What's In My Beach Bag?

I know, I know, I need to stop raving about summer. But I can't! Summer is one of my favorite seasons of the year (partly because I shop more than during any other season :p)! And I am so excited to share what's in my beach bag with you guys in this post! Anyways, without further ado, here it is!

1. My Beach Towel Not really sure where these are from... Pretty sure it's from Target from a long time ago, but I'm not sure... Yeah, nothing special.

2. Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil SPF 8 LOVE THIS. I will not go out of the house to tan without this. No. Way. First of all, it smells amazing -- like coconuts and tropical goodness, and it makes you all nice and bronzy-shiny, and it makes you tan faster! What not to love?

3. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Targeted Sun Defense Stick SPF 50 Just picked this up in Duty Free on the way to Spain because I didn't have any face sunscreen... So far, I like it a lot -- it's not greasy or oily and it works! I'd definitely recommend it!

4. Victoria's Secret "Blossoming Romance" Fragrance Mist I carry this in my bag just because it feels really nice to spritz it on when I'm all hot and sweaty (I know, ew, it was 40 degrees Celsius in Madrid today!) by the pool. The smell is nice, I like it. The only thing is, is that this only lasts on me for about 20-30 minutes.

5. Avène Thermal Spring Water This is such a lifesaver on those blazing hot days when you feel like dying or when your makeup looks too cakey! When spritzing it on after you do your makeup it leaves you with a flawless natural glow that I love, and when you spritz it on outside it feels like a cold shower! Plus, it manages to stay magically cool in the bottle even if it's really hot out!

6. Set Of Keys These are just the keys from our apartment in Madrid -- nothing special, not a necessity, I just had to take them with me to the pool.

7. YSL Rouge Volupté Perle in the shade 114 I've talked about this in my What's In My Travel Makeup Bag? post. Nothing much I can add! I carry it around with me because it's sheer enough that you can apply it without looking in a mirror but it goes you the perfect hint of color!

8. ChapStick Lip Shield 365 lip balm with SPF 50 Nothing special, just a lip balm with high SPF. SPF is very important not only on your body and face, but on your lips too! Believe me, you do not want to get your lips sun burned! It hurts so bad and it looks bad too.

9. Head Pillow This is the randomest thing. It's actually my Grandma's, not mine, but it's so worn out and cozy-looking (and PINK), I love it! I use it to rest my head on when I'm laying out, because there aren't any places to sit by the pool when I get there, so I have to lay on the ground :p (on my towel, of course)

10. New Wayfarer RayBans The exact model number is RB2132, if you were wondering. These are just the sunglasses that I wore today, so that's why they're in my bag. I absolutely love these -- they are so lightweight you can't even feel them!

11. Hair Clip This one is neon yellow and I got it at H&M about 2-3 weeks ago, so they probably still have it there. I really like it, I just use it to pin my hair back when I'm lying down so it won't bother me.

12. EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruit Just another lip balm I carry around with me... Nothing much. I love it though, it works really good for me, and I know a lot of people love it too!

13. Hair Ties Sometimes I don't feel like clipping my hair back with the clip, so I just make a pony or a bun instead. And plus, someone always needs hair ties, so you can never have enough!

14. A Bottle Of Water Gotta stay hydrated with that sun shining all over you! When it's hotter you tend to get dehydrated faster, so it's very important to drink lots of water!

15. Lucky July 2012 Magazine This is hands-down my favorite magazine. I even like it more than Seventeen, no joke. It just totally absorbs me every time I read it and the way it's all put together and collaged is so totally me! Plus, Leighton Meester is on the cover of this one!

16. Kindle Touch I've always got to have reading material everywhere I go, because if I don't, I guarantee you, there will be that horrible moment of boredom where there's nothing to do and you don't even have a book.

