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LA, Baby

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Vintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People boots

This being my third post about my March adventures in the City of Angels, the cat's now fully out of the bag: I really, really, like, really dig the west coast. Something about the smell in the air and that ridiculously chill vibe. Or even just for the foliage. Whatever it is that wooed me (explained here, kind of), I've been fully seduced by the sunshine.

So much so that I've shed my regular clichéd New Yorker black monochromatic ensemble for a full boho-inspired lewk. Which actually felt like the most natural thing, go figure. Perhaps more palm trees should be in my future?

Vintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People bootsVintage suede jacket, ASOS jeans, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses, Free People boots
Details:
Vintage jacket from Thriftwares
Vintage white shirt
ASOS jeans
Free People boots
Ray-Ban sundglasses

Click to shop:


You Say You Want a Revolution

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Fashion Revolution Week Zady organic cotton t-shirt

This past week was Fashion Revolution week, which ended today, Sunday the 24th, to honor the day of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh. Not only does the fashion industry have really shady ethical practices when it comes to garment production, especially when talking about all of those fast fashion brands loved by most people I know, but it's also the 2nd largest polluter in the world. Again, thank you fast fashion.

Do you ever ask yourself where your clothes come from and who they were made by? Don't feel bad if your answer is no, as most people simply have never thought about it. The good news is, now that the question is on your radar, you can do something to answer it and bonus: it's really easy! It basically boils down to doing the best that you can. For me, that means reading every label and not participating in the fast fashion cycle. It's learning about the issues to be able to make better educated decisions with my purchasing power.

Take this Zady t-shirt, for example. It was made especially for Earth Day with organic cotton sourced from Texas, which was cut and sewn in North Carolina, and finally, embroidered with the words 'vivre en simplicité' in New York City. The embroidery translates to living in simplicity, words to live by. Not only does the tee carry a special message, but it has this super high-quality feel and the best fit ever.

Happy Fashion Revolution Day!

PS You can also head over to The Style Line to read an interview I did on the topic of the fashion industry's issues.

Fashion Revolution Week Zady organic cotton t-shirtFashion Revolution Week Zady organic cotton t-shirt

Get the amazingly cute Zady tee to show your support for Eart Month and better ethical practices:


Layers and Looseness

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Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots

All my fellow East Coasters will understand me when I say that there's no better feeling than the first day of the year when you can go sans coat outdoors. It basically makes you want to shout from the rooftops: "Finally free!!"

Although sometimes you need that extra little layer to help you out... this lightweight poncho being ideal to shield you from the chilly April breeze. It has the perfect amount of looseness and slouch that I love so much, making it bona fide layering perfection.

April's got nothing on me and my poncho.

Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots Jack by BB Daokta poncho, J Brand jeans Chloé boots
Details:
Comme des Garçons striped top
Jack by BB Dakota poncho
J Brand jeans
Chloé boots
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Bottega Veneta bag

Click to shop:

Paging May Flowers

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Zady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Topshop bomber jacket, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses

We all know how the famous saying goes: April showers, May flowers. Looks like they got confused this year cause so far it's only been May showers, ugh. Lucky for me, these were shot end of April when it was still nice out.

Totally ready for a full dose of spring.

That said, this shirt by Zady is pretty much the most perfect transitional piece. It provides enough coverage for right now, aka during this unexpected chill, but it's also super lightweight, which is going to be ideal for when the sun eventually decides to come out. The best part about it other than the fact that it's rad as hell? It's made from organic cotton and was produced in a 100% ethical way.

And with that in mind,maybe we should start a support group for those of us who are getting screwed by May.

Zady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Topshop bomber jacket, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesZady shirt, Celine Edge bag, Miu Miu leather pants, Free People boots, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses
Details:
Zady shirt
Topshop bomber jacket
Miu Miu leather pants
Free People boots
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Céline bag


Click to shop:

Mood Board: Setting the Summer Mood

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Well, folks, mid-May has passed and we're not exactly off to a swimmingly sweltering summer, so here I am summoning just that with this hot hot hot mood board.

