So... Yeah!

"It's the freaking weekend, baby, about to have me some fun!"

Name the song!

I made it through the week... and obviously you did too!

Ha! I have been working hard so I can leave on Sunday morning for a week long vacation. I wanted to have all of my loose ends tied up so I can just relax next week. And blog. I have a couple loads of laundry left and I have to pack. I may clean my house before I go as well. Throw in a GIRL'S NIGHT tonight and a date night on Saturday and I have every moment planned until I leave.

That is just how I roll these days. :p 

Now tell me, how does a so cal girl, that is not a huge fan of the snow, pack for a week in COLD, Snowy weather? I am kind of freaking out! Is wearing faux fur coats with everything appropriate or totally obnoxious? Either way, I will probably rock it.

 

A low of NINE DEGREES?? Holy Hell!

  Thinking of bringing this and another fur.

Thoughts???

 In preparation for Christmas dinner, I picked up this wine. It is amazing and from the Macaroni Grill. Who would have thought? I am not even a fan of red wine, but this may have changed my mind. Have any of you tried it? The bottle is GINORMOUS and I bought two. No biggie!

 Any of you Baseball fans? I am a huge fan and was VERY EXCITED to hear that Josh Hamilton is signing with the Angels! This is going to be an amazing year! Merry Christmas to all Angels fans! 

(Josh Hamilton in any baseball pants is quite a sight, BUT in an Angels uniform it is pure perfection)

This is why I love my Dad... He is loyal to a fault. He grew up in the Midwest and is a Royals fan even though they are not a very good team. At all. Since he has lived in So Cal for more years than he has in the Midwest I try to convert him to an Angels fan, since those are the games he ALWAYS took us to growing up. He refuses. In fact, he would be a Dodgers fan if he were to ever adopt a So Cal team. He is quite a guy! ;)

Happy Friday, my friends!
Thanks for reading this random post.

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

XXO

Guest Blogger: Megan from A Suitcase and Stilettos

I love getting to share some of my favorite bloggers with you all! Megan was one of the first people that really became my "friend". I started following her fashion blog YEARS ago and have kept in touch with her as she traveled the world and moved to Norway to be with her man! If you have read my blog for a long time you will remember that I used to travel for work and did a Travel Tuesday series. I love that Megan's post touches on that!

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Hey everyone!  This is Megan from A Suitcase and Stilettos.  I am so exciting to be guest posting for Mandy while she celebrates the birthday of her blog!  And while I'm excited to be guest posting, I am a little nervous too...as my blog is not about fashion and certainly not about fitness although I wish I had more discipline and it was.  Long ago, I used to write about fashion, hence the name A Suitcase and Stilettos, but ever since becoming an expat in Europe, I realized that stilettos and cobblestones don't mix.  So, instead of bore you fashionistas and fitness buffs with my travel stories, I thought it would be more appropriate to tell you about the 5 products and pieces I absolutely can not travel without.

1)  A scarf.  

I used to say an 'infinity scarf', but I realized that after backpacking for a month throughout southeast Asia this summer, any scarf will do.  I can NOT live without a scarf.  In warmer temperatures, it acts as a shield from the horrible sunburns I manage to get, can be used as a way to dress respectfully in temples, and can also be used to wipe the dripping sweat off of my face.  In colder temperatures, it can be used for warmth, as an ear protector, and can even shield my nose from these irrationally cold Nordic temperatures.  And in any temperature, it can double as a pillow.

My Asia scarf on display at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

2)  A bright lipstick.  

I have learned that when you travel, less is more.  Tell me this again when I am packing for a trip...but I truly believe it.  And I have learned that on the road you will have bad days and good days...and nothing can change those bad days around better than a nice lipstick.  I know this sounds absurd, but it's true.  In addition, if you have a bright lipstick on you at all times, you can forgo all the eye makeup and still stand out.  It is way easier...I promise!   

3)  A nice jacket.  

