Surviving Abroad

29. April 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Life, Love & Fashion, Travel · Tags: , , ,

Um, excuse me, Life… where has the time gone?!  I can’t believe I’ll be boarding a plane to Barelona in 4 days.  I feel I’m only semi-prepared.

If you’re a traveler of the world, or you want to be, there are a number of things you will need to make your trip much easier and much less stressful.

1.  A suitcase that you can clearly identify.  My dad gave me this one and I never have to check 20 tags to find it.

2.  Entertainment.  Something to read, something to listen to, something to keep you entertained.  International flights are unbelievably long.  If you can, buy a pair of good head phones.  If they’re noise-canceling, those are ideal.  Those little ones they give you on the plane are useless.

3.  If you’re going to a place where they speak another language, bring some study tools.  Contrary to the old saying, ignorance isn’t blissful at all.  Use your brain.

4.  Want to blow dry/straighten you hair?  Want to charge your phone?  Plug in your computer?  Not happening without one of these babies.  A voltage converter is a MUST.  Your plugs will not go in the walls overseas.  I tried to use my straightener without one in Greece, and I blew out the electricity in the entire hotel.  Whoops.

5.  Comfortable walking shoes.  By no means does this mean “new” walking shoes.  Unless you want to bring band-aids, too.  If you buy new shoes, walk around in them a few times to break them in.  I just got my first pair of VANS and they’re pretty awesome already.

6.  A neutral-ish bag to carry around.  I bought this yellow messenger bag from Target for $20.  It’s big enough to hold all of my stuff, it has a zipper on top so nothing can fall out (or be taken out), and I don’t have to hold it on my shoulder while we walk.  It’s perfect.  Plus, yellow is a good pop color, and it goes with everything, like my leopard sandals that I plan on wearing while we’re there.

8.  The final thing is the most obvious, but may be the most important.  Not that you need a ton of clothes, but you need appropriate ones.  Check the weather and pack accordingly.  Plan your flight outfits, since you’ll want to be extra comfortable.  I’d suggest leggings or jeans with some stretch so you can move around.

I have not even begun to pack.  I need help.  And wine.  Maybe some vodka.  I’m too excited, plus there are so many other important things I have to bring.

I make lists.  Long ones.  I check off items as I go.  It’s worked out so far.

You may want a “plan” too, but I really don’t like them.  I like to wing it.  Find things for myself.  Figure it out.

That should do it.  I’ll take pictures :)   I should have plenty to write when I get back.

Write you soon!

Jenn

Did I Forget to Mention…

26. April 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Events, Love & Fashion, Me · Tags: ,

Glitter & Garb has officially become a part of AC Luxe – an online source of fashion and nightlife in Atlantic City, South Jersey, and Philadelphia.  The site went live today and I couldn’t be more excited!

I’m writing for a column (titled Glitter & Garb, cool!) and will be doing a lot of the same things I do here: writing about fashion, things that inspire me, all things awesome, you know the routine.

I will continue to write about my personal life here and will be sharing a few things that I’m shooting to the North.  So, in the meantime, keep reading, give me some feedback, and thanks for staying connected with me!

Wish me luck,

Jenn

Spring Cleaning

24. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Tips · Tags: , , , ,

Don’t be nervous.  This doesn’t involve cleaning your room, your car, or your kitchen.  I’m not even talking about cleaning in a manner that takes much effort at all (which is the way I like it).

Since the summer (oh, glorious summer) is fast-approaching, it’s the perfect time to rid yourself of those old pieces you’ll (probably) never wear again.  Don’t trick yourself into thinking you will, either!  If it hasn’t touched your skin for 6 months, it’s taking up space.  Period.

The process is very easy and I’m here to offer some helpful tips:

1. Get two bins.  They can be actual plastic bins, trash bags, shopping bags, or any sort of container.

2. Mark them “Donate” and “Sell”.  (Trust me.)

3. Go through EVERY SINGLE THING in your closet, in your drawers, on your shoe rack, etc.  If you haven’t worn it in an extended period of time, take it out.  If it’s in good condition, throw it in the “Sell” bin.  If it’s not, “Donate” box.