Josephine Skriver for Porter mag #3 photographed by Chris Colls styled by Maya  Zepinic endless summerBlanca Padilla & Jose Maria Manzanares shot by Thomas Whiteside styled by Beatriz Moreno de la Cova for Harper's Bazaar Spain July 2015Grace Ciao flower dresses, fashion illustrations made with petalsChloe Sevigny by Juergen Teller

Birthday Suit

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Heleneisfor birthday outfit, Meg Shop jumpsuit, J.Crew mules, vintage Ralph Lauren blazer, MAC Lady Danger matte lipstick Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses

I'll keep this post quite brief: it was my birthday last week (the 18th) and since it was on a Wednesday, I decided to wait until Friday for some kind of celebratory shindig.

Here's what I wore for my party on Friday night, which was awesome, by all accounts: the weather was cooperating, the brews were flowing, and the company was outstanding. I figured I'd play the game and claim the center of attention with multiple pops of red.

Heleneisfor birthday outfit, Meg Shop jumpsuit, J.Crew mules, vintage Ralph Lauren blazer, MAC Lady Danger matte lipstick Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesHeleneisfor birthday outfit, Meg Shop jumpsuit, J.Crew mules, vintage Ralph Lauren blazer, MAC Lady Danger matte lipstick Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesHeleneisfor birthday outfit, Meg Shop jumpsuit, J.Crew mules, vintage Ralph Lauren blazer, MAC Lady Danger matte lipstick Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses
Details:
Vintage Ralph Lauren blazer
Meg Shop jumpsuit
J.Crew mules
MAC lipstick in Lady Danger
Ray-Ban sunnies

Click to shop:

The Sass in Class

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heleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglasses

Certain classic elements can be a bit of snooze fest, but the opportunity to challenge the traditional can be incredibly fun. Sassing up the status quo is way more interesting than playing by the rules.

Zady executed the kind of twist I'm referring to with utmost perfection: the trench, reinvented. No preppy khaki color, no fancy collar or excessive adornments. Just pure, minimalist structure, complete with a slate hue that acts both as a blank canvas and a statement.

Versatility at its finest.

heleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglassesheleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglassesheleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglassesheleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglassesheleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglassesheleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglassesheleneisfor Zady trench coat, Alexander Wang Anouck boots, Celine edge bag, Raen sunglasses
Details:
Zady trench
Urban Outfitters dress
Shore Projects watch
Alexander Wang boots
Céline bag
Raen sunglasses

Click to shop:

An Amateur's Guide to Martha's Vineyard

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Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown

You might recall that it was my birthday last month? The hubs and I figured it was the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway. We chose to head to Martha's Vineyard for a few reasons: we wanted to do something relaxing but different from what we normally do. We also wanted somewhere that was close enough to drive to and since we'd only be there for a long weekend, it had to be worth it. I also have a not-so-secret obsession with New England and have had Martha's Vineyard on my bucket list for years.

It was our time.

Needless to say, we had a total and complete blast. Hopefully you were following the adventures on Instagram? To complete the journey, I decided I'd compile a list of things we really enjoyed doing on the Island, should you be thinking of heading over there on vacation and need to be pointed in the right direction.

Without further ado, here is my mini amateur guide to Martha's Vineyard. (Amateur because this was my first time there and it wasn't even peak season, which means that a few things were still closed, which makes me by no means an expert on the place and I'm certain that I'll be leaving out a ton of amazing things that I didn't get to do.)

Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, EdgartownMartha's Vineyard, Edgartown, New England, J Brand Jeans Houlihan, Soludos espadrilles

Where to Stay

I'm going to repeat what people recommended to me and say that you should most definitely stay in Edgartown. It truly epitomizes coastal New England charm. The architecture is what dreams are made of, the shopping is plentiful, the seafood is stunning and the activities are boundless.

We had the pleasure of staying at the Hob Knob Inn on Main street and I can't recommend it enough. We wanted something private that felt luxurious yet unpretentious. That's exactly what the Hob Knob is. The place is absolutely beautiful, their attention to detail was beyond, as was the level of service and friendliness of the staff. I wouldn't stay anywhere else if I went when I go back.


Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown, New EnglandHob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, EdgartownHob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown, Happy Socks, Eberjey robe

What to Do

There really is no lack of things to do on the Island. Even though we were there a couple of weekends before the regular season started and not all businesses had opened yet, we were far from bored. Even if that meant chilling out on the Hob Knob's sprawling patio with a good book. As luck would have it, the Martha's Vineyard Wine Festival was happening while we were there and we spent an afternoon sampling delicious local fare and more importantly: really, really good wine. Tee hee.

Here were some super fun things we did that I would highly recommend:

- Bike rentals. Head to Wheel Happy in town and rent bikes for the day to explore around. Take the very short ferry ride over to Chappy Island to bike around uninterrupted by traffic. It's super pretty and so remote, you'll almost feel like you're in an episode of Lost. For real tho.

- Menemsha sunsets. Holy shit, I meannnn. We did this as many times as we could: drive over to the beach in Menemsha as the sun is going down, grab some rosé or champagne, and watch as the sun disappear into the water while parked cozily on a blanket. On of the best parts? The smell of the sea and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.

- Gay Head Cliffs. Talk about an insane view. Getting up there is truly special, like you're stepping directly into a postcard. Warning: the wind can be quite intense - don't wear a hat!

Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, EdgartownHob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown, Kaufman Mercantile bag, We Are Summer round beach towel


- Aquinnah. This up-island area is as remote as it is charming.

- Orange Peel Bakery. This place is a real trip and totally worth popping into. Be very attentive as you're driving past because it's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it spot on a sparse road. They make everything from scratch in their crazy brick wood fire oven that sits outside the tiny cabin where the bounty is sold. Speaking of sold, you basically walk in, put the money for what you take in a jar, and go on your merry way. Honor system (we don't see much of that in Brooklyn)! We had a nice chat with one of the owners, who told us all about their mantra. It's incredibly refreshing to meet great people who care about good things. Anyway, we left with the most amazing bread and yummy granola.

- Back door donuts. This place in the town of Oak Bluffs serves freshly baked donuts outside of a bakery's back door after midnight. Hot. Donuts. OMG. Get the apple fritter, that's their specialty. It'll blow your doors off. Pun inteded.

- Alley's General Store. This place is such a trip. You either feel like you've entered a time machine or a movie set. Or maybe a little bit of both. Knick knack fans, this one's for you.

- Get some fudge at Murdick's Fudge. So much variety you'll have a hard time choosing. Allow me to help you: the butter praline is the way to go.


Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, EdgartownHob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown

Where to Eat

- Menemsha Fish Market. It's literally a shack and it's right on the beach. Get the lobster roll/soup special combo. Probably the most delicious clam chowder I've ever had in my life, no exaggeration. Eat it at their tiny counter or grab it to go and enjoy right on the beach. Bliss.

- Atria. This restaurant is right across the street from the Hob Knob and it was the bomb dot com. The regular restaurant on the main floor is a little bit more upscale and has a fine dining vibe, so request to be specifically seated in their basement, which they call the Brick Cellar Bar. You'll feel like you happened upon a perfectly art-directed, cozy old English manor. They have the most incredible selection of burgers, which is only offered downstairs (as if you needed another reason to not go with the fancy dining room). I highly recommend the Rip Off - that's the name of the burger - think Big Mac but made with quality ingredients. It's ridiculously off the hook. The service was also fantastic. Not only did they greet us at our table with bubbly (thank you to the best hubby in the world who mentioned my birthday when making the reservation), but our waiter was attentive and awesome in a cool friendly and super authentic way, as opposed to annoyingly formal.