In the summers and spring, I opt for a light trench coat, and in the winter and fall I just use a nice faux-leather jacket.  I've obviously been living in cold Europe for too long to know to never travel in the summers without a jacket of some sort!  But, for me, they are usually the first thing I pack in my suitcase before a journey somewhere.  And then the first thing I remove prior to the journey as I realize it is more efficient to just wear it on the plane.  

 Left:  in my favorite green trench in Dublin, Ireland.  Right:  in my favorite faux leather jacket in Bergen, Norway

4)  Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover / The Body Shop: 

 It took me quite a long time to find a good replacement to my old Ahava Eye Makeup Remover, but once I did, it became my new 'can't live without' product.  And 'can't live without' means I certainly 'can't travel without' it either!  There is nothing worse than being stuck in a hotel or hostel without your everyday amenities and being unable to try to find an easy to remove your eye makeup.  And with sensitive eyes, soap and water just doesn't cut it for me.

5)  A Roll of Toilet Paper

I almost didn't dare list this on here, but it's true...I can't travel without toilet paper.  When living in the US and traveling around that part of the world, I had no need.  Never did I encounter a toilet that resembled this:

But in Europe, as well as Asia, you do encounter these types of toilets.  And do you for a minute think that these toilets would have toilet paper?  

Toilet problems in Vilnius, Lithuania

Toilet paper is also handy for so many other situations...like as use for a napkin, removing makeup mistakes, oil blotting, etc.  Obviously I could buy TP on the road when I am already at my destination but it is just one of those things you just don't remember to buy on the road.  But trust me, after encountering the toilets I have encountered in recent years, you never forget to bring it along.

What is something you are unable to travel without? 

Tuesday Travel Style {49}

I have not been on a plane in almost a year. Kind of blows me away when I used to be on a plane 2-3 times a week for three years! I had to drop my sister off at LAX last night and it made me a little nostalgic. While I do not miss my crazy, stressful job...I DO miss the people, relationships and experiences that I was given. 

Airport style is truly the best. You get to see all gametes of style (and lack there of). I honestly could sit in an airport for hours and people watch. I always made up stories in my head about the people that I saw. And while the everyday person can be pretty stylish, celebs still set the bar high for their travel style.

This couple is beyond stylish. They are completely gorgeous, seem incredibly in love and rock the best duds!

 {image via justjared.com}

Where do I start? 

Let's talk about the hotness that Channing Tatum is. He has a quirky style and can pull it off. I love his stripes, fedora, suspenders and well fitting jeans. And man bag??? He isn't afraid to rock it. ;) It is the perfect and easy ensemble for travel.

Miss Jenna is the cutest. I love that she dresses with a casual flair and makes looks appear so effortless. She is on trend by mixing prints AND wearing a floral scarf (makes me want to run out and find that exact scarf). Paired with a utility jacket, jeans and aviators makes for a perfectly casual chic look.

These two travel in Style.

Love them!

Tuesday Travel Style {44}

In continuation of my Southwestern love...

I saw this pic of Khloe and knew it was perfect for Tuesday Travel Style!

I love EVERYTHING about this look.

 {image via starstyleinc.com}

From the Pony Tail to the Boots I think her look is perfection. YES the boots may be a tad bit difficult while going through Security but they are WEDGES which make it WAY easier to run through airports when needed. Leggings are the best bottoms to wear on a plane. They move with you. This Whitney Eve sweater is long and loose. It can double as a blanket when you need to cover up and get away from the chilly, recessed air. I have to talk about the pony tail. It is high enough that it won't get in the way when resting your head against the seat. Plus it looks FAB. I wish I had thick enough hair to have my pony's look like hers. She is carrying a bag large enough to carry the essentials.

Khloe is wearing the perfect outfit and is quite the Travelista.

Tuesday Travel Style {43}

Every time I see a picture of Sienna Miller all I ever think is how "cool" she is. She has that effortless, "I just threw on the first thing I saw" look that I truly envy. The girl makes the most basic of pieces look chic.

