 4 or 5 pieces in corresponding colours and metals. One or two skinny belts will reinvent that summer dress or shirt. A UV protectant pair of sunglasses and a sun hat is a necessity for me - They serve the purpose of shielding you from the scorching sun and also hide any sleepless nights and bad hair days you may have while on holiday.

I hope you will find my 'How To Pack' guide useful the next time you are planning a trip. I would love to hear any packing advice you may have for me too. 

I have prepared a few posts for while I am away, which will be wi-fi dependent. I will only be able to respond to comments when I get back in two weeks time, for this I apologize. I will miss my daily visits to your blogs and hope to catch up when I return.

Until Then...Have a wonderful Easter! I wish you all well and chat to you soon.

Ciao
Sam


*All images found via Polyvore.

Red Carpet - Kids Choice Awards 2013

Red Carpet Fashion
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2013

The 26th Annual Nickelodeon Choice Awards were held in LA over the weekend, where young came out to play. I didn't know many of these rising stars before, but this event has certainly put them on my style radar. I have never seen a better selection of shoes on the red carpet this year. This is (almost) every outfit from the KCA's. Click the images for a larger view.

Geometrics

Caroline Sunshine went studded and striped in an Anna Catherine shirt with a black and blue Backstage skirt. Her fabulous neon bow heels are by Blonde Ambition. Nickelodeon's Halston Sage was trendy in an art-deco inspired geometric print dress by Herve Leger, paired with white ankle strap platforms. 'Jessie' actress Peyton List was dashing in a black midriff top and striped Alice + Olivia skirt. Red Steve Madden pumps added a pop of colour to her chic look. 

Blue Lemonade

'Shake It Up' star Zendaya Coleman wore an ice blue jumper over her pastel watercolour Alice + Olivia dress. A quirky pair of glasses, bejewelled collar & (oddly), multi-strapped brown sandals style her look. Disney doll Debby Ryan donned a lemon jacquard Topshop frock with cut-out waist. Her red edged navy blue heels are by Jean-Michel Cazabat. Selena Gomez is alluring in a summery Oscar de la Renta ensemble with powder blue frayed peplum top and white shorts. Her snazzy ankle-cuff sandals are by Gucci. Ciara Bravo from 'Big Time Rush' is adorable in a flower patterned lace and lemon dress.

In the Navy

iCarly' actress Jennette McCurdy looked polished in a midnight blue keyhole cut-out AX Paris dress, paired with a coral clutch and hot pink heels. Katy Perry went risqué in a digi-print bustier cropped top and pencil skirt by Herve Leger. Kristen Stewart kept to her more tomboy style in a self checkered navy shorts set by Osman. 

Printastic

Teen actress Savannah Jade looked cute in a prismatic mini dress with black piping. Red ankle strap shoes further brighten up her look. Fergie made a colourful appearance in a underwater mural print Mary Katrantzou dress with bright yellow sandals. Victoria Justice was kaleidoscopic in a multi-shaded dress by Pia Pauro. Her fiery orange sandals are Aldo. Miranda Cosgrove opted for a blue and green pleated chiffon Stella McCartney dress with sheer panels. Teal Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toes complete her outfit.

Silver Sheen

Ashley Tisdale shimmered in a silvery mint mini dress with embellished sheer neckline and sleeves. Her glossy metallic sandals are by Jerome C. Rousseau. Jessica Alba kept things whimsical in a currency print dress by Mary Katrantzou. Her bow-topped silver shoes are by Christian Louboutin. Bella Thorne was posh in a iridescent silver peplum top and skirt set by Bec & Bridge. Neon pink pointy-toe pumps perfectly complement her look.

Monochrome Mini's

'Hunger Games' actress Amandla Stenberg looked elegant in a teal Opening Ceremony dress. Jaylen Barron was attractive in a cerise Rvn dress worn with strappy black Prabal Gurung for Target heels. Disney's Madison Pettis picked a vivid green strapless mini teamed with eye-catching tribal fringed heels. Stephanie Scott was pretty in a peach embroidered dress by Keepsake, worn with fabulous lumo yellow & blue strapped sandals. 'Big Time Rush' actress Kelli Goss was lovely in a daffodil one-shouldered dress with collared necklace.