- Wharf Pub. This completely unassuming bar totally surprised us in the best way possible. We were looking to get a lobster roll at the Seafood Shanty by the water in Edgartown but it hadn't yet opened for the season. We weren't in the mood for anything fancy for lunch, and we love a good chill pub, so we decided to grab two seats at the bar for a seafood feast that was pretty exceptional in both taste and simplicity. I still salivate over the fish and chips, clam chowder and cod cakes we had. I'd recommend the bar section as opposed to the dining room, but it's a matter of preference. Worth adding that service was so incredibly friendly and seamless. You can tell that this place is a riot at night.

Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel, Martha's Vineyard, EdgartownMartha's Vineyard, Edgartown, New England, J Brand Jeans Houlihan, Soludos espadrilles

- Offshore Ale. Great bar with great food in Oak Bluffs. We had the lobster roll (duh). It was excellent and chock full of lobster meat, as well as accompanied by deliciously seasoned crispy homemade chips. Their portions are absolutely insane - saw other dishes go by and they were just as ginormous as our lobster rolls, if not more - so it'll be difficult to stop yourself from eating the entire thing. The place has kind of a barn atmosphere thanks to peanut shells discarded all over the floors from the baskets they hand every table upon arrival, and is super lively at night.

- Alchemy. This is more of a casual fine dining spot. Really delicious food.

- L'Étoile. Fine dining French restaurant. Really delicious but fancy AF, so know what you're getting yourself into! Definitely more of a special occasion kind of place.

Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, New EnglandMartha's Vineyard Wine Festival, Edgartown New EnglandMartha's Vineyard, Edgartown, New England, J Brand Jeans Houlihan, Soludos espadrilles


There were other spots that we were really keen on trying, but unfortunately had yet to open for the season, such as the Outermost and the Seafood Shanty where we couldn't have the lobster rolls, which are both apparently lovely. Have you been to Martha's Vineyard before? Did I miss anything? Do you feel my list? Let me know in the comments!


Gay Head Lighthouse

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Gay Head Lighthouse, Aquinnah Cliffs, Martha's Vineyard, New England coast

If you read my previous post outlining my favorite things I did during my Martha's Vineyard trip, you'll probably remember that I mentioned the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah.

This is what you see when you reach the top of the cliffs, as though a postcard has come to life. It truly is spectacular. Just don't wear a hat cause it's windy AF.

Gay Head Lighthouse, Aquinnah Cliffs, Martha's Vineyard, New England coast, Madewell perfect summer jean, Levi's denim jacket
Levi's men's denim jacket
Madewell jeans
Chloé boots

Double the Jacket, Double the Fun

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Menemsha Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Levi's men's trucker jacket

Doubling down on the denim jackets. I'm guilty of having done this in the past and I'm still up to my old ways. That's kind of what you need to do when you're enjoying the coastal life in early May - things can still get pretty chilly.

Remember when I mentioned Menemsha Beach in my Martha's Vineyard guide? This is it! Not too shabs, right?!

Menemsha Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Levi's men's trucker jacket, Free People bootsMenemsha Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Levi's men's trucker jacket, Free People bootsMenemsha Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Levi's men's trucker jacket, Free People boots
Details:
Levi's men's trucker jacket
White J Brand denim jacket
Trash & Vaudeville pants
Free People boots

Menemsha Beach Sunsets Are Magic

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Menemsha Beach sunset, Aztec round towel, Shop We Are Summer

Still going with the Martha's Vineyard memories. As mentioned in my guide, we tried to catch as many sunsets as we could, that time being one of them and this time being another. I mean, can you really blame us though?

Look at this beauty. Counting down the days until I can go back.

Menemsha Beach sunset, Martha's Vineyard, Frame Denim overallsMenemsha Beach, Aztec round towel, Shop We Are Summer, Kaufmann Mercantile handmade basketMenemsha Beach sunset, Martha's VineyardMenemsha Beach sunset, Aztec round towel, Shop We Are Summer
My outfit:
Frame Denim overalls
Zady shirt


So Much Chill

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J.Crew linen shirt, ASOS crop flare, Sol Sana sandals, Kaufmann Mercantile basket

Ok, friends. This is my last Martha's Vineyard post. After this one, we can finally move on with our lives (sniff!).

