Sunday, May 25, 2014

Recently on Go Seek Explore Blog + Instagram



You may have read that I recently launched my new travel blog, Go Seek Explore, where I post daily content on travel tips and inspiration, study abroad, and lots and lots of wanderlust. A few of my favorite articles from this past week:

8 Seattle Stereotypes That Are Actually True















Must-Dos For Any South Africa Trip (Guest































It's Okay To Feel Overwhelmed Before You Travel Abroad - Just Don't Give In To The Nerves














A Beginner's Guide On How To Navigate a Metro System















Why You Should Visit Croatia ASAP
















And recently on the Go Seek Explore Instagram:




































Hope to see you over there!

Thursday, May 15, 2014

I launched my new travel blog!

Hello all!

I am very excited to announce my new travel blog, Go Seek Explore. The purpose of Go Seek Explore is to inspire more people to travel and see the world. Sometimes people need that initial "push" to go abroad for the first time, or maybe even to continue traveling. Go Seek Explore will provide daily posts filled with quality content, personal stories, captivating photos, travel tips, and lots of wanderlust.

I will be spending a majority of my blogging time working on Go Seek Explore, though I will continue to post on Sunny Sweetheart from time to time. You may even recognize a few of my recent Sunny Sweetheart travel posts over there! ;)

If you took some time to check out Go Seek Explore, I'd adore you forever! Also, please follow along on Instagram, as I've been posting travel photos daily.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

One Year






















Today marks the three year anniversary since I left to go to Florence, Italy to study abroad. It was the first time I left the country.

A year ago, I graduated college. It is so crazy to think how much has happened in one short year and how little I knew what was going to happen at the time. I didn't know I would spend the summer in DC and New York, then go back to Florence for five months, and then back to DC again. Now, exactly one year later, I am back in Seattle, figuring out what's next (hopefully moving!)






















I've realized how important travel/study abroad/education are to me, and that is where my future career goals lie.

I still enjoy blogging, and am in the works of creating a whole new blog. :) I'll announce it here when it goes live, whenever that will be.























What's crazy is how quickly a year can go by and how little changes add up over time. You don't realize things are slowly changing, but they are, and you are too. You are slowly evolving now into the person you'll be a year from now.

Cheers to another year! (And happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!)

Monday, May 5, 2014

The Beautiful Italian Island You've Probably Never Heard Of


When you think of Italian islands, names that often come to mind are Capri, Sicily, or Sardinia. While there are plenty of Italian islands, one of my favorites, Elba, lies in the Tuscan Archipelago. Think the bluest water you can imagine, delicious Italian food (one of the best paninis I've ever had was at Elba), and plenty of sunshine. Elba Island was an easy choice to choose for a weekend away during my study abroad experience, after a friend suggested it and we got a group together to go. Elba is a great place for a quick getaway, and close if you happen to be in Florence, like many students, or in the Tuscan region. 


How To Get There (From Florence)
Take a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale. From there, take a train or bus to Piombino. At Piombino, get on a ferry to Elba Island. We stayed in Cavo, which is a small beach town on the northeast tip of the island. There are only daily ferries to Cavo, but there are hourly ferries to Portoferrario, which is more of a common town for tourists.



The only English-speaking person we encountered in Cavo was an Australian man that owned a restaurant. This was refreshing because we had just spent the previous weekend on an opening tour in Rome, and while it was beyond incredible, it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle and all the tour groups. We went up to Portoferrario during one of the days to relax on the beach, do some shopping, and grab a bite for lunch.




Oh, and did you know that Napoleon was exiled there in 1814?

Photos: My own

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Longchamp: A Girl's Perfect Travel Bag

The traditional Longchamp Le Pliage totes are a popular choice for many college students and professionals. Since I got my first Longchamp last year, it has been all over the US and Europe with me, and has stood the test of time. Here's a list of five reasons why the Le Pliage tote is the perfect travel bag.

 Longchamp "Le Pliage" Large Tote

1. The Price is Right
Between $125 - $180, it isn't overly expensive, but not so cheap you'll know it'll fall apart.

2. Size Options
I've had two Longchamp bags, both size large. They easily hold my laptop, magazines, big DSLR camera, and other handbag necessities. The Le Pliage comes in small, medium, and large with multiple color choices.

3. It's Durable
Both of my Longchamps have stood the test of time (at least for the year it's been since I got my first one) and are still in great shape despite their almost-daily use.































