There is no shortage of reasons to celebrate am I right?!
Whether big or small there’s always a good reason to look around and be thankful and maybe pop a little bubbly.
For one thing I’m thankful for you, yes you, the one reading this because we have had a great year together.
How you might ask?
Well, together we have continued to build a community, a resource and social space where we both can share our stories, create connections and find inspiration and encouragement.
I love receiving messages from you of how excited you are to discover new places to shop or different ways to style your beautiful bodies.
This year LOFT has been one of those reasons to celebrate. Since extending their sizes to include Plus it’s been amazing to see all of you shop and style their looks.
I love sharing outfit inspiration and gift ideas and later seeing how you all interpret that fashion for yourselves.
My latest loves from LOFT are all their blush pink knits like this darling ruffle cuff sweater; it’s equal parts cute and practical.
A great staple that will keep you warm but add flare are these navy blue tights that perfectly pair with the cutest tweed skirt.
Get one for yourself and be that thoughtful friend that gets one for a friend– be stylish warm together this season. It’s the season of us after all.
I’m very proud of the fact that at any given time I can look like I just came from a workout or I’m planning on working out.
It’s called athleisure honey!
The beauty behind this kind of dress is that it’s for your own personal comfort and no else! No one ever needs to know if you’re heading to SoulCylce or the grocery store. All they will see is that girl is styling in the comfiest and coziest.
Raise your hand if this applies to you: I am more inclined to workout if I have a cute outfit.
What’s the science behind this reasoning?
I don’t know and frankly who cares if it helps me to stay active, comfortable and cute to boot!
Here are a few of my current fave pieces that will have others wondering whether you’re sporty spice or just sporty.
Office wear can get a little redundant and drab when it gets cold but right now is the absolute perfect time to elevate your look with bright, bold and colorful prints.
I can never pass up a winter floral and I love how these pixie pants can work with any jewel tone tops or shoes. Choosing a bold floral print is such a simple way to add some flare to your look without sacrificing practicality.
The pixie pant is such a versatile piece to have in your close and can easily be dressed up or down with a fun heel or flat. Adding a blazer would also up the chicness factor too!
Winter is coming and for many of you it’s already here!
Even in Florida we have been dealing with some pretty chilly temps that requires more than a hoodie and I’m just over the moon!
I am determined to rock all of my winter coats this season.
There are so many amazing trends and timeless classics that are being designed and cut to fit bigger bodies which is really nice to see and I wanted to give you the 411 on where to score these babies.
I think you will find something whatever your personal style may be whether girly, trendy, classic, or edgy.
I’m a little late getting last week’s Friday Favorites up but here it is anyway.
You ladies don’t mind, right?!
I’ve been in a funk creatively and haven’t felt motivated but creating shopping guides like this help bring the magic and inspo back.
These items are on sale too so make sure you at fast before they’re gone!
I love the velvet trend this season and found items to incorporate the trend in practical yet stylish ways like pumps and tops plus some other warm weather items that are sure to brighten up your winter wardrobe.
The ultimate special occasion dress is here! You’re guaranteed to knock’em dead in this heat-to-toe sparkle number from the Jason Wu x Eloquii Collection.
This was the second look I was able to try from the collection and it’s easily my favorite because 1.) all of the sequins and 2.) the old Hollywood glamour vibes that ooze from this silhouette.
My persona immediately changed when I put this dress on. I felt like I should have been walking around with a dirty martini in one hand and a string of pearls in the other.
Disclaimer: This blog post is word and visual heavy. So grab a snack or a glass of vino and enjoy. You’ve been warned, darlings.
So I’m back from the Big Apple and I have to admit that of all the times I’ve traveled to NYC this past trip was my favorite and I think it really showed through the moments I shared on social media.
So much so that I had so many requests to create a New York City Travel Guide of the trip!
To be honest, I was a little hesitant to share one because I’m not a pro travel blogger.
