What's In My Bag: Travel Edition

With the holidays ending and everyone hitting the road, there comes the dilemma of what to take in your purse while traveling, especially when you're taking a plane. As someone who spends a lot of decent amount of time on a plane traveling from TX to NYC, I am constantly switching my school bag or my internship bag into a carry-on bag.

The carry-on is something every one should master, even if you don't travel very often. Since I will be abroad next semester I really have to get this down (looking at you, discount airlines). So, here are my absolute must-haves when on the road.

For shorter trips (a week or less, but it always depends on where I am going) I like to bring just my iPad since I can do pretty much everything on it, I have a portable keyboard, and it holds all my books. For longer trips, I bring my laptop, but now that I have a MacBook Air (which weighs nothing) I find myself bringing it along more and more.

That little pink stick is the greatest invention ever- a portable charger. My dad bought one for me online (unsure of the brand but this one is similar) and I bring it everywhere. It's great for long day trips into the city where chargers are scarce or long plane rides with unreliable seat outlets. It has saved me many, many times.

I always have sunglasses with me, even if it's cloudy. These Ray Ban club masters are my new obsession and I can't stop wearing them!

Since I jumped on the blanket scarf trend over Thanksgiving (I have this one from Charlotte Russe, right now it's only $5!!) I have been wearing mine nearly every day. I love bringing scarves on planes to use as a shawl, blanket, pillow, or just to hide my static-y plane hair.

Pretty much everything else here can always be found in my purse (even the M&Ms, sometimes you need a snack!). I bought this Anne Klein bag for $20, unused, at a resale store and it has become my go-to bag- it's even big enough to fit my laptop!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and you all have a Happy New Year!

South Korea Part 5

Our second weekend we were back in Suwon, and decided to visit Minsokchon, a Korean folk village on the outskirts of the city. It's sort of like a Korean version of colonial Williamsburg, with people dressed up in period outfits, traditional demonstrations and performances, and loads of touristy souvenirs. 

I'm not really cut out for farm work. Also note my Lilly shorts, I had to celebrate National Wear Your Lilly Day all the way from Korea!

This man was making shoes out of straw! You can see a few examples of this work on the shelves behind him. I have no idea how he did it, but we watched him for a good five minutes or so as he wound pieces of straw around these three poles that were attached by a bigger rope around his waist. 

Lydia and I happened to stumble across these guys while trying to find our way to the Nobleman's Palace. Lydia has been an equestrian for a long time so we had to stop and watch. These performers were insane. They jumped from galloping horse to galloping horse like it was nothing, doing flips and tricks the entire time.  Then...

There were five guys on two horses. I got nervous just watching, expecting someone to fall off, but they went through the entire show without a problem. 

Someone bail me out!

This was really cool: the village puts on a traditional wedding every afternoon. It was interesting to see what a wedding from another culture looks like, even though weddings like this aren't as common nowadays. The bride and groom never spoke, and the bride kept her eyes lowered for most of the ceremony. The first ten minutes was just the groom performing ceremonial duties, until the bride comes out covered by her attendants. Lydia told me the two attendants were originally placed into the ceremony in case the bride fainted, and they stayed by her side the entire time. 

At the end, the bride is carried out in a little sedan while the groom rides in front on a horse. The entire crowd followed the wedding procession, which coincidentally ended right in the middle of all the souvenir shops. Well played, guys, well played. It worked, however, as I ended up buying several souvenirs, including one of the little hats worn above as a present for my brother. 

Apparently I'm 5 years old and had to jump on the swing. It's harder than it looks!

Don't fall in!

We had a pretty fun day at the village, if you like history, culture, or just people dressed up in period costume it's worth a visit if you're in Korea!

What to Wear: 4th of July

I can't believe it is already July, this summer is flying past! I guess that's what happens when you run off to Korea for two weeks but it is crazy to think I am over a month into my summer already. And as always, with July comes Independence Day and a chance to dress as ridiculously patriotic as possible without looking silly.

So, to celebrate the 4th, here are a few last-minute outfit inspirations, whether you're kicking back poolside or watching the fireworks from a rooftop lounge.

1. Backyard BBQ
Most celebrations on the 4th tend to lean towards more casual- every year I end up having a bathing suit under whatever I wear since we end up in the pool before the day is over. These firework-printed Lilly shorts are sure to match the night sky, and a breezy white tank ensures you won't be sweaty throughout the day. Add in a pair of jelly sandals and you're sure to survive the grass and poolside patio through the night.

2. On the Lake
If, like me, you will be spending the weekend at the lake (or the beach), you'll want to be comfortable and not too fussy. I always opt for denim shorts and a hat to keep the sun off my face- add in these super cute Jeffrey Campbell nautical-inspired espadrilles to dress it up just a tad.

3. Dress-Up
Every now and then there are more formal 4th events, so if you need to throw on your party dress make it something simple and summery! A fit and flare dress along with classic accessories (and a cute KJP bow bracelet) make for a 50s-inspired, easy 4th!