4. It Has a Zip Closure
When you travel to a foreign city, the last thing you want to worry about is getting pick-pocketed. A zip closure makes it harder for thieves to reach in and grab your stuff.

5. It's Waterproof!
This is something you may not always think about when purchasing a handbag, but a waterproof bag is so nice to have. When you travel, you'll likely be walking most places, so when it rains, you don't have to worry about your bag - or the things in it - getting ruined. I can't tell you how many times I've been caught in the rain and was glad to not have had my papers or electronics ruined.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

10 Reasons Why You Should Travel After College

There is a lot of pressure put on college graduates to get jobs right out of school. Whether it’s coming from family, friends, professors, the media, or yourself, the stress of landing a 9-5 by graduation day can be substantial. That’s what you’re supposed to do, right? Go to college, get a job, and then life will work out. For some people, that’s fine and that’s okay. But for you, there is that voice in the back of your head that won’t let the idea of traveling after college go away. There are so many ways to go abroad after college, though fear and excuses often get in the way of those travel dreams. Since almost everyone will tell you all the reasons why you shouldn’t travel after college, I’m here to give you ten reasons on why you should.

1.   Because you have the time.
You don’t need to jump into the corporate grind first thing Monday morning after graduation. You have the rest of your life to work. Taking some time off to go abroad, have new experiences, and maybe even find yourself is worth it. There will still be jobs to apply for when you get back.

2.   Because you aren't tied down.
When else will you not be tied down to anything? When you get a full-time, entry-level job that gives you maybe two weeks of unpaid vacation per year? When you have an apartment lease and bills to pay? When you get married and start a family? Nothing is wrong with any of that, but if you want to travel, it is much easier to travel now, when you aren’t tied down to anything.

3.   Because it makes you more marketable when you apply to jobs in the future.
Study abroad or travel boosts your resume and often makes you a more qualified candidate compared to those without international experience. When you’re back on your turf you’ll be able to apply all the things you learned abroad to your future job interviews.

4.   Because you learn much more by seeing, exploring, and experiencing a foreign place than reading about it or looking at pictures.
When captioning photos of my travels, I always think, “This picture does not do it justice.” There is nothing more liberating than actually being somewhere in person. The feeling of jumping off a boat into the Adriatic Sea, with the rush of adrenaline and chills going up your spine as you hit the gorgeous, crystal clear water is 100 times better than simply looking at a photo of the turquoise ocean surrounding the islands of Croatia.

5.   Because you're young and your body is able to handle pretty much anything.
Your body is likely more capable of handling jet lag, outdoor activities, late nights partying, etc. now than it will be when you’re older.

6.   Because you can still take advantage of discounts when you’re young.
Most students and young travelers (usually under 26) are eligible to receive discounts. Whether it be airfare, transportation, lodging, or other fees associated with travel, take advantage of your young age to score some major deals.

7.   Because there are plenty of options to travel after college, and they don't have to be expensive.
On that note, budget travel makes going abroad more feasible than you think. You won’t mind staying in a $12/night hostel in Istanbul now while you’re young, but you probably will when you’re older. There are hostels and websites such as Couchsurfing and Airbnb to save you some cash on accommodations. If vacationing or backpacking still seem to stretch your budget too far, then get a job overseas: you can be a tour guide, intern, Peace Corps volunteer, English teacher, au pair, the list goes on. And you don’t have to go to Western Europe, Japan, or Australia, which tend to be more expensive. Try Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, or Central America. There are so many places in the world to see, and not all of them will cost you an arm and a leg to see them.

8.   Because it opens you up to a whole new view on life.
When you travel somewhere new, you become much more understanding of the world by experiencing new cultures firsthand. The skills you will strengthen while traveling will carry on with the rest of your life. You will feel and become more independent.

9.   Because it makes you happy.
There is a reason behind the saying, “Travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer.” People tend to be happier in the long run by spending money on experiences like travel instead of material items.

10.  Because if not now, when?
If you make excuses or wait for the “right time,” the right time will never come. The time is now. Start planning your trip and make it happen. What are you waiting for?


Monday, April 28, 2014

mean girls monday: week 5



It's the last week of #MeanGirlsMonday and I went with the quote from the scene when Gretchen Weiners had finally "cracked." Gretchen confided in Cady that Regina once told her that she couldn't wear hoop earrings anymore. When Gretchen got a pair of really expensive white gold hoops for Hanukkah, she had to pretend like she didn't even like them! Since that was so sad, I wanted to make an outfit for Gretchen that included the white gold hoops she never got to wear. The purple dress mimics her top from the scene, and since they had just been in class (we should totally just stab Caesar!), I added this fun book clutch  from Kate Spade.

