Things I Love

Summer Must-Have: SkinCeuticals Sunscreen

by Kirsten on June 21, 2011

Sure, I could spend my time researching what is known to be the fan favorite of all sunscreens, but what’s the point when I already use one of the best?! Granted, I did a ton of research a few years back, and no question about it – this is my all-time favorite.

No need to hold you in suspense, but you must buy this: SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense

Buy SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense in SPF 30 at SpaLook.com!

Plain and simple, it’s fantastic. I wear it in place of a moisturizer every morning, and beneath my make-up. Not only does it protect against UVA and UVB (cancer-causing) rays, but it also utilizes zinc oxide, which is one of the most amazing levels of protection you can get. You may remember zinc used to be that thick white or colored stuff on people’s faces that looked totally bizarre years back. Thankfully, they have done a ton of improvements, and it now is nearly invisible. Some may notice a lighter appearance to their face after putting the sunscreen on, but it quickly absorbs and goes away. No worries, I promise!

And let us not forget, it is 3.0 fluid ounces. That’s right my friends, it is travel and TSA friendly! This bottle lasts me over six months ($35 over six months, is only about $6/per month, $1.25 per week. Yes you can afford that), and I apply it everyday to my face, neck and use the leftover on my hands for the tops of my hands. Note: I use cheaper versions for my body as I am not as picky about the greasy look it may leave behind.

So the moral of this story? Wear sunscreen. Everyday. Do not think that because you have a darker skin tone, or like the look of a tan face, that it means you should not. Cancer and wrinkles are not cool and if you can prevent them with something so simple, why would you not?

I too love the look of having a sun-kissed glow, but tanning (out in the sun, or worse, a tanning bed) is not the way to do it. Just because you don’t notice the damage right away, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I look at the faces of my mom’s friends, and it is quite evident those that protected their beautiful skin throughout their lives. I ask what their secret is? Sunscreen. Yes, some things can be that simple.

SkinCeuticals offers a wide variety of sun protection, and this just happens to be my favorite. They also have a sport version and another Sheer Physical version. I have tried all of the, and the Ultimate is my favorite. Perhaps one of the others may by yours? Either way, their sunscreen is to die for.

Who else loves SkinCeuticals? Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Katherine Heigl, Kelly Rutherford, Kirstie Alley, Rebecca Romijn, Sophia Bush and many more.

Enjoy!

Love, K.

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New Stores I Love: Walk In Closet Boutique Review

by Kirsten on April 21, 2011

One of the greatest parts about writing this blog, is being introduced to new boutiques and online clothing stores. Rarely do I shop in-store anymore; between the time saved, the ease of purchase, and the amazing return/exchange policies, I adore online shopping.

When contacted by Kristin and Ashley of Walk In Closet Boutique, I was happy to check out their site, eager to find another fun place to indulge myself in some retail therapy.

One of the things that I like most, is the story behind their site:

Walk In Closet Boutique was founded by two sisters, Kristen and Ashley. Even though we are as different as night and day, the one thing we share is our love of fashion. When we were little girls, we kept busy for hours playing dress up and styling our dolls in fabulous outfits.

Now that we’re all grown up we still love to play dress up. We hope that Walk In Closet Boutique will bring back those childhood memories and also bring out the fashionista in you.

We invite you to take a walk in our closet and rummage through our clothes! You may notice that we each have our own sense of style which can be easily mixed and matched and we offer Price Points to fit any budget.

In addition to offering the following brands: Lucca Couture, Seventy Two Changes, !It Jeans, Pleasure Doing Business, Bloom Boom Boom, Ark & Co., Aryn K, Theme, Tulle, Plush, Sauce, Collective Concepts, Alternative, Hy & Dot, Factory, Left on Houston, Jenny Han, Fraiche, Charlie Jade, Daniel Rainn, Jayrun Jewelry, they also host trunk shows in the NY Metropolitan area!

I was lucky enough to try something from their new Spring Collection, this fabulous trench coat from Tulle. Made of 100% cotton and double-breasted, this jacket can be used through all seasons, and will easily become a closet staple. (PS – Read more below for an exclusive coupon code to be used on your purchase there!!)

