5 Travel Necessities

You can plan a flight, book a hotel, or even take a road trip, but all travel calls for a comfortable, practical and chic outfit to accompany the adventure. Spring Break is coming up soon enough, and below you'll find some essentials you don't want to forget. Obviously different places call for different ensembles, but lets discuss some options that are chic and travel-friendly.

First of all, I think we can agree leggings are appropriate for pretty much anything, but are especially appropriate for traveling. So number one on travel chic list is, of course, leggings.

#1: Leggings: Fashionista and full time mom Kristin Cavallari knows how to master looking chic in leggings on the go. Style with an oversized sweater, t-shirt, flat boots, sunnies, a large bag and you're good to go.

(Cred.)

#2: Espadrilles: Espadrilles may not be everyone's cup of tea, but comfort is key when traveling, and espadrilles are freaking comfortable. I do find them a bit difficult to style in the winter but seem ideal for spring and summer. Below are three different ways to style espadrilles suitable for traveling.

One way- wear with a dress or romper (can't tell), another is with skinny pants, flowy blouse and bold lip & bag. And finally, the last (and probably my favorite) way is with distressed overalls.

Img. Cred.

#3: Slouchy Pants: Chic Street Style shows us how to style slouchy pants in a way that is anything but slouchy. A powerful printed slouchy pant paired with pointed flats adds a chic element and makes this outfit perfect for traveling and exploring.

#4: All Purpose Tunic: A tunic is an all purpose item and can be worn as a bathing suit cover, with cutoff shorts, or even with jeans to add a bohemian chic vibe. A tunic can be dressed up or down, according to occasion. Printed tunics are all the rage this spring & summer, and are absolutely a travel necessity. A company built around creating the perfect all purpose tunic, Show Me Your Mumu, has an unbelievable spring collection that you MUST check out! The only downfall is Mumu can be a little expensive, but I found some affordable options that are comparable.

All-purpose tunics

#5: Fabulous and practical Sunnies: We've covered comfortable shoes & clothing to wear, but every travelnista (traveling fashionista) needs a pair of essential sunglasses. Some popular shapes for this spring & summer include, round sunnies, star & heart shaped sunglasses, the fabulous cat-eye, and of course the classical wayfayer shape. And, don't forget a strap to go around your neck to make sure you don't lose your sunnies.  My favorites for under $10 include:
Swirly-Armed Round Statement Sunglasses, Classic Round Sunglasses, Heart-Shaped Sunglasses

Where are you heading to on Spring Break, and which item on this list is a MUST HAVE on your trip? Comment below!

Bells are back!

What is the one trend from the 70's that we thought would never come back in style? If you guessed bell bottoms then you are correct, but leave it to the ladies of Show Me Your Mumu and Free People to bring bells back full throttle. Actually, boho is so big in fashion right now it totally makes sense that bells are back! I predict that bells are going to be all over fashion for Spring. We'll see if I'm right when March rolls around. Until then, the big question is how to style them without looking like a snapshot of my mom in the 70's? 

How To Style:

One way to modernize wearing bells is to wear with a solid, flowy top and solid wedges. You want the concentration solely on your amazing pants which is why everything else should be solid or neutral.

Totally loving the way Show Me Your Mumu styled these "Bam bam bells," which were mentioned in my previous post. Again, notice the solid top to showcase the bold print of the pants. Also, take note that bells are usually super long so a high shoe (preferably wedge) is absolutely necessary. 

Not one to wear solids? Pair bells with a printed top or fringe kimono for an ultra hippie/boho festival vibe. 

Another way to modernize bells is wear them with a graphic tee or muscle tank and hat. This look is so free people-esque.

Where to Buy:

Vertigo Printed Bells- Swell

Bloom Bells- Free People

Bam Bam Bells- Show Me Your Mumu

Swell Fire Light Printed Bells- Swell

Paisley Knit Flare Bells- Charlotte Russe 

(Only $12.50 right now)

Funky Blue Print Pants- Shoptiques

How do you style bell bottoms? Are you excited bells are back? Comment below!