"There's a Mean Girls quote for everything," I like to say. To celebrate the movie's 10 year anniversary (it came out on April 30, 2004), I'm doing a series on Sunny Sweetheart called Mean Girls Monday, where I share an outfit inspired by a quote from the movie! While the classic quotes are 2004, the outfit will be "updated" to make it look fashionable in 2014.

For previous #MeanGirlsMonday outfits:


Monday, April 21, 2014

mean girls monday: week 4

Outfit:
Michael Kors sweater | Luisa Via Roma skirt | YSL shoes | River Island hoop earrings | River Island handbag | Etsy (BluegrassSassLC) bow

It is Week 4 of Mean Girls Monday and this quote is from the beginning of the movie on Cady's first day of school. It's kind of random and kind of hilarious. I've been seeing a lot of wire necklaces in the shape of states or countries lately, and I thought they would be perfect to compliment this quote. As for the outfit, I was inspired by Cady's light pink and periwinkle blue color combination, which she wore a couple of times in the movie. The cut of the skirt is more updated, and instead of a ribbed henley tee, I used a pretty pink cashmere sweater instead.

"There's a Mean Girls quote for everything," I like to say. To celebrate the movie's 10 year anniversary (it came out on April 30, 2004), I'm doing a series on Sunny Sweetheart called Mean Girls Monday, where I share an outfit inspired by a quote from the movie! While the classic quotes are 2004, the outfit will be "updated" to make it look fashionable in 2014. Check back for next week's Mean Girls Monday with a new outfit inspired by one of the iconic quotes!

Monday, April 14, 2014

mean girls monday: week 3

Splendid track pants | Etsy top | Madewell denim jacket | J. Crew loafers | Stella & Dot arrow and spike bracelets

Rather than choose a matching Juicy sweatsuit that celebs, moms, and The Plastics wore back in 2004 (okay, I also had a Juicy sweatsuit back in the day), I traded the velour sweats for track pants, complete with color blocking and even a drawstring waist - you know, if you eat too many Kalteen bars or something. The "you can't sit with us" tank top pays respect to the popular line from Gretchen Weiners. Top off the look with a pair of bright red loafers, and this look is casual-cool.

"There's a Mean Girls quote for everything," I like to say. To celebrate the movie's 10 year anniversary (it came out on April 30, 2004), I'm doing a series on Sunny Sweetheart called Mean Girls Monday, where I share an outfit inspired by a quote from the movie! While the classic quotes are 2004, the outfit will be "updated" to make it look fashionable in 2014. Check back for next week's Mean Girls Monday with a new outfit inspired by one of the iconic quotes!



Thursday, April 10, 2014

4 of the best "in your 20s" articles


There are so many "in your 20s" articles these days, ranging on everything from self-reflection to being young and careless. Here are four of my favorites from four of my favorite sites:

This one resonates with me, especially numbers 3 and 4. Don't settle, don't settle, don't settle.

Anything involving money and finance often goes over my head. That kind of stuff is just not how I'm wired. This article is helpful to start planning now to avoid money issues later.

A more self-reflective look at little tweaks you can make to improve your approach to things.

Critical moves that shape and define your career now.

Monday, April 7, 2014

mean girls monday: week 2

Gap army pants | Valentino flip flops | Red Dress Boutique top | Isabel Marant necklace | Thierry Lasry sunglasses

While this type of cropped army pants was all the rage back in 2004 (I literally remember seeing everyone wearing the American Eagle ones in my junior high cafeteria), nowadays a skinnier fit jean is more on point with today's trends. The olive green camo print jeans are the focal point of the outfit, as the top, necklace, and sunglasses keep up with the neutral theme. As for the flip flops? I traded out typical Havianas for this gorgeous pair of "Rockstud" Valentinos!

