The Perfect Party Purse and How to Pack It

In my previous post, I informed everyone that I'm off to the Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party for one of my college friends tomorrow in the city, and promised a post on how to pack a great purse for a long, hard night out on the town.

Now, I'm gonna tell y'all something. I love to get down. I love to drink cocktails while dancing around to Jay Z and getting ready with the girls. I love sharing Chis, pregaming, comparing jewelry and finally getting into the cab and out into the night. I love dancing, buying rounds for my friends, letting guys buy rounds for me, and seeing where the night goes. And I don't go out in a proper way as often as I'd like, so naturally, I'm very excited about tomorrow.

When in college, I perfected the art of packing light for going out. When I knew it was going to be a wild night (or I wanted to make it one), I even just utilized my pockets for the bare essentials so I didn't risk losing one of my purses. And of course, when you carry a bag in the evening, no matter what LC tells you, you want it to be somewhat small, and easy to carry. For a while, I loved simple over-the-shoulder purses, but in more formal situations, I have developed a great collection of clutches because of the increased sophistication and ease of carrying. Either stick it under your arm, or you simply grab it.

Below is a clutch I wish I owned: the Vivre Gold Clutch by Anya Hindmarch, marked down from $895 to $358. Not worth even that much, but this is similar to the metallic clutch I'll be waving around NYC bars tomorrow night.


Snaps shut, bright gold with wood and texture details, and slouchy (i.e. not structured, so it has give when you're putting stuff in there). Perfect for a big night out.

What to put in said purse? Everything you need to get around, keep looking beautiful, remember the night, and most importantly, get home at the end of the night. Here is all you need to put in that clutch to be perfectly prepared and not weighed down too much.


1. Slim wallet, for bills, a couple of cards, ID and that's all. No coins, no business cards, no coupons. Keep it light and slender. If your clutch is really teeny and you trust your ability and bag, you can just throw the bills and cards in the clutch, preferably in a pocket inside. (Coach)

2. House keys. If you're driving, just take your car keys and lock the rest in your car. If not, just take your house key on a ring to cut down on bulk.

3. Cell Phone. You will need this to call a cab, track down friends who wandered off, drunk-text, and take phone numbers. (iPhone)

4. Digital Camera. Absolutely necessary. Even my 4-year old Canon A50 fits well, but any small camera should make it into your clutch. (Canon)

5. Compact. The mirror and powder let you do quick checks and blot away shine. If you're low on space, ditch this, and use bathroom paper towels to lightly blot your T-zone and neck. It works, I swear! (Cover Girl)

6. Lip Gloss. Take one, and make it one with some color. I often take a color gloss and a clear, shine gloss. Resist it, and save space. (Clinique)

7. Eyeliner. Takes up virtually no space, and is the most important place to touch up your face. Faded shadow doesn't look bad if the liner is clean and bold. Same for mascara. (Benefit)

8. Mini hair brush. If you're rocking straight hair, and do any walking outside, you'll need this brush to keep you looking polished. You can score them in any drugstore for $2. (The Body Shop)

9. Nips. In case the bar is no fun at all (unlikely) or the drinks are so overpriced that you need to be buzzed to fork over $15 a pop (very likely), the nips come in handy. Take whatever you can do shots of, and sneak into the bathroom with the girls for what feels like an illegal shot of life. Good times, I promise. (Smirnoff)

A few words of caution about the clutch:

• It's one of the easier purses which people can reach into. If you need to fish for something, find a corner or some space, so no one paws through your stuff, especially if you have loose bills.
• Clutches with handles (similar to wristlets) make for extra security and ease of hold.
• Tis better to take less than spill contents.
• When sitting down to dinner or the bar, the clutch goes on the table.
• Avoid martini glasses if possible, at least when standing. Those spill easily enough, and if you're trying to find something one-handedly, you'll get cosmo all inside your purse.

Have a great weekend all!
Hayley

"Sometimes, there's nothing harder than being happy for someone else."

Carrie Bradshaw uttered those words of truth in one of my favorite episodes of S&TC, "The Baby Shower." As a woman in my mid-20s, I am slowly gaining more events on my yearly calendar dedicated to the pairing-up and popping-out of friends and family. Especially in the months between April and October, we young, single women seem to get inundated with hand-engraved invitations from Crane & Co., requesting our presence at the event which is centered around a goal we have not yet attained: a lifelong commitment to a good man, a sparkly ring, champagne flutes with strawberries in them, and maybe even a starter home.