Bet Your Boots

Mad Men's Kiernan Shipka picked out rose printed Rag & Bone dress, which was heavily paired with black ankle boots. Kylie Jenner baffled me in this black hoodie garment with sheer black stockings and perplexing white glove-like ankle boots. Willow Smith played it casual in a simple white and tan strap Chanel dress with denim jacket and black Chanel boots.

Pattern Pile

'Victorious' actress Ariana Grande was lovely in a red corset Alice + Olivia dress with faded rose print skirt. I am disappointed by the chunky nude pumps. Disney's Olivia Holt wore a jazzy printed mini by Mara Hoffman, teamed with a black leather H&M biker & blue Ruthie Davis heels. 'Hunger Games' Willow Shields went with a graphic block patterned dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, worn with silver bow sandals. Disney alum Alyson Stoner was rock chic in a red & black patterned biker jacket, sleekly styled with a cropped bustier top & maxi skirt.

White Light

Lucy Hale was refined in a white Dior shirt dress, accessorized with a black skinny belt, Brian Atwood platforms & a red Nancy Gonzalez bag. Fivel Stewart looked graceful in a white sheer maxi-dress, adding a belt & red pumps. Bridgit Mendler sparkled in a white sequined mini skirt and tee by Joe's Jeans, accompanied by metallic T-bar shoes. Gracie Dzienny was hippie chic in a self-embroidered Eastern-inspired ensemble, paired with bold orange sandals. Khloe Kardashian displayed modernity in a fitted Antonio Berardi dress, with dazzling Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-strap sandals.

Colouring Outside the Lines

Ke$ha did her best to make some sort of a statement, pimped out in a 70's style powder blue tuxedo suit, strangely added extras included a matching hat, cane and bug-star glasses. Ryan Newman was fluorescent in a blinding lime green Sherri Hill corset party dress. I have made peace with this look...but only because of her cute printed heels. Keltie Colleen donned a pink and orange Donna Mizani colour-blocked dress with side-cutouts. While the dress is fun and youthful, I am flabbergasted by her wintry nude ankle boots. Hayley Strode was wrapped in a cluster of red ruffles, wearing a spunky textured cocktail frock with nude studded pumps.

Who is your Best and Worst Dressed at the 2013 Kids Choice Awards?

Looks of the Week - 23/03/13

The weekly roundup of celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.

Black and White

AnnaSophia Robb shows her love for Alice+Olivia once again, wearing a diagonally striped shift dress by the brand. She cleverly accessorized with a green Nanette Lepore bag and bright pink ankle strap shoes by Jean-Michel Cazabat.
Supermodel Hilary Rhoda was captivating in a froufrou white feathered frock by Jason Wu, styled with all black accessories and black strappy sandals.
Brit actress Anna Shaffer looked suave in a Jekyll & Hyde type black & white dress by Osman.
Diane Kruger donned an alluring embroidered black dress by Thakoon, featuring sexy sheer panelling. It's her snazzy pair of caged Jimmy Choo heels that draw most of the attention.

Style Spinners

Lily Aldridge pops up on week's street style radar in a paisley and geometric printed jersey maxi dress by Givenchy. Lily's impeccable styling includes a leather biker jacket, fedora, a Givenchy Pandora bag and Balenciaga wedges.
Alexa Chung presented a more refined side to her style, wearing a burnished coffee coloured full skirt and jacket suit with cut-out cross-over waist, by Carven. 
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan went whimsical in a quaint carousel horse print red dress by Tabitha Webb. Saoirse played down the vintage femininity of her dress with black and grey masculine loafers.
Amber Le Bon is effortlessly chic in a Batman insignia tshirt, worn with a tailored black blazer, wide statement belt and taupe maxi skirt.