"There's a Mean Girls quote for everything," I like to say. To celebrate the movie's 10 year anniversary (it came out on April 30, 2004), I'm doing a series on Sunny Sweetheart called Mean Girls Monday, where I share an outfit inspired by a quote from the movie! While the classic quotes are 2004, the outfit will be "updated" to make it look fashionable in 2014. Check back for next week's Mean Girls Monday with a new outfit inspired by one of the iconic quotes!





xo-ally

Monday, March 31, 2014

mean girls monday: week 1

Wildfox t-shirt | ASOS skirt | Max & Chloe ring and bangle | Kate Spade initial charm bracelet | Kate Spade pumps | Betsey Johnson handbag

Today marks the first edition of Mean Girls Monday and I am very excited to share with you my outfit inspired by the quote, "Get in loser, we're going shopping." I couldn't resist the super trendy "shopping is my cardio" tee from Wildfox, and added "Mean Girls" elements like a pink flare skirt, pointed pumps, and personalized jewelry. Little bows on the handbag and the pumps add an extra girly touch to the outfit. This is something I could see a 2014 Regina George wearing, don't you think?

"There's a Mean Girls quote for everything," I like to say. To celebrate the movie's 10 year anniversary (it came out on April 30, 2004), I'm doing a series on Sunny Sweetheart called Mean Girls Monday, where I share an outfit inspired by a quote from the movie! While the classic quotes are 2004, the outfit will be "updated" to make it look fashionable in 2014. Check back for next week's Mean Girls Monday with a new outfit inspired by one of the iconic quotes!

xo-ally

Sunday, March 30, 2014

introducing: mean girls monday!


It is no secret that Mean Girls is my all-time favorite movie. Almost ten years ago, my best friend's older sister took us to see the movie in theaters and I've now seen it at least 50+ times (not kidding). While it's crazy to think that a decade has passed since, it's almost crazier that the movie has become a modern classic and a major pop culture phenomenon. There's a Mean Girls quote for everything, I like to say.

To celebrate the movie's 10 year anniversary (it came out on April 30, 2004), I'm going to do a series on Sunny Sweetheart called Mean Girls Monday, where I share an outfit inspired by a quote from the movie! While the classic quotes are 2004, the outfit will be "updated" to make it look fashionable in 2014.

Check back for tomorrow for the first Mean Girls Monday with an outfit inspired by one of the iconic quotes! You excited for the next five weeks? Me too.

Grool.

xo-ally

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

off to california!


I'm so excited to be heading to California today to see some family. This was a spontaneous trip and I'm excited to be there for a few days.

Check back soon for a guest post from Aryn, and follow me on Instagram for pics of my California adventure!

xo-ally

Monday, March 24, 2014

I'm guest posting today!

Make sure to head over to my friend Aryn's blog, Giraffes + Garlic + Glamour, to read my post on what to wear to work. Whether you're doing interviews, need to build a wear-to-work wardrobe, or just want some inspiration for your work outfits, then this post is sure to help you out!



xo-ally

Thursday, March 20, 2014

spring neutrals

 Nordstrom jacket (similar) | Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses | Nordstrom belt | Gap jeans | Michael Kors watch | J. Crew bracelet (similar) | Victoria's Secret nail polish in "String Bikini"

It's officially the first day of spring! While I wish it were warmer, it felt nice to wear a light jacket and not a coat or sweater. I kept the outfit pretty neutral, but with bubble gum pink nails and some heeled booties.

xo-ally

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

a little sun after the storm

 C. Wonder top | Hunter boots | Aritzia cardigan (similar) | Max & Chloe monogram necklace | C. Wonder long necklace (similar here and here) | Michael Kors watch | Nordstrom arrow bracelet | Kiel James Patrick knot bracelet | Sanctuary jeans | Chanel sunglasses

xo-ally

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

insta-lately...

Last day of work - wearing a pink Kiel James Patrick bracelet and Nordstrom arrow bracelet. OH and Nordstrom liked my photo!!!! I was beyond excited.

 Floral statement necklace + windowpane (J. Crew top, Lou Lou necklace)
I got a little excited when I went to The Lucky Knot in Alexandria. It easily became my new favorite boutique! As you can tell, I got quite a few adorable items.
 July 2014 of the Jonathan Adler agenda is so patriotic and happy. :)
 A #TBT to Vegas 2013 last year! I can't believe my senior spring break was a whole year ago!
 Another throwback to sophomore year of college with one of my besties/roomies, Lauren!
I loved going to the gorgeous (and warm!) botanical gardens in DC.
 The beautiful view from the hotel...
 Wearing my spirit jersey near one of the most 'merican buildings I could find... ;)
Between my boots, my passport case, my phone case, and my bracelet, I had a LOT of pink going on. Sometimes I forget how many random things I have that are pink and happen to use them all at the same time, haha.

xo-ally