Travel essentials (NY edition)- What's in my suitcase?

Travel essentials by desiree-velazquez-rodriguez featuring a long black dress

So, the final countdown for my liftoff to New York is here. Only two more weeks, and we all know how fast that goes! I've been organizing what I'll be taking with me to New York because when it comes to traveling, the key is to keep everything essential so you don't go overboard with your suitcase weight limit. Nobody likes to pay extra or have to pluck things out of their suitcases at the last minute!

I thought I'd share with you guys some of the pieces I'll be taking to New York so that you can get some ideas on what to take on your future travels. I always tend to overpack, but this time I'm getting down to the basics because after all, I'll be living there so I can go adding some more statement pieces as I go (including a few made by me!). You all know my addiction to black and gold, so it must be no surprise to see this somewhat mono-ish color palette. Of course, you can adapt it to your own taste. This is just what I'll be taking. The pieces shown are not exactly the ones I own, but pretty darn close.

I always start off with some basic tees and blouses. Things you can match up with any bottom or outwear piece. Button down blouses are excellent because you can dress them up or down. I always take with me a structured blazer that has versatility and a little something extra. A few days ago I finally snagged my dream leopard print blazer (just like my idol, Alison Mosshart) at a fantastic sale price at Zara. This is actually what I'll be wearing to on the plane because of its attitude, look and comfort factors and because it can take up some space in my suitcase so I'd rather carry it on myself. Also, I love wearing denim jackets because I can pair them with just about anything, especially a nice maxi dress to tone it down for a cool day. A little black dress is key for traveling because it is probably the most versatile dress ever. You can play it up with great accessories and simply add a nice pump and you're set! I also like to carry some nice knit sweaters just in case the weather calls for it. A few lightweight skirts and I'm ready to go! I like chiffon pieces because the material is airy and takes up no space in the suitcase. A little steaming when you unpack and you're set!

For accessories, it it important to take control because this is one of the things that can overweight your luggage easily. I like to go with maybe two or three really good necklaces, a couple of cocktail rings, a pair of flats, boots, some pumps (not shown) and maybe a pair of sandals if you're the sandal wearing type (not so much me). What handbags you'll take are crucial because you'll be carrying them around all over the place. I'll be taking my Leather Satchel Co. which is the bag I'll be using for school. It's still at the workshop so it'll be arriving soon and it's tricolor and very similar to the palette above so I can use it with practically everything. I'll also be taking my favorite BCBG python print clutch because it is very small and easy to pack and I can use it for special events. For beauty, plan your favorite looks. I find that taking a good eye palette works best (Too Faced Naked Eye palette is my favorite!) and a few lip colors like a good nude, red and pink would suit any look and a good peachy-toned blush is a universally flattering color.

I'll be playing around with this list and maybe adding a few more pieces but basically this is the gist of it all. Remember these key factors:

• Pack plenty of neutral pieces so you can mix and match because of their versatility.
• Keep accessories to a minimum so you don't add extra weight to your bag.
• Pick pieces with materials that are easy to care for so you don't end up walking around with things that need a little maintenance. Cotton pieces are great for that.
• The little black dress is your best friend.
• Plan your beauty products so you can take as least possible because this can also add extra weight to your bag.
• Take a versatile handbag. A neutral colored one is the best way to go. I recommend black or brown. 
• Pack travel sized beauty product essentials. If you stay for longer, you can always purchase refills when you arrive or run out. 
• Keep an open mind and have fun!

Skitch-I-Y: Animal Print Nails!

Instagram: LilaLane

So, I posted a few days ago an animal print nail art I did on my nails on my Instagram and I've been getting a few requests on how to make it. I think it's cheaper than getting those nail art stickies I've seen around (unless you found them for $0.25 on clearance at your nearest Walgreens like I did. Then you can splurge on a bunch of them!). I think the best part of this nail art is that both of your hands will turn out neat! I mean, don't you hate it when you paint your nails on one hand really nice and the other hand just looks like a hot mess because you don't have the same motor skills with the other? Since this is just random splatters of paint, I'll assure you you'll be satisfied with both.

You'll need:

• Two nail varnishes of similar hues. Make sure one is darker than the other. If you want to be a little more playful, you can use different colors just as long as they're contrasting.

• A nail art pen or a thin brushed varnish in black. I got these Kiss Nail Artist Fine Art Pens on Clearance at Walgreens for only $2! The pack brought this black color and a silver one.

• Clear top coat

Step 1: After prepping your nails, coat them with two coats of the lightest color. For mine I used Wet n'Wild's "I Need a Refresh-mint". It's a beautiful turquoise color similar to Tiffany Blue. I am absolutely loving this new formula they came out with. I've had this nail art now for about 4 days and STILL NO CHIPPING. The formula is a bit thicker but it glides on smoothly and opaque in just two coats. Also, the brush is wider so you get more coverage in just one swipe. 

Step 2: After making sure your base color is completely dry, paint on some random spots all over the nail. They don't have to be perfect circles. The more irregular, the more close to animal print they will look. Make sure the brush isn't loaded with varnish. Remove the excess before applying it to your nail or else you will get huge pools of polish that will never dry up and will be a mess. I used Bettina's "Art Deco Aqua". 

Step 3: Once your dots are completely dry, take your nail art pen and dot along the corners of your turquoise spots. I like to add about 2-3 big splotches of black around each one and make some smaller random ones along the blank spaces of the nail to simulate the animal print best. 

Step 4: Cover your nails with a final swipe of top coat and you're done! If you use these nail art pens, it is a must that you use top coat as they will fade away with wear. Once they're coated, they wont go anywhere. My favorite is Bettina's Glossy Top Coat.

And there you go!

Now you've got a super fun and chic way to play up the color on your nails. You can try out different color combinations and they're a perfect mani for any occasion. Remember to subscribe to the blog for updates and follow me on Instagram! I'm LilaLane.

Sorry for the crappy quality, it's from my phone!