4. IMPORTANT:  Once you have put something in one bin or the other, DO NOT TAKE IT OUT!  You will try to convince yourself that you could possibly, maybe, for the right occasion, wear it again.  You won’t wear it.  You’ll buy something new.  Get rid of it!

5. Once you’re finished, go to your nearest Plato’s Closet, give them your stuff, and let them pay you for whatever they can sell.  Don’t ask questions.  Take what you can get.  You’re making nothing from it while it sits in your closet.  I just donated 3 bags of clothes, shoes, and handbags, and I got $121.  I can totally use 121 dollars in new clothes for my trip :)

6. They’ll give you back whatever they won’t be able to sell due to brands, condition, whatever it may be.  Put those in your “Donate” box.  Then go to the nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army or wherever you choose that takes clothing.  Drop them off and you’ve got some good Karma on your side for your good deed of the day!

7. Put the money in your bank account… Or, my choice option: Go get some new, awesome, bright, wonderful things for summer! :)

Happy Spring Cleaning Everyone!

 Xo,

Jenn

LIKE it!

15. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Uncategorized

G&G is now officially on Facebook!  I’ll be posting new posts and updates, so if you want to stay in the know, go to the page and LIKE it :)

Thanks everyone!

Xo,

Jenn

Oh, Boys.

10. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Love & Fashion, Tips, Trends, Yay or Nay? · Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Normally I wouldn’t rag on people who have terrible styling habits, but… okay I’m lying.  I totally would.  This one, however, is just an awful misuse of clothing, and it’s origin might make your typical “tough guy” think twice before rocking this “look.”

From CBS News

Working in a retail store, I see this trend pretty frequently.  I cringe every time I see it and I’m often tempted to express how preposterous I think it is, but I like having a job so I keep my mouth shut.

From ABC News

 ”Housing” or “low-riding” your jeans has been around for quite a while, but it didn’t originate as a fashion trend, which most people are unaware of.  It made its first appearance in American prisons, where belts were taken from inmates to prevent suicide.

As you probably know (unless you currently live under a rock), many inmates resort to homosexual activity or rape in the absence of women.

Here’s the good part:

Inmates who were willing to participate in sexual activity would “house” their pants, exposing the top of their underwear as an invitation to other prisoners.  Eventually the trend spread out of prisons and onto the streets, where guys thought it was “hard” and/or “fashionable.”  As it turns out, it’s neither.

I wonder what Lil’ Wayne would think…

As the origin entertains me, the look is still atrocious.  So, boys, here’s some advice:

Buy a belt.  No one cares about your man panties.

Choose your trends wisely.

Until next time,

Jenn :)

Viajar

04. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Love & Fashion, Me, Travel · Tags: , , , , , , ,

Travel.  Explore.  Be completely lost.  Learn something.

My idea of perfection.

For the past 3 years, I’ve gone somewhere outside of the United States.  Outside of my comfort zone.  Outside of my norm.  If I can do this forever, I will.  I want to see everything.

First I went to Greece, where communication was nearly impossible.  I couldn’t read the signs, I couldn’t talk to people.  The scenery is too much for words anyway. I rode a donkey up a mountain, I climbed a volcano, and I saw one of the most famous sunsets in the world. I absolutely loved it.

Oia, Greece

Last year, I went to London with my boyfriend, Adam.

We went to a big soccer game.  Arsenal vs. Aston Villa.

Crazily awesome.

Tickets

Emirates Stadium

 

I found out the tipping isn’t customary, but very much appreciated.  And hanging out with the locals in a dark bar is the best way to end the night… unless you get hungry after drinking, because everything closes early.  There is no late-night eating. Thank you, room service.

Slim Jim's; Islington, England

And the architecture…

Trafalgar Square

In exactly one month, I’ll be in Spain.  In exactly one month, I’ll be parading around Barcelona.  12 days of complete immersion into another culture. I’m perfecting my Spanish skills and am determined to only use English when I talk to Adam.  One month to prepare my travel survival kit.  I might burst with excitement.

I. Cannot. Wait!

Wish me luck,

Jenn