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

Nordstrom 1/2 Yearly Sale

Happy Thursday! 

Normally I don't do round-ups of my picks for the big sales however this one is too good not too.  Here goes...

Have a great rest of your day!!
xo  ♥ Ash

Engagement Pictures 101

 As most of you know, maybe you don't, I love weddings.  I love everything about them.  From picking out vendors, to picking out linens, to DIYing day of details, down to picking out outfits for engagement pictures.

Other than the obvious ring shot the night of the actual engagement, engagement pictures are one of your next steps.  Engagement sessions allow you and your fiance to show everyone who you are as individuals, as a couple and the love between you.  They are the first puzzle piece of your wedding that is sent to your guests since most of the time the photos are used for Save the Dates.  

Today I thought I would give some tips on how to get the best pictures from your engagement session so your Save the Dates can be perfect! 

1.   Pick the right photographer

I know easier said than done, right?  And since I was married in 2013, there are sooo many more to choose from.  When choosing someone to photograph such an important day, choose someone whose work you like most importantly but also meet with a few.  It's important to know that your photographer understands what you want from your pictures and how you want them to "feel."  It's also nice to find a photographer who you feel comfortable with.  After all, you spend a majority of your time with your photographer on your wedding day.

2.  Act Natural

Your photographer will give you hints and clues on how to pose but don't overdo it.  If you have to laugh, do it.  If you can't hold a pose, don't.  Sometimes some of those candid moments turn out to be the best pictures, intended or not.  You want your pictures most of all to be a true representation of yourselves.

my engagement picture photo cred: Mandy Mayberry Photography

3. Represent

This can be with the location you choose (first date spot?), a particular city (first vacation together?), with specific clothing (sports jerseys) or even with props (your adorable pet).  Again you want these pictures to reflect who you are and who you are together as a couple.  You want friends and family to look at the pictures and think yes, that's exactly who they are!  And having those special touches in the photos will make them that much more memorable.

my engagement picture photo cred: Mandy Mayberry Photography

4. Pick the right Save the Date

The hardest of all, right?!  I mean there are soooo many to choose from in all colors, styles and price points! Well I have narrowed down some of my favorite options for you from Paperless Post to hopefully make this part of the process a little less stressful! 

 

The best thing about Paperless Post is that all of their options are affordable.  Not only do they have an amazing selection of Save the Dates but they also carry a wide range of paperless and paper invitations.  I love the paperless option (hello convenience!) for those last minute parties, but love real paper for the special events aka your wedding.  Be sure to check them out for your Save the Dates, wedding invitations, other event or milestone (never miss a birthday again!).  

Have a great rest of your day!!

xo  ♥ Ash

Friday Five

Happy Friday!!  It's going to be a beautiful weekend and even warmer weather is coming next week.  I cannot wait!

1.  this would be my bedroom in a dream world.

2. Cinco de Mayo is Tuesday.  How about some peach margaritas?

3. perfect striped flats

4. adorable mint julep bar if you're hosting a Kentucky Derby party

5.  Did you hear that Piperlime closed? :(

 

Have a great weekend!!

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

Tuesday Shoesday

Happy Tuesday ladies!  I don't know about you but when the warmer weather starts to come around, I start looking for new shoes.  Who am I kidding, I look for new shoes all year ;)  

I rounded up some of my favorite picks for Spring/Summer.  I actually have the middle row espadrilles (from Target!) and love them.  They are really comfy and go with everything.  I am really loving the New Balance sneakers and rose gold slides.  I just realized my choices are all pretty neutral, which is fine with me because then you can get more use out of them, right?!

  

 


Have you picked up any new Spring/Summer shoes lately?

Have a great day!
xo  ♥ Ash

High or Low

Happy Monday!!  I don't know about you but Monday always feels like this to me.  Today is no exception.  However, today I've come to save you money, that is if you want to.  And who doesn't?!

I've been recently seeing the Mar Y Sol totes pop up everywhere.  They are perfect!  But their price tag, not so much.  Then I came across these Old Navy ones that are verrry similar.  Similar enough for me to save the $98 considering this is more than likely a beach tote which here in New England would be used for 3ish months out of the year. 

 

Waht do you think?  Would you pick the high or the low? Do you already have either of these totes?!

Have a great day!
xo  ♥ Ash