I don’t have the latest and greatest suitcases and I definitely don’t get sponsored to look beautiful as I fly all over the world first class, although I wouldn’t be opposed to any of those things. 😉
I’m just like you but I have learned a couple of things over the years of what I like to call #FailingWhileFlying. 🛫 🙅🏾♀️
I typically have the worst experiences when I come to this city in particular and was pleasantly surprised that everything worked out in my favor this time around.
Unlike the other times visiting the City I didn’t have any influencer events or meetings to attend so my time didn’t feel rushed and the added stress that I would place on myself of not wanting to disappoint anyone was completely removed from the equation.
I was just there with my friend Carla and the goal was simply to have a good time.
This was easily done at coffee shops, sample testing at Glossier, walks in Central Park or selfcare face masks/deep convo sessions back at the hotel. I have come to realize that my busy filled days were what contributed to me not liking NYC.
My bad, New York.
Turns out I actually do like you after all.
It’s all about intention, how you want to spend your time and who you travel with. Those things are so key.
If your goal and focus is to show the world or those that follow you on social media that you are the most ballerest of all the ballers and are having the best time expect to be disappointed with your trip. Travel is about gaining rich experiences not likes on Instagram.
If you haven’t checked it out I created a NYC Story Highlight from the entire trip if you want a visual recap.
So without further ado here is my travel guide to the city that never sleeps…
AIRPORTS
We flew into JFK which is located in Queens and about a 40 minute ride to our hotel. Other major airports are La Gaurdia and Newark (New Jersey).
TRANSPORTATION
Straight off the plane we took a Lyft to get into the city. I find that Lyft is significantly cheaper than Uber when I’m in NYC.
Because we were staying in Manhattan we just used Lyft throughout our entire 4 day trip.
I always plan and budget transportation for when I’m in NYC especially when I’m traveling by myself and want to avoid getting lost. We did use the subway a few times which will be your cheapest way to get around the city. You can use your Google Maps to help you navigate. It was super easy.
You can’t avoid walking while in NYC so make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes. I stuck with cute booties that worked with jeans, skirt and dresses.
BOOTIES
I also thought to bring inserts because I have plantar fasciitis and knew my feet would ache after long days walking around. It definitely helped this time around and I’m so glad I thought to bring them. Your feet will thank you.
ACCOMODATIONS
We booked our accommodations pretty close to our departure date. I used Hotel Tonight to book our hotel.
We scored an amazing deal with The Evelyn Hotel — just a 5 minute walk from the Flatiron Building.
The room was a little small but it was super chic and the bathroom was large so we were happy. We had the option to upgrade to a larger room for an extra $50 a night but we decided to stay in our original room and use those funds for something else like amazing Italiano at Eataly…
If you want to save even more on a hotel room here’s $25 off your next booking with Hotel Tonight. Just use my code THGUERRIER at checkout!
COFFEE SHOPS + RESTAURANTS
Our major game plan was to eat and drink our way through the city and I think we managed to hit up all the spots we wanted to but the amazing part about NYC you will always discover new places that will keep you coming back every year.
COFFEE SHOPS
Stumptown Coffee$$
Blank Slate Tea$$
Blank Slate Coffee $$
Ludlow Coffee$$
Remi Flower + Coffee (This one was my favorite!) $$
Blue Stone Lane$$$
Happy Bones $$
Grace Street Cafe$$
Lavender Tea and Lemon Blueberry Scone at Blank Slate Tea
Rose Latte at Remi Flower + Coffee
RESTAURANTS
Eataly The cutest Italian marketplace with little shops and amazing pasta.
CharlieBird Reservations have a two week waitlist. We didn’t get a chance to go but hear everything is amazing. $$$
Egg Shop The Egg Shop Sandwich minus the jalapeño and tomato jam with the truffle hash browns are the business.