The Minimalists

Revenge star Ashley Madekwe wears a white Mulberry peplum top and abstract animal print pants, with a dashing Mulberry Suffolk bag in tow.
Russian-American actress Olesya Rulin made her stamp on the red carpet, wearing a polished ensemble by Osman, which includes a white top with slightly oversized sleeves and rose pink silk trousers. Strappy gold sandals complete her look.
Rachel Bilson does a Dior twist on the usual 'little black dress', with trailing pieces of pastel pink and orange organza appended to the side. Her black pumps are by Christian Louboutin.

Pattern Play

Mad Men's Jessica Pare threw caution to the wind, wearing a conspicuous teal and pink floral printed satin midi dress by Prabal Gurung. She contrasted her look with a pair of white and black cap-toed heels, also by the Nepalese designer.
Maria Sharapova's styling skills are as impressive as her tennis serves. She looks pretty in a purple and blue watercolour print brocade silk skirt and sleeveless blouse by J.Mendel.
Christina Ricci is multi-hued in an innovatively patterned neoprene dress by Clover Canyon.
Emmy Rossum is always a delight on the red carpet. Here she wears a dainty fern green and cream floral embroidered frock by Topshop, along with white pumps also from the label.


Solid Shadings

Alexandra Daddario went modernistic in a cerise pink Jay Godfrey mini dress, with cut-out midriff and angled peplum skirt. Black T-bar strap sandals complete her outfit.
Rosario Dawson made a striking appearance in scarlet, glimmering in a fully embellished wing-sleeved gown by Jenny Packham.
Vanessa Hudgens displayed her sunny disposition in a canary yellow sequined dress by Alice+Olivia. Gold Jerome C. Rousseau sandals fit her feet.
'Game of Thrones' actress Emilia Clarke exuded sophisticated glamour in a fitted cobalt blue strapless gown by Victoria Beckham.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you? 

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you? 

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize 

the immeasurable power of today. Why not you? 

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking 

at the blessings of the present. Why not you? 

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by 

the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you? 

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact 

with their powerful innate strength. Why not you? 

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment 

of their bad habits. Why not you? 

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you? 

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you? 

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose 

to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you? 

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge 

of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you? 

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you? 

Today is a new day. 

Many will seize this day.

 Many will live it to the fullest.

 Why not you? 

*Quote copyright to Steve Maraboli. Image found via Fashion Gone Rouge

Blazing Up

I have to admit that I am slightly, somewhat...okay I am seriously addicted to blazers. Just when you think you have enough of them, you find another and another and with so many beautiful prints and trendy shades in stores, it's impossible to pick just one ten. They are incredibly versatile and perfect for in-between seasons and cooler summer evenings. Worn over jeans, dresses, skirts and tights, they can glam-up or simmer down any outfit. 

These are 25 more blazers that I would love to add to my wardrobe.

Floral Prints

1. You Sent Me Blazer, Finders Keepers, £195. 2. Floral draped blazer, LOFT, $90. 3. Tropical print blazer, Jane Norman.co.uk, £7. 4. Chelsea print blazer, MinkPink, $65. 5. Garden Rose blazer, Forever 21, $32.80. 6. Flower print blazer, Forever 21, $30.

Striped

7. Black Ponte striped blazer, Oasis-stores.com, £45. 8. Black and white striped blazer, Zara, $129. 9. Red and white striped blazer, Veryeickhof.com, €160.

Animal Inspired

10. Leopard print blazer, Jolie Moi.co.uk, £45. 11. Botanical Bird printed blazer, Fashion Union.com £30. 12. Digital Houndstooth print blazer, Mango, £29.99. 13. Yumi black and white bird print blazer, New Look.com, £55.

Brights

 14. Cobalt blue blazer, Awear.com, £45. 15. Red peplum blazer, Amazon.com, $46. 16. Lime green lace blazer, Therapy at House of Fraser, £45. 17. Tangerine blazer, Mango, £35. 18. Sunshine yellow Charlie blazer, Forever New.co.au, $89.95. 

