back to work!

I'm back from a wonderful spring break in sunny california. Back to school and back to blogging. It might be awhile till new posts start appearing, but here's a preview of what to come!

My name's Jenny and I'm an addict

Being home for spring break is glorious. I'm being as lazy as I can and just enjoying home. So until classes resume, the laid back posting will continue.

Maybe it's the book I'm reading about addiction that influenced me to create this post, but I thought today I would share my own personal addictions. 

1. I was sure I had kicked the first two but have recently relapsed. I hadn't touched a drop of my beloved Diet Coke for three months and like a true addict, I haven't been able to put it down since I slipped. 

2. In love with them growing up, Nirvana was pushed aside for growing interests and changing tastes. However, they have finally worked their way back into their rightful spot as my favorite band. There isn't anything quite like Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic. I'm hooked once again.

3. I just purchased these gladiator wedges from Nine West and they've been glued to my feet since. I'm totally obsessed with their polished structure and laid back look.  They're amazing and exactly what I've been looking for

4. My magic weapon. A bandage skirt is so incredibly useful. Paired with a black top and you have an instant dress (my secret to my seemingly endless LBD arsenal), pair it with a slouchy skirt for a casual look, pull it up as a tube top, the list goes on. My mom happened to make mine back in the days of Tailfeathers, but you can find them now at places like American Apparel and Topshop.

5. Any one who has ever talked to me online or received a text message from me knows how much I over use the emoticon. I can't help it, I'm a serial :) user. 

6. While doing laundry one day my roommate Kaite, in response to my HUGE load of whites remarked, "Oh ya... I forgot you were a boy." I absolutely live in these men's undershirts by Hanes. They're just so comfortable and can be worn with anything. And since they're so cheap I often experiment with cutting, painting and drawing on them. 

7. Okay, anyone who knows me, knows my phone. This is my baby, my life and it's always by my side (and I always seem to be holding it in every picture I take). I went through major withdrawals last week when I was separated from it for four days (which seemed like an eternity). Thankfully, we're back together again. 

Take Flight

Almost time to take to the skies! Some people seem to glide through the airport with effortless ease and others...well most of us seem to stumble and haul our way through security and look a mess. Here's a look at some celebrities that travel light and some that travel...well like messy divas...

Let's just say this trio above is a big NO! Poor Tara Reid is a walking wardrobe malfunction. Please make sure while you're lugging your luggage (and if you pack right you shouldn't be doing that!) that you don't wear low riding sweats and high riding jackets, no one wants to see your thong on vacation, trust me. Then there is Tyra. I know track suits can be comfortable but come on, there are so many better alternatives. If you must wear one while you travel mix the colors so you don't look like a parachuter. And that yucky putty, tan color, come on Tyra, remember when you used to be a model? Ah and then there is Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker's character on Sex and The City for those of you who are unaware) She sure looks stylish, although I know I wouldn't want to sit on a flight and wait in an airport in that outfit, but the huge army of Louis Vouitton luggage? Unless you have Big to lug it around for you and don't mind looking like an out of control diva, then learn to pack less.
Ah! These celebs got it right. Muted, dark tones, laid back style, paired down luggage, this is what easy travel is made of. Tailored sweaters and other pieces trump baggy sweat suit any day. The Hills' Audrina Partridge looks great in a pair of dark wash jeans, a collard, grey sweater and boots. And look! Only one, nice size carry on. It's hard for Jake Gyllenhaal not to look dreamy. He's got this airport thing down, nice jeans + nice sweater + one roller + one backpack = perfection. Hillary Duff and Rachel Bilson get it right too. Big comfy scarfs are a must for me on trips they are the perfect way around ever fluctuating cabin temperatures. 
As much as I love Nicole Richie her "Carry On" is not one I would recommend. I mean looking frumpy and lugging around a huge, full size pillow is no way to start or end a trip, she looks like she's about to catch a nap, not a plane. Ashley Olsen, on the other hand, is the queen of oversized bags and chic, laid back looks, perfect for traveling.  For me, black is the only way to go when traveling, it's crisp and clean and hassle free. It's such an easy color to look chic in no matter how un-chic you feel. Also, her light makeup and easy hair is ideal for getting from one location to another and still looking put together. 
Now we've looked at how those famous folks work the runway, but we can't look inside their glorious black Birkins and stylish totes, so I'll give you a peak at exactly what I'm taking and how I'm taking it.

1. Delays, crying babies, the loud woman who feels the need to complain about everything to anyone who'll listen, airplane travel is no fun, so for me my ipod is my savior, I can disconnect from the craziness with a touch of the button. It's my instant spa, meditiation center, entertainer and inspiration collector all in one. Plus if you're lucky enough to have a decent movie play on your flight you'll have decent headphones to go along. 

2. A PASHMINA. NEVER GET ON A PLANE WITHOUT ONE. My black one goes with me everywhere. Honestly the most glorious invention ever. Wrap this soft delight around your neck while waiting to board, open it up to be your personal cashmere blanket for an on board nap, and if you or your destination gets too hot just toss it in your bag. This is one thing every weather wary person should carry.

