Packing Fashionably & Efficiently For A Trip Abroad!

Coming up I have a 15 day study aboard trip where I will be going to Spain and France. One of the biggest stresses of going abroad can be packing for your trip.  However, this is my 6th time going abroad so I have picked up some tips & tricks to make it as easy as possible!

Baggage

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Since I am only going to be going for 15 days, I am bringing a large suitcase to check, my Vera Bradley Weekender for my carry-on, and my Longchamp bag for my personal item to keep under the seat ahead of me. Depending on how long you are going, you might be able to get by with a little less or you might have to bring another suitcase. I definitely could get by with bringing a smaller suitcase to check.  However, I want to make sure I have room to buy things while I am abroad.

When it comes to purchasing a suitcase, I encourage you to buy one in person so you can “test it out” and see if you like it. When buying a suitcase, make sure you have an idea of the size you are looking for. This is especially important if you are buying a carry-on suitcase since there are size restrictions.  I got mine at TJ Maxx and it’s a Swiss Gear suitcase. TJ Maxx is a great place to get a suitcase because they have some great brands at a discounted price. I don’t think it’s worth it to get expensive suitcases when it comes to checked bags since sometimes they can get beat up when getting loaded/unloaded.

When it comes to what style of bag you get, it’s up to you! I like the fabric suitcases over hard cases because I feel like I can’t fit as much into the hard cases. I also prefer the four wheel suitcases. I think it makes it easier to get around the airport with them. Make sure when you are looking at suitcases to check out the wheel and see if they all roll properly.

Important Must Haves

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When you decide to go abroad make sure the first thing you do is GET A PASSPORT! If you already have a passport make sure you check the expiration date to see if it will be good throughout your trip. While abroad you will usually have your passport on you at all times. Because of this, I like to have a cute passport holder. I use to have a cheap one from Target but just upgraded to a Kate Spade one thanks to my mom! You don’t have to get a passport holder. I just think it makes it easier to keep track of your passport by adding some color to it.

Another important thing to know when going abroad is what type of currency do they use. Since I am going to Spain and France I had to get Euros to bring along. I suggest getting some before you leave at a bank.  However you can also exchange money to the correct currency when you get there. Make sure to call your debit/credit card company before leaving and let them know how long you will be gone, along with what countries you are planning on going to. If you don’t do this the debit/credit card company might think that your card is stolen and shut off your card making it so you can’t use it. It is also suggested to bring a copy of your passport with you in case you lose yours to help with the process of getting a new one abroad. I also think it doesn’t hurt to leave one back home with someone as well. I also like to bring with me a copy of my itinerary if you have one, along with all of the hotels you are staying at  with phone numbers and addresses.

Continue reading “Packing Fashionably & Efficiently For A Trip Abroad!”

What We Wore Wednesday (Featuring Rocksbox)

Rachel’s Outfit

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Outfit details: J Crew Top | American Eagle capris | Jack Roger Sandals

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Jewelry details: Margaret Elizabeth Teardrop Bangle | Charlene K Triangle Double Drop Earrings in 14KT Gold plate

Last week it was cold and rainy most days and this week it finally warmed up! To celebrate the warmer weather being back I wanted to pick an outfit that included a bright spring color. I decided to go with one of my favorite new pieces, a minty blue scalloped top from J Crew. I love this top because even though it’s simple the bottom still make it fun! Since it was warm outside but still not hot enough for shorts I went with one of my go to capris from American Eagle.

To complete my outfit I went with my white Jack Roger sandals. My bracelet and earrings are both from Rocksbox. I don’t wear a ton of bracelets since I usually have my Fitbit on but I love this Margaret Elizabeth bangle and I’m excited to be able to style it a few more times before having to send it back.  My earrings are Charlene K and the were my favorite piece I received in my Rocksbox. They are so lightweight and I love that they can go with so many different style of outfits.