Transformation

Lately, I have been doing some major soul searching and have come to some realizations. This was difficult to realize and accept, but I have failed at being a consistent fashion/style blogger. When I began blogging, about four years ago, it was the best decision that I could've made (for that point of my life) and I poured my soul into it. My blog grew slowly but surely and BTW, I appreciate every reader and especially the few of you who interacted with my posts; y'all truly made it a blast to dish out my thoughts on fashion and share my style with the world. Unfortunately, things
happened that were beyond my control, and I lost heart. The blog started becoming more of a chore and hassle. I saw my numbers dropping within the blog, and things in my personal life were going downhill. I truly became discouraged and uninspired, and boy did it show...
Upon this monumental point and so called "soul searching," I realized my love of blogging still exists, but my interests have shifted from strictly fashion to home decor, beauty, skin care, fitness & nutrition, DIY natural remedies, and inspirational oriented topics. So...what do you think of me incorporating all of those topics into one post each week (or more if it happens that way) titled Picks of the Week or hopefully something catchier?! 2015 is a year of transformation for Bows and Moccasins, are you ready?!
As always please leave your thoughts below because the the reason I blog is to inspire you and create content that you actually enjoy and look forward to reading! Sometimes in this hectic spiral we call life, we need a break from everything. You know, it's not a crime to take some time to yourself! Kick back, relax and become inspired.

Faux leather leggings

One of the season's hottest trends this year is faux leather leggings. If you are like me, and conveniently purchased a pair last year during the end of winter sale, then it is time to bring them out ladies. If not, stay tuned to find out where you can find a pair for an affordable price.

First, let's see how to style faux leather leggings:

My favorite way to wear any pair of leggings is in layers, and adding a sweater seems appropriate (considering it has been around 40 degrees for like 2 weeks).

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A more casual take on styling faux leather leggings is pairing them with a sweatshirt, fur vest, and suede booties for running errands or shopping and a lunch date. 

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Fashion queen, Olivia Palermo, rocks a similar look but wears an amazing pair of sneakers to add to the casual, laid back, effortless "I woke up like this" vibe; I LOVE IT. What are your thoughts?

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 Faux leather is also known as "vegan leather", "leather look", "liquid leather", "pleather", etc.

Where can you purchase?

H&M- $14.95
Daily Chic- $38.00

Charlotte Russe- $14.99
JC Penney- $24.99
Amazon- $32.00

Are you tempted to try a pair of faux leather leggings? Tell me in the comments!

Thanks for reading and we will talk again soon.

Gift guide 2014 coming your way sometime next week so look out for it!

OOTD: Layers

Long time, no talk, right? Well, today I want to talk about layers. Layers are ideal when the weather can't quite make up its mind. I started with a short sleeve t-shirt dress from H&M, which is literally one of my favorite staple pieces ever. Everyone needs to own one. I then opted for a buffalo check shirt from Forever 21 over the dress because it is extremely windy today and short sleeves were just not cutting it. I finished the look with black boots. The thing that I love the most about wearing layers in the fall is when the wind subsides, I can easily tie the plaid shirt around my waist and BAM, I am on trend and dressed appropriately for the weather.

How to style:

I also love how Sincerely, Jules styles this layered trend: Dress, blazer and plaid

A few plaid shirts to check out:

Plaid Shirt

Tartan Plaid Shirt

ANGIE Plaid shirt

Are you one to rock layers during Fall and Winter? Comment below and even attach a picture if you would like to be featured in an upcoming blog post.

Thanks for reading, y'all

We will talk soon

Shorts + Scarf?

Where I come from, we make the best of the little bit of cold weather that we are given. By now, leaves should be changing and temperatures dropping, but we are still experiencing 80 degree temperatures daily. 

However, today things were a little cooler in the morning so I decided to throw on my new favorite scarf from TJ Maxx and shorts, which led me to the essential question: Scarf and shorts, yes or no? I am not one to rock this trend very often, but this morning it felt completely appropriate.

Other instances when shorts and a scarf works:

Image: Pop Sugar

Image: Sunset Blonde

Image: Just Dandy

Image: Chictopia

My favorite look is this one; how chic does shorts and a scarf look styled with a black blazer? This outfit proves that combining two completely different pieces can be so rewarding if styled correctly.

Next time you step outside and the weather is a little cool but you know of a possibility of it warming up, opt for shorts and a scarf!

Which outfit would you most likely wear? Comment below

Buffalo Check

Typical lumber jack attire, maybe, but trendy and weather appropriate? Definitely. Plaid is one of the most popular trends during colder months, and for good reason seeing as plaid shirts tend to be warm. One of this season's hottest trends happens to be in the plaid family: Buffalo Check. What makes a pattern buffalo check? All squares are equal in width. A normal plaid pattern consists of squares that vary in width, while buffalo check squares are the same size. Okay, enough geometry. The most prevelant color of buffalo check is red and black, (see below) but the pattern comes in other colors as well, such as black and white. Another popular color of buffalo check is navy blue and white or cream. 