Picture this setting: it was a perfect day on the island - as if there were unperfect ones, pff! - the sun was shining bright and warm, the birds were chirping, the humans were smiling and we had not one care in the world.

The only logical next step? Dress like how I was feeling: happy, casual, chill, and chic, duh.

Don't forget to check out my guide if you haven't already!


J.Crew linen shirt, ASOS crop flare, Sol Sana sandals, Kaufmann Mercantile basket, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesJ.Crew linen shirt, ASOS crop flare, Sol Sana sandals, Kaufmann Mercantile basket, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesJ.Crew linen shirt, ASOS crop flare, Sol Sana sandals, Kaufmann Mercantile basket, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglassesJ.Crew linen shirt, ASOS crop flare, Sol Sana sandals, Kaufmann Mercantile basket, Ray-Ban Lennon sunglasses>
Details:
J.Crew linen shirt
Monki jeans
Sol Sana sandals
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Dorfman Pacific hat
Kaufmann Mercantile basket

Get my look:

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

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Zady Japanese gatehred blouse, Ray-Ban lennon round sunglasses, Balenciaga skirt, Chloé boots, Céline edge bag

It's amazing what a quick garment swap can do for your fancy cred. Case in point: I've worn this exact ensemble many a times, but with old 501s instead of this schmancy skirt.

If you're running out the door and don't have much time to think about what you're going to wear, but still need to look presentable, I'd highly recommend using this trick. This way you can use your brain for something else but still look like you put a little effort into your physical display.

The cherry atop this faux fancy sundae? A pretty french braid, obvi.

Zady Japanese gatehred blouse, Ray-Ban lennon round sunglasses, Balenciaga skirt, Chloé boots, Céline edge bagZady Japanese gatehred blouse, Ray-Ban lennon round sunglasses, Balenciaga skirt, Chloé boots, Céline edge bagZady Japanese gatehred blouse, Ray-Ban lennon round sunglasses, Balenciaga skirt, Chloé boots, Céline edge bagZady Japanese gatehred blouse, Ray-Ban lennon round sunglasses, Balenciaga skirt, Chloé boots, Céline edge bagZady Japanese gatehred blouse, Ray-Ban lennon round sunglasses, Balenciaga skirt, Chloé boots, Céline edge bag
Details:
Zady top
Balenciaga skirt
Chloé boots
Céline bag
Ray-Ban sunglasses

Click to shop:


How to Properly Pack a Suitcase

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Tumi Alpha 2, how to pack a suitcase like a pro, Heleneisfor at the London Ritz

I've just returned from a 2 week-long journey in Europe (were you following along?!?), and as someone who travels fairly often, I thought I'd chat about how to properly pack a suitcase.

Full disclaimer: I am by NO MEANS an expert packer. In fact, the mere thought of having to throw things carefully think about what I might feel like wearing at a later date during my travels gives me a legit anxiety attack. So much so that I had to have my buddy Yael send me her super-duper organized packing list (she's an angel from heaven) when I was in full meltdown mode.

Packing is literally the worst part about traveling, amiright?

Surely I am not alone when it comes to this struggle?

The thing is, because I have slight type A tendencies, if I don't have some form of plan, I panic even more. This is how it usually goes down: the prospect of packing sounds all kinds of alarm bells, episodes of dread-fueled procrastination ensue and lead to flustered pacing, after which I finally spring into bag-loading action. And I don't mean piling in random clothing in there - each outfit is planned and all the pieces are chosen carefully to make sure I don't overpack and to minimize all sartorial decisions once I've reached my final destination. This is the only real way to reduce nerve trepidations in both the present and the future, trust.

Even though I'm on the road rather frequently, I've never quite gotten used to this unavoidable task. That said, I've also picked up some quality tips and tricks that I'm here to pass along to you, dear readers, to appease your days of luggage-packing hell, if only a little bit.

______

Tumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcase like a pro


1. Get the Right Bag
Your journey doesn't start when you get on the plane. It begins right in your bedroom the moment you decide what bag you're taking. A good suitcase makes all the difference and I had to learn that the hard way. Not only are they better configured, but they are also solid as hell and won't bust on you at an inopportune moment. Again, learned that the hard way.

When you're traveling, you want reliability in your luggage, not precariousness. Whether you're doing a weekender, a carry-on size or a large mother load, investing in a good bag is the first step towards achieving packing success. Plus, you want to look chic, amiright?!

My bag of choice? The Tumi Alpha 2. I like that it's sleek, flexible, robust and has the most efficient interior configuration.

Tumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcase

2. Check the Weather at Your Destination!
This is soooo crucial. While a lot of times, the weatherman gets it wrong, it still gives you a good idea of the climate you're in for once you get off that plane. You can't start packing until you know what kind of temperatures you're in for. Don't do this blindly, it's called weather.com, use it.

3. Lay It All Out
Think of ensembles beforehand, then lay all of those clothes out and proceed to do an edit - pack only what can be mixed and matched. Same goes with shoes. Don't bring pairs of shoes that are too similar to one another or that serve the same function - you want to maximize everything.

Tumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcase

4. Lay Clothes In FLAT
No folding, no rolling. Just everything laid down flat in layers. This is literally the most space-efficient technique I've come across that actually prevents wrinkling, unlike the urban legend that is the rolling method, pff. Trust me on this one guys, it's going to revolutionize your voyages.

Special tip: for crease-prone garments, like silk or linen pieces, save those plastic wraps that you get with your dry cleaning and layer them over and under those items inside your suitcase. There will be nary a wrinkle in them even after spending all that time in a confined space.

Tumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcaseTumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcaseTumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcase

5. Use Every Inch
Start by putting your socks and underwear at the bottom of your suitcase between the ridges. It's dead space for garments and the small stuff will fit perfectly in there without wasting precious real estate. You can also stuff your socks inside your shoes for a double whammy: this will save space and keep the shape of your footwear intact during travel. Around the sides, add extra toiletries or small items where you find crevasses.

6. Optimize the Top
I hate to brag, but my big suitcase is super space-efficient: it has a flap for the top of the bag to house extra stuff without having it impede on the bulk of the main area. It's ideal for shoes and toiletries. If your bag doesn't have this magical space (#sorrynotsorry), still save the top for those items, as you can tetris your shoes and wedge your toiletries securely in-between them. Just make sure that every product with leaking potential is wrapped in an additional plastic bag, or cushioned securely between other things.
Tumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcase

As a final tip, it's always good to make a checklist with all the gritty details that can slip your mind before a big journey. Jot down the super important things like passport, chargers, sunglasses, etc, as well as the smaller menial yet necessary things, like take out the garbage, check lights, close windows, etc.

Can't beat that feeling of assembled luggage perfection. Which I can always count on with my medium expandable Tumi Alpha 2 suitcase.
Tumi Alpha 2 Medium expandle suitcase - How to pack a suitcase


Feeling real good about my manic packing planning!
Tumi Alpha 2, how to pack a suitcase like a pro, Heleneisfor in Iceland, my stopover

Would love to hear your packing tips if you have any... you can never have too many packing tips. And do let me know if you found this helpful!

One and Done

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heleneisfor in mohonk, jcrew maxi dress, longchamp bucket bag

We're in the middle of a major heat wave and I'm looooooving it. Sure, it can get uncomfortable, but I'll take this over a polar vortex any day. The way I look at it is that during the winter, I often find myself thinking I'd rather be living through a scorcher than be standing on the cold street corner... In the summer, however, I NEVER have the reverse thought. Like, ever. While sweating and feeling uncomfortably warm and wanting to complain about it, I simply remind myself that I'd rather the sweat than the frigidity.

That said, one of my favorite things to wear when the weather is oven-like is a simple summer dress. Maxi, mini, flowy, light... it's the easiest way to look put together, it's one of the lightest things you can put on your body, and it's a no-brainer cause it's basically a one and done. One item of clothing to pick out and you're ready to be out the door.