3. Speaking of weather, there are hardly 2 places (in this country alone) with similar weather at this time of year. Whether you are heading from a cold climate to a tropical beach, or a west coast town to a skiing village the outfit you wear onto the plane will no longer be appropriate when you arrive. This North Face jacket is not only incredibly warm but incredibly travel friendly too. Personally, I wear this jacket pretty much every single day. It's the perfect weight and is suitable for a mild day with a tank underneath and can be the perfect final layer on a brutal one. But despite it's flexibility, the best part is that this big puffer can squeeze into it's own pocket. That's right, when you get into the airport, safe from all the elements and the only thing separating you from the beach is an airplane ride, just fold the jacket up into a tiny ball and pop it right into your carry on. 

4. My trusty Pierre Duex weekender. This duffle is the perfect size for a weekend away and can work just fine for an entire week if you plan right. This carry-on is a perfect way to travel if you wish to avoid baggage claim, it's just the right size, fits easily in the overhead bins, is a great height for sitting on in the event of a delay and is just so chic and classy.

5. This Marc by Marc Jacobs tote is HUGE. However, it's dark color and perfect shape keeps it from looking sloppy or too overwhelming. When it comes to flying, I find I like to have a lot of things readily available to me. This bag can be pushed under my seat for take off, but can still hold anything I might need during my flight.

6. A trip to the airport isn't complete without a stop in the mini-store to purchase a trashy celebrity mag. You're on vacation, whether you read them so you can pick on peoples lives or to inspire your wardrobe, they are undoubtedly fun. Plus, if you're like me they are perfect for those fear-of-flying-i-hate-turbulence moments when you can't concentrate on anything else.

7. I happen to be one of the lucky few that seems to never get through a trip without a delay. And I mean MAJOR delays. As great as electronics are, there is no way I would leave the fate of my entertainment and joy to the whims of a battery, especially since not many batteries last the 8 hours I've been delayed. My choices for this trip (purchased with my Borders gift card from Mira! thanks!) are David Sheff's "Beautiful Boy" and David Sedaris' "Me Talk Pretty One Day". They are both currently on the bestseller lists and I can't wait to get through them. While usually I'm a one-book-at-a-time kinda gal, Sedaris' witty writing is the perfect breathe of fresh air from the heavy subject matter of Sheff's memoir following his son's addiction. 

another short midterm post. 

With spring break a few days away I thought it would be good to take a look at ways around all those pesky airport restrictions on beauty products. Thankfully now pretty much every beauty company has tuned into this market, making your options pretty much endless. Here are a few  of my favorites.

1. How impossibly cute is this key chain mascara. Plus, nothing wakes up tired eyes more after a long flight then a little mascara. Bourjois Mini Volume Glamour Ultra Black Mascara, $8 at sephora.com

2. Who doesn't love Burt Bees. This small chapstick fits perfectly into those little restrictive zip lock baggies and works wonders.  Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, $3 at burtsbees.com

3. I don't trust those sketchy airplane mirrors. And why would I when I can tote around a cute mirror like this one. Marc Jacobs Heart Shaped Compact Purse Mirror, $12 at thethingsiwant.com

4. When the amount of makeup you can carry is limited, use these little wonder sheets to soak up oil and make you look instantly refreshed and made up. Clinique Pore Minimizer Oil Blotting Sheets, $13.50 clinique.com

5. One of my friends packed this roll-on perfume on a trip we recently took and it was perfect. Not only is it a great scent, and there are many other roll-on options out there (60 at Sephora), but this compact packaging is the perfect alternative to wrapping up fragile bottles of perfume. Stell McCartney Stella Eau de Parfum Roll-on, $15 sephora.com

6. I love the whole Clinique skin care line so I really love that they now make them in travel size (and in it's own convenient little zip lock baggie to boot!) It was such a hassle trying to lug the whole 3-step system around, now it's easy as pie. Clinique 3-Step Kit, $48 clinique.com

7. Whether you're going skiing or tanning you have to take care of your skin. This little sunscreen packs a powerful punch. Small but mighty. Clarins UV Plus SPF 40, $39 sephora.com

8. Airplanes can be so drying! This is another small but mighty product, a little bit of this lotion goes along way in helping with dry hands and cracked elbows. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $10 sephora.com

9. If you still can't live without a certain product, try these great little bottles convieniantly packaged in an airport regulated zip-lock. The little empty bottles are perfect for filling them with whatever product you want in the perfect amount. Pack Max Carry On Kit, $9.99 bedbathandbeyond.com

One week till holiday

So I don't know about you all but I CAN'T WAIT for spring break. I thought for this Friday post it would be fun to pull inspiration from (and watch!) some vacation movies. Nothing helps the time past and get you pumped for something than a good film. 

Hope you get to watch at least one of these movies this weekend to help the week go by quicker! ONE WEEK LEFT! 

One more week...

So I've been on a bit of a hiatus due to midterms, papers and sickness. But I'm trying to get back on track. While I don't really have time for a full post during this last week before spring break, I do want to make a mini update because I've been missing them! So without further ado, I give to you a day late edition of WWWD

hope everyone is hanging in there! vacation is just around the corner! 

Well I must say I was very underwhelmed  my Paris fashion week. I'm thinking it might just be me seeing as my creative juices and mind have been totally drained by midterms or the fact that looking at all the shows over the past month has just gotten to me. Either way, school continues to be kicked into high gear. I'm hoping to return to a normal posting schedule tomorrow. Have a great day everyone!