Inspiration: Looks I Love (Pt. 17)

I'm still riding that vintage train from last September. As of late, I've been feeling really inspired by bandanas and barely-there straps. Another thing I find myself lusting over on Instagram, colorfully clear sunnies. Kind of nuts considering I cleaned out a whole box of sunglasses last year and made a few girls very, very happy.

C'est la vie!

As for beauty, a bold red-orange lip, and dewy sun-kissed skin are the only trends I'll see myself wearing through the sweltering heat this year. 

Are there any trends or styles you find yourself leaning towards more and more for this summer?

Natalie Off Duty

Alyssa In the City

Rachel Martino

OJ and CIGS

The Little Black Dress w. Pink Suede Heels

I've been clearing out some digital clutter on my end and organizing my past photos when I realized... I never actually did a style post on this look... AND that my sister still hasn't returned my favorite little black dress.

Well, looks like I'll be paying her a visit real soon. In the meantime, let's chat summer weddings and platforms heels that are meant to be seen.

As much as we try to avoid the cost of attending one (local or abroad) it's the memories that make it so worth it. In fact, I'm currently in the throes of planning one to Norway next month. It's a new-to-me country in every sense of the phrase so I'm staying positive about not knowing the language.

I haven't looked into the weather but have a feeling it's nothing like NYC's hot and humid hell. With that being said, this little black dress might be perfect for the ceremony or any of the pre-wedding festivities. It's also a pretty easy piece to layer with as well.

But for the sake of my Northeastern babes, I'm going to prep as if a muggy day awaits me. In that case, I would wear the bare minimum and 1-2 statement pieces. (Cause this girl CAN sweat). In this case, my go-to conversation starters are my heart-shaped purse and my sky-high platform heels.

Now being as tall as I am, I tend to shy away from heels. But what's the point of collecting drool-worthy pairs that go unworn? So, in the past few years, I made it a point to wear my fanciest heels to anything that requires a RSVP & gift.

Weddings, bridal + baby showers, holiday parties - the list goes on and these heels are coming with.

"But how do you stay in them all day long?"

Um... I don't. I have yet to find an ultra comfortable pair for my flat feet so my purse du jour always stores a pair of foldable flats. But, the day this becomes unnecessary I'll make sure to spread the good news on the shoes all over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter... EVERYTHING.

Dress: Ramy Brook (similar style)  Heels: Banana Republic (similar & under $40)  Necklace: La Soula  Purse: Ora Delphine  Lipgloss: 22 via Kylie Cosmetics

As for the dress, it's from a brand called Ramy Brook. The line is incredibly luxe and lightweight making it the perfect choice for any summer wedding or date. It's on the pricier side, so if you're on a budget or looking to save I highly recommend setting up eBay alerts or ShopStyle notifications on the brand because everything they make is so good! Plus, if you can save a few dollars why not?

The Norway wedding is in about five weeks so if you've been to Olso before please share tips and recommendations on what to do or expect. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram before I take off on my adventure too!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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Back at Governor's Ball | How to Do a Festival the Right Way

It's my absolute favorite time of year... Festival Season. I kicked off the circuit of concerts and late night dance marathons with Subway at New York City's Gov Ball. It was one for the books y'all.

As I posted up behind my laptop and thought back to my very first Governor's Ball (Gov Ball's second year in action) I figured why not share a few things I learned along the way.

1. Public Transportation is Your Friend
I learned this the hard way. Every. Single. Time. Realize that if you do decide to drive there know that you’ll probably be sitting in traffic for a good two hours. Don’t do that; instead embrace the MTA’s offering of a quick bus ride to the island from Harlem. Or if you’re a Queen’s native and wish to avoid the long bus lines, $6.50 bus ride, or subway ride through the city here’s the alternative:

• Getting there: Take the M60 in Queens towards Harlem. Get off at the first stop and walk the RFK Bridge. It’s a 10 – 15 minute walk and then you’re there.
• Getting back: Walk the RFK Bridge back towards Harlem and take the M60 back. It’s the first block off the bridge. You’ll be back in Queens in no time.

2. Mind over Matter (on the RFK Bridge)
This is for my Queens kids! You know who you are. This bridge is 30-minute walk and incredibly hard when the sun is beaming on you and even harder when you're crossing it after spending all day at Gov Ball. Just know that you CAN do this. Plus, this a great time to grab a snack before heading into the festival. Psst… There’s a Subway at the start of the RFK bridge.

3. Comfortable Shoes
By now, it should be drilled into your head that there’s going to be a lot of walking. Wear shoes that give you the comfort and support you’ll need from AM to PM. Because honey, you don’t want to be that person who walks home barefoot. These sneakers are my go-to’s time after time.

4. It Will Rain
They don’t call it Mud Ball for nothing. Always pack a disposable poncho. And maybe bring out the tough all-weather boots for those rainy days. I lucked out with two gorgeous days but by Sunday, Mother Nature’s raindrops made a guest appearance.  

5. Don't Forget to Check Out the Pop Ups!
Subway had an amazing pop-up at Governor’s Ball. Once inside I was greeted with a blast of refreshing cold air, a delicious (and free) sandwich of my choice + beverage, and free wifi (so vital when on Randall’s). I must have gone to hang out at Subway's Green Room five times per day since they made the space so inviting: cute outdoor seating area, hammocks, and a constant ongoing game of huge Jenga.

Oh, they also saved my butt with their charging stations. I know they’re headed to Bonnaroo this weekend so if you’re there make sure to stop by and subYAY with them.

6. Stay Hydrated
You’ll be in the sun all day so make sure you stay hydrated. Trust me when I say it’s hella easy to forget to sip on H2O when you’re having fun, but if you want to avoid that dehydration hangover it's best to bring an empty water bottle. There are free water stations everywhere (and usually most music festivals) so you'll be able to quench your thrist easily.

8. Have Fun
Be nice to one another, look after one another, smile a little, dance with strangers. Remember, you’re there for one reason – to have fun!

P.s. Click here to read my survival tips for FireFly Music Festival.

Photos by Erin Andres.

Huge thanks to Subway for inviting me to their Green Room at Governor's Ball. Today's post was in collaboration with them. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!