17. Nature Valley Granola Bar This is my recent addiction. It's the peanut butter one -- it tastes so good! This one is almost melted, so I think I'm going to eat it right now :p

18. Cable Knit Cover Up This one is from H&M and it's NEON PINK. Oh my gosh, can it get any better? Yes, it can. It's high-low. This is definitely my favorite cover-up out of all, I just got it about a week ago and I've been obsessing over it like crazy ever since! Because it's knit it keeps you warm from the wind but is also cool enough not to make you hot from the sun.

19. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote in Large I just got this a couple of days ago and I LOVE IT. I've been carrying it with me everywhere and I can't wait to use it for school! It's the perfect size and color, and it's a classic -- you just can't go wrong with this one!

Hope you guys enjoyed!

xoxo,
Liz

June 2012 Favorites

June is practically over. Can you believe it? I can. I think it's safe to say that June was the longest month for me this year (at least so far). It just seemed to go on forever. I'm so very happy but so sad at the same time that June is almost over! Anyways, I'll stop blabbering and get on to the actual June 2012 favorites.

Favorite Makeup Item: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact Foundation. I wear this everyday now! It gives you absolutely flawless skin but you can't tell that you're wearing any face makeup at all -- very natural and fresh and just perfect for the summer time.

Favorite Fashion Item: Zara clutch/shoulder bag. I mentioned this purse in my outfit of the day a couple of days ago. I'm sorry I don't know the name for this (couldn't find it online), but I'm pretty sure they still have it in stores since I only got it a couple of weeks ago. But let me tell you, I've been carrying it around ever since I got it! It's the perfect summer bag for me (I don't need to haul around textbooks in the summer time) and the nude-blush color is to die for!

Favorite Nail Polish: OPI Alpine Snow. This nail polish against tan skin is beast. It looks just like them tumblr girls' nails and it makes you look much more tan than you really are!

Favorite Food: Muesli. Any kind of muesli I've been obsessed with! I eat it literally every single day for breakfast with some fruit salad or just greek yogurt. It is soooooo good, not to mention very healthy for you! Now go get you some muesli ;)

Favorite Book: "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han. I've been reading this trilogy of books every single summer since I was 10 or 11 and every time is like a first for me! The books are very romantic and beach-y and summer-y and just everything summer! If you still haven't read this (this is a pretty hyped up book) go get it NOW. It's amazing.

Favorite Movie: "Madagascar 3". I went to watch this cartoon with my little sister because she really wanted to go and I honestly didn't want to go at all. But when I actually saw the cartoon I fell in love! It is so funny and friendly! The prefect family movie for the summer of 2012.

Favorite Song: "One More Night" by Maroon 5. This song. Makes me want to go and rape Adam (soloist from M5). Like, seriously. It is amazing! I absolutely adore this song right now! It already has 32 plays on my iPhone (whoops :p) and I'm still not tired of it! Just go listen to it. You're going to die of  happiness. No joke.

Random Favorite: My iPhone. I just got my iPhone 3 or 4 weeks ago and I've been using it so much. I don't think I've ever loved a phone as much as I love my Sarah (yes, my phone has a name). I know, I know, I'm very slow on the trend, but oh well :p #YOLO

xoxo,

Liz

the amazing picture is from this amazing website :*

Travel Savvy: Packing

I've just finished packing my clothes for Spain and decided to type up this quick post (including some pictures of my suitcase and how I packed). I don't really feel like typing a lot right now, so I'll just get to the point of this ;)

Packing Tip #1: Know the weather.  This one doesn't need much explanation, you've gotta know what you're packing for! Just look up the weather for the time period you're going to spend in the certain place -- it'll only take you a couple of minutes and save you a ton of hassle and luggage space.

