Fall Travel: What I wore

My travel essentials… slightly overexposed

So. Let’s get down to it. A very common question that is uttered by most people every day is: What should I wear? Now, when it comes to traveling, that question becomes oh so important. Why? Because you’re going to have to pack, and you’re going to have to wear what you pack, thus, you’ll have to like what you pack and be able to wear what you pack. Therefore, take it from a girl who just traveled–me!

What are my essentials, when it comes to clothes? KEEP IT SIMPLE.

• Collared shirts, jeans and a belt. I brought with me three collared shirts, two pairs of jeans and one belt. Collared shirts, even if they are wrinkled and worn, are still classy and chic if you don’t tuck them in to your jeans. When you tuck them in, you exude power and oh, by the way, it shows off your waist. 🙂
• BRING A JACKET. Although, I will say, Europe was abnormally cold for this time of year. Some nights on my way home, I was freezing to death thanks to cold rain, wind and a low temperature. Therefore, while in Vienna, I purchased a Loden wool coat, and I could not have been happier and cozier for the rest of my trip.
• *Oh, running shoes, you’re so not stylish, but you’re SO COMFORTABLE* Make sure you bring outrageously comfortable shoes. In the beginning, I sacrificed comfort for fashion, and ended up hobbling around. As soon as I could, I bought a pair of running shoes that I normally wear, and finally I could walk. Don’t hobble, take comfort over fashion (unless you’re going to fashion week).

How about those all important accessories? Bling bling everywhere? HAHA, NO.

• Bring a watch. I am very partial to my watches and I always wear one. I took a very classic watch that could be paired with anything, and could not have been happier. Sometimes, your phone may die (mine didn’t, but hear me out), and thus, you’ll rely on your watch to tell you the time.
• I love, love, love my little mini bag. It’s a trio bag with each compartment completely zipped for added security, and let’s just say, I couldn’t open it very well one handed, so it’s tough to get into. *take that, pickpockets!* It’s the perfect size for cash, cards, a phone, some receipts, a passport and more. Additionally, mine has the ability to come apart, so I technically have two clutches and one bag. Also, it’s very simple and doesn’t scream *look at me! look at me!*
• Finally, take Rhianna’s advice from way back when and get an umbrella. The rain followed me everywhere, and finally, after being soaked 50 times, I caved and bought one. Hoods can work in light rain, but during torrential downpours, break out the umbrella.

At the end of the day, travel is about having fun and creating great memories through amazing experiences. Make sure that you help those along by being comfortable. Uncomfortable clothes or accessories can make you remember a trip or occasion for most of the wrong reasons.

Interested in travel fashion like mine? Look no further than dose.nyc, where you can score all of the greatest designer fashion and accessories for the prices that you determine! Therefore, in my opinion, you’re shopping, you’re scoring, and you’re saving so you can go on that next trip in style!

Basics: The importance of shoes

Capture the heart with shoes

If you know me, there’s no denying it–I love shoes. People have rainy day funds; I have a shoe fund. When I decide to reorganize my shoes, you can find me exclaiming “I don’t need another pair of shoes! If I want another pair, talk me out of them!” But pretty soon, when those sales role around, and those beautiful soles are dangled in front of me… I find a “need” for them. I don’t have a ___ pair. I can wear these to ___. Oh they’re such a steal! They’ll become collectible! You name it, I’ve said it.

But what is it about shoes that make those luxurious ones so desirable?

1. They can make or break an outfit. (…pssst… like in the photo above!!!)
2. The smell… Especially if they’re made of high quality leather, which most high quality interiors are.
3. When people know fashion, prepare for, “Oh, those shoes are gorgeous! ____ (designer)’s are my favorite!”
4. Some are iconic–queue Manolo Hangisis (thanks, Carrie Bradshaw), the red soles (oh, Monsieur Louboutin), YSL’s Tribute sandals (Yves, you devil) and more.
5. If you gain/lose a few pounds, they’re still your best friends. What more is there to say?

Shoes are an important, if not the most important part of an outfit. My grandmother always reminded me that you can tell a lot about a person from their shoes, and I’ve found that to be incredibly true. Additionally, great shoes can be comfortable and they can last forever if you take care of them, so I advise you to invest. Men take an interest in shoes, especially heels–they enhance and lift the butt (hello, non-surgical Brazillian butt lift). Women take an interest in shoes as well, a man in great shoes–phew! I’ll let you take me to dinner!

Tip: When you buy great shoes, take care of them. Store them in their shoe bags. Men, get a nice pair of shoe trees to maintain shape. Immediately wipe salt off shoes during winter. Get them polished, it’s like a drink of water for your shoes, keep them hydrated!

Let’s look at this photo and see why it succeeds. The look is oh so simple because of minimal makeup and a high bun. That dress? Wow. So risqué, yet so classy. Just enough material to make the mind wander and fashionistas crave. Metal belt? One word: SHINY. The bag? Drool. Shoes? Pointed toe perfection. The best part? Even though the shoes are bright metallic red, the shoes blend into the look. For this look, you can thank the creative director of Dior, Raf Simons, a Belgian fashion genius who blends old Dior with modern day. (Since Raf joined Dior, Dior has become the go-to fashion house for my tastes)

Tip: Heels (especially stilettos) can be uncomfortable after a while, take a pair of flats in your bag.

Want to score a pair of great shoes for a great price? Or perhaps want to recreate this look? Look no further than Dose.nyc! Our members-only flash sales are sure to impress your wallet, and it’s free to sign up. So sign up today, and don’t miss a great sale!

Photo source: Style.com

Peace, Love, and Mini: The hottest bag for fall

Make that mini work!

Can a small bag survive in a big city? Of course it can. It can dominate a big city, and that is what it is currently doing. Small, mini crossbody and shoulder bags are the darlings of city and party fashionistas all around the world. Why? Well, let’s break it down through the thought process of my leading man (who doesn’t know much about fashion):

First thought: *oh, wow, that’s beautiful!* — Yes! Perfect compliment! These mini bags are adorable. And they go with any, I repeat, any outfit. You can dress them with jeans, a t-shirt, a suit, a dress, a skirt, an evening out, a cute date, running errands, any place, any time, this bag is there for you. It is pint-sized perfection. In addition, mini bags come in pretty much every color imaginable and you can find them with embellishments, glitter, plain leather, nylon, everything.

Second thought: *hey, can you hold on to ____ for me?* — Ladies, the days of carrying everything for your friend/boyfriend/significant other are limited! Why? You’ve got limited space. So, when he doesn’t want to carry around something (like in my case a phone charger…), you can legitimately say, “sorry, I don’t have enough space.” These mini bags are great for the essentials: a phone, wallet, perhaps a pen, little pack of tissues and a mini bottle of hand sanitizer. If you need more space, though, check out why we also love the tote bag, here.

Third thought: *you paid how much for that?* — Now, my man loves finance, so he thinks about the price. In this case, the mini bag wins. Mini bags, because they are smaller, require less material, and are quicker to make, usually cost significantly less than other, larger bags. Yes, you’re getting less and paying less, but! this bag you can wear everywhere! Additionally, it’s a safer bag because it’s always worn on the body or as a clutch, and it’s not an open bag that a thief could just stick a hand into.

Tip: Navy and burgundy are it colors for the fall. Additionally, they’re very classic colors. Invest in a great mini bag in a classic color (black, brown, navy, burgundy, etc) and have it last a lifetime!

Want a great, designer mini bag at a price that you determine? Sign up at Dose.nyc for free, and gain access to exclusive member-only sales, where you can score the fashion you want, at the price you want! You have the power!

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar