Vacation in Style With These Chic Blogger Looks

Apr 17, 2015

Whether you plan to peace out for a short stint on the sandy beach of some island oasis or you’re set on spending a few days pounding the pavement of your favorite sunny city, a chic ensemble is a must. Not sure what to pack in your suitcase this spring? Take a style note or two from some of our favorite traveling ladies.

@garypeppergirl: No escape is complete without a light, airy dress. Easy to pack and totally versatile, you’ll get major mileage out of this simple piece. Tack on a hat and some sleek shades for a undeniably cool look (that also offers some serious sun protection).

BDG Voile Maxi Voile Shirt Dress ($30): This light denim number works just as well off the beach as it does on.

Playful Printed Romper

@chiaraferragni: This outfit is everything a getaway getup should be: bright, fun and effortless. We’re loving the funky accessories and bold prints that pull it all together.

Wayf Wrap Front Romper ($88): This vibrant onesie will take you from afternoon coffee with friends to a night out on the town. Swap out your fabulous flats for a killer pair of heels and you’ve got a seriously chic look.

Flowy Separates

The Chriselle Factor: For spring 2015, stripes are a definite must-pack item, whether you’re planning an impromptu island getaway or a relaxing staycation. Striped wide-leg bottoms paired with a bright and equally flowy top make for a winning combination that is perfect for strolling along white sands or the city streets.

Forever21 Striped Wide-Leg Pants ($40): These pants scream vacay indeed. You can also work them into your professional wardrobe by adding sleek black pumps and a tailored top.

Dressed Down Culottes

Late Afternoon Blog: High-waisted culottes and a crop top are a look we love. Lattice-lace bottoms and a floral, fluted-sleeve top feel fresh and feminine with a modern, beach-ready twist. To transition to evening, pair with chunky-heeled sandals, a silky cami and a light tailored jacket.

The Letter Easy Lace Culottes ($89): After you’ve packed up your bags and headed home, rock this lacy pair on the job by styling them with pretty pumps and a colorful, structured top.

Sleek Finishing Touches

Gabi Fresh: If you’d rather hit the boutiques than the beach, a few polished pieces should find their way into your suitcase. Go for a mix of punchy prints and sophisticated details for a edgy, on-point look

River Island White Bonded Sleeveless Tux Jacket ($120): While this tailored tux topper is the ideal piece for giving a vacation getup a polished finish, it’s also perfect for keeping your 9-to-5 ensembles looking stylish even when temps are scorching.

Elevated Maxis

Tales of Endearment: Forget boho, this maxi skirt is anything but. The bold graphic motifs are edgy, rather than flowery, while a strapless, brass-embellished bustier completes the chic pairing.

ASOS Curve Exclusive Maxi Skirt with Split Front in Color Block ($49): When paired with the right pieces, this color blocked skirt will take you from the boardroom to the beach.

Standout Tunics

With Love from Kat: A stylish tunic is one of those pieces worth packing. You can head straight to a laid-back lunch or aperitif without needing a costume change.

Ann Taylor Loft Beach Floral Bloom Swimsuit Coverup ($55): Save room in your suitcase and transform this coverup into a dinner-ready ensemble with a metal belt and polished block heels.

Overall Dresses

Bartabac: Now that overalls have come back into style, we know you just can’t bare to part with them. Work them into your vacay wardrobe with a cool pair of Birks and layered silver baubles for the ultimate city-exploring ensemble.

Topshop Moto Vintage Wash Pinafore Dress ($60): If you’re going for the overalls, classic denim will never steer you wrong.

Comfy Kicks

Peace Love Shea: Another way to work stripes into your spring break lineup? A playful romper, of course. Add on a pair of sleek sneaks for a subtle sporty touch and polished accessories for a smart finish.

Adidas Farm Adria Low Shoes ($55): Sure, white kicks are always classic, but we’re seriously diggin’ these rainbow-colored trainers.

Gingham

Viva Luxury: Is it just us, or is this cute gingham getup perfect for a quaint Saturday stroll through a flower market in your favorite Southern locale or what?

Forever21 Cropped Knot-Front Gingham Shirt ($18): Short and sweet, this gingham topper is the perfect partner for high-waisted pants or a structured skirt.

Kimonos

Style Scrapbook: A sassy kimono is the way to go for transitional dressing while you’re away. And we say the brighter the better.