Packing Tip #2: Make A List. I love making lists for a reason -- they can help you so much! Just make a list of the things you think you'll need for your trip (including the number of things). The number of clothing items as well as the clothing items themselves that you pack will differ, depending on the time you spend in the certain place. For example, if I'm going to Spain for a month and I plan to swim, hike, and walk around the city, my list will look somewhat like this:

• 10-13 t-shirts
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 3-4 pairs of shorts
• 3-4 skirts
• 2-3 dresses
• 2-3 swimsuit cover-ups
• 2 pajamas
• 2-3 cardigans/sweaters
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of tennis shoes
• 1-2 pairs of flip-flops
• 1 pair of flats
• 3-4 bikinis
• 1-2 hats
• *underwear*

Packing Tip #3: Fold. Or roll. Or fold. When it comes to the actual packing process I prefer to fold my clothes. Everyone says how it saves space and time to roll your clothes but, honestly, it never worked for me, so I just fold them -- that way they don't wrinkle and are neatly packed away. I like to lay out all of my clothes that I'm taking on my bed first, then fold them, then pack them away.

Packing Tip #4: Categorize. When you arrange your clothes in your suitcase according to the purpose of the clothing, it is much more comfortable and convenient to unpack when you get to your destination. For example, if you have all of you tops in one stack, all of your bottoms and dresses in another stack, and all of your sweaters/scarfs in a third stack it will be much (and I mean much) easier to unpack or quickly find a clothing piece if needed.

Packing Tip #5: Leave your carry-on...empty. Okay. I'm just gonna put this out there. I love shopping. And, yes, I shop. A lot. So whenever I go somewhere I need extra space in my suitcase and preferably in my carry-on. As you can see by the picture my carry-on is practically empty. Well, on the way back, I can assure you, it will be jam-packed full. So if you're a girl who loves shopping (like moi) make sure to have tons of extra space.

xoxo,

Liz

pics from here ;)

My 10 Summer Essentials

I am totally and utterly obsessed with summer (if you couldn't tell yet). I love it. I look forward to summer all year long -- just everything about it is fun, sunny and hot. And here I came up with yet another list, this time talking about my 10 summer essentials. So, without further ado, I'd like to start.

To kick off the list,

#1: Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil SPF 8 Yes, I know, I know, tanning oil is bad for you, skin cancer and yadayadayada. Well, I want to be tan, and this is the only way I can get that tan. I do use sunscreen before I put on the tanning oil, but oh my gosh, let's take a minute to swoon over the wonderful smell of  the product. LOVE. LOVELOVELOVE.

#2: Sunscreen Any kind of sunscreen. I just get any kind that I see first on the rack in Target -- they all work fine for me. I prefer the spray-on kind, though, I find it easier to apply and it dries faster.

#3: White Short Shorts White A&F shorts for the summer are definitely a must-have for me! They accentuate your tan and they are perfect for the hot weather and comfy to run around in!

#4: EOS Lip Balm Chapped lips is the worst thing that can happen to me in the summer. Or any time of the year for that matter. I just hate the feeling of that dry skin on my lips! So I make sure to always keep them nice and moisturized with lip balm. I don't really have a preference, any kind will work for me, but the EOS lip balms are definitely my favorite.

#5: Neon Swimsuit I have 3 letters for this one. O. M. G. Okay, first of all, they're neon. And who doesn't love neon?! And neon is always trendy for the spring and summer. And neon shows of your tan. And neon looks like it's glow-in-the-dark. And...oh, this can go on forever!

#6: A Book While laying out on the beach or by the pool, or on a road trip with your friends the one thing you cannot leave the house without is a book. Well, at least I can't. So this one is definitely an essential for me -- will not go anywhere without it!

#7: Sunglasses Sunglasses can totally change the way you look -- I love them! I don't own many (just 2) but both of them are good quality and expensive, so it's enough for me. *Remember, quality over quantity*

#8: Knit Cover-Up This is perfect for the beach, where it's hot but windy at the same time. The bagginess of the sweater makes it look effortless but cute, and because it's knit it'll save you from the cold wind.

#9: Victoria's Secret Body Splash These. Are. Epic. They smell amazing, they aren't as heavy as perfume and they make you feel so refreshed on a 100+ day (especially if you keep them in the fridge!).  A definite must-have.

