The Packing Guide: Escape to Paradise

     What better way to spend winter break or that nice holiday bonus than to treat yourself to a nice vacation away from the cold? A friend of mine suggested that I write a post on resort wear and I thought that would be a great idea because I happen to know quite a few people  who are traveling away to paradise during the freezing winter months.
      Now where do I begin? That's exactly the question that i've been asking myself because while there is so much I could write about I don't want this post to be so long that you wont even want to read it. I eventually decided that I would do a few Polyvore sets to inspire you as you pack your suitcase. Don't worry I'm just going to post the sets and leave you stranded. I'm going to speak on each set, so that you get the right idea as to where I'm coming from. I hope you all enjoy it and if there was anything I missed please contact me at ShakiyahIvory@themfc.net.

 

When packing for the beach you should have as much fun as possible. Everything is pretty small, so there's no huge restraint on how much you can bring. I personally love to mix and match my bikinis, but not everyone is so daring. After bikinis I love to find different cover-ups. The knitted or crocheted sweater is my favorite right now. It's like wearing your heart on your sleeve and a sheer maxi skirt comes in as my second favorite cover up. It just adds the illusion that you're modest until it's time to hit the water. It's also great for those of us who don't have a six pack quite yet. I'm not big on make up at the beach, but lip gloss is always necessary. A beach friendly bag is a must to carry everything you may need while there & don't forget the shades to protect your eyes.

         

When you aren't out laying on the beach and you're out sight seeing or having a few drinks be sure to be comfortable. I'm drawn to sheer not too tight clothing because it allows for a breeze to get through rather than everything being glued on to your body. In addition to letting your body breathe sheer clothing also takes up less space in your suitcase. A small purse that you can carry without weighing yourself down is my favorite while away because you don't need to carry too much stuff around while you are away on vacation anyway. Don't forget to keep a watch on either just in case your cell phone dies.

Of course you have to enjoy the nightlife when you are away on vacation, but you can't fit your whole wardrobe in your suitcase. My advice is that you bring simple, form fitting dresses like the ones they sale at American Apparel. The more simple your dress is, the more crazy you can go with accessories! I tend to bring my accessories as a carry on, so they won't weigh down my luggage. The easiest way to pack shoes is to pick the ones that are most versatile. You can't bring all of your shoes, so pick the ones you can switch your look up with and still stand out.

5 Christmas Gifts for Him

        Giving is better than receiving, but sometimes finding the right gift is so hard you lose the desire to even give a gift. Even though you lose the desire that doesn't mean you can just get away without getting that special guy in your life a gift, so I did this post just for you. I'm going to pick 5 different gifts that any guy would appreciate. Although we all enjoy the finer things in life everyone doesn't have money to blow, so the gifts will all be in a reasonable price range. Enjoy.

Everyone enjoys watches. Treat him to a trendy yet affordable watch. The Chronicle SS by Nixon ($350.00) You can find it on NixonNow.com.

Everyone loves a nice cardigan right. Buy him this Jack & Jones cardigan for only $109.08 at ASOS.com. 

Every man loves sneakers and their collection can never be too big. Comme des Garcons X Jack Purcell Play Converse ($132) You can find these online at wishatl.com

Another gift that you can always count on is cologne. It's nothing like a man with a good scent. Try Bleu de Chanel you can buy it at any department store and it starts at about $60. 

You can never go wrong with a great pair of jeans. Try EDWIN. EDWIN is a premium Japanese denim and the price ranges from  $110 to about $300. You can find these on sites like ASOS.com, Wishatl.com, my-wardrobe.com, and denimgeek.com. 

     

5 Christmas Gifts for Her

Are you having a hard time picking out a gift for an amazing woman in your life? Don't worry I have just what you need. I'm going to give you a list of 5 things no girl will turn down. Woman are much easier to please than you think and you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to make them smile. Trust me.

I have yet to meet a female who hasn't fallen in love with "The One" by Dolce & Gabanna. The perfume is like heaven in a bottle and it starts out at just $50. You can find it at any major department store. 

Expand her shoe collection. No matter what you think we always need more. The Morgan by Messeca will wow her as soon as she opens the box and the best thing about it is that it is only $199.95. You can find these beauties at Solestruck.com.

A woman can never have too many bags. Don't worry you don't have to spend thousands to get her a nice one either.  The Hamilton Large Tote by Michael Kors will do the job. It's a great size for every day travel and you only have to spend about $348.00 before taxes. You can find it at MichaelKors.Com. 

Girls love Jewelry, so why not put something pretty on her wrist? Frieda & Nellie have beautiful handmade one of a kind bracelets that will surely make her smile. My personal favorite is definitely is the "Love for Dallas &Denver" which is pictured above. Browse the bracelets on friedandnellie.com.  The price ranges from about$178 to $250. 

Every year Mac Cosmetics launches a Holiday line where you can find some of their greatest deals. Treat the special lady in your life to the Ice Parade Special Edition Brush Kit for only $49.50. 

Fashion for a Cause

It's the Holiday season, so let's remember giving is better than receiving. While you shop around for your loved ones keep the less fortunate in mind. Try these brands that give back to those less fortunate as a result of your purchase.

Warby Parker Eyewear. You buy a pair. They give a pair away. Check them out at WarbyParker.com.

Everyone loves Toms. Treat yourself while treating a child in need. Toms.com

Ciao Aria will donate a percentage of your purchase to a charity that you pick off of her list.  CiaoAria.com

A New Found Favorite: ETSY.com

$148. Etsy.com. Dabchickvintagegems.

Etsy.com instantly became one of my new favorite online shopping spots when I stumbled across this beautiful piece of jewelry above. Etsy is an online marketplace where people can sell things that are handmade, vintage, and supplies to make things yourself. I could talk about it all day, but I think it would  be best for you to check it out yourself  HERE.