The Anatomy of a Spring Break Bag

        Like any young girl should, I take spring break and the packing that coincides with it very seriously. One must always be prepared for the excursions that may cross her path while partaking in any spring break-ish activities. Unfortunately for myself this is more of an ode to spring break packing, as my spring break will consist of college tours. I truly hope this guide from a packing enthusiast herself helps those of you gracing beaches this spring break.

       The sole spring break daytime activity in my eyes is lounging on a beach or by the pool. Don't get me wrong, you most likely flew at least two hours to get to your destination so partaking in an activity or two that is not offered locally would make an abundance of sense. That being said, just relax! It isn't called a vacation for nothing. Last month when I was in Miami, I lived in a bikini or denim cutoffs. My obsession and what I never leave for the beach without is this Island Company sunscreen. The spf 6 gets me super tan without leaving much of a burn, but ladies, know your skin. I am very Irish so I can not go without spf if I am in the sun for too long but my mother does have European skin so if I am careful I can get a nice tan. I love a white oxford as a pool cover up, they are simple and easy to throw on and off. My new obsession for summer are these beach like crochet pants. They are perfect as a cover up or even just bopping around.

            When it comes to night I dont get to crazy, a few cute sun dresses or rompers for dinner are all I need. To go with, all that is necessary is a great sandal and a little clutch. As for hair and makeup, I go pretty simple. I stick to my natural crazy curly hair and just throw on bronzer, mascara and possibly eyeshadow. The Bobbi Brown pot rouges are perfect because they can be used to give a little color to lips and cheeks in about 5 seconds with the mere use of a ring or pointer finger. I hope my outlook is helpful to you and remember not to have to much fun this spring break.

The Daily Arm Candy

        I hate to be cliche, but I am a very busy sixteen year old girl. Between drivers ed, mid-terms, failed attempts to blog, and trying to be a teenager, I have little room for other pastimes. I never understand girls my age who look perfect everyday. Honestly how do these girls have time for looking so put together. I for one do not have the luxury of perfecting my appearance. This sounds very contradictory, does it not? Don't you guys  come to blogs to learn how to look put together? One thing I promise you is that I will always be real, and I am being real when I say half the time durring the week at five am I throw on the first thing I see. In this particular photo I am wearing comfy clothes: circle scarf, soft tee, black skinnys and tall boots (notice how comfy clothes are not sweats and a hoodie). Now clothes are the easy part of getting ready. There are really two parts to this equation on a monday through friday basis, a shirt and a good old pair of pants. But that's just so plain, how do you really trick people in to thinking you put little effort into your outfit? The answer to that would be jewelry. Now this doesn't mean you pick out new pieces every day, I have my daily bracelets narrowed down to a select six or seven that I can easily choose from. The photos below show my favorite combo.

Leather wrap: Boutique in England, Buddha: Cusp 

Skull Wrap: Unknown jewelry designer in New York, H Cuff: Hermes 

    Its all about finding pieces that you are comfortable in, pieces that match everything and unique pieces that can truly add to your outfit! 

Miami Mama

My best friend since age five, Chloe and I.

        I have to say when I found out I was going to Miami for New Years, I was ecstatic. Remember, I'm sixteen so the typical New Years Eve for me would be a party in someones unfinished basement or garage. More fun than it sounds but nothing compared to Miami. My sister and I stayed with our best friends at their house on the beautiful Fisher Island. For those of you that don't know the Miami area that well, Fisher Island is a tiny island just a five minute boat ride from south beach. The island is so luxurious and I felt like I was in absolute heaven. Secret: Yes, I did lie next to Karolina Kurkova at the pool. 

My sister and I at the Standard Hotel. 

Myself, rocking a mermaid pose on the rocks. 

My best friend and I and our adorable little sisters, My top is American Apparel and skirt is from Lf. Crop tops anyone? 

 New Years day on South Beach! 

   

MFA: Mario Testino

Post cards from the exhibit.

      Recently, my mom and I went to an incredible Mario Testino photography exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. For those of you who aren't familiar with Mario Testino, He is an English photographer who is most famous for his fashion and editorial photography and portraits of celebrities/models. The exhibit is called In your Face and it certainly holds true to its title. The exhibit featured many beautiful, risqué, and somewhat offensive (in a good way) pieces. Of course Testino included the three G's, Gwyneth, Gucci, and Gisele. The exhibit also featured the most godlike woman on earth, yes I am referring to Kate Moss. I really recommend this exhibit, it was totally amazing.

One of my favorite Testino photos, unfortunately not in the exhibit.  

Accessorizing Fall and Winter

Turban: Anna Kula, Scarf: Juicy Couture (Faux Fur), Backpack: Chanel, Sunglasses: BCBGeneration, Beanies: River Island, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Backpack: H&M, Scarf: Barneys 

         Like many of you, I find accessorizing in the fall and winter seasons much easier than in the summertime. Especially in the warmer areas of the world, the last thing you want to do in the summer is add more layers to your body. Whether I am adding pieces to my outfit for warmth or merely aesthetic, accessorizing becomes somewhat of a second nature to me in the winter. My biggest pet peeve of the high school girls I am blessed to be surrounded by everyday (sense the sarcasm?) is the fact that a lot of them tend to over accessorize. This is why I have become somewhat of a phobic of the jewelry table at stores like Forever 21, Francesca's and H&M. Don't take this as me bashing these stores and other bargain retailers, but I feel like since the jewelry is at affordable friendly prices, people think they should buy everything (and wear it all at once!) It is highly unlikely that you will see me wearing any jewelry besides my few everyday bracelets. It is important to learn how to accessorize with out over doing it.  That being said these are some of my favorite accessories for fall.

Anything Oxblood/Wine/Burgundy: I adore anything this color! This color is so rich that it adds a necessary sense of depth to my usual all black uniform in the winter. Even though this color is so dark,  in a room full of people it really pops! This color also looks marvelous on a chunky knit. 

Fur: I am obsessed with this glam feeling I get whenever I incorporate fur into my outfits. I tend to keep my fur faux, but do whatever floats your boat this upcoming winter. I love fur scarves or accessories because for a lot of people (including my sixteen year old self) a floor length fur coat is a bit aggressive. Adding fur infinity scarves, hand warmers, or turban gives my outfits the perfect amount of glam. I also love my faux fur vest.  

Beanies: This is a big one this season! When I imagine my upcoming outfits this month, in 80% of them I am wearing a beanie. My mens Versace for H&M hat is one of my most coveted bargain scores. Although it is mens, it is my favorite beanie that I own. These neon River Island beanies are so fun! I am also on the hunt for hunter green and burgundy beanies. I would pair a burgundy or black beanie with this camo khaki Topshop jacket I have been lusting over. And when I am not wearing a beanie, I will most likely be wearing a super chic convertible turban.