Fourth Of July Presidential Style

Happy fourth of July everyone! I hope wherever you are you had a chance to eat some bbq, relax, and bask in the sunshine. I definitely need to hit the gym tomorrow! I thought it would be fun to showcase some of my favorite outfits worn by the families of our nation's presidents today.


Jacqueline Kennedy was the most stylish first lady, and her favorite designer was Oleg Cassini. Here is Jackie wearing Oleg Cassini to the inagural ball.

Laura Bush was married to arguably our most polarizing president, but I always had a fondness for her. Maybe it is because she attended both of my alma maters - The University of Texas and Southern Methodist University. Laura is a huge fan of Oscar de la Renta, and apparently so if Jenna. He designed Jenna's wedding dress. 

Here is Laura wearing one of my favorite de la  Renta creations. I love the sparkle, and I think it's so age appropriate. 

Here is Jenna in her de la Renta wedding gown.

Betty Ford might be best known for the clinic named after her, but she was actually a pretty stylish lady. Her clothes are very current now that Mad Men has made the retro look cool again. I love this cheery yellow suit she wore to meet Queen Elizabeth.

This post wouldn't be complete with a favorite outfit from Michelle Obama. I love that Michelle wore an ensemble from J. Crew (b/c I'm totally obsessed with that store). Of course, the cardigan sold out within hours of the release of this picture.

Lighten Up! Packing Tips

It's summer and that means lots of traveling. Living in NYC has taught my the need to travel light. I usually catch a bus/train/plane after leaving to office, so I need something lightweight to schlep all my stuff to work and then on to my destination. I consider myself an expert at traveling light - I spent 10 days in Japan with a carry on suitcase!


Tips!

Never bring anything on your way to the airport that you can easily buy at the airport - Magazines cost the same whether you buy them at Barnes & Noble or whether you buy them at the terminal. I always buy them right before hopping on the plane. I also trash them as soon as I'm done. There's no point bringing it to the hotel if you're done with it. I also don't buy more than I can read on the plane. If I need something to read by the pool, I'll grab another magazine when I get to my destination. I'm anti-electronic reader, so books are the only thing I pack before heading to the airport. They are so much cheaper on Amazon, or at The Strand (my absolute favorite NYC bookstore). This rule also applies to water (you can't take it through security anyway), snacks, etc.

Roll it - Rolling your clothes tightly not only keeps them wrinkle free, but makes it a lot easier to pack an enormous amount into a small bag. My friend Sarah bought me a set of packing cubes from Ebags and they are awesome. I roll my clothes and pack them into the cubes, then I can easily access a cube of t-shirts, or sundresses. I also reserve one cube for dirty clothes that need to be washed when I get home.

Plan your outfits - I know this is hard, but if you want to save the weight of lugging ALL of your shoes, bring a couple that will go with any outfit. I usually bring ballet flats, sandals, and a peep-toe (either nude or black). You rarely need anything else. If it's winter and I know I'll need a pair of boots, I usually wear those on the plane so they're not taking up room. I also always carry on my coat, even if I'm going from somewhere warm (Texas) to somewhere cold (NYC).

The hidden second bag - This is one of my favorite tricks. People bring larger suitcases so there's room for souvenirs and shopping, but there's no need to do that. I love my Longchamp tote because it folds up nicely, and when I am ready to travel home, I can unfold it and fit a ton of crap in there. I usually count that as my "purse" and then also have my carry on so I prevent the need to check a bag.

Narciso Rodriguez For Kohl's

Announcing yet another designer collaboration - Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's! The line hits stores in November and pieces range from $30 - $150. The collection will be inspired by Istanbul where Rodriguez  traveled to for inspiration.

If you're not familiar with Narciso Rodriguez, he appeared on everyone's radar after he designed Carolyn Bessette's wedding dress when she married John Kennedy, Jr. Michelle Obama also wore a dress from his 2009 resort collection to celebrate President Obama's election as the first African American president of the United States.


Preview of Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's:

Carolyn Bessette's Narciso Rodriguez designed wedding gown:

Michelle Obama in Narcisco Rodriguez's Resort 2009 collection:

Trina Turk For Banana Republic

It seems like every store is collaborating with designers these days. The latest is Trina Turk for Banana Republic. The line officially launches in stores and online June 7th, but if you can't wait that long, you can shop it on Gilt.com May 30th. 

Trina Turk's clothes are full of fun palm springs inspired prints with a retro feel. The 60 piece collection includes swimwear and jewelry, and prices will range from $34.50 to $150. Fans of Trina Turk include Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry. 

Here is a preview:

Living In A Neon World

We've been seeing neon all spring, and now that the summer music festival season is starting, I think neon is really going to take off. Check out some of my favorite neon pieces...


As you all know, I love J. Crew. I passed on these neon pink chino shorts the first time I saw them, but I've since seen them all over the city, and now I have to have them. By the way, the picture does not do those justice. They are very bright (in a good way) in person.

J. Crew 3" Chino Short - neon pink - $45

I love ballet flats. They're super comfortable, and I can walk for miles in the city while wearing them. Ballet flats can get a little bit boring sometimes, but there's nothing boring about these neon flats, and I don't know how you can pass them up at this price.

Lulu's Soda Afar Yellow Neon Patent Ballet Flats - $15

How cute are these sunglasses from Urban Outfitters? I definitely need a pair of these the Governor's Ball festival I'm going to next month.

UO Sweetheart Sunglasses - $14

Nicole Richie For Macy's

This September, look out for Nicole Richie's collection at Macy's. The collection is titled Nicole Richie for Impulse and will feature boho-chic from one of my favorite celebrity designers. The line will feature 24 to 30 pieces.

Can't wait to channel Nicole's style? Check out her House of Harlow collection. I love these sunburst earrings, and they're only $30. Even better is that you can get them from Nordstrom where shipping is always free.

House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Earrings - $30

Let's Get Nautical

I'm super excited about this nautical themed party I'm going to in June. I love theme parties (reminds me of my sorority girl days) and I love nautical attire. I scoured the web for some of my favorite nautical pieces. Check them out!


J. Crew Factory Seersucker Mini - $59.50

J. Crew Zip-Front T Shirt Dress - $69.50 (originally $88)

J. Crew Evie Stripe Peep Toe Pumps - $179.99 (originally $258)

Sperry Top-Sider Angelfish - $85

Forever 21 Nautical Peekaboo Top - $15.90

Urban Outfitters Anchor Pendant Necklace - $18