How do you survive a heat wave?

heleneisfor in mohonk, jcrew maxi dress, longchamp bucket bag heleneisfor in mohonk, jcrew maxi dress, longchamp bucket bag heleneisfor in mohonk, jcrew maxi dress, longchamp bucket bag Mohonk Mountain Househeleneisfor in mohonk, jcrew maxi dress, longchamp bucket bag heleneisfor in mohonk, jcrew maxi dress, longchamp bucket bag heleneisfor in mohonk, jcrew maxi dress, longchamp bucket bag
Details:
J.Crew dress
Sol Sana sandals
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Longchamp bag

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Playing in Paris in Palazzos

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Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1

I certainly hope that you were following my European adventures on Insta a few weeks back. There was a Parisian leg to our jaunt and I know I won't have to do much to convince you that it was quite lovely pretty fucking amazing.

The ideal attire for a summer stay in the city of lights? Two words: light an airy. My love of proportion play has been well-documented on this blog over the years, and the flame is burning as bright as ever. Case in point: these easy, breezy, chic-as-hell tencel palazzos from one of my favorite labels, Cienne.

Sure, these pants were the ideal travel companion, but there are so many reasons for why I currently have them on heavy rotation. The neutral color is basically what my sartorial dreams are made of. Their far-from-the-body disposition is the only thing I can handle in this heat. Slits up the side on the ankle provide a va-va-voom flow no one could resist.

Oh, and the most important part? They're made of tencel, one of the most eco-friendly fabric there is, and they were made right here in New York City's garment district. And that's why Cienne is one of my favorite brands - they do everything oh so right.

Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1Cienne NY palazzo pants, Loeffler Randall Espadrilles, J Brand denim jacket, Jcrew cami 1
Details:
Cienne pants
J.Crew cami
J Brand denim jacket
Loeffler Randall espadrilles
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Bottega Veneta bag

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Jumpsuit Lady in London

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heleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarf

While fall and winter are all about layering, spring and summer necessitate easy one-stop-shop ensembles that are effortless and versatile. That's precisely what I kept in mind on my Euro travels last month. I brought tons of dresses, flowy pieces that could take me from day to night, and my fav: jumpsuits.

You may recognize this white number from my birthday. It's proven to have become quite a staple in my wardrobe due to its multi-purpose quality. This getup worked perfectly on an evening out in London town last month. So much so that rain abstained itself.

I'm sure my jumpsuit convinced it to stay in the clouds.

heleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarfheleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarfheleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarfheleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarfheleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarfheleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarfheleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarfheleneisfor in London, Meg Shop jumpsuit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, BLK DNM leather jacket, Bottega Veneta messenger bag, Cienne NY scarf
Details:
Meg Shop jumpsuit
Maryam Nassir Zadeh shoes
Cienne scarf
BLK DNM leather jacket
Bottega Veneta bag

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Pink Lady Goes to the Paris Opera

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heleneisfor, Meg shop top, Madewell jeans, Sol Sana sandals, Paris Opera Garnier

Something you might not know about me is that I used to live in Paris. It was many years ago and I was only there for 5 months, but it was quite memorable, as you can imagine. I've gone back pretty often to visit since then and it's always partly nostalgic, partly comforting because I know the city so well.

While it's always exciting to discover all the new things going on, I do have my staple stops that I just can't leave without popping in for a brief visit. On that list is the Garnier Opera. It's so insanely beautiful and I never tire of visiting it. Even better if I can actually go watch a ballet, but most of the time I'm just content with a walk-through in the daytime.

These pics were taken - you guess it - at the Opera. Because there is literally no better place in the world to take photos.

heleneisfor, Meg shop top, Madewell jeans, Sol Sana sandals, Paris Opera Garnierheleneisfor, Meg shop top, Madewell jeans, Sol Sana sandals, Paris Opera Garnierheleneisfor, Meg shop top, Madewell jeans, Sol Sana sandals, Paris Opera Garnierheleneisfor, Meg shop top, Madewell jeans, Sol Sana sandals, Paris Opera Garnier
Details:
Meg top
Madewell jeans
Sol Sana sandals
Ray-Ban sunglasses

Click to shop:

Free Flowing

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Cienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, BLK DNM leather jacket, Helene Heath in Paris

Be forewarned before you go any further into this post: it's a lengthy one, please forgive my inability to edit myself. I love these shots so much that I couldn't cut down any more than this. Tee hee.