 {image via starstyleinc.com}

I don't know if it is the colors in the outfit or the fun and sassy boots that make me like this look so much. Overall this is a great outfit for travel. The only thing that may give her slight trouble is the boots but they look like they slide on and off pretty easily. I love the striped tee with the cardigan. Although it is the HANDBAG that not only compliments the combo but stands out as well. The neutral palette looks great with a lighter wash jeans. Taupe suede boots should be in every wardrobe. The cognac buckles make this particular pair a stand out. The whole outfit has a rocker vibe. I am a HUGE fan!

What do you like about this look? Is this a travel outfit you would wear?

Tuesday Travel Style {42}

It has been ONE year since I stopped traveling for work. This week, one year ago, I was sitting on a plane without a thought in my head that it would be the last time that I would commute to work by plane. I ENJOYED my job but the traveling and stress did me in. My body couldn't handle it anymore. This series started because of all of the outfits that I would see in the airports. I wanted to continue to be inspired, I wanted to look chic and I wanted to share it all with you. 

This week's travelista is Nicky Hilton. She wore this outfit about a month and a half again at LAX. I am a HUGE fan of black, an edgier or tougher look and Nicky definitely works it. I love how this look has that edge but also a touch of whimsy and femininity.

{image via starstyleinc.com}

This look is PERFECT for travel. It looks comfy and chic, while being pieces that make it easy to move about the plane and that are easy too remove while going through security. I am totally DIGGING the sweater and I am NOT a heart/flowers/ruffles girl at all. I think it looks great with a simple classics like a tee and leggings. The pop of red is gorgeous and makes you stand out! I love how she paired it with red ballet flats to compliment the heart detail. Her hair looks great in a side braid. The Ray Ban wayfarers give the look a slight rock and roll edge. Her handbags are incredible and the perfect size to carry on. Nicky is quite the traveler and she "gets" it.

What do you think of this look?

Tuesday Travel style {42}

Travel Style: Men's Edition

I think I am only one of millions of girls obsessed with Ryan Gosling.

He is pretty much perfect. He is everywhere and his star is the biggest and the brightest right now. Besides being incredibly good looking, a phenomenal actor and all around good guy he also has impeccable style.

He makes my heart palpitate.

{image via peoplestylewatch.com}

I think that the picture says it all.

WHAT guy that you know could pull off this look?

I don't think anyone I know. Mayyyyybbbbbeeee one guy. Maybe. 

All I can say is if a guy can dress like this (and pull it off)...I just may marry him. This outfit looks pretty easy for travel. Cotton Henley, slacks and slip on loafers. Wrinkle free, shoes that are easy to take off and put on and sunglasses. The look is effortless, cool and works.

What do you think of Mr. Gosling?

Are you obsessed with him as I am?

Tuesday Travel Style {41}

The world wide web and every entertainment show was abuzz on Monday about some pictures of Miss Jessica Simpson looking quite pregnant. Word on the street is that JS is holding out on her "announcement" for a large paycheck from a fancy magazine. I think that she waited just a few weeks too long for that.

Since this is a travel post I want to talk about her outfit.

{plus her belly is pretty darn cute}

 {image via justjared.com}

This is a FABULOUS travel outfit. You can make a t shirt and leggings look great. The utility jacket has been one of my favorite pieces in my closet. Olive green looks great on almost all skin tones. I love how she stayed with a more rugged look by wearing lug-soled, lace up, heeled booties with printed socks. She gets a slight pop of color from her glasses and the leopard print bag is right on trend for Fall. This is an easy outfit to wear on a long flight.

Pregnant or Not(?) she looks good.

Thoughts?

Tuesday Travel Style {40}

Ever since I bought these boots I have been DYING to wear them.

It is still pretty warm and I was extremely hot the one time I tried to wear them. Excitement beat out sweat! Sexy, huh?! Haha.

