Budget Vacation

At this point, we are all feeling the pressure of this economy's recession. But summer is just around the corner, and most of us are wishing for a vacation. So what if you can't afford Italy or Spain? Our own country the USA has tons of amazing places to have a vacation. Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Colorado. There are many beautiful locations perfect for the weekend getaway or a full week away.

There are so many options when it comes to your stay. No matter what your budget, there is something out there for everyone. Hotels being the most expensive are the ultimate luxury. If you don't mind staying in a lower star hotel such as an inn, be my guest... or theirs, but I'd rather have a nicer stay and ditch the room service. The whole point of going on vacation is feeling completely at ease. You want everything to be beautiful and pleasant. So for those of you who have the bigger budget, have a wonderful time at the Hilton, I'm jealous! For the rest of you don't sweat it. Bed and breakfasts are just like hotels except they are smaller and more intimate. Usually consisting of 4 or more bedrooms a bed and breakfast gives you the feeling of staying at a good friends beautiful home. There are many around the country and they always have attractions in the surrounding areas. The prices range close to hotels, a lot of them less expensive. Another idea is to go camping if you're an outdoorsy person. And make the best of it. Know the location where you will be camping out and make sure to contact the local sheriff's department to ensure you will be in close enough proximity to one of their stations. Ask them what areas are safer, and which ones to avoid. You don't want to wake up to a hungry pack of mountain lions.

The option that I am taking this weekend (due to a Jewish holiday) is getting a vacation rental. Vacation rentals are great because you can find a home at any budget and I mean any. The houses range from mid size family homes to mansions. There are so many beautiful ones and you can decide how many bedrooms you need, whether you would like a pool, and so forth. Kitchens are normally stocked with the basic foods, and bathrooms include towels, sheets etc. This kind of vacation is for the person who's main source of fun will be coming from their activities, even if you just want to lounge by the pool. The best places to find vacation rentals are on vacation rental websites. Craigslist presents the danger of not knowing who the people are, how safe it is, or safety of payment. Websites mostly have realtor's dealing with the location which just makes everything go smoother.

This weekend my family and I will be staying in a vacation rental in Palm Springs, CA so I am going to go into a little detail for those of you who are interested in Palm Springs. Palm Springs is a desert and has been a desired vacation spot for decades. The vacation rentals are endless and gorgeous. Most of the houses are pretty modern and fully equipped with magnificent pools and spa hot tubs. The most expensive time to go to Palm Springs is April due to the Coachella festival. Summer is also a bit crowded but not for long periods of time, since people can't stand the heat for longer than a weekend. Attractions in Palm Springs include the endless spas, Palm Canyon Drive, the main strip that is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques, golfing, shopping and of course tanning in the crazy sun. Just please don't forget the sunscreen. You can get seriously burnt in a very short amount of time, so just layer on the protection and get a quick and safe tan :)!

My two favorite websites for finding a great rental are VacationRentals.com and VRBO.com where you can find vacation rentals by owner, so the prices can be cheaper.

The most important thing to remember when going on vacation is not to spend on what you can't afford and always remember safety. So good vacas to everyone! Hope these tips help.

Day to Night

The summer is a time to have fun! And you will want to spend every minute with your friends and family out and about. Hitting the beach, family BBQ's and hot nights out on the town are just some of the exciting parts of summer. The less time toiling over what to wear the better. So here are three key pieces for your summer wardrobe that will take you from day to night in a snap.
LOOK #1

KEY PIECE: FAB LINEN SHORT $12.50 Forever 21
These shorts are one of my favorite pieces from forever 21's endless goodies this season. They look expensive but are a rediculous steal, and you cant beat that incredible shade of yellow for summer. Simply changing your accessories and adding that fantastic top in a deeper night worthy shade lets you jump from the cafe with your gal pals to the bar with your hottie.