Now, onward!

There's something about being in Paris that energizes the daylights into you. Not just that, but it also inexplicably alters your mind frame into rethinking what you once considered to be a good outfit. What you'd previously believed to be perfectly acceptable attire on any given day or night out simply won't cut it for gallivanting about the historic streets of the City of Lights.

In that case, what does one wear to not feel sub par in fashion's capital, the place that's renowned for effortless style, nonchalant chic and endless beauty? Gahhhh.

I'll tell you what: there's never been a better excuse to wear pretty flowy dresses. It's not in my habit to be overly feminine, but I never shy away from avoiding an inseam. It's best done in that French girl way: paired with contrasting elements that balance each other out, in this case an insanely pretty and minimalist dress accompanied by a tough girl biker bomber.

This is one of my favorite looks ever, and I happen to have worn it in one of my favorite cities ever, making this blog post one of my favorites ever. What a time to be alive!

PS the dress is Cienne (I've talked about them before) and you can get it here.

Cienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels,  Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, BLK DNM leather jacket, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, BLK DNM leather jacket, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, BLK DNM leather jacket, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, BLK DNM leather jacket, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, BLK DNM leather jacket, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Bottega Veneta bagt, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, Helene Heath in ParisCienne New York Frankie Dress, Marais USA Jardin Heels, BLK DNM leather jacket, Helene Heath in Paris
Details:
Cienne Frankie Dress
Marais USA shoes
BLK DNM leather jacket
Bottega Veneta bag
Ray-Ban sunglasses

Click to shop:

Hélène in the Helen Dress

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Elborne Living Amour Vert Helen dress, Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses, Bushwick, Brooklyn


I've already established that dresses are basically everything you need in life come summertime thanks to the fact that they're the easiest thing to throw on. And despite this simple and effortless quality, it's also the one item that makes you look like a fancy lady. Sounds like a win to me.

I've been really keen on summer knitwear this year and I'm happy to report that I found a knit dress that embodies the ideal summer frock: this dress by Amour Vert from Elborne Living. Airy and light, aka the most painless getup to slip into to grab brunch on the weekend - or throw on a pair of strappy heels (these would be perfect) instead of Chucks and you've got yourself some gussy cocktail attire.

But my favorite part about it is the fact that it's made of 100% organic cotton. That means cotton that was grown without the use of toxic pesticides and chemicals (think of those poor cotton farmers that have to inhale chemicals every day to grow their crops), and that uses far less water than regular cotton. While most people think cotton is a sustainable fibre, it isn't unless it's organic.

I do tend to talk about sustainability in fashion quite a bit - you can read my thoughts about it over on the Style Line - and people always ask me where they can shop brands that do their part both socially and for the environment. I am planning on doing a full feature on all of the great places to find the best of slow fashion, but for now I want to talk about the online shop Elborne because that's where this dress is from.

They have some seriously sweet threads, which makes shopping there a no-brainer, but beyond their merch being cute is the fact that their company ethos is also about making a difference and implementing a new way to engage around all things style-related. My kind of people :)

But another reason this dress was basically made for me? It's called the Helen dress. Mic drop.

Elborne Living Amour Vert Helen dress, Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses, Bushwick, BrooklynElborne Living Amour Vert Helen dress, Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses, Bushwick, BrooklynElborne Living Amour Vert Helen dress, Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses, Bushwick, BrooklynElborne Living Amour Vert Helen dress, Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses, Bushwick, BrooklynElborne Living Amour Vert Helen dress, Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses, Bushwick, BrooklynElborne Living Amour Vert Helen dress, Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses, Bushwick, Brooklyn
Details:
Amour Vert Dress from Elborne
Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses
Converse Chuck Taylors


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