I have seen these boots on many peeps but they stood out on Miss Kourtney.

I love when she rocks the casual boho look. I think she looks amazing and I would copy every outfit that she wears if I could. This is my next travel outfit. Hands down!

 

{image via starstyleinc.com}

I think that Kourtney has the best fashion sense of all three girls. I keep mentioning this but as time goes by it just becomes more and more true. I am a sucker for a worn in plaid shirt and leggings really are the best bottoms to wear on a plane. Honestly if you are wearing these to pieces it is almost as good as wearing your PJ's. She wore her hair back and is carrying a large handbag. Both essential for the plane ride. Mason is such a cutie! Seeing his sweet style makes me excited for my lil' nephew! 

What do you think of Kourt's Travel Style?

Would you wear this?

Tuesday Travel Style {39}

It has been a few weeks since I have done a travel post. I am excited to have two completely different looks to show you. These sisters have a style all their own and I think that this pic speaks to their looks perfectly.

 {image via starstyleinc.com}

I am a huge fan of both looks. The girls show us that you can be Glam or Casual and still look amazing. Both outfits are comfy and easy to wear. When traveling you generally have to wear your hat on the plane. Some hats are hard to pack and will lose their shape/form. Easy pieces like a looser jumpsuit or leggings are perfect for traveling. You will be able to move and breath, especially on longer flights. Both girls have the perfect sized bags to carry on. They don't sacrifice personal style while traveling!


P.S. I need a new pair of Chucks.

Happy Travel Tuesday!



Special shout out to Amber and Lia who always LOVE my Travel Tuesday Posts! :)

Tuesday Travel Style {38}

I am not sure how many of you know that I am a huge baseball fan but I LOVE me some men in tight pants. I have been a Yankees fan since my early teens, GO YANKEES!!! Derek Jeter has been on the Yankees his entire career. He is an amazing player and has a HOT girlfriend.

Minka Kelly is amazingly beautiful. She is talented, humble and has a great sense of style!

 {images via justjared.com}

I love her overall travel look but three things really stood out to me.

1. Her ponytail: I have been obsessed with ponytails lately. You always see celebs so perfectly coiffed that I love seeing such a basic look. Minka looks fresh faced like the Girl next Door. Plus it makes her neck look super long (my neck is short and stubby so I notice these things)

2. The color of her dress: I love Jade, Emerald and Kelly green. I also love turquoise, teal ad cobalt blue. NONE of the colors listed really describe what color she is wearing. It is a mixture and it looks fabulous on her skin. Maxi dresses are perfect for travel. It moves and lets you breathe.

3. The subtle leopard tote: This is a perfect travel tote. I love that it is nude and very neutral while still having an edge. It is the perfect compliment to her dress and her chocalte brown shoes and belt. I just love how the bag ties the whole outfit together.

Minka is a true Travelista!

What do you think of this look? 

Tuesday Travel Style {37}

This long legged beauty has been all over the press.

She is being penned as George Clooney's latest real life love interest! Stacy is a WWE star and was a competitor on Dancing with the Stars. I think that she is pretty and has a great personality.

 {image via justjared.com}

Since we are already into August (and Summer is coming to end. BOO!) I knew that I had to show this pic. This outfit is comfy and chic! I love the pops of color from the cardigan and her necklace. When traveling you want to wear your hat on the plane so that you do not have to pack it, and possibly smash it! We always see celebs wearing some kind of heel so I LOVE that Stacy is wearing her flip flops. This is an outfit that we all can emulate for travel in warmer climates! Isn't it great when we have an attainable look?

Stacy is a California chic travelista!

Tuesday Travel Style {36}

Couple's Edition

As much as I have traveled and the Bf travels, we actually haven't traveled much together. We tend to take road trip vacay's over plane vacay's (that will change) so this was only our second time on a plane with each other. Our trip inspired today's focus on the couples.

Let's start with the newlyweds, Nick and Vanessa.

