Summer Essentials: How To Pack

As we continue into sweet summer time (can you hear the Will Smith song in your head now? Or how about the Kenny Chesney one?) we are all planning and dreaming of the beach. Even with mini trips on the weekend the biggest dilemma is always, how do I pack...what should I wear? 


Let us start with the hardest question (in my opinion): How do I pack for a trip? I found this great resource on Pinterest that led me a blog called A Pair and A Spare. The author of this blog talks about packing light and we all know we want to pack light going to the beach. That is the hardest thing for me because when I try to pack light I always end up forgetting something. What is great about this infographic it gives you a break down even to your shoes. 

So here is the breakdown of how you should pack according to this inforgraphic and I hope you find it as helpful as I do. I am so grateful to have stumbled across it. 

Step 1: Check the climate & culture Obviously a big factor in your packing is going to be your destination. 

Step 2: Gather basics As in everyday life, good basics are the foundation of a versatile travel wardrobe.

Step 3: Add key color palette items Choose a color palette for a few additional pieces. This reduces the likelihood of having mismatched outfits. Depending on what I have in my wardrobe I usually add a maxi skirt (great for travelling), long sleeved shirt, a few mini skirts and a pair of shorts in my chosen color palette. You can of course choose a couple of colors for your palette, just try to make sure they are all compatible.

Step 4: Rationalize Shoes Shoes are the most bulky part of your luggage and if you can restrict the number of shoes you take with you, life will be much easier. But you don’t want to feel like you lack shoes either – I usually take one pair of classic black patent heels (maybe a second pair if I am going somewhere dressy), a pair of ballet flats, ankle boots, a pair of comfortable shoes like converse and a pair of gladiator sandals.

Step 5: Complete with Accessories Pick accessories that you can use with multiple outfits and occasions with will cut down on how much you need to pack.

Hope this helps when it comes with packing your bags and jet-setting to your summer vacation. Next week I will post on the best items to take with you to the beach. And of course if you don't have these summer packing essentials I suggest you head to Fifi's immediately! This way you are getting fabulous designer pieces for a faction of the price and you won't be cutting into your vacation piggy bank. 

Line Up!

Did you hear the news? That Fifi's will be moving into a bigger location in August! I am just thrilled, and I am sure you are as well.

This week's trend we are going to explore is stripes. I know that stripes can tend to be a bit of gray area for some since it can lean towards making one look wider on certain body types...and plus no one wants to look like they are an escaped convict. So let's see how we can take a scary trend and make it look chic.

I think the important thing about stripes to remember is try not to look too patriotic. You don't want to walk around looking like a relic of the American flag. Not a good everyday look, nautical is great (take the red striped top in the left hand corner) but no one wants to look as though they are celebrating the 4th of July everyday. The great thing about a striped top it is not an all over graphic look and you can control how and where it hits your body. Keep that in mind when purchasing your next striped item.

I am going to repeat myself a lot in this post. Especially when it comes to body types and how to wear the stripes. The thing to keep in mind with stripes and dresses is the width of the stripe and trying ton dresses in which the stripes go in different directions so your eyes do not go to one section of the body (ie the hips). Also, choosing a dress that has just one strip of stripes will still incorporate the trend without it being overwhelming. If you like the dress don't fear the stripes just try it on! You may end up loving it on!

And for those of you not ready to line up, here are a few great accessories you can wear instead. This way you can be bold with your stripes and colors and work up the courage to wear a fabulous striped item by the end of the season. You won't regret it!

Mint Isn't Just For Girl Scouts

I missed writing for you all last week. I hope you were able to find some fabulous things at Fifi's while I was gone. This week's spring trend is the color mint, a light pastel green. It is an absolutely beautiful color that I would encourage everyone to try. It isn't a color you usually find in everyone's closet and that is why I am loving it this season. Here are a few celeb and runway looks showing of the mint trend.

A refreshing color isn't it? I hope that the above provided for some inspiration, but if you need a little bit more help here are a few more suggestions to let you find your way in the mint trend. One of my favorite ways to add a little flash to an outfit is with a blazer.

I have an addiction to dresses. It's bad. Even if I don't know when I will wear the dress, but I fall in love with it...I can't help but buy it. Addicted. Here are a few mint dresses for you to fall in love with this season.

Since we cannot wear dresses all the time. Though I kind of wish I could even if it was extremely overdressed for the occasion. See, I told you addicted. Here are a few options besides wearing a dress.

Finally if you aren't ready to fully embrace the mint look, maybe you can start small with a few accessories.

There are always ways to make a trend work. Remember, to make it your own. Once you do that you have to own it and work it.

Until next time Fifi Fashionistas!
Jennifer

Brighter Than Sunshine

Along with floral prints for spring comes along bright colors and yellow is a big hit this spring. Now ladies, not everyone can wear yellow...so don't force yourself if your skin tone just doesn't allow it, we don't want you walking around looking ill in that bright yellow dress. Always remember to dress for you and not for the trends. If one trend doesn't work for you then go to the next there is an array of colors on trend this season, we are just starting this one (there are more to come, like blue and mint!). Just like last week, I am just going to show you some lovely examples that will make your fashion heart pitter patter like you are falling in love all over again. You will think that you are falling in love with summertime.

Since yellow doesn't work on everyone, lets start with a few accessories that will be your POC (pop of color) in your outfit. It is important to have a contrasting coloring in your look, even if it is your handbag....or even your earrings. That pop!

If you are planing on wearing a yellow dress, then you need to own it. Yellow is bright. Yellow is bold. You are going to get attend in a yellow dress, so make sure you feel amazing in the dress. Or in any piece that grabs attention, because people will be lookin'.

Here are a few top choices in yellow, I would suggest wearing them with anything from white to navy. Mix it up. Be brave. Be bold. You are wearing yellow, remember.

And remember the best accessory this spring is to smile bright!

-Jennifer