How to style buffalo check:

One of the best ways to style is an infinity scarf. Suede elbow patches and coordinating floppy hat complete the look of classic black and white stripes.

A snazzy way to integrate this trend into your existing work wardrobe is wearing a navy blue and white buffalo check vest with your favorite khaki pencil skirt. Classy meets trendy.

Meet your new layering partner, buffalo check. I love this vest paired with chambray and a contrasting striped shirt worn with cognac accessories.

Two trends in one outfit? This olive colored cargo/utility vest looks fashion forward styled with oxblood colored skinny pants and a navy and white buffalo check button up shirt.

Stay cool and comfortable in an oversized buffalo check coat. Wear it with leather skinny pants, cognac western booties, graphic t-shirt and circle sunnies. A black knit beanie tops off this outfit in the best way.

Images C/O

I showed you many ways to style buffalo check without looking like a lumber jack. Which would you wear? Comment below

<<Thanks for reading, stay boho chic>>

Best of Boots

Every fall season wardrobes change from linen and coastal/resort themes to layers and boots. Today is all about boots. Boots come in all shapes, styles and sizes (obviously, right) but these styles stick out most:

• Short boot, sometimes referred to as the "bootie" 
• Combat boot
• Fringe moccasin boot 
• Motorcycle-inspired boot 
• Rider boot
• Western boot

Now, get your wallet ready because you are definitely going to be interested in at least one of these pairs of boots. Hey, at least I tried to warn you... One other thing, I attended a really awesome thrift sale yesterday in a nearby city and was thoroughly surprised by how much amazing junk there was to plunder through. I was literally in a thrifty version of heaven; it was great. I managed to score a vintage polaroid camera, an old window, some wooden pallets, three old maps(to frame), vintage golf balls, an oversized flannel(can't wait to wash it), vintage J.Crew sweater, and a bird bath. It's crazy what treasures you can find in other peoples "junk". Oh and a small announcement: next week a blog series starts titled How to style which will feature many, many, many style tips for fall plus where you can find similar (if not exact) items. Woo-hoo!

In the meantime, feast your eyes on some boot candy!

Random question: Do any of you plan on watching college football today? If so, comment below which team you're rooting for to win, or to lose (haha).

Thanks for reading y'all

We'll talk again soon

Taylor Swift Styling Tips

I applied for a job recently, and one of the questions was: Who is your style inspiration? If you know me at all then you know Lauren Conrad was one of the first names in my head, but who else? I began thinking which celebrities I draw inspiration from, and a surprising name came up. The legendary country music singer and songwriter, Taylor Swift. We all know the woman has the voice of an angel, but have you ever noticed how impeccable she dresses? In a nutshell, her style is about as preppy as it gets, however, lately she has been mixing in boho pieces. The end result is stunning and super inspirational, see below.

Image credits: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

What notes can we take from this fashionista? 

• Tartan scarves and tan peacoats look super chic worn with maroon skinnies
• When in doubt, wear an oxford top and leather mini skirt, especially when you have legs like Taylor Swift. Also, don't forget the ladylike mini purse and bright red lips
• Bell sleeves are back and look hot with stocky-heeled ankle booties
• Cognac oxford heels dress up any outfit, including a plaid top and jeans
• Black and white stripes never go out of style, especially paired with caramel colored corduroy pixie pants
• Dark red ankle boots add contrast to an all black outfit
• Scalloped collar on a leopard top, need I say more?!
• This last note is so important for this fall season, DO try colored ankle boots, especially when the color of your bag coordinates.

What else can we learn from Taylor Swift? Comment below!

As always thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read

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Free People Favorites

You readers seem to like these posts, so how about an updated Free People Favorites. If you are unfamiliar with these posts, nbd (no big deal), catch up here.