 {image via starstyleinc.com}

I watched their TLC special on Saturday and quickly fell in love with Vanessa Minnillo and her darling personality. She is a beautiful, funny, intelligent, caring and giving woman. Nick is lucky to have her. It is no secret that I love me some Jessica Simpson so I was always apprehensive on liking Vanessa (Yes, I realize how ridiculous I sound and that I am talking like I actually know them. Just go with it). But now I know that I can like both of them ;) This pic is them returning from their honeymoon. Both wearing perfect outfits for many hours of travel and looking tan, relaxed and in love!

Second, we have the Bi-Coastal duo!

{image via officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com}

Next is the couple that everyone loves to pick on! I like to call them one of the most stylish couples. Scott and Kourtney always look impeccable. Mason is the cutest and most stylish baby boy. I love seeing pics of the family together. While everyone hates Scott (get over it already) I love him and his outlandish ensembles. I love that he wears colors, suits, incredible shoes and ALWAYS has a tan. Kourtney has perfected "mommy chic" and I am in complete envy of her silk shirts and amazing flats collection. All of them are wearing simple, easy pieces for travel without sacrificing style. I just love them :)

Both couples have totally different styles but look amazing.

How often do you travel with your siginificant other?

Any memorable trips?

Tuesday Travel Style {35}

I have been completely enamored with Rosie Huntington-Whitely. As far as I am concerned she KILLED it on her press tour for Transformers. Every outfit was amazing. She looks incredible on her down time too! I look forward to seeing candids of her and her hunky beau, Jason Statham. She has been traveling a lot and has perfected her travel style!

P.S. Did you know that she was/is a Victoria's Secret model?

HOT!

 {image via peoplestylewatch.com}

I LOVE this outfit and would coin it as "my uniform" for travel. Starting with a basic tee (I like that she chose gray) and boyfriend jeans is perfect for comfort! Adding a soft leather jacket gives the outfit style. Pairing this look with ballet flats is chic yet comfortable and makes it easy to walk through large terminals. An over-sized scarf is fashion forward and also doubles as a blanket on the plane. A sassy tote and large framed shades scream fashion and are very functional!

Rosie is the perfect Travelista!

Tuesday Travel Style {34}

The quintessential California girl knows how to dress for any occassion while holding onto the easy, breezy beach feel of California dressing. Kristin Cavallari is one of the girls who dresses like the Cali girl she is. She recently wore this outfit on her way to Miami for Fashion Week.

 {image via hillsfreak.blogspot.com}

Simple white maxi (I love the tie), a jean jacket and nude flip flops. Perfection! I love that her tote matches her outfit while being extremely functional. I think she looks like the perfect travelista!

Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday Travel Style {33}

I could not think of a more PERFECT travelista than the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine. She spent the last ten days touring Canada and Los Angeles. She is a classic beauty that is proving to be a style icon in her own right. I think that she is beautiful (her sister, Pippa, has NOTHING on her) and a true role model. She looks SO happy standing next to her husband and I think that she makes an incredible Princess and ***HOPEFULLY*** the Queen one day.

These three looks are all from North American tour.
She tends to be leaning towards knee length dresses and sheaths with classic close toe pumps! These looks are are pretty traditional but I think that Catherine finds a way to make them more youthful.


{all images are via people.com}

 Leaving London and heading to Canada.
Classic tailored blazer with a simple sheath.

 

I LOVE this dress. The yellow is fun and flirty and her nude pumps make her legs look long!

 Will and Kate leaving LA.
I LOVE her hair pulled back in a half up hairstyle.
I have and accordion pleat skirt similar to this and I love how it looks with this open knit cardigan.


This pic isn't a travel pic but I think that the dress is AMAZING.
I love the lilac Alexander McQueen. It is so beautiful!