DAY: Ruffle front cami $38 Arden B.; Dana Buchman gold-tone charm long necklace $15.60 Kohls.com; Ettika turquoise hamsa charm rosary bracelet $29 Bluefly.com; Gold leaf earrings $35 Ann Taylor; F6175 Sunglasses $5.80 Forever 21; Big Buddah "Alana" satchel $92 Dillard's; Dolce Vita Able Birdcage flat thong sandal $130 Shopbop.com.

NIGHT: Braided linen tube top $14.99 CharlotteRusse.com; Rachel Reinhardt blue resin cabochon and drop earrings $59 Bluefly.com; Jewel petals flower ring $4.80 Forever 21; Collin Stuart satin espadrille $48 VictoriasSecret.com; Jessica McClintock metallic croc frame clutch $40 Endless.com

LOOK #2

KEY PIECE: LA ROK DON'T GET IN MY WAKE DRESS $248 SHOPBOP.COM

Nothing says summer better than a floral dress. Ruffles make it easy chic for day and flirty for night. A tan belt (my fave over a floral frock) and effortless flats keep this dress grounded, while a magnificent studded cropped jacked and electric blue suede heels makes this ensemble sparkle when the stars come out.

DAY: Cheap Monday night watch sunglasses $35 Ssense.com; Gianni Bini braided belt $28 Dillards; Kevia set of 6-gold plain square stacking rings $90 Bluefly.com; Leather ballet flat $38 UrbanOutfitters.com; Pearl center flower earrings $3.80 Forever 21; Fringe festival bag in camel $35 Intuition-ShopIntuition.com.

NIGHT: Studded short sleeve jacket $39 Forever 21; Fragments for Neiman Marcus crytal pave earrings $55 Neiman Marcus; House of Harlow 1960 leather and stone cocktail ring $70 Bloomingdale's; Trinitie pump in blue suede $99.95 Steve Madden; Bow silk clutch $78 Nordstroms.

LOOK #3

KEY PIECE: JOYCE DUPIONI MINI SKIRT $95 CALYPSO.COM

Brights are a definite must this season and this skirt is perfection for the hot days and the even hotter nights. Paired with a super casual graphic tee and a great yellow bag, your colorful outfit will brighten everybody's day. Keep it even simpler with a black tank and crank up the volume with the accessories. With a statement necklace, killer heels and feminie extras, you will be a modern day princess.

DAY: Rockstar presidents tee $9.90 WetSeal.com; Fringe diamond hoop earrings $14 Arden B.; Set of 2 wide studded bangles $28 Urban Outfitters; Melie Bianco patent bowler bag $95 Piperlime.com; Kazler pewter multi flat $89.95 Steve Madden.

NIGHT: Racerback slub tank $4.80 Forever 21; City bright princess cut stud earrings $16.95 New York & Co.; Jet glass pear brooch necklace $68 White House Black Market; Kate Landry quilted flap evening bag $33.75 Dillards.com; Rhinestone burst ring $5.80 Forever 21; Tayla black suede heel $119 Steve Madden.

Inspiring Ensembles

How many times have you seen a celebrity wearing a killer outfit that inspired you start wearing brighter prints, or decided to ditch the edgy trend for a more ladylike look, brought on by your favorite actress? Well these are my current inspirations. How fabulous these women look and how they encourage me to be more creative and diverse in my wardrobe!

I have a crush! On orange that is. Crushed orange is the new black for summer. Its bright, fun and works an all skin tones. I have already purchased a great sweater and a faux crocodile oversize clutch bag that is to die for. But a great silk dress like this one by Martin + Osa (below) has definitely made it onto my wish list.

Jessica Alba in Lanvin

Silk Orange Halter Dress $120 Martin + Osa, Martin+Osa.com 

 

Don't be mistaken that Lace is a wintry fabric. It NEVER goes out of style for sexy elegant evening wear. They coy appeal of showing spots of skin through gorgeous french lace during summer is as fresh and cool as you are fabulously glamorous. Two great affordable dresses below with two different feels. The one from eDressMe has a tad more sex appeal while still maintaining an elegant cut. The Velvet Valen dress gives off a more innocent girly vibe, yet not forgetting to tease the eyes with a little peek-a-boo from lace that goes past the lining. 