And all the while, we sit, kneel, stand, pray, bow our heads, smile, bring extravagant gifts, get dressed to the nines, and profusely congratulate the happy couple and their parents. We couldn't be happier for them.

But there is something about attending pre-wedding events that makes me ask myself a few questions. Will others be so kind to me when my time comes? Is the gift lacking in thought because it came from the registry? Will I become a tyrannical bride, enforcing the dreaded French mani/pedi and throwing pastel taffeta on "my girls?" Will this friend be pregnant by the time I get married?

There's nothing like a peer getting married to force you to reassess your life. For those of us who aren't yet walking down the aisle, and are in no hurry, there's nothing like a bridal shower and bachelorette party to make you at once both happy and frustrated about being single. And those are two events which I am attending for a college friend tomorrow, in the same day.

So what's a single girl to do? Two things.
1. Do not have a pity party. Embrace your freedom, because the girl holding the ribbon bouquet will be yearning for it in about 7 months.
2. Wear something fabulous to both events.

First outfit to pick: the bridal shower
Time: 2:00pm
Location: apartment in Brooklyn
Bridal showers are a tradition in which females shower the bride with gifts for the home, eat unsatisfying finger sandwiches and, according to this invitation, drink wine. So the outfit I pick will be pretty, comfortable, not too ladies-who-lunch, and involve flats of some sort. Gotta save the heel-feet for later. Here's my choice for the shower:

Gap lavender shirtdress


My brown/camel leather hobo purse from Paris (this is the closest approximation I could find)


My neutral Jack Rogers sandals


Silver cuff, to be worn with pearl studs



Second outfit to pick: the Bachelorette Party
Time: 7:00pm for dinner
Location: Prohibition, a swanky lounge/restaurant in the city
Bachelorette parties are my favorite part of all weddings I attend, because everyone can and should get crazy to encourage the bride. Plus, the bride is usually wearing a goofy checklist tee-shirt and veil, and while some sketchy guys might make a play for her because she's off the market, and they want to give her "one last party," in my experience, the bride's companions fare well too, because they are dolled up, having fun and actually single (some at least).

The B-Party has many more considerations than the bridal shower. Sitting for too long is replaced with lots of dancing and walking, tea and wine is replaced with shots, and there is no official expiration time for the party. And in my experience, if the bar tries to expire your party, there is always someone willing to help you extend it. So what to do?

Well, you first have to be somewhat comfortable, because bra-crawling may happen, and if the bride has too much fun, you might end up babysitting. Second, and most important, you have to dress to show you are happy to be single, have many more wild nights ahead of you, and aren't at all jealous of the girl with the condoms on her head.

Basically, you need to do what T tells Mikey in the greatest film of all time: "There's nothing wrong with letting them know that you're money, and you're ready to party."



Now, if you're unlucky in life and/or have accumulated negative karma, a pushy maid of honor may force everyone into a dress code that is as unbecoming as her ceremony dress. In my case, all that's asked is that we wear an LBD, or cute all-black ensemble. I loves me a black dress, and it gives the ultimate opportunity for accessorizing.

Here is a dress similar to what I'm wearing:

Cotton, comfortable, (mine is actually 3/4 sleeves) and draws attention to my face, collarbone, and the Girls.


I'm wearing my hair straight to the shower, but will put the iron to it at the hotel for Rachel Bilson-esque loose waves for ultimate sex appeal.

Now the shoe debate. The shoe I know I should wear is my brown/tan peep-toe wedge, similar to the D&Gs below, but not quite as high in the platform. They will be more comfortable for walking, and more stable after too many Key Lime martinis.


But the shoes I want to wear are my peep-toe stilettos, in black. They're not quite summery, and definitely less comfortable than the wedges. Given the location which I've never experienced and the opportunities for running around NYC, I will probably play it safe and opt for the shoes above, saving the pumps for my next date.



For a purse, I'll be complementing the browns in my shoes with my bronze snap-top clutch, similar to the slouchy one below. Sorry for the unusually long picture!