19. Cerise pink blazer, H&M, $34.95.

Pastels

20. Pale pink waterfall blazer, New Look.com, £25. 21. Lilac Spring Fling Blazer, NastyGal.com, $34. 22. Cream tailored blazer, River Island, $90. 23. Peach Costa Blanca oversized blazer, Asos.com, $76. 24. Mint green blazer, H&M, £30. 

25. Powder Blue blazer, NastyGal.com, $68.

I have to dash off to my Blazer Addicts Anonymous meeting. 
Which one of these go on your Spring wishlist?

Vintage Bridal Wear by YolanCris

Inspired by the nostalgic style of the 1920's, Spanish brand YolanCris takes us back in time on a romantic walk down the aisle with their latest collection, entitled 'Mademoiselle Vintage'. This enchanting array of wedding gowns will ideally appeal to the modern bride with a penchant for all things antique.

Each breathtaking piece is handcrafted in an exquisite range of fabrics...intricate Chantilly and Guipure lace, sumptuous satins and silk, the finest beadwork and delicate layers of tulle. Fringing further enhances the retro theme of the collection, as does the dainty feathered, crystal-covered and floral headpieces. Bohemian bridal dreams are cast in virtuous shades of frosted white, ivory, blanched almond and cotton cream. The demurely feminine silhouettes are enhanced by beautifully embroidered necklines and tiered mermaid skirts. 

This engaging range makes being a vintage bride possible for the 2013 bride without looking outdated. On the contrary, it will ensure a unique and unforgettable wedding day appearance. 

I wouldn't have considered a vintage gown before, but these stunning pieces are irresistible. My favourites from this quaint collection are Albania, Verona & Beirut. Which are yours?

*All images via yolancris.com

Paz Vega Models Spring Couture For Madame Figaro

Paz Vega for Madame Figaro
March 2013

Stunning Spanish actress Paz Vega lends her exotic looks to the pages of French fashion magazine Madame Figaro for their March 2013 issue. Paz is exceptionally styled in a host of spellbinding looks from the Spring 2013 runways of Paris Couture Week. Some of these outfits would be impossible (and a little outlandish) to wear on the red carpet, so it's always a fashion treat to see them in editorial.

Paz is radiant in a ruby red fully sequined sculpted peplum top & maxi skirt by Armani Privé.

Paz is encompassed in a celestial white caped, sheer chiffon gown by Stephane Rolland Couture, featuring a bandeau top and mini skirt with embellished motif. This is art in motion.

Dark romance takes a new turn as the 'Spanglish' actress poses in a nude Valentino gown with black tulle embroidered overlay, voluminous skirt and ruffled strapless neck.

Keeping in with the spirit of Spring, Paz wears a sheer black tea-dress with flaired skirt, embroidered with a garden of miniature florals, by Christian Dior Couture. Matching sheer gloves and a pair of gold Christian Louboutin sandals style this look.

No couture editorial could be complete without a little (or in this case, a massive feathered flurry) of Chanel. Paz wears an adapted rose pastel gown from the Chanel Couture SS13 runway, which boasts a high-low hemline skirt in shards of feathery fabric. Black fingerless gloves and embroidered boots finalize her extravagant look.

Glittering in three metallic gold looks, Paz shines in couture dresses by Maison Martin Margiela, Atelier Versace and Alexandre Vauthier.

Adding her unique charm to the editorial, Paz stands tall in a black and white ensemble by Giambattista Valli, which has a bell-shaped jacket and multi-ruffled mini skirt.

Wrapped in a spell of delicate femininity, Paz is beguiling in a white netted tulle and beaded lace confection by Alexis Mabille Couture. I like how the chic cropped white trench coat balances out the sweetness and frivolity of the skirt.