One of my favorite things about this trench, is the interior print that lines the jacket. It is ADORABLE! Every time I put this jacket on, it makes me smile. I tried a Medium, and it fit perfectly. So I definitely would order true-to-size.

I highly recommend checking out their site, and to give you a little push to do so, they have kindly offered an exclusive discount code for Traveling Fashionista readers!! Use “SPRINGFLING” at checkout, and receive 15% off your total purchase!

Enjoy!

Love,

K.

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Celebrity Style Trends: Oxford Shoes

by Kirsten on December 10, 2010

Oxford shoes happen to be on my Christmas list this year, so I thought I would share the inspiration behind this choice. I absolutely adore this look on the various celebrities that have been seen wearing this trend, and I love how easily it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Worn with shorts, skirts, cropped pants, skinny jeans, or leggings, it is a look that every woman can pull off.

Check out some of the various celebrities wearing oxford shoes, and below are some great options for purchase in all price ranges! Enjoy! Want more celebrity style? Check it out here!

Blake Lively in Rag & Bone Oxford Shoes

Taylor Swift in Steve Madden Oxford Shoes

Olivia Palermo in silver Oxford shoes

Katy Perry in Blue Oxford Shoes

Rihanna in Miu Miu Oxford Shoes

Jessica Biel in Stuart Weitzman Manoman Cut-Out Oxford Shoes

Whitney Port in Modern Vintage Oxford Shoes

Modern Vintage Women’s Dash Oxford – Buy Here!

Sienna Miller in Rupert Sanderson Oxford Shoes

Here are some great options for you to purchase:

Matt Bernson Women’s Matinee Oxford – $154

STEVEN by Steve Madden Women’s Melanee Oxford – $74.25

Miss Sixty Women’s Marlene Oxford – $140

Miz Mooz Women’s Histeric Oxford – $89.95

Pour La Victoire – Radley – $228

Spring – Bramer – $39.99

DKNYC – Judith – $67.50

KORS Michael Kors – Yazmin – $250

DKNY – Cadence – $100

Steve Madden – Trouser – $69.95

Frye – Erin Oxford – $168

Women’s Brogues

Love, K.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Must-Have Wardrobe Items: Basics and Cashmere

by Kirsten on December 8, 2010

Moving right along with holiday gift suggestions for women, today features must-have wardrobe basics. Every closet and wardrobe should have a strong set of basics to base their outfits off of. They are simple, easy to find, and if you choose quality items, they can last a long time!

Cashmere Basics

Nothing feels as luxurious against your skin than cashmere. It’s lightweight and yet keeps you warm and cozy in all types of weather. Cashmere is an investment that you will keep for years to come should you choose items that are simple and easily updated with current accessories and jewelry. Here are some of my favorite choices that every woman should own:

Armand Basi – Onda cashmere sweater

Add this luxurious cashmere layer to sleek black pants and a cropped statement topper. Blue cashmere sweater with deep V-neck and button-fastening detail. Armand Basi sweater has cap sleeves, ribbed hem and simply slips on. 100% cashmere.

Buy here on SALE for $81 (Regularly $260) at The Outnet!

Cashmere Cardigan in Many Colors

Get your hands on our cashmere cardigan. Luxe in an irresistibly soft and beautiful knit. So wearable in a classic silhouette. This will become your go-to favorite for so many outfits. Whether it be work, at home, or for a night out, it has its place in every style.

Buy here for $98 from Gap!

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Splendid Basic Tees

Splendid continues to be one of the best brands for basics. Their quality is amazing, and they carry a wide array of colors and styles. Known for the softest fabrics and most color absorbing yarns in the world, Splendid created the ultimate t-shirt. Here are my choices for closet must-haves:

Light Jersey V-Neck

Light, soft and drapey short sleeve v-neck tee. Luxurious for everyday! Get a few basic colors: black, white, grey, navy – whatever looks best on your skin tone!

Buy here on SALE for $36.90 at Zappos!

Thermal Henleys

A classic long sleeve, thermal Henley with snap neckline. Non-thermal fabric trims sleeves from wrists to mid-lower arm. Curved hemline hits upper thigh. A perfect long sleeve option.

Buy here for $68 from Splendid!