Michelle’s Outfit

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Outfit details: Francesca’s Collection Top | Target pants | Target sandals

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Jewelry details: Kendra Scott Alex Earring in Colbalt Cat’s Eye | Gorjana Bali Tube Small V Necklace

Until Summer vacation hits,  these posts will be featuring my outfits I wear for work. I had been waiting for a nice spring day to wear my new Francesca’s top that I got earlier this spring and yesterday ended up being a good day for it.  I also thought this top went perfectly with the Kendra Scott earrings.  I then decided to pair this top with one of my favorite pair of dress pants to wear when it’s warmer.  I got these black pants from Target a few years ago and they are so comfortable!  I really like how they fit.  I wish I would’v gotten a few more pairs in black.

I finished off my outfit with some new black sandals that I also got from Target.  I believe these sandals were only around $16 and they had them in multiple colors.  The earrings and necklace I’m wearing are both from my Rocksbox.  I really like the Kendra Scott earrings and the color of them.  However, I will be sending them back since I don’t know if I would get enough use out of them.  When I originally saw the necklace in its packaging I didn’t think it looked like something I would like, but I was pleasantly surprised when I put it on.  I absolutely love it and I’m debating about whether or not I should keep it!

If you’re interested in trying Rocksbox, we have a code for you that will get you your first box free!  This is a great deal since Rocksbox is $19 a month.    Use code: 2classysistersxoxo.  For those who don’t know what Rocksbox is and how it works, here a quick run down.  Rocksbox is a subscription box.  Once you have signed up, you get three pieces of designer jewelry in each box you receive to wear on loan.  The jewelry is picked for you based on a style survery you take and the items you add to your wishlist.   After you have worn the jewelry as much as you want, you then return the three pieces of jewelry anytime to receive three new items.  If you fall in love with any of the pieces, you can buy any of them from your Rocksbox set.

-Michelle & Rachel

Winter Wonderland

Yesterday we got 11 inches of snow making my college town turn into a winter wonderland. I wasn’t able to go out and enjoy the snow yesterday since I was basically snowed in, but I was able to shovel my car out today and go explore. I ended up at a park close to campus that looked untouched since the snow had fallen.

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I decided to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and have a little bit of fun while out and about on this snowy day. I couldn’t resist taking some classic snow day pictures!

I had a great time taking pictures on such a perfect winter day! I am glad I decided to go out and enjoy the the winter wonderland instead of staying cuddled up in my bed.

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J Crew Vest | J Crew Button Up | American Eagle Jeggings | Urban Outfitters Boot Socks | Madden Girl Boots | J Crew Necklace

-Rachel

Outfits of the Week: Work Edition

As a teacher who loves fashion, I’m always trying to dress nicely for work while making sure I include my style in each outfit.  I thought I would share with you a look into a week’s worth of typical work outfits for me.  If you’re a working lady, hopefully these outfits will give you some inspiration.  If you don’t work, I hope they are still able to give you some inspiration for outfit ideas.  Now let’s get into the outfits!

Monday’s Outfit

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White sweater: Target
Khaki Jeggings: American Eagle
Brown Tank Top: The Buckle
Blanket Scarf: Etsy
Brown Boots: Hope’s Boutquie

Tuesday’s Outfit

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Tan Sweater: Target
Red Jeggings: American Eagle
Black Booties: Express

Wednesday’s Outfit

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Red Sweater: Red Dress Boutique
Black Jeggings: American Eagle
Scarf: UOI Boutique
Black Boots: Dillard’s

Thursday’s Outfit

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Grey Dress: Target
Purple Tights: Target
Black Boots: Dillard’s
Necklace: The Buckle

Friday’s Outfit

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Gingham Shirt: J Crew Factory
Quilted Puffer Vest: J Crew Factory
Jeggings: American Eagle
Brown Boots: Famous Footwear

If you would like to see more of these outfits of the week posts from me or Rachel, please comment below and let us know!

-Michelle