Shake Shack le obviously. $$
Los Taco No. 1 inside Chelsea Market I highly recommend getting their around 11:30am for lunch, the lines get long really quickly. We manage to hit every place just before it became saturated with hungry people. The Abodaba is the best, it’s the most delicious marinated pork taco ever!!! $$
Prince Street Pizza The line for this place was way too long for us to wait in the cold for. We heard amazing things but we also had amazing pizza down the street at Lombardi’s. $$
Lady Bird It’s a vegetable bar. Don’t let that scare you though. It’s super cute inside and the has photo worthy entrance door and plates. $$$
While We Were Young An insta-worthy beautiful space to enjoy a pretty drink. $$$
Old Rose inside The Jane Hotel $$
Walking off all the breakfast at the Egg Shop
Brunch at While We Were Young
Blending in at Old Rose
THINGS TO DO
This wasn’t my first time in NYC so I didn’t do the obvious touristy things like the Empire State, Times Square, or the Statue of Libby but those are definitely go-to’s for first timers.
Pace yourself.
Take your time and enjoy the sites. I don’t always get to everything that I want but that’s just another reason to come back.
Here are some other places that you can’t miss when you’re in NYC.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise
Watch a play or musical on Broadway
Grand Central Station
The Oculus
9/11 Memorial
The High Line
Chelsea Market
Central Park (Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Alice and Wonderland Statue)
Boat Ride in Central Park
The Met
Coney Island
Prospect Park
Make Custom Scents at Olfactory NYC Tell JJ I said “Hello!”
A trip with two blogger friends wouldn’t be complete without hitting up a few places for the perfect picture. Carla and I were fortunate enough to have my friend Brandon hang out with us and snap photos for us. It doesn’t hurt that Brandon’s a bomb professional full time photographer. Thanks OD for all these amazing photos!
Pietro Nolita All the pink goodness 💗
The Flatiron Building
Color Factory Wall (walls are always changing in NYC so this might change.)
The Mall in Central Park (famous tree lined path that’s been in dozens of movies)
The Met Stairs — XOXO, Gossip Girl 💁🏾♀️
The Cactus Store — For the plant lady. 🍃
Brooklyn Bridge
Dumbo
Jane’s Carousel
Manhattan Bridge at Water and Spring Street
Corner of Stuyvesant Street at Stuyvesant and E 10th Street
Rainbow Wall Under the Brooklyn Expressway
Washington Mews
Soho Cobblestone Streets
MacDougal Street
Souvlaki Greece Restaurant
White Wall of Sosta
Gilf Wall at 30 Prince Street
Little Italy Sign
Sel Rose
A few snaps at Pietro Nolita
Flatiron
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise
The sights and sounds of Central Park are Magical
Corner of Stuyvesant St & E 10th Street
MacDougal Street in the Spring
SHOPPING
Sézane
Mansur Gavriel
Everlane
Glossier
Chelsea Market
Sephora
Macy’s
Shopping at Sezane
So much sauce at Glossier. It’s made for Instagram so make sure to enjoy the experience.
Okay darlings! So there it is!
I’m sure I left some things out that are obvious options but I honestly try not to do new and the unexpected when I come to the city.
Nevertheless, I do hope this travel guide helps you as you plan for your own adventures in NYC. Bon voyage and happy travels!
Okay, so true story: I went to a beach bonfire in the middle of Fall and froze my booty off. I thought wearing jeans and boots would be a safe bet but I was so wrong.
I didn’t take into consideration that it would be way cooler at night and 10º cooler by the water.
I was a bonfire rookie I guess because all the other girls there wore leggings underneath their jeans for added warmth.
I didn’t get the memo.
The idea was good but practical… meh at best.
If you had to tinkle you would have to pull down 3 bottoms in order to do the deed. Plus I’m hot natured and hate the feeling of bulky layers but I hate the idea of being cold more.
So of course fashion technology has finally caught up and solved this dilemma creating a new way to add warmth minus the bulkiness.