Liv Tyler in Stella McCartney at the Time 100 Celebration in New York

Lace Black Mini Dress $97 at eDressMe.com

Velvet Valen Scallop Lace Camisole Dress $119 at RevolveClothing.com

VB hasn't forgotten that she is a proper English girl and that a ladylike skirt is just as sexy as skin tight fitting low cut dresses. The long sleeve top with the heels and kelly bag is such an inspiration to slick on some perfect lipstick and trot through town like a lady. A-line and full skirts are making a real comeback and in amazing shades and floral prints, there is no mistaking you will look just as proper as the Brit herself. I am loving the shade and same color detail on this Banana Republic skirt. Paired with a simple white tee and ballet flats will be a demure knockout. The print on the Express skirt is fun and feminine and didn't I just mention how hot orange is right now?

Victoria Beckham in Azzedine Alaia

Cotton Smocked Skirt $69 Banana Republic

Pleated Full Skirt $59 Express

A strong woman should show off her strength in an amazing structured piece. Simplicity can translate into structure with just a few pin tucks and pleats. And for much less I have my budget friendly picks. The Anne Taylor frock resembles serious similarities to the one Reese wore to the event, color, collar pleats and all. The one by Charlotte Russe is super cute and such a steal! Alice + Olivia always has something too pricey for me to swoon over. And the Banana Republic printed piece is perfect from a day at the office to a lady's lunch!

 

Reese Witherspoon in Temperly London at the 5th Annual Comprehensive Breast Center

Petite Pleated Cotton Sheath Dress $119 Ann Taylor

Pleated Two-Tone Dress $29.99 Charlotte Russe

Structured Pencil Dress with Belt $440 Alice + Olivia

BR Monogram Graphic Print Dress $129 Banana Republic

Beachy Keen

Beach season is here and it's time to get your gear and head to the ocean. The sand beneath your toes, the breeze in your hair, and the warm sun glistening apon your newly toned body. Here are my picks for beach essentials.

St. Tropez Bar Bandeau One Piece Bathing Suit $268 at FreePeople.com

This is the sexiest way to wear a one piece while hiding your belly if you aren't feeling as toned as you'd like. It's a tad expensive but worth the investment for such a great suit.

Mara Hoffman Geometric Turquoise Bandeau Bikini $168 at Shopbop.com

LOVE this print. Super boho and fun for summer.

Tie-Dye Voluminous Tunic $48 at Arden B.

This is the perfect beach cover up with its summer beachy tie-dye effect and a little sparkle to look fabulous at the beach.

Linda Farrow Luxe Luxe 15 Horn Sunglasses $440 at Net-a-porter.com

These are so chic, and different. A bit pricey, but if you can afford it, good for you because I can't :-/

City Style Aviator Color Frame Sunglasses $16.50 at New York & Co.

For the more frugal gal, these are bright, upbeat and rocker sexy.

Women's Mossimo Penina Gladiator Sandal in Tan $21.99 at Target

I own these. They look way more expensive than they are in real life, uber comfy and they go with everything. Perfect for hitting the sand followed by a stroll on the boardwalk.

Diane Von Furstenberg Women's Rialto Flat Sandal $164 at Bloomingdales.

For the girl with the bigger budget, these are super fab!

Gap Canvas Tote $34.99 in Navy and Orange

Great large size and canvas comfort to carry all your beach goodies.

Juicy Couture Wool Felt Floppy Hat $51 at Bloomingdales.

A glamorous way to cover up from the sun!

Burt's Bees SPF 30 Sunscreen $15 at Macys

SPF 30 AT LEAST girls! You can get a tan without the burn! Get that into your head :)

Softlips Lip Proctectant/Sunscreen in Strawberry $2.99 at Walgreens

Don't forget your puckeroos! They can get burnt too.

The Luxe $8.99 at Barnes and Noble

Whats the beach without a good beach read? This one, recommended by Barnes and Noble is a tale about the death of a Manhattan socialite in the 1900's. Drama, scandal and glamour. What could be better?