Splendid Tanks

The must-have tank for the all seasons in comfortable Supima Cotton. Comes long past hip-length. Scoop one up in every color to layer with wraps, tops and dresses!

Buy here on SALE for $24.60 from 6pm!

Love, K.

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Must-Have Item: Printed, Patterned, Textured and Colored Tights

by Kirsten on October 28, 2010

I am absolutely ready for the fall and winter seasons. Something about the cold weather, and the fashion fantasies it creates in my mind, makes me want to go out and get a whole new wardrobe. Unfortunately, it’s just not possible. Sigh.

Thankfully, there are a ton of smaller, less expensive items that will not only spruce up my closet, but it will absolutely add some life to your own! Simple and yet chic, printed and patterned tights are a must-have this year.

Check out these celebrities wearing tights: Blake Lively, Ashley Olsen, Rachel Bilson, Leighton Meester, Megan Fox, and Victoria Beckham. Do a quick search online, and you will see how many others are going for this look too!

Blake Lively

Ashley Olsen

Rachel Bilson

Leighton Meester and Blake Lively @ Gossip Girl Set

Megan Fox

Victoria Beckham

Leighton Meester

Aren’t they amazing! I feel like I need a dozen pairs…

So, what do you think? Is this a trend you’re willing to test out? Have you already? Leave your thoughts below!

Here are some really cute options available now – and what great prices!

Old Navy Basic Tights in Aristocrat Purple – $6.50

Gap Pointelle chevron tights – $14.50 or 2 or more $11/each

Piperlime Milly Hue Aspirin Dot Tight – $24.00

See by Chloe Ribbed cotton-blend tights – $20 (Regularly $85!)

ASOS Emilio Cavallini Tattoo Style Print Tights $28.45

ASOS Black Wild Flower Tights $13.79

ASOS Falke Vittoria Tights – $17.24 (Regularly $29.31)

Love, K.

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Travel Fashion Guide – Must Have Boots for Travel

by Kirsten on September 14, 2010

We all know I am a huge fan of multi-functional items. Particularly when it comes to clothing and accessories. If I can find something great that can be used in a variety of ways, we can be sure that it will make it into my suitcase, or carry-on for that matter. If you have been following me for a while, you know that I don’t check my bags, and that I can travel for a couple weeks at a time with just one carry-on and my personal item. It is possible, despite how scary it sounds.

One of the best ways to assure that you can bring a lot (with not a lot of space to store it in), is to choose items that can be used in multiple ways. When I saw these boots by Fratelli Rossetti, you can bet that I was swooning with envy. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, they are dual purpose. Pretty much you get two shoes for the price of one!

With a simple unclick of the stirrups, you get two classic styles. And with the quality of Fratelli Rossetti, you know you can keep these babies around for life. Although they don’t come cheap, you can expect superb quality, long-lasting wear, and a completely timeless style. I wouldn’t think twice about purchasing them!

Buy a pair of the Fratelli Rossetti Multi-Function boots from Zappos.com!

Fratelli Rossetti is an Italian brand known for their luxurious leathers. For over 60 years Fratelli Rossetti has created luxury shoes with obsessive control over the quality of materials, details, and design. Can it be any more obvious in this boot? I think not.

Love, K.

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Best Jeans for Travel – Review

by Kirsten on May 10, 2010

Traveling in jeans can be a bit of a conundrum. Jeans happen to be one of my favorite clothing items, bar none. In fact, I have so many pairs, it is slightly embarrassing. (Well, not to me, but to others who may not share the same obsession). Denim can be really fashionable as well as really comfortable, although I have found that pairing the two together can be extremely difficult, so difficult that most of my pairs of jeans rarely are worn when I am en route to my destination. There are a few reasons for this; the jeans are too tight without having enough give to be seated for long periods of time, the jeans may be too stiff to allow for any flexibility, or the jeans are not the right look for my outfit. I only bring a couple pairs of jeans on each trip (should the weather permit long pants), and it is an excrutiating task to pick which jeans are the lucky few. I love to travel in my boyfriend jeans, but they are not always the jeans I want to have on the remainder of my trip, particularly because they cannot be dressed up very easily. Functional and fashionable is key, which is why I find a pair of skinny jeans to be exactly the type of jean I want to have with me through my various travels and experiences. Red Engine Jeans does the job with ease.

