The Essentials: May 2015

Welcome back to my new blog!! I really hope you all love the new design and how seamless it looks on mobile. There was a lot time and energy put into this baby, and because of how big of a job this was - there are still a few kinks getting figured out, so bear with me as I learn the new blog platform.

Now on to our normal programming :). 

The Brooklyn Half is only a few weeks away (can you believe it!!) so this month is all about easy-breezy comfortable pieces and anything that can make all this training just a tad bit easier. When not in sneakers I definitely let my feet breathe in these white birks - the arch support is simply amazing.

Not only that, I've been waking up at the crack of dawn to get my runs on - this Philips Wake Up Light was an investment but well worth the extra hours I now get out of everyday (minus Sundays). And if you're curious what's with the tupperware - well I've been packing snacks on snacks on snacks from home and saving on lunch takeout.
 

Shop my wants below:
1. French Glass Candle via OneKingsLane.com, 2. It's Not Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be - Paul Arden, 3. Sakroots Yoga Bag, 4. Come Clean Soap 90s Pop, 5. Estée Lauder Little Black Primer, 6. Free Samples + Freebies via PINCHme, 7. Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel, 8. Aerosoles Ballet Flats, 9. NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Villa Lante, 10. Color Club in Cadillac Red, 11. Saucony Guide 8, 12. Philips Wake Up Light, 13. Madewell Shortalls, 14. Arizona Birkenstocks, 15. DailyBurn Fuel 6, 16. Madewell Circuit Dress, 17. Glass Snapware

How are you liking the blog? Any favorites you're loving?

The Essentials: March 2015

Treating my soul and body to luxurious bathroom staples.

Let's not forget the wish-listed classic such as the button down silk shirt (found it for half-price on eBay!!) and trench coat (except I'm eyeing this one for its paunchy color). Curly-headed friends take note of Diva Dryer towel, it is phenom and has cut my drying time in half - seriously a game-changer. 

All-in-all I've seen myself spending less on clothing but more on cleanses (great deals through groupon) and investing in soothing body butters from Karelen. Not a bad trade if you ask me.

Shop my wants below:

1. Life is Good Mug, 2. Mimi's Diva Dryer Towel, 3. Equipment Slim Signature Blouse (or via eBay), 4. NARS 413 BLKR Illuminator, 5. Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream, 6. Heartbeet Juicery Cleanse (via Gilt here), 7. Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File, 8. J. Crew Swing Trench Coat, 9.Map My Run App, 10. Nike Women's Air Max Thea, 11. Karelen Hand & Body Creme

What are your essentials for the long month and spring season?

The Stylist Kit for Everyday + Beyond

Remember this post and how I vowed to be more conscious on what I was bringing home? So far, so good. I haven't fallen astray to tempting sales (and they are tempting). Instead I've been purging my closet of the old and forgotten pieces. Lots of things have been donated and a few have been sold on Poshmark. For the special pieces that survived the purge, I intend on making them last with my tailor and look their best with my stylist kit. 

"What exactly is a stylist kit," glad you asked.

Image via J. Crew

A stylist kit can be thought of as your fashion emergency kit. Got white fuzzies all over your black sweater, reach for that kit. Unintentional deodorant skid marks on a tee, reach for that kit. Popped a button, reach for that kit. See where I'm going with this. Why waste the outfit when your kit is there to save the day. 

For those of you in the market for a pre-made kit, I suggest going with Fashion First Aid kit curated by Lauren Messiah (co-founder of School of Style). This kit has basically everything for your next gig or fashion mishap. For those of you knee-deep in wedding season, consider this your best friend for rehearsal dinners and the big day. This kit prevented hot mess syndrome during sweaty Miami fashion, so its pretty solid to say the least.

The kit comes complete with: folding scissors, lint roller, sewing kit, tagging gun, tape measure, safety pins, double sided tape, skid out deodorant packets, drool remover sponges, bra strap holder, heel fixers, shoe grips, nipple covers, garment guards, purse shine, sole glow. See complete details here.

Image via Brit + Co

For those of you wanting to DIY your own kit, consider these essential basics to be stored in an all-clear bag (easier to find what you need): 

- mini deodorant + deodorant remover or a small sponge: smell good and avoid the white stains.

- Band-Aids: great for blisters and unexpected cuts. I carry a few in my beauty bag too!

- safety pins, binder clips/clothespin, double-sided tape: these are great for hemming or holding any piece on the go.

- nipple covers: turn off the low-beams when they're not invited.

- nude underwear: sometimes our clothing may be a little more sheer than expected. Avoid any embarrassing moments with nude or black undies. 

- tide to-go: because life happens and stains come along with it.

- lint roller: helps keep the fuzzies at bay.

- foot petals, heel liners + shoe pads: to prevent feet fatigue on those long days.

- static guard, small sewing kit, and scissors: necessities for any kit.

I know it sounds like a lot but you'll be happy to have them when the bad ju-ju strikes, especially that tide to-go pen. Is there anything I missed that should be added?

P.s. You don't need to be a stylist to have a stylist kit, in fact think of it as your fashion emergency kit!