As for my jewelry - well, I'll be honest. I'm going to pack half my jewelry box (which is a lot) and end up wearing whatever appeals to me that night. Given the bronze clutch, the jewelry will be of warm metallics, but I'm thinking big earrings, big cocktail ring and no necklace (skin can be a great accessory).

My brunch outfit for the next day? Probably jeans, a polo and flops. I'll be too tired to care.

So the purpose of this post (besides me nailing down what I need to pack, like, now) is this: embrace these celebrations of others' success in love as an opportunity to celebrate your independence and freedom. Much like the 4th of July. It's an opportunity to get down, congratulate your friend on finding The One, and welcome that congratulations as an excuse to get buck-wild with no shame. And if you dress like the sexpot you are, you become it. And the gentlemen will notice.

Next post: what to take out on such a night, and how to fit it into a tiny purse.

Cheers!
Hayley

Looking Forward to Autumn?

I'll admit it: I'm about as ready to leave summer behind as an angsty teenager, about to enter a junior year full of SATs, APs and other uncomfortable, pressure-cooker acronyms. Every summer I relish the days and nights outside, love seeing my skin less pasty, and gobble up as much fresh fruit, margaritas and crab cakes as possible. Then inevitably, Labor Day looms ahead, bringing with it a goodbye to linen pants, and a return of the three-season pressure that weighs much more than its companions of leather, wool and tweed.

But autumn, I'm trying to convince myself, need not be a death or a goodbye. In summer, I always forget how much I love the season, so busy am I mourning the expiration date on 85+ days, flip flops and the sunroof being open. This year, for some reason, my autumn dread is worse than usual. So for you, and for me, I am compiling a list of reasons to look ahead to autumn. Perhaps composing and reading these comforting, fresh thoughts will get us excited to be in closed-toe shoes and uninstall the air conditioners.

And please, call it autumn. It sounds so much lovelier than fall, which is almost always a negative thing: an unexpected drop for which you aren't prepared, with some sort of a thud to come next. Plus, autumn is a longer, more sophisticated version of the word. My geography teacher would say "autumn" is "the two-dollar word for fall," much as "communism" was the two-dollar word for "everyone share."

I'm still not sure about that last one, but what I am sure of is this: just like flirting with a new guy helps you get over a break up, finding the positive in autumn helps you let go of summer's warmth and bright colors, welcoming a brisk breeze while in your new, cute, cropped trench jacket.

Looking Forward to Autumn!
Exclamation Point!*

A - apple-picking! Followed by baking and mulling. Mmm.

B - boots with jeans and skirts, in black and camel.

C - cashmere. Sweaters, coats, scarves, cardigans, gloves, socks. Love.

D - designers return to structure and substance, which feels refreshing after flowy and relaxed.

E - equinox - the sun setting earlier might be depressing, but makes it easier to sleep early.

F - foliage, one of the best things about New England in October.

G - government days off (Veterans, Labor, Columbus) = long weekend trips!

H - hair is easier to style with less humidity, and it's more comfortable to keep it down.

I - inventing a new fall style for you and your home.

J - jewelry is silver, gold, and sensible again. Turquoise and costume jewelry optional.

K - kids, as in, off the street, off the beach, and out of restaurants. At least during the week.

L - lattes are hot again!

M - meat and potatoes taste good after three months of salad and Evian.

N - nail colors return to dark and sexy.

O - ordering ski passes to be used ASAP!

P - pumpkins! Carving, baking, painting... endless fun with the best gourd ever.

Q - quiet walks on the beach. Wearing a fleece is a welcome trade-off.

R - rallies and tailgates for college football!

S - Sales! Labor Day, Back-to-School, Summer Clearance...

T - tweed jackets and pants, with bright accessories!

U - under the bed, as in, where your bathing suit will be for the next nine months!

V - viewing much-missed fall TV (Entourage, anyone?)

W - weddings - a reason to dress up on the weekend, and cooler temps make them bearable.

X - xcessive hair removal no longer necessary!

Y - you. September and October, void of major holidays, allow you to spoil yourself for once!

Z - zoos. Seriously, the Bronx Zoo is so much more fun in cooler weather, when the leaves change and the monkeys smell less!

So if you're sad about leaving summer behind, listen to a little Bryan Adams, enjoy your Rainbows while you can, and make your own list of things to look forward to beyond August. Your mind and body will thank you!

