MIA

I am so so sorry that I haven't been posting the last couple of days...

I'm on summer vacation, so you can expect a post from me in a couple of days :) I just had to take a little break from the internet.

xoxo,
Liz

Back To School: Backpacks

I know, I know what you're thinking... "Back to school??? Already?!?!", but the truth is that school starts in about a month for me and since I'm a big believer in planning way ahead I'd say that this year I'm actually behind in my back to school prep.

I was never really a fan of backpacks, and I wouldn't really say that I still am. But for those of you who are I put together a collage with some of the cutest ones that I've come across so far. I can totally see why someone would like backpacks - they're functional, some of them are cute, and there's one for every type of human being.

Aside from the basic Jansport backpack that every single human being on Earth seems to own (I swear I've never had one) I found some cute backpacks that are sure to get you through the school year and beyond! Actually, now that I made this collage, I'm kind of looking into getting a nice backpack - they're so cute and they make carrying heavy weight around so much easier!

:: Madwell :: Lacoste :: VS Pink :: Tory Burch ::

Originally, I only included three backpacks - the Madewell one, the one from Lacoste, and the one from Tory Burch. After looking at the prices of each of the backpacks I decided that most of you probably wouldn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a backpack (and neither would I, to be honest) so I checked Victoria's Secret to see if they had any more affordable options. And look what I came across! 

As you could have probably guessed by looking at the backpacks that I chose, I prefer solid color over print when it comes to handbags(and apparently, backpacks), wallets, etc. I find that solid colors are much more functional, therefore you will get more use out of them as opposed to prints. Of course, the most versatile out of the bunch is the Madewell backpack - it's huge, brown, leather, and very very very good quality.

But, as always, whatever floats your boat!

Which one of these do you prefer? Are you excited for back to school? Let me know in the comments below along with any other suggestions that you may have!

xoxo,
Liz

Pick One: Tory Burch Shoes

I feel like it's been a while since I've done a "Pick One" post and I think it's about time that I got another one of these up! Without doubt, these are my favorite posts to make because it's like shopping...except it's not. Well, okay, sometimes it is shopping ;) 

:: Layne :: Larissa :: Careen :: Carina :: Metallic Careen ::

Tory Burch has been one of my favorite designers for a couple of years. In fact, if I could only purchase items from one designer brand, it would be Tory Burch (yes, I'd give up Lilly for Tory). I think her items are classy, timeless, trendy, and everything that I love and look for in fashion. 

If you know me, you know that designer/good quality/expensive shoes and handbags are my JAM. I have pretty problematic feet, and I believe that the better quality/the more expensive your shoes are, the better off your feet will be. Of course, there's nothing wrong with choosing to wear shoes from Forever 21 or some other place if you want to, but this is just my personal opinion.

I am preeeeeeetty 99.99999999999% sure I will be getting the Layne pumps (...the most expensive ones #sorryimnotsorry) as a beginning-of-school-year present for myself, but you never know how things might turn out.

Which ones would you get if you could only get one pair? Let me know in the comments below along with any other suggestions!

xoxo,
Liz

Things To Do Before You Eat Breakfast

Now that it's summer and I have as much time as I want on my hands I've really been taking my time while doing anything. Instead of taking 20 minutes to get ready like it usually does, it takes me about an  hour or two. I workout longer. I read every morning and every night. And instead of spending 2-3 hours a day on tumblr...I spend 24. 

But there's a silver lining to everything and I found my silver lining of laziness. After spending hours and hours waking up each morning I've come to realize that the better you wake up, the better your day will be. If you start the day off stressed or in a hurry, that is how your day is going to be. So be sure to relax and take some time to wake up!

1. Go back to sleep. One of the main reasons I look forward to summer is because I get to sleep in. Coming from a girl that has to wake up before 5 AM every weekday during the school year, you can believe me that I live for sleep. Seriously, I love sleeping. Dreams are so interesting to me and I just love it when I wake up and realize that it's summer and that I can go back to sleep. Just make sure that you don't sleep in too late, though, since that isn't good for your sleeping schedule! I like to wake up no later than 10:30 (party because I go horseback riding at 12).

2. Read a chapter from a book. Reading really helps me relax and calm down, so I always turn to a book when I'm sad or stressed. I don't usually wake up sad or stressed (especially in the summer), but something about reading in the mornings just puts me into a good mood. Plus, I like to discuss what I read with my mom over breakfast.

3. Make a to-do list for the day. I like to start every single day off by making a nice cup of coffee and sitting down with my planner to plan out what I want to accomplish during the day. I find that my thoughts are more fresh in the morning, so I know what I need to do.

4. Make your bed. Honestly, if I don't make my bed before I eat breakfast I will never make it. So I find that it's better to just get it over with and make your bed as soon as you get out of it. Your room will instantly look more put-together and organized!

5. Do yoga. Now, this isn't for everyone - I personally, don't like yoga that much. I just find it boring... But I know plenty of people who love doing yoga and are very flexible (I am probably the least flexible person you will ever meet), so if you like yoga I think it's a good thing to do before you eat in the morning!

What are some things you do before breakfast? Let me know in the comments below along with any other questions or suggestions!

xoxo,
Liz

Current Obsession: Designer Handbags

I've always had a weakness for expensive handbags. In fact, they are perhaps the only thing I'm actually willing to splurge on. Well, except designer shoes.

