The Abstract Life: Minimal Wardrobe

Shop Small: Fewer, Better Gift Guide with Cuyana

November 29, 2018

Perfectly Composed Gift Guide

The holidays are a study in composition: notes, gifts, celebrations. There is an art to composing the perfect gift. For Holiday 2018, Cuyana has assembled an array of colorful cases, cozy knits and quintessential pieces for everyone near and dear to you. Each feels thoughtful, special and personal.

Below is a collection of my favorite picks from their Gift Guide. I already have their Luggage Tag, Structured Tote (in black), and the camel colored Cashmere Sweater that I love! I am keeping a close eye on the Mini Jewelry Case* though, as I travel often and would love that addition for keeping my baubles organized and untangled. What do you want from their gift guide?

1. Mini Jewelry Case - $105

2. Luggage Tag - $55 (Just Sold Out!) Alternative Personalized Leather Luggage Tag - $14+

3. Cami Sleep Set - $85

4. Triangle Pouch - $50

5. Classic Structured Leather Tote - $195

6. Wool Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater - $155

Tonight I am attending Cuyana's newest pop-up store's opening celebration in Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. Not only am I thrilled their store will be closer to me for the time being (the other nearest being in Downtown San Francisco), but I am overjoyed to support tonight's party host, Jessica Doll of Hej Doll. Not only is she a dear friend but she really encapsulates Cuyana's Fewer Better motto and is the queen of quality minimalism.

Palo Alto Pop Up

Visit Cuyana's newest space located in Palo Alto's Stanford Shopping Center and experience fewer, better firsthand with their collection of curated essentials.

CUYANA POP-UP
660 STANFORD SHOPPING CENTERSPACE 122APALO ALTO, CA 94304
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 10AM - 9PMSATURDAY: 10AM - 7PMSUNDAY: 11AM - 6PM
Opening Party
NOVEMBER 29th . 6 - 8PM
660 Stanford Shopping Center, Space 122A , Palo Alto, CA 94304
Join us to celebrate Cuyana's official opening of their newest pop-up at the Stanford Shopping Center featuring complimentary beverages and bites from True Food Kitchen.

*Update: The Mini Travel Case came home with me!

Packing for Chicago - Fall

November 09, 2018

Trip Destination: Chicago, IL

Trip Duration: 10 Days

Packing Light During Cold Weather:

Pick a Color Scheme to Mix & Match: I like neutrals like black, white, and tan with 1-2 pops of color (such as burgundy here). That way I know I can mix and match pieces to create several outfits. Stay away from too many (or any at all) prints if you can. It makes it so much easier to interchange all your pieces.
Plan Ahead: I plan an outfit for each day I'm on my trip-including what I'm wearing on the days I travel there and back. I also try on my outfits ahead of time to make sure they all fit still (my weight fluctuates regularly) and that the different "looks" work together. That way I know I won't over pack and bring extras I won't wear.
Layers, Layers, Layers: One of the easiest ways to pack light for colder weather is to wear layers. My leggings are perfect for lounging around our AirBnB or wearing as PJs on cold nights as well as a comfy under layer that I don't mind having to wear for those long jet-lagged travel days.
Choose High Quality Material, Over Bulk: I like high quality materials like cashmere, leather, wool, tight knits, and silks as they are great for layering and keeping things cozy and warm, all the while packing well and not taking up a lot of precious space in your bag.
Pack Hard Working Clothes: Pack pieces that are versatile and you can wear several ways. When we traveled to Chicago I was going to a friend's wedding and needed to have two dress outfits for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. Rather than pack two dresses that were only getting 1 nights wear each I chose pieces that I could also use for daywear as I toured the city on our extended stay. I layered leggings or tights under and scarves and jackets over the dresses, finally pairing them off with my comfy suede boots. The jewelry was also hardworking as it could be worn both for formal and casual occasions.
Rent: If you have the option to rent clothes in the city you're touring it makes for very light travel and a fun alternative to your usual wardrobe. I rented my two toned Hunter Bell dress from Rent the Runway and was able to easily drop it off at a nearby UPS store before I flew home. I didn't have to worry about a dress getting wrinkled in my carry on and felt like I was borrowing from a friend's designer closet. You can also rent heavier items like coats or pieces that don't typically travel as well-like velvet.

Fall / Chicago Packing List:

Cashmere Travel Set
Cashmere Scarf
Silk Scarf
Wool Hat
Sunglasses
Gloves
Crossbody Bag
Leather Backpack / Purse
Minimal Jewelry
Silk Cami
Striped Top
Cashmere Turtleneck
Wool or Cashmere Blend Cardigan
Silk Dress
Long Sleeved Wool Dress
Thin T-Shirts (for layering or sleeping in)
Leather Jacket
Casual / Light Jeans
Leggings
Dark Jeans
Wool Socks / Black Tights
Suede Ankle Boots
Black Heels
Light Luggage
Moisturizing Face Mask
Face Oil
Chapstick
Hand Lotion
Make Up
Frizz Control Hair Product

Do you consider this packing light for a 10 day trip?

Do you have a harder time packing light during cold weather?

TRAVEL BEAUTY

Silk Culottes

August 24, 2018

Everyday Style

March 23, 2018

Outfit of the Day: Color Block T-Shirt Dress

June 27, 2017

Outfit of the Day: Gray Area

January 24, 2017

Outfit of the Day: Moto Jacket

January 17, 2017

Why Accessorizing with a Hat is the Best

January 12, 2017

If you've seen any of my fall/winter looks you'll notice my own trend of hats...everywhere! Don't get me wrong, I love wearing straw hats in the spring/summer but to me, when I think of cozy weather styling it's synonymous with wearing fedoras, beanies, wool caps, knit hats, berets, etc...

Hats are the cherry on top of your outfit sundae that is both stylish and practical. It keeps your head warm, shades your face, hides a bad hair day...the accessory gift that keeps giving. If you need more convincing here are my top reasons why accessorizing with a hat is the best.

1) It makes an outfit look styled and complete

When styled right, a hat can really complete an outfit and and look as if you're tapped into street style like no one else. Like red lipstick can do for some looks, a good hat can transform and elevate your basic outfit so something that was styled, but not over the top.

2) Who really wants to do their hair or make up anyways?*

There are just those days when you need to get out the door or don't feel like putting on pants-let alone doing your hair or make up. A hat is the modern woman's cheat shortcut to getting ready while still looking fabulous. Skip the full blow out and put on a hat instead.

*PS: I DO NOT think anyone is required to put on make up or do their hair-but sometimes you don't feel like looking rough but still don't want to go all out with your beauty routine.

3) It's cheaper than anti-aging cream

Hats are the centuries old solution of protecting your face from the sun.

4) You are way overdue for a haircut or got a horrible bang trim. Shh...

We've all been victim of a bad bang trim (either self-inflicted or from an over-zealous stylist) or been way overdue for a hair cut. I usually trim my own bangs but recently got them ~~done~~ butchered at my salon and hats became my go-to savior until they started to grow out and not look like a 5 year old attacked me with scissors. Likewise, if you have too much grow out hats chicly hide most hair issues until you have time to get to the salon.

5) It's a great way to show your personality or try new styles

With all the options, they're a really fun way to show off your personality. Do you like vintage? Try a netted, vintage piece. Sporty? Pair a baseball cap with braids and a moto jacket or raincoat. Retro inspired? Rock a floppy 70s influences wide brimmed hat. Paris Chic? Bonjour berets! The possibilities are endless! Test out different looks to see what suits you.

Hopefully this convinces you of the gift of hats to us ladies and how it can really bring a look together. Let me know if you try out hats more or if you already love them!