This has to be one of the most enigmatic looks from Spring Couture Week 2013. Science fiction meets high fashion in this unconventional piece of art by Dutch designer Iris van Herpen. Thousands of flexible fibres stand out to create this astounding three-dimensional dress. As extreme as it seems, this not a look that easily escapes one's memory.

The editorial ends on an enchanting note, with the Spanish beauty looking extraordinary in a lilac embellished Elie Saab gown, flecked with floral appliqués.

Which is your favourite Spring 2013 Couture look from this editorial?

Looks of the Week - 16/03/13

The weekly roundup of celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.

 Pretty in Print

Katrina Bowden looked spring ready in a tailored neon pink blazer, white tee and cute tribal printed shorts, all by LOFT. Nude sandals complete her colourful outfit.
Bella Thorn displayed her girly side in a delightful pink printed Topshop frock, perfectly paired with hot pink Valentino studded pumps. Love her hairstyle.
Dianna Agron mixed hues in a cosmic floral printed collared dress by Oday Shakar. Dianna accessorized with a deep plum clutch and bright blue heels by Jimmy Choo. 

Blanco & Bordeoux

Zoe Saldana wears an intriguing burgundy and white safari print dress with side cut-outs by Carven. Her strappy tie-up tassel sandals are by Jimmy Choo.
Blake Lively showed off her enviable legs in a bordeaux shaded dress with PVC neckline and white edging by Marios Schwab. A white pair of Bottega Veneta pumps finalize her look.


Well-Coated

Nicole Richie dons an ivory Esteban Cortazar cape coat, styled with a navy top, black leather trousers, ankle boots and a Fendi tote bag.
Jessica Alba rouses our street style palate in a leather long-sleeved coat by Michael Kors, teamed with a pair of ice blue printed pants and a matching top. Her look was expertly accompanied by a Roger Vivier Prismick bag and white Louboutin pumps.
Pippa Middleton looked polished in a caramel caped trench coat by Alice Temperley for John Lewis. Pippa carried a matching handbag and wore black suede knee-high boots.

Black and Blue

Newcomer Nicola Peltz impresses with her pioneering style, wearing a paint splash printed dress with sheer panelling by Christopher Kane. Her wondrous neon peach and lilac ankle strap heels are by Nicholas Kirkwood.
Community star Alison Brie stood out in a cobalt blue jumpsuit with belted waist by Rachel Zoe. Silver and black cap-toed shoes were her choice of footwear.
Vanessa Hudgens made a bold statement in an ethnic art-deco beaded black gown with elaborate ostrich feathered skirt, which is by Naeem Khan.
Alessandra Ambrosio struts her stuff in an alluring electric blue lace romper by Lover, styled with a tan skinny belt and nude Louboutin pumps.


Red Alert

Nina Dobrev is impeccably chic in a one-shouldered Max Mara jumpsuit, draped at the waist. Glossy gold Jimmy Choo sandals and clutch bag complete her look.
Selena Gomez shows off her star power in a ravishing scarlet silk chiffon gown with beaded illusion neckline and side panels. She is dressed by Reem Acra.
Emma Roberts stepped out in a pretty fire engine red lace Style Stalker dress, paired with matching Salvatore Ferragamo flats.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

How many times have we said something that we immediately realized

was not the right thing to say?


How many times do we look back on an event and think, "If only I had…"


How many times do we do something that we wish hadn’t done? 

I've learnt that
You can’t change what has been said.


You can’t change a past event.


You can’t change what has been done. 

So, do you drown yourself in regret, sorrow, repentance?


Do you think about what might have been?


Do you relive an event the way it should have been? 

Forget about regret, and focus.


Focus on today, not on the past.


Focus on what you can do now, not what you didn’t do then. 

The only thing to regret is living in the past
.

The only thing to feel sorrow for is not living each day to the fullest.


The only way to repent is to sincerely say, "I’m sorry".

Don’t live your life regretting yesterday.


Live your life fully, so when tomorrow comes, you won’t regret today.

*Quote by Catherine Pulsifer, edited.

Image via weheartit.com