Bags & Beauty: travel essentials

So my recent trip to Chicago (I'll share in another post) had me thinking about all the travel essentials.  Unless you're jumping the car, it's hard to just pack a bag and go.  You have to make sure you have all the right size items and have enough clothes and shoes to last the duration of your trip.  If you're jumping in the car it's easy to throw everything inside.  Although, let's be honest I over pack all the time anyways.  

First up BAGS.  Now all of these bags can be used to hold clothes but also as your carry on.  I have the leopard print bag and I throw headphones, magazines, light jacket and usually shoes in it.  It's also where I keep a cross body bag with my tickets/license/money.  I don't bring a full purse with me on vacation because more often than not I'm playing tourist and it's not fun to haul a big bag around.  I love the Hershel bag because it has a separate shoe compartment, great for keeping other items free of dirt.  The Longchamp bag is expandable which is always helpful (for those over packers like myself) and the Vera Bradley has a spot on the back where you can attach it to your suitcase handle which is perfect!!  I saw so many of those in the airport this time. 

Next up, BEAUTY.  This is the hardest, at least I think.  Trying to find travel size in all of your makeup is not easy.  This only applies though if you plan to bring your cosmetic case on the plane, which I do not.  I put mine in my checked luggage.  However, it is still efficient to bring smaller sizes of a few items that way you aren't using so much space.  All my makeup I take full size, including brushes.  I have a separate brush case that fits in my cosmetic case.  I am LOVING this Le Sportsac bag.  I might have to buy it!  It's big and super cute and lined with plastic which is great for cleaning.  I currently have this one in a different pattern but LOVE this style as well.  I always buy the Organix travel shampoo/conditioner, it's my favorite!  I love that Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes comes in travel size, it's my FAVORITE mascara.  After doing this roundup, I'm also thinking a travel straightener is in my future.  Such a great idea since those tend to take up more room as well. 

What are your favorite bags and beauty travel essentials?!  Next on my list is to invest in some cute and great quality luggage. 

Have a great day!
xo  ♥ Ash

Insta Life

Happy Hump Day!!  Haven't done an Instagram round up in awhile and thought it was overdue.  This one is a bit long (sorry!).  I only chose pictures that I could still link the items to.  I hate showing you guys something and then you're not able to buy it, that's no fun.  So don't forget to check my Instagram for all of my updates!!

I'm obsessed with these sandals!

print //wreath is DIY

one of my favorite mani's recently.  

I'm loving everything Express has for Spring/Summer right now.

top//jeans//top

these are super comfy!!

top//pants//flats

dress 1 (this color not online)//dress 2

top (similar,similar)//pants//flats


Have a great day!
xo  ♥ Ash

Lilly Pulitzer for Target

Happy Monday!

I am not usually a Lilly Pulitzer fan but I happened to come across the look book for her new collection with Target and I was quite impressed.  I'm considering even picking up a few pieces when they debut.  I mean how adorable is the pineapple dish & yellow romper?!

images via Target

images via Target

The look book can be found here and don't forget to go check it out in stores and online April 19th!

 xo  ♥ Ash

Friday Five

Happy Friday friends!!  I'm so glad it's the weekend.  It's also supposed to be the first day of Spring yet it's going to snow tonight #goawaywinter!  I'm hoping to have a relaxing, yet productive weekend.  What're you up to? 

1.  I love Mar Y Sol totes but they are bit on the high side.  Just found a less than $30 look alike!

2. I just picked these beauties up last night and obsessed is not even the word.  Cannot wait to wear them!

3. loving this planter basket DIY and splatter napkins.

4. If you're on a time crunch and need the perfect photo (for free!) for your blog post, look no further.

5. Thinking about cutting my hair soon.  this this and this are on the top of my list.  

Have a great weekend!

 xo  ♥ Ash

Insta Life

Hi lovelies!  Here's a little of what's been happening over on Instagram.  Don't forget to follow me @sparkleandsoulblog :)

last week didn't start off so well for me thanks to pot holes!  so I treated myself. 
top//sweater//flats (on major sale!)

 Scored this blue beauty for $5 at H&M while in Miami!