Recently, I've been walking around Madrid and I keep coming across designer boutiques and I just can't help but stare at the gorgeous handbags. Ever since I started seeing people with the Céline Luggage Tote I instantly became obsessed with it. It comes in this amazing caramel color for this fall. Um, can you say need?!

Now, the Lady Dior handbag is a completely different story. I remember looking at pictures of Princess Diana a couple of years ago and just falling in love with it. It's such a classic, timeless piece that I feel can be worn anywhere and with anything!

Now, the only downside to these babies is, you guessed it, the price tag. The Céline costs around $2,500 and the Dior is around $3,500. I feel like I like the Dior a bit more but the extra $1000 just makes my heart (and my wallet) weep. 

Oh well.

A girl can dream, right?

What is something that you're saving up for? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,
Liz

Travel In Style: Summer Airport Fashion

I love everything about traveling. Seeing new places and learning new things just makes me feel so blessed and alive. But more than that, I love getting to those places. Seriously, plane rides are one of my favorite things in the world. Sure, airport security and check can get frustrating but there's something that I just love about shopping in Duty Free and settling down in the plane seat and getting all of your things organized the way you like them. Plus, who doesn't like curling up to read a good book or watch a good movie? It's like you're at home in your armchair with your favorite blanket and a cup of coffee, except you don't have to make the coffee or get up to get any food - there are people to do that for you!

Anyways, before I get any more off topic, I put together an outfit that I like to wear on the plane/while traveling during hotter months. It tends to get a little chilly on the plane but hot in the airport, so you can just tie the cardigan around your waist or stuff it in your carry-on while you're checking in, and then throw it on while on the plane. Sperrys are extremely comfortable, they feel like you're wearing slippers (except they look nicer), so I usually wear them while traveling in the summertime. And, I mean, polo and chinos is kind of the Liz uniform... ;)

:: sperrys :: shorts :: cardigan :: polo ::

What do you like to wear on the plane? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,
Liz

Current Obsession: Lemon, Honey, and Mint "Tea"

Today I was in a total pickle on what to post, so I just decided to talk about the best thing that has ever happened to me, something that will make you feel cozy, and warm, and loved, and just plain amazing. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration, but what I am about to tell you will change your life day. In the best way possible.

I've heard people talk about this before but I never really tried it. I don't usually enjoy drinking tea, but I love coffee. And everyone knows that too much coffee is not good, so I had to replace my craving with something. And now I am truly addicted. 

All this is is hot water, some mint leaves, a lemon slice, and 2 teaspoons of honey. I drink this multiple times a day because it's just SO GOOD. 

Anyways, you can thank me for getting you addicted to this later ;)

xoxo,

Liz

What's In My Bag: Summer Edition

I just recently arrived in Madrid and even though I've been here plenty of times before (enough to see everything you have to see) I still like to walk around and re-visit some of my favorite places. So I decided to make a post all about what I like to bring along with me while I'm walking around the city or going shopping.

Card holder w/debit card. When I'm in foreign countries I am definitely going to shop, since everything in Russia is so expensive. And since I don't like carrying a bunch of cash around, I find it much easier to use a debit card. This cute little Coach card holder will keep all of your cards in place where you can easily find them :)

Blotting sheets. With the summer sun not giving any mercy I find myself getting oiler than usual during the day. Blotting sheets are a must for me, I won't leave the house without them. Besides, who likes their face to look shiny and oily?

Chanel Healthy Glow Sheer Powder. I've mentioned this powder a billion times before, but only because I love it! I take it everywhere with me, just in case I need to reapply. It comes with a really nice brush inside, so you don't need to carry anything else with you.

Hair ties. Again, the heat. It's all I've been talking about lately because, really, it's all that's been on my mind. I've had my hair up in a bun or a ponytail for at least two weeks straight already - not so good for your hair, but oh so good for the dying-from-heat Liz. And because I seem to lose hair ties all the time, I make sure to carry at least one or two around.

iPhone. Don't really need to say anything about this one. iPhone says it all :P

Burt's Bees lip balm. Of course, you can't leave the house without lip balm. Especially during the summer, our lips get chapped very easily, so I always make sure to carry some sort of lip balm. Sometimes it's Vaseline, sometimes pot form lip balm, and sometimes just moisturizing lipstick. Whatever rocks your boat ;)

Camera. Even though iPhone picture quality is pretty good, it never hurts to bring along a camera that could take even nicer quality pictures and videos. And with my baby sister growing up I feel like I need to capture every moment of our time spent together.

What do you like to carry in your summer bag? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,
Liz

A Midsummer Night's Dream

It's been unbearably hot these past few weeks - I've been scared to leave the house for the past couple of days, it's so hot! But you can't stay cooped up forever, and eventually I'm going to have to go out whether it's for lunch with the family or to run some errands. And I do not want to melt when I go out. 

So, I put together a cute outfit that you can wear any day, anywhere. If it gets a little cooler in the afternoon you can throw on a cardigan or wear some heels out to dinner. These type of outfits are my favorite, they require hardly any effort but you still look put together. And who doesn't love hair bows and sundresses?

:: hair bow :: sandals :: dress ::

What are some of your favorite things to wear when it's smoldering hot out? Let me know in the comments below along with any other requests for upcoming posts!

xoxo,
Liz