Packing For Los Angeles

Today I'm boarding a plane for the west coast, carry on in tow. I never, ever check a bag because I've had bad luck with losing luggage and being stranded clothes-less. It's a very traumatic experience, trust me.

I've only recently started packing my carry on methodically, though. Before, I would just stuff every cute outfit I owned into a bag and pray it would fit. Spoiler alert: it usually didn't.

Now, my game plan, inspired by A Pair & A Spare, involves 1) a color theme, 2) limiting the quantity of items and 3) bringing mix-and-match items. Only time will tell how my new method will keep me dressed through this next week. I'm hoping for magic with this one.

hat hair: 2 styles for fall

I'm welcoming fall by playing with one of my favorite accessories: hats. They're my go-to for changing up boring hair, or more often, just plain bad hair. These are two of my favorite, and downright simple, ways to rock hat hair.

beanie hat

I've yet to see someone look bad in a beanie. They work for my girly days just as well as my lazy days.

1) I curled my hair with my flat iron for a softer, casual curl.

2) Clip in bangs are fun addition to a slouchy beanie hat, so I added mine to this look.

shop my fave fall beanies

floppy hat

Floppy hats make any outfit instantly glamorous. I feel like I can conquer the world wearing one.

1) I used a curling wand to make more defined waves for a boho look.

2) Paired with wine lipstick, this is a perfect fall combo. 

shop my fave fall floppy hats

hot tin roof

I can't tell you how much I've tried to make slip dresses work for me (so many attempts), until one day I finally threw my hands in the air and said, fuhgeddaboudit! And then, like with most things in life, the minute I stopped stressing, it came to me.

This picture of Elizabeth Taylor  in a slip dress from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof has long been an inspiration for me. Remembering it, I decided that trying too hard to make a slip dress work, wouldn't work. Simplicity would have to do.

Then I thought, duh, what would be simpler than throwing something over it? This trench (only $3 thrifted, might I add) takes away the question of, "is she wearing a nightgown in public?" It makes it structured. 

Don't get me wrong -- this is still a saucy look -- but it was just perfect to wear for a drink, channeling Maggie the Cat, on a cooler summer day. 

shop similar styles

thrift must haves

I live for a Goodwill or Value Village shopping day -- live for it! I am a huntress and severely discounted old clothes are my prey. I love when I find those amazing, one-of-a-kind, funky items, but more often than not I end up grabbing what I consider thrift must haves. These are items that you'll always find at thrift stores that are easy to throw into your closet's rotation. They're also great items to hone in on if you're new to thrifting or just haven't developed "the eye" for hunting.

Blazers: Just about all of my blazers are thrifted. Most older blazer styles have padded shoulders which I don't love. I usually take them out unless I intend to wear to it as an overcoat. I found some great patterned blazers, too! Not for the timid, though. 

Button Ups: I go to straight to the men's sections when I want over-sized button ups for grungy or casual looks. Their denim shirts are better than women's to me. DIY tip: Cut the sleeves and roll them for a more feminine look.

Crossbody Bags: It's amazing how similar the expensive crossbodies sold at mainstream stores are to the ones at thrift stores. I've found some amazing crossbodies for only $4! 

Silken Scarves: I love how classic a good silken scarf looks tied onto one of my purses. I also use them as hair accessories, but the possibilities are endless. 

Midi Skirts: Here's the thing: what we consider a midi-skirt is what ladies back in the day considered regular skirts. That length of skirt is easy to find. All you have to do is find a pattern you like. Keep in mind if it's too big, you can always cinch it with a belt and make it high-waist. 

Denim Cutoffs: I live in these during the summer. They're just so cool and effortless. I usually look for light wash shorts and cuff them a few times. If you cant find a good pair of shorts, regular length jeans can be cut and cuffed. 

Trouser Shorts: I wear these similarly to the cutoffs, but I go for ones that are brightly colored -- coral, royal blue, pink. They are more fun and can be dressed up or down -- especially patterned ones. I have a great houndstooth pair that I wear with tights during Fall.