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DKNY Jelly Watch – Perfect Travel Accessory

by Kirsten on April 15, 2010

Wearing a watch while traveling (or everyday) is a great way to spruce up your outfit. I don’t wear a ton of accessories all at once, but when I do, I like them to be a bit different and give a new dimension to what I am wearing. I highly discourage you from bringing your favorite accessories and jewelry when traveling, particularly if they are expensive or valuable. You can never be too cautious as theft and loss is a very common problem, especially abroad. For this reason, I like to bring items with me that aren’t too pricey, look cute, and if possible, serve a greater purpose. Remember – multi-function items are the key to packing lightly.

DKNY has an adorable watch that at first glance, was not my style. But, I kept seeing it in some of my favorite magazines and stores, and it now has completely grown on me. To me, it signifies summer, sun, and color!

It comes with both a crystal bezel (my fave) or without. For $95 with the crystals, or $85 without, it is a reasonable find. With the summer approaching, this is something I would love to add to my wardrobe!

Purchase the crystal version at Nordstroms (exclusively) here. Or, purchase it without the crystals straight from DKNY here.

What color do you like? I am partial to the turquoise and white!

Love, K.

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Free People April Catalog – Morocco

by Kirsten on April 9, 2010

Free People, a fresh, bohemian clothing brand that I adore, dropped their April catalog this week, and I think it is gorgeous!! Shot in Morocco, the gateway to Africa, the photos are beautiful. Photography happens to be a favorite hobby of mine, one that I am continuously developing and practicing. Seeing distinct photos such as these, with such rich culture, color, and mysticism, it makes me long for another vacation to a far away place. Nothing compares to that feeling, and photography is a way to capture those moments forever.

Free People’s team stayed in Marrakesh (aka Marrakech, depending on who you ask) while shooting their catalog. Their creative director chose this city ‘because that is where all the action is’. As they wrote on their blog, “In addition to having one of the country’s largest traditional African markets (called a souk), Marrakech is also home to one of the busiest squares in all of Africa, and the world – called Djemaa el Fna. Walk into this square on any day and you’re likely to go into sensory overload: Orange juice stands, acrobats, monkeys, snake charmers, storytellers, musicians, dancers and handmade goods are just some of the things you’ll see. At night the food stalls take over, filling the air with exotic aromas and creating a massive open-air restaurant full of mingling people. Exit into the medina, Marrakech’s old city, and lose yourself in a shadowy maze of walls and narrow streets where donkey-driven carts replace automobiles. The city’s artistic culture and vibrance made it a popular destination for hippies in the 1960s who flocked there in search of inspiration and free expression…and in Marrakech, inspiration is lurking around every corner. This month we are very excited to bring you along on our journey.”

more gorgeous photos and clothing after the jump

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Perfect Warm Weather Outfit – Must Have Summer Clothes

by Kirsten on April 2, 2010

I cannot wait for warm weather. The dawn of spring always sends this fashion lover straight into overdrive. I earnestly begin looking for the perfect outfit, one that symbolizes that summer is finally approaching. I like to find a mix of items that will work across multiple outfits, and the ones below definitely accomplish that. Pair this with some chunky jewelry, like a long pendant necklace or a cuff bracelet!

Madewell Beach Ruffle Camisole – $80
Joes Jeans Roll Short – $150
Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike – $90
Nine West – Karina Small Crossbody $59

I want to note that this outfit is in no means “cheap”. But, like I mentioned, this is me, searching for the type of outfit I would love to have. I have faith that all of these items will drop in price (with the exception of the purse, which is already on sale). And when they do, I will share it with you! In the meantime, these trends are big right now. You will find similar pieces in stores everywhere, so that’s the good news!

For spring/summer 2010, look for floral blouses, boyfriend shorts, pastels, vintage style camisoles, lace-up heeled sandals, and cross-body purses. Don’t forget to put a pop of color in your outfit, maybe a bright tunic with a lighter denim! You will be seeing a lot more of these types of posts, with suggestions on how to embrace the newest trends for the season. Some days it will be at full price, other days will be big bargains. Let me know what you want to see and it will help shape this site in the direction you want it to go!

Much love, K.