September 19, 2017Comments are off for this post.

Fall Wishlist

Unless you're a monster, fall is your favorite season like me, and even better?

THE FASHION.

Cozy sweaters, scarfs, long dresses, scarves, layers on layers, you know the drill.

I'm in the midst of a self-imposed shopping ban, which I'll perhaps talk more about later, so my fall style wishlist is a mix of things I already own (jeans, glasses, sweater (similar), t-shirt) with things I'd one day like to own (boots, midi dress, earrings). The mix feels like a natural fit for my closet — both approachable and attainable.

Also, if there is one thing I need in my life, it is honestly folk-printed ankle boots to pair with my apple cider donut and pumpkin oatmeal, obvs.

February 28, 2017Comments are off for this post.

Travel Survival Basics

One of the best parts about travel is it elucidates very quickly what is essential and non-essential to your life. This unique application of essentialism comes in an array of forms—from human connection to physical space to nachos (which are always ESSENTIAL)—but nothing is more tangible to travel than your suitcase.

I generally like to call myself a minimalist, and one thing they neglect to tell you about minimalism is that it takes work. Perhaps, this seems contrary to the concept, but it's only over the course of 13 years of travel (and dating a well-organized minimalist for four years) I've been able to whittle nearly all my trips down to a carry-on suitcase. Because I'm gone for much longer this trip, I packed a carry-on as well as a medium suitcase, and guess what? I totally overpacked.

Clothes and shoes and underbits and toiletries and all the things, let's dig in!

I wear some combination of the above items six out of the seven days of the week. Confession: I changed out of my oatmeal sweater, black skinnies and Nikes for the first time in a week today. Often, I'll layer with a striped tee or tank, then throw on my coat (similar), scarf (similar) and tote. It's easy, put together and most importantly, conducive for walking the hell out of these European streets.

When I'm home, the skinnies come right off in favor of leggings, a cozy pair of socks, tea and the current season of This Is Us (I cry every single episode).

Seriously, that's what I wear. Nearly every day. It's by no means all I packed. I have three dresses (one nice, two casual), as well as blouses, workout clothes, tees, jeans, three additional pairs of shoes, and a few spring-like clothes.

As a minimalist though, it's important to constantly analyze what's serving a needed purpose in my life versus what's not. Packing for these trips remains a gentle reminder that I never need as much as I think I do.

Traveling out of two small suitcases isn't exactly the peak of luxury, but a few key items help me feel less of a haggard monster when I wake up in the morning.

First, face oil. I'm a convert and will never go back to regular face lotion. It leaves my combination skin hydrated, never oily, and smells amazing. Second, L:A Bruket clay mask (which I picked up here in Stockholm). It's a bit drying for winter, but slather on a generous layer of face oil afterwards, and you'll glow like Queen Bey. I moisturize with baby oil because my college roommate said to, and she taught me everything there is to know about moisturizing.

Santal 33 by Le Labo is my absolutely favorite. I get complimented on it all the time and always feel alluring when I spritz it on. To finish, mascara (I've used CoverGirl Lash Blast since high school and have yet to find anything better, toxins be damned), and a bright lip. My new lip of choice is bright pink! It feels feminine but fun, perfect for spring and summer.

I'm working on a FULL travel packing post, which will detail everything I brought with me—the useful and totally useless—on this long-term trip abroad. Coming soon!

September 17, 2016Comments are off for this post.

Catastrophe + Pattern Mixing

Catastrophe—Sharon Horgan + Rob Delaney

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm obsessed with the show Catastrophe. It's about an Irish woman (Sharon) + an American man (Rob) who have a week-long stand, discover Sharon is pregnant and decide they're not getting any younger, so they might as well give the whole family thing a go. It's hilarious and highly-inappropriate and I literally laugh out loud every episode.

But my favorite part of the show is, perhaps, Sharon's wardrobe! She has killer style. It's colorful, bold and impeccably put together. Every outfit she wears manages to mix and match loud colors, unexpected patterns + contrasting textures in the most perfect way (see more here).

After a few years on the closet minimalism track (+ building towards a good wardrobe of neutral basics), I'm ready to bring color + pattern back into my life. Fashion should be FUN, and I think I forgot that while trying so hard to curate the "perfect wardrobe."

Plus, the older I get, the less I care what others think. Leopard dress + sparkly black jacket, why the hell not??

As we head into the fall—aka the best fashion season—you can bet I'll be putting together a few of these bright and quirky combos to wear myself.

Bold Pattern Mixing (inspired by Catastrophe's Sharon Horgan)

top photo / bottom photos 01 / 02 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08