Are We There Yet?

Outfit Details: Flannel shirt-Express (Similar here) // Gray v-neck sweater-J Crew Factory 50% off // Jeans-American Eagle (Similar here) // Riding boots-Coach (Similar here) // Bracelet- J Crew Factory 50% off // Necklace- J Crew Factory (Similar here) // Watch-The Limited (similar here) // Earrings-NY&Co (similar here for 50% off!) // Sunglasses-RayBan // Lip color-Rimmel 

'Tis the season for...TRAVEL. 

If you're anything like me, then you despise traveling. Of course, you love the destination, but getting there is a WHOLE different story.  I recently (as in yesterday) made the 5 hour 7 hour (DC traffic is AMAZING) trip back to Upstate New York to visit my family for the holidays. I don’t know about you, but what I travel in AND how I look when I arrive are both equally important. So, I thought I would share a few of my essentials for piecing together a travel ensemble.

LAYERS

No matter your mode of transportation-airplane, bus, car, etc. there is a 100% chance that you will need to add or take a layer off. I mean, we all know that for some reason when you take off you swore it was Summer, but mid-air, you are certain that it is now Winter.  So I say, why not use the ever-so-trendy layering pieces that are all over right now? In this case, a chambray or flannel shirt, sweater, riding boots, and a great statement necklace to Polish it all off!

SPARKLE

I’m sorry, but traveling does not make wearing PJ’s to the airport okay. However, I do understand how tempting this really is! Traveling can really get my spirits down (cue visual of me screaming during rush hour traffic, glamorous, I know). So, in true Polished fashion, why not use style and sparkle to lighten the mood? If you’re not into a large statement necklace, add an extra bracelet or a drop earring to your usual travel look! Trust me, you will feel so much better!

COMFORT

Okay, okay, I know people say that style is not about comfort (which is 75% true, in my opinion). But, hello people, if I am about to be sitting for more than 5 hours in a small, shared space, with God knows who sitting next to me, guess what…I am not doing it in a pencil skirt. So, I usually gravitate toward a jean with some stretch. The stretch is not only comfortable, but will still look great when you arrive to your destination. A jean with no stretch is more prone to get baggy or wrinkle from sitting for so long.

Kelsey and I have said this before and I will say it again, Style Is In The Details. Ladies, why NOT add some Polish to your travel look? What’s so wrong with showing up looking fabulous? I say, nothing!

Enjoy!

--Courtney

Oh yes, it's a Poncho

Here's the thing, I live in BUFFALO, NY. Meaning, it snows (sometimes} for 12 6 months 

out of the year. So, out of necessity, I have learned to love all things warm-ponchos, vests, and, especially, boots. 

It's a must--do you see this snow!?

Poncho from Express (not available online) but love this and this // Belt from Francesca's Collections  // Pants Banana Republic // Boots Maurice's -old but love these wedges // Bag Forever 21-old but on the look out for this and this one and just found this// Earrings Target (my go to stop for everything!)// Bracelet here // Lips  Revlon-Fuchsia Fusion// Nails Essie-Berry Naughty //

How can you a poncho be Polished, you ask? Add a belt! Since my outfit was mostly black (because my ankle leopard boots have not arrived via mail yet) I wanted to break up the black with some bling. I added a belt around the "front" part of the poncho, making it more like a cape.

Now, can we talk about my newest favorite Polished piece? It's my lipstick. I, like many woman, have features I just prefer to hide not to highlight. My lips don't need any help drawing attention. But, I have just recently been experimenting with lip color and 

truly love how Polished my overall look becomes. Now, I never leave the house 

without at least a bit of gloss. 

Have you ever dreamed of wearing red lipstick? That was me too! Whenever I am on the fence about trying a new trend-try it out at home. Literally, wear the new lipstick around the house for a day. You grow comfortable knowing you are wearing it and when you steal a glimpse in the mirror--you feel truly Polished. Then, take some baby steps--where it somewhere you don't know anyone {grocery store, gas station, gym-yes, the gym}. This helps build confidence to show off your colorful lips to all of your friends! ...at least that is how I started.

Thank you so much for reading!

--Kelsey