 

enjoying a s'mores martini at Sugar Factory on Ocean Drive in Miami.  I cannot wait for it to be warm in New England to sit outside and eat.  

 casual Friday in my new tee.  Seriously obsessed!
tee//jeans (similar)//boots//watch

 the weather this past weekend was a bit rainy but I really wanted to go to West Elm in Boston.  Hubs agreed and on Sunday we headed up.  We grabbed Georgetown Cupcakes (favorite cupcakes ever!) on our way home and pretty pink roses at the grocery store.

another $7 necklace score but this time from a local store we have, Laila Rowe!  Paired with oldies but goodies, H&M trench and Target sweater. 

p.s. did you notice the new blog changes?  I finally caved and purchased a new layout and LOVE it!  I'm hoping to tweak it a bit more over the next few months as well.  
 
Happy Hump Day!

xo  ♥ Ash

Beer Tasting Party

When I think of Fall, I think of sweaters, apple picking, pumpkin carving and new boots.  When my husband thinks of Fall he thinks of mainly football with mostly beer.  Can anyone feel the pain with me?  Now I wouldn't suggest this on Sunday or Monday or Thursday (all football nights for the ladies who share in my pain) but a Saturday is fair game for a Beer Tasting Party!

When I saw the new line out at Target with Wit & Delight I knew their products would be the perfect pieces for a fall beer tasting party.  Just add some burgers, pretzels and of course the beer and you're good to go!

The line has everything you need and more including a bottle opener, beverage tub, tasting sheets and flight plan plus for good measure some fun pencils & napkins.  I also LOVE the chalkboard paper which could be used to display your yummy food!

It's on my weekend agenda to grab a few of these items before they are all gone!  Do you have any Fall themed parties planned this season?

xo  ♥ Ash

Friday Five

O em gee, I'm so happy it's Friday!!  This week draaaged.  Did it for anyone else as well?  On top of that Spring showed its face for about a day before Mother Nature came and took it away.  So over Winter!

Anyways, here's this weeks Friday Five!

1.  Excited to see the new Oh Joy! Collection at Target starting March 16th!

2. Loving this DIY gold foil print tutorial!  Jen is a superstar DIYer who you should check out if you haven't already.

3. In LOVE with ILY Couture's new 'Preggers' tee!

4. New recipe I want to try.  Seems super easy & yummy!

5. Hoping to take advantage of GAP and LOFT offering 40% this weekend! (40% at GAP is for cardholders, all others 30% online)

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

xo, ash

 

Wardrobe Ed(add)ition Vol. 1

Like that play on words?  I was pretty proud of myself when I thought of that :)

Anyways I was thinking it might be fun to do Wardrobe Ed(add)ition posts where I show you guys what I've added to my closet lately whether it's every season or every few months.  If I'm being honest, it's more like every week because I have a shopping problem but that's an entirely different post for a different day ;)

At least once a year I buy one new pair of jeans, maybe two if I'm looking for something more specific.  I don't buy jeans too often because jeans are one of those items that get better with time.

I really love the way Express jeans fit so I recently added a darker wash to my closet and I LOVE them.  JCrew or Guess would be my runner up go-to stores for jeans.

Speaking of JCrew, my most recent purchase was from their factory store.  You may have spotted the pieces on my Instagram.

 This bow cardigan was at JCrew last season and I missed out.  When I saw it at the factory this year, I made sure not to let that happen again!  This lilac polkadot button down is adorable!  Comfortable, versatile and purple is my favorite color!

 GAP is my next go to store, especially for versatile pieces that I can wear at work and on the weekends.  They were having a big sale last weekend so I grabbed a few winter essentials.

I love wearing pastel colors in winter.  I pair them with something darker to make them more seasonally appropriate but they make me happy!  Who says you have to wear all dark colors in the cooler months! This scarf and sweater are soooo soft and warm and who doesn't need pink color block flats.  Sadly these flats are no longer available online.

I LOVE Ann Taylor Loft for stylish and affordable work wear.  I have a habit of buying a lot of black and grey for work because they go with everything.  I usually add a fun scarf or shoe for color.

The bow shell is super comfortable and can be worn so many ways.  The Zoe pant is my new favorite and this color is to die for!  The black polkadot sleeve top pictured is not online anymore but H&M carries a very similar version.  I had bow theme that night I guess because I snagged this kelly green and navy bow clutch for $18 but also no longer available. Similar.

And last my favorite store of all time, Target.  I'm loving their pieces this season.  I've mentioned this polkadot scarf more than once because it goes with everything.  And I love love this sweater.  It's super soft and has a metallic threading, adding the right amount of sparkle.  I want the other two colors, I love it that much!

 

What are some new pieces you've purchased lately?

Have a great night!

xo, Ash