ASOS Kuccia Maxi Kimono With Tassel Detail In Tropical Bird Print Co-Ord ($99): Whether you want to add an extra layer to a sophisticated ensemble or introduce a pop of color to an off-duty look, this fabulous flamingo piece will do the trick.

Bright Floral Toppers

Sincerely Jules: While we’re loving this fabulous frock, it’s the flower crown that really caught our eye. It might not make it on your packing list, but we think a vibrant bunch of blooms should be right up there with all the essentials.

Urban Outfitters Dalia Flower Crown ($20): Toss this on with your favorite flowy frock or romper for a chic, boho look.

Where are you headed this spring? What are your vacation essentials? Tell us in the comments!

How To Recreate Selena Gomez's Edgy Black Nails With High-Quality Products Under $15

The magic of Selena Gomez's red carpet look for the 81st Golden Globes is in the details. From the slivers of skin seen through the bodice of her red satin Armani dress to the dramatic downturn of its long, asymmetrical skirt, the Only Murders in the Buildingnominee for Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series clearly came to stun.

Selena's glamorous red and black ensemble surely stood out with pops of stunning silver jewelry, but the one thing I couldn't keep my eyes off of were her shiny black nails! Her right-hand manicurist, Tom Bachik, dished on how exactly he crafted the painfully sultry paint job.

IG @tombachik

“Selena’s custom dress is such an amazing red with black accents, and we felt the nails should play off that," Bachik said. "The black high-gloss shine found in the flowers on the front was the perfect inspiration.”

These edgy black nails are not only the perfect homage to the rest of Selena's look (a bold smokey eye, jet-black floral accents), but a fitting reminder of my awkward middle school days when all I wanted was to fit into the flourishing emo scene. Though Selena's Golden Globes looks is worlds from the ever-so sleazy 2010's, I love that her glossy black nails can be worn a variety of ways for the everyday!

The secret behind Selena's rebellious mani is iconic nail brand, essie. Here's how to get the exact look in just four steps.

Get The Look: Selena Gomez's Golden Globes Black Nails

1. Prep the nails.

For Selena's black nails, Bachik began with a "meticulous manicure" using the Tweezerman & Tom Bachik Nail Care Travel Set ($29). Think your standard trimming, filing, clipping, and cuticle care – this step will set your nail beds up for some generously glossy coats!

2. Paint on the black.

Bachik painted two solid coats of Essie 'Licorice' ($8) for the base of Selena's black nails. This shade has the most perfect payoff to ensure your dark-as-night mani looks sleek AF.

3. Top it all off.

Bachik swears by Essie Gel Setter Top Coat ($11) for a seamless finish to any mani.

4. Don't skip post-mani nail care.

The Essie On A Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil does a great job at rehydrating the nails and surrounding skin. Bachik finished off Selena's 'patent leather' manicure with the roll-on applicator.

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Lead photo by Amy Sussman / Getty.

Move Over "Gossip Girl" — "Friday Night Lights" Season 1 Is Peak TV

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.

Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

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Just Say 'Oui' to These French Girl Wardrobe Essentials

Now that you've successfully Konmari'd your closet and picked up a few of your fave fall trends, it's time to keep it real — Parisian real. Because a French girl's wardrobe effortlessly intersects all that we desire in our closets: functionality, versatility, and timeless sophistication. Scroll on to shop a curated collection of French girl fashion essentials that are sure to make you feel la vie est belle.

The Black Blazer: AYR The Coup Blazer ($395)

The Low Block Heels: Tamara Mellon Fellini ($595)

The Camel Coat: Sézane Scott Trench ($305)

The Wrap Dress: ELOQUII Velvet Wrap Dress ($110)

The Black Flats: Everlane The Day Glove ($115)

The High-Waisted Jeans: Paige Cindy High-Rise Slim Ankle Jeans ($219)

The Silk Shirt: Mango Silk Shirt ($120)

The Leather Jacket: Italic Niki Leather Moto Jacket ($495)

The Leather Shoulder Bag: Clare V. Clem ($345)

The Striped Marinière Top: Veronica Beard Jean Lyon Top ($178)

The LBD: Zara Swiss Dot Dress ($40)

The Oxford Shirt: Grayson The Hero Button-Down ($158)

The Silk Scarf: Madewell Silk Bandana ($25)

The Cashmere Cardigan: White + Warren Essential Cashmere Cardigan ($260)

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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15 Graduation Gifts Perfect For The Class Of 2024

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will always be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Avoiding Your Next Haircut? Don’t Make The Same Mistakes As Me

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

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