Big Brown Towl $40 at Bloomingdales.

Its cute, its obviously bloomies. I just love it.

Frederic Fakkai Summer Hair Beach Waves $23 at SkinStore.com

Sexy beach waves are a must and this spray contains marine waters to give you actual beach hair!

Tailor Fit

The art of forming a beautiful dress is one of a girls guilty pleasures. The idea of having a custom made piece fit just for your body, or re-creating that fabulous gown you saw in the store window, but could only afford in your dreams, is like foot candy to a fashionista.


But the master of constructing a dress is no playground for the uneducated. There is alot to think about when making a dress and here are some important things to know before you get started.


1) What kind of dress are you making and for what affair? Are you making a dress for a loved ones wedding? Is it for a Lady's lunch, or something that you just think you need in your closet?


If you are making an extravagant gown for a special occasion, then you will want your budget to be higher because the more beautiful the fabric, the more it will cost. If your desire is just to have a good everyday dress, then you don't have to spend too much to get a great frock.


2)What fabric are you looking for? Every dress requires its certain fabric. If you have ever walked into a fabric store you know the possibilities are endless. There are many different types of satins, silks, and even simple cottons. It is important to know what will work best for your your dress.


Cotton and linen fabrics are great for summer dresses, while fancier fabrics such as satin, silks, chiffon and taffeta will wow on an evening dress. The weight and movement of the fabric is also incredibly important to keep in mind. Will this dress require lots of moving? Such as a work dress? Then choose something breathable with a little give such as jersey cotton. An evening dress where you know you will want to do alot of dancing, can be made by satin or chiffon which can be more flowy. When choosing taffeta or raw silk, just know that when sitting, will quickly crease. Satins can also crease but linings usually prevent that from happening.


3)How much fabric will you be needing? One of the biggest mistakes made when buying fabric is purchasing too much. Fabric can be very expensive so you don't want to waste your money on extra fabric you wont be using in the future. Gowns usually require 4-5 yards of fabric but the best way to know is by visiting your tailor first and he or she will let you know the exact amount.

4)Color. The color of a dress has many elements in the choosing. First of all, what season is your dress for? Its not the greatest idea to choose a dark color for summer. And second of all, what color works best with your skin? Jewel tones such as emerald, ruby, navy and mustard look fabulous in the fall and winter, while pastels and brights are super fun for spring and summer. But if you are a true fashionista, you can figure out any shade for any season ;)


5)What is the cut of the dress going to be? For this, you should really have a good sense of your own body, and know what works best for you. Knowing where seams should hit are crucial to making you look tall and thin, so ask a friend who might know or search online for answers. You can also ask me. I love answering these kinds of questions!


6) And lastly, what should the price of the fabric be? Again the best way to know is to ask your tailor, or you can can take swatches from stores and compare prices.


These are only some of the things that entail making a dress. There is lots more to know. But knowing these basic yet important details can really pay off and save you lots of heartache after seeing a terribly unflattering dress that you paid lots of money to make. So take these tips with you the next time a to-die-for dress pops into your creative head, and be fabulous!

More of Lauren Conrad

In a gold sequin mini dress, leather jacket and Christian Louboutin heels At the David Letterman show.

OMG Gorgeous in my FAVORITE designer ever 3.1 Phillip Lim. Um.. loving the tan belt to cas` it up a bit!

The blues. Shades of blue for a bright and fun look.

For those of you who know me, you KNOW I L-O-V-E Lauren Conrad aka LC. Not only is she the star of my fave show The Hills, her confidence, class and stride are extremely addicting to learn from. Mistake not that she is another annorexic blond hollywood gal. Her body screams perfection because she doesnt obssess over her weight or starve herself to have her collar bones sticking out to poke you. Instead she proudly embraces gorgeous curve that a women SHOULD have. She has a rocking body! And her style is not bad either! It's a mix of laid back cali, and easy chic glamour at night.