The first item that I need is the Cool & Clean Harem Pants, which come in Olive, Mauve, Charcoal, and Brown. I want them all, but olive and mauve stand out most. $128.00

Solid Sleeveless Crop in the color solid mixed pink.  Solid crop tops have become essential for your any wardrobe this season. The pink reminds me of a flamingo and reassures the fact that I need this particular crop top. It also comes in black, if pink isn't your style. $43.00

HOLD THE PHONE- I am obsessed with the drapery on this We The Free You So Fancy Printed Tee in color bone combo. Other colors include navy combo & rust combo. $68.00

Next, lets discuss one of my favorite parts about the Free People line: Tunics. Free People is the first company to make comfortable yet adorable tunics. One of the best ones is the FP ONE Fly Away Tunic and my favorite color is undoubtedly teal.  $108.00

FP New Romantics Dots for Days Blouse strikes me as the perfect date night blouse. $88.00 Colors: Indigo and Ivory

If you have been wondering what to wear over those fabulous feminine bralettes, look no further. Free Swing Cami  is only $30.00 and comes in a variety of 8 Colors: Army, Purple, Soft Rose, Dark Ocean, Black, Red Clay, Alabaster, and Washed Purple. My favorite colors are Soft Rose and Dark Ocean; What about you?

FP ONE Mix Print Tunic is $128.00. Love the print.

Breezy Tunic in the color Sahara Sun. $68.00

Low Back Nomad Slip in the color Black Combo $128. Obsessed with the low back on this slip.

Parisian Slip in the colors: Coral, Periwinkle, Midnight Blue, Blush, Mint, French Vanilla, and Black. What's your favorite? Blush and French Vanilla totally catch my eye. This slip seems to be a longer version of the trapeze slip tunics which Free People is iconic for. $88.00

SHOES:
Santa Monica Lace Up Sandal in gold $128.00

Balkan Sandal $68.00 in Black tapestry.

Polka Dot Hi Top Chucks $70.00


Lets face it; on a college budget, most Free People items are "splurge" items, but this is what I consider a super splurge. If I had the money, it would be mine.
SPLURGE:
Embroidered Sheer Tunic $228.00

What is your favorite item of all the Free People Favorites? Comment below!

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How to Style: White Blazer

I love a clean & crisp white blazer for work in the Summer. In fact, a white blazer is such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe as you can dress it up or down, according to occasion. Wearing a blazer adds a professional and more put together vibe to a casual outfit, such as a day dress or cut offs, a t shirt and a statement necklace.

Here Khloe Kardashian and Olivia Palmero demonstrate a more casual take on how to style a white blazer by adding distressed jeans.

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Next, the lovely Lauren Conrad shows us her version of how to style a white blazer, which is perfect for a summer evening out. 

If printed shorts are more your style, check out how this babe rocks them with a white blazer and red pumps; i love this outfit!

If you would rather opt for something a little less dressy, check out this ensemble from the ever so fabulous blogger, The Honeybee.

Are you more of a dress girl when it comes to going out? No worries, add bold wedges and a white blazer, and you're good to go!

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Did this post inspire you to pick up a white blazer next time you're shopping? I know I am officially on the lookout for the perfect one. When I find it, I will post some pictures of how to style it.

Celebrities like the Kardashian women, Lauren Conrad and Olivia Palmero have all strutted in a white blazer, which is your favorite celebrity how to style look? Comment below.

Don't forget to stop by Wednesday to see multiple white blazers at different price points.

Not your usual neutral

A huge trend in fashion at the moment is neutrals. Winter and Spring are way over therefore put away those dark clothes and bring out the blush tones, beige, white, tan, slate grey, etc. The trick to pulling off neutrals is not to look washed out. In fact, an entire outfit of neutrals can be a bit too boring, which is why I put together this post to show you how to style an outfit of neutrals!

First thing first, if you are going to try an all neutral outfit be sure there is some kind of contrast; whether it is a pattern, texture, pleating,just something. If there is something to draw attention to the eye then the outfit won't blend together. 

For example:

The pattern and texture of the shirt gives the outfit dimension and the pants have lace-like detail on the sides to top it off!


If you refuse to wear pants in the summer, this one is for you. A free-flowing dress in a neutral color doesn't look washed out because the way it hangs is intriguing and in this case, the dress has a little detail at the bottom to spice it up. The sleeves have texture as well. Paired with contrasting circle sunnies and a statement necklace is pure perfection. 

One of the most common ways to break up neutrals for Summer is to add a lace or crochet cardigan/over shirt.

One of my favorite ways to style neutrals is adding multiple statement necklaces, like above. There is no way an outfit could be boring with this many necklaces, especially statement necklaces.

What is your favorite way to wear neutrals? Comment below!

Sources: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4