These jeans aren’t lined with anymore fabric but rather built-in-warm fabric is brushed back on the inside of the jeans for a fleece like feel, max coziness and extra warmth so there is no added bulk and no chill. Get it? No chill…
Old Navy to me has always been a destination for great plus denim options but I can personally attest that these jeans are the coziest and most comfortable ones I own. They have plenty of stretch and this particular style, the high-rise, fits just right over my curves. Major Key! 🔑
I’m ready for any outdoor festivities now because these jeans have no chill.
I thought it would be funnier the second time around, no?
Drumroll please! The Jason Wu x Eloquii Collection is here!
So let me tell you a little something about my love affair with Jason Wu. It all started back in 2009 when he exploded onto the world scene when he designed the Inaugural Gown for First Lady Michelle Obama.
So do you remember it? The flowy white chiffon number with the thousands of organza flowers that were hand-sewn by himself and 4 members of his staff. Just incredible right?!
He had know idea that Michelle would pick his design to wear on that special night but to his shock and amaze he was stunned to see the new First Lady of the United States of America sashaying in front of the entire world in his dress!
In the months and years to come Jason would become a fashion darling and design for some of my favorite Hollywood leading ladies like Kerry Washington, Blake Lively and (sister-in-my-head) the Duchess of Sussex aka Megan Markle — who wore a few of his designs during her recent Royal Tour.
Okay, so fast forward to how I find myself being one of the first people to wear dresses from the new Jason Wu x Eloquii Collection.
I was approached by Eloquii about 2 weeks ago where they tell me, get this, that I was hand selected by Jason Wu himself to be one of two women to wear and model his designs before anyone else!
I was shooketh to the core.
I was so blown away that somewhere out there, Jason Wu looked at me and said, “Yes, her.”
Let’s get to the deets about this dress. It’s a twirl-around-and-dance-like-no-one-is-watching-approved dress. I’m wearing a size 22 for reference.
Made up of layers and layers of point d’espirit — that’s French talk for pretty polka dotted printed tulle. Also fully line with an invisible zipper and hook and eye closure and a dangerously plunging neckline that may or may not cause a riot if you’re busty like me.
You’ve been warned.
Alexa, play “I Want To Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston, because “she ready.”
Did you miss the sale the first time around?! No sweat! Sephora is bringing it back and you have another chance to save huge during the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event.
Depending on what level Beauty Insider member you are (btw it’s free to sign up) you can save 10, 15 or up to 20% off your entire purchase! That is some amazing deal or even more amazing brands.
It’s the best and worst time of year for me because I always tend to get overwhelmed with so much to buy! So I came up with a game plan that would satisfy my beauty curiosity with new items and keep it realistic and responsible with some of tried and true essentials to make my list reasonable and effective.
Here is the list mixed with latest and greatest trends and also some of my longtime faves that are in my cart as I type!
This was one of the first highlighters I ever bought. The price is perfect for a beginner and the payoff is big. It’s a gorgeous gold tone that can be worn everyday and can easily build up to a brighter glow.
This is my baby baby right here, okay! I love this rose gold tone highlight. I seriously get a compliment on my highlight every. single. time. I wear this. I’ve had it for about 2 years and it’s still going strong. A little goes a long way but YOLO, go big or go home, amiright!
These drops seriously have elevated my makeup game. Add a few to your foundation for a subtle glow and amp it up by applying a few more drops before applying powder highlighter.
This is an oldie but goodie — so old in fact that they stopped making this. I had no idea because I little goes along way with this baby and I’ve had the same one for a couple of years. I did find a seller on Amazon so there is still hope.
My bestie works at Benefit and she introduced me to this beautiful blush. I use it as a highlighter and with a damp brush this gives you an intense gold rush glow!
Thanks to Auntie Jackie Aina we can all glow to the high heavens with her highlight creation in collaboration with Artist Couture. This highly pigmented loose rose gold powder packs a powerful punch. I recently bought it again just because I never want to be without it.
I stumbled upon this highlighter by chance because it was a gift. The best gift ever right?! It’s a beautiful bronze gold and looks so great with a nude lip.
Kate Sommervile 