Cheers,
Hayley

* - Can you name the source of this? Leave it in a comment :-)

Paris Fashion Part II: Unstructured Bags

Every fall, it seems we get a "new" lesson in structure - wool skirts, tailored trousers, no-nonsense handbags. In the spring we shed the angular attire for flowy skirts and soft totes. But while in Paris I noticed something you don't see too often here in the States: unstructured, dark bags, made of everything from leather to vinyl, with embellishment, hardware and even fringe. In midsummer, I expect unstructured bags, but in materials like canvas, silk, wicker, and cotton. Somehow the women of Paris made bags I'd only have considered for fall and winter look sophisticated and season appropriate. And of course, effortless.
Betsey Johnson, $395



Camilla Alves, $650



Dautore, $656



Francesco Biasa, $248

Classin' Up the Cote

There are few places in the world than this girl loves more than the beach. Long Island, the Vineyard, the Gulf, the BVI, Sherwood Island... doesn't matter - if there is sand, water, and a relative lack of pollution and noise, I'm there.

Admittedly, though, a few things grate on my nerves when I'm trying to enjoy the sun and enjoy the saltiness of my hair. Yes, I love my scrunchy, crunchy, salty hair and sand in my flip flops. I love the sticky, dry feeling on your hands and the warmth radiating off my skin. I also love packing a simple sandwich from the deli, bringing an iced coffee, and not minding a little sand in my bite. Maybe it's a result of my Ariel-worshiping in grade school, but few things bother me at the beach.

A long time ago I refused to go to any beach that allowed radios, and I have become adept at children-unfriendly towel placement. But sometimes, the apparel people don when hitting the sand and surf gets to me.

Now, this isn't a post admonishing against thongs, skirt-suits and untoned bellies in bikinis. As long as people eat this and don't do this, there will be bodies in unflattering swimsuits. But what I would like to see change is easier than a 6-day cardio regimen, and that's what you wear over said suit.

The beach is one of the most casual places you will ever go, but that isn't an excuse for wearing paint-stained jeans, your grubbiest sandals, and pit-stained souvenir t-shirts. You are in public, dears, and one of the best things about summer is the abundance of loose-fitting, comfortable lounge-wear in bright colors and whites. They are easy to wash, and easy to combine.

So whenever you're at the shore this summer, consider these options instead of those stretched-out Juicy sweatpants from 2004. Just as comfy, much more classy.


Gap tank dress, $24.50
Add flops, a tote, maybe an oxford, and you're all set.

Gap henley, $6.99
Great for after you get too much sun!

JCrew driving cap, $29.50
Keeps unruly hair out of the wind and sheilds your eyes from the sun. Also looks super-cute with a skirt and oxford!

JCrew Cynthia dress, $99.99
This bright color brings out tanned skin and the material dries quickly!

Vineyard Vines Anchors Away lounge pants, $55
Sooo lightweight and comfy, cool and more comfortable than your gym sweats.

Laila Rowe gel headband, $2.50
Flexible material won't hurt your temples, and it easily pushes wild hair off your face.

JCrew Logan pant, $98
Linen is classic summer material, and breezy white pants are the best beach cover-up. Ever.

L.L. Bean Boat-n-Tote, $39.50
Canvas is washable, and these totes are durable and roomy, not to mention inexpensive.

JCrew shrunken cashmere hoodie, $129.99
Summerweight cashmere feels great on sunburnt skin, and the crisp white looks pristine, when paired with navy pants or a bright skirt.

JCrew ruffle mini, $29.50
Look nicer than cotton shorts, and the bright color is just plain fun! Get 'em while they're on sale!

Vineyard Vines palm tee, $34.50
T-shirts work great, when they're bright and fitted.

Lucky Brand macrame tote, $128.99
This tote is pricier, but the crochet style and leather handles are classic hippie style, which works best at the beach!

Lucky Jeans Woody beads, $39
Dress up your look with jewelry, but make them easy, bright pieces you can just throw on and off.

Lucky Brand ring, $25
I adore this ring, and the turquoise color is great for summer.

Lucky Brand Hippie Layered Beads, $48
A long, layered necklace goes easily over a white dress or tee.

Have fun out there, and keep it classy!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Cheers,
Hayley