 Will looks handsome too ;)

Tuesday Travel Style {32}

Keeping in theme with my casualness this week, I decided that this week's travelista needed to be casual and comfy, too! Seeing this pic of the ever darling, Reese Witherspoon, made her a PERFECT candidate.

{image via justjared.com}

I really liked this look because it is something that every single one of us can emulate and look good in. I have been obsessed with my plaid Old Navy button downs. They are PERFECT for Summer because the are lightweight. You could pair them with BF jeans like Reese, or in cut offs and Haviana's like me! Surprisingly (Ok, not really), I was drawn to her hat and shoes. I think it is safe to say that everyone has Chucks (or slip-on Vans, Keds, Jack Purcell's) and a fedora in their wardrobe. I love pure white sneakers and Reese is wearing them. She is also ricking the Ray Ban wayfarer's! I personally don't think that look good on me but EVERYONE and their MOM has replicated this look. Target's version is like 14 bucks! Reese looks fab and we all can too!

Happy Tuesday!!



Tuesday Travel Style {31}

Ignore the person and focus on the outfit.

I feel like I had to start the post that way. Since I am choosing to feature Leann Rimes and her travel style, it is my blog after all, I want everyone to know that I am not condoning how damn skinny she is. And while I do not want to get into a discussion about eating disorders or looking like a bobble head, I do think she has unhealthy thoughts about working out and food (not saying she is anorexic or bulimic) and that her head is now too big for her body.

Whew. PSA service announcement over. Let's talk about HOW much I love this outfit!

{image via JustJared.com)

I really, really want a Leopard Romper. I think that it is the cutest piece ever! I also love that she paired her leopard print with WHITE instead of black like most people would do. I think that the white looks fresh, young and fun. The blazer fits her perfectly and the cut is gorgeous. Like I always say, "Wedges make everything better", this pair is darling. I like the half wood and black heel along with the braided (I think its braided) detailing. The perforated bag with fringe might be a bit much for most, but I think it is over the top fabulous and I would wear it daily. Last but not least, everyone needs a Goyard tote in their handbag wardrobe. Including me ;)

This outfit is chic and easy to wear while traveling, especially to a tropical location....

Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday Travel Style {30}

I must be drawn to the Orange Birkin :)

(Kourtney was carrying it in Last Week's post)

This week's travelista is Eva Longoria (although I totally thought it was Kate Beckinsale at first glance). What originally drew me to this pic was her mix of High and Low in the bags that she is carrying. She has on the coveted Birkin along with a Coach carryall. I LOVE it!

{image via starstyleinc.com}

Eva's hair is ridiculously gorgeous. I want.

I really like how she wore basics but made it look special by choosing a trendy shade of gray in her jeans and a statement necklace. She made the outfit a little more summery with her sandals. This neutral color palette lets that amazing Birkin take center stage. I also DIED when I looked closely and saw that she was wearing not one but two Hermes bracelets that I wanted for my birthday! UGH! I LOVE those bracelets. Eva looks fresh and beautiful.



Tuesday Travel Style {29}

This weekly post is one of my favorite to put together.

It is always fun to see the most simple outfits to the all out glam outfits at the airport. When I traveled for work I could sit and people watch for HOURS!!

 

I love Kourtney's style.

She knows how to dress for her shape and takes risks.

This outfit is tame but PERFECT for a long flight.

She flew from LA to NYC!

 

{image via officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com}

Seriously?!? How cute is this pic.

Kourt and Mason look so so happy! Both of them are stylish beings. It is super easy to emulate Kourtney's look because she is wearing the basics. A white V-Neck tee, classic black leggings and a chambray/denim button up. She makes the outfit pop with her Minnetonka boots. Minnetonka makes the most comfortable shoes ever! She has been wearing those Prada cat eye glasses EVERYWHERE! I love that she is carrying her Birkin in the Hermes orange! It pops the outfit and is just so pretty!

What do you think of the Travel Style if Miss Kourtney?

***The comments on this series have been AWESOME! I love reading everyone's different opinions.***