And finally,

#10: My Phone This was a no-brainer. My phone is always in my hand, I cannot go anywhere without it! I use it for everything -- pictures, taking notes, Temple Run... :p

Yeshhhhh, so I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you think!

xoxo,
Liz

4th of July Outfit Ideas

Since 4th of July is coming up, I decided to share this fun post with you! I put together 4 outfits for 4 different occasions that you might go to on the 4th of July. I absolutely adore 4th of July and I hope you find these outfits somewhat helpful!

Occasion #1: A Night Out With Friends I love this outfit! I think it's perfect for a 4th of July party or just a night out. Denim jackets are very trendy right now, and the wedges are comfortable, yet they give you the heel.

Occasion #2: BBQ at the Beach This outfit is very has that beach-y, boho vibe. The Kate Spade beach bag is uh-do-ra-bul and the straw hat adds to the beach-yness of the outfit.

Occasion #3: Pool Party This is one of my favorite outfits -- it's so chic, yet so effortless! The red J Crew swimsuit reminds me of a lifeguard and the american flag shorts are so tumblr. The Hollister leather flip flops are the best thing that's ever happened to me -- they are so comfortable! I just love everything about this outfit, and I'm kinda bummed I won't be spending 4th of July in America this summer, because this is what I would wear to the 4h of July pool party that I go to every year!

Occasion #4: Chiling With Family This is definitely my favorite out of the 4. It totally represents my personal style and I love every single part of this outfit -- the little brown leather bag, the wooden bracelet with the American flag, the extremely cute and girly Miu Miu skirt, the boatneck striped top that reminds me so much of Chanel, and finally, the Toms. LOVE.

xoxo,

Liz

Travel Savvy: Airport Fashion

I'm so excited about my trip to Spain this summer (I'm getting so bored just sitting at home doing nothing)! And I can't wait to share some tips and tricks that may help you travel with ease. So, I decided to start my very first series on this blog, called "Travel Savvy". In this first post out of the series, I'd like to share some tips on how to dress to the airport. Hope you guys enjoy and find this helpful!

Tip #1: Long Hair, Don't Care! Well, you should care. If you have long hair, it's best to put it up during the flight. It can be such a pain, especially if the flight is a long one -- your gorgeous locks will get all tangled up and messy (and very oily). So it's best of you put your  hair up in a cute pony or a bun, that way it won't bother you during the flight.

Tip #2: Less is More. When it comes to on-flight makeup, less is definitely more. Keep it simple with some mascara, powder, and some lipgloss. You're not going on a fashion show or anything, so it doesn't matter if you don't look your best.

Tip #3: Bundle Up! When it comes to what accessories to wear to the airport, a scarf is your best bet. You can easily take it off if it gets too hot, or bundle up in it if it gets too cold! You can also use it as an extra pillow or blanket if you decide to take a nap. The scarf in the picture is from American Eagle -- I love their scarfs, they have so many cute patterns and designs!

Tip #4: Keep it simple. Dark washed jeggings and a loose tee is the comfiest you can get without the outfit being too casual (you don't want to look like you just got out of bed!). Let the scarf do all the talking, don't put too many bracelets or bangles on, as it can be a pain to take them off while going through customs. Also, it's best to wear slip-on shoes, because lace-ups can get a bit uncomfortable tying and untying in customs. I personally love UGGs as 'airport shoes' -- they feel like slippers!

xoxo,
Liz

photos from here, and here :)

Outfit Of The Day: Simple and Classy

This outfit pretty much sums up my style, which is why I thought it would be the perfect outfit to write a blog post on. This outfit is appropriate for school, work, weekend, or night, if you dress it up with black pumps. I wore the jeans with the bottoms rolled up, to give it a preppier, more summer-y vibe. I also paired this with simple black flats, but then I just changed out of them and wore flip-flops ;)

• The sunglasses are Marc by Marc Jacobs,
• the jeans are the A&F jeggings,
• the top is from Zara,
• the bag is also from Zara,
• and the little bracelet that you can hardly see (it's to the left of the bag) is a chain bracelet from Patricia Pepe

I hope you liked this short little blog post, didn't have much time to type up a proper one, and let me know if you want me to do more Outfit Of The Days!

xoxo,

Liz