What you need in your carry on luggage

Long travel times and little sleep make international flights a nightmare. I haven't left the states in five years and had forgotten how essential it is to not only have a well thoughout and compact luggage but to also have a carry on bag with everything you need.

If you don't have the right carry on, your trip may feel longer than it should.

The items you should not travel without:

1. A small, soft, warm blanket. 10 hours on a cold flight will not make resting easy.

2. The most painful neck pain you can imagine can be avoided with a $14.99 neck pillow. It will allow you to easily fall asleep with comfort.

3. One good book is all you need for the ride. Chances are a good movie will play, you will sit and enjoy your complimentary meal. There is no need to carry more than you need on hand.

4. Many airports now have free wi-fi and if they don't, you can find a spot in the airport; such as a restaurant that does offer it. Take your laptop to finish up work before and after your trip. Try to avoid checking e-mail and such during your vacation, if possible. It frees your mind :-)

5. Healthy snacks take away hunger and allows your body to feel light. I found a tendency to eat more on the plane trip because it was such a long ride. Having snacks such as trail mix, luna bar, or pirates booty kept me satisfied until my next meal.

6. Lip gloss, powder, blush, mascara, lipstick, small bottle of lotion, and a brush were all I needed to feel fresh. Eye liner and eyeshadow could get a little messy when trying to sleep. The lotion kept my dry skin feeling soft. I'm sure you don't want your hair and face to look like you just got out of bed when you arrive to your destination.

7. You can't take water with you but drink plenty of it on the plane. I found that my skin and lips got really dry from the cold air that filled the cabin.

8. If you wear contact lenses, I suggest you wear your glasses instead. It frees you from extra baggage and your eyes will feel much better when sleeping.

9. You will find while waiting for your next flight you may have some thoughts or ideas you want to jot down. Take along a notebook and a few pens for that bright moment.

10. The airplane music is limited, take along your i pod for tunes to suit your mood.

Remember, if you do have liquids to take on board, check the restrictions and new rules. Air travel is constantly changing their policies. I hope this helps for your next trip. Keep busy, enjoy the ride, and be prepared.

-Tannya Bernadette

What you need in your carry on luggage

Long travel times and little sleep make international flights a nightmare. I haven't left the states in five years and had forgotten how essential it is to not only have a well thoughout and compact luggage but to also have a carry on bag with everything you need.

If you don't have the right carry on, your trip may feel longer than it should.

The items you should not travel without:

1. A small, soft, warm blanket. 10 hours on a cold flight will not make resting easy.

2. The most painful neck pain you can imagine can be avoided with a $14.99 neck pillow. It will allow you to easily fall asleep with comfort.

3. One good book is all you need for the ride. Chances are a good movie will play, you will sit and enjoy your complimentary meal. There is no need to carry more than you need on hand.

4. Many airports now have free wi-fi and if they don't, you can find a spot in the airport; such as a restaurant that does offer it. Take your laptop to finish up work before and after your trip. Try to avoid checking e-mail and such during your vacation, if possible. It frees your mind :-)

5. Healthy snacks take away hunger and allows your body to feel light. I found a tendency to eat more on the plane trip because it was such a long ride. Having snacks such as trail mix, luna bar, or pirates booty kept me satisfied until my next meal.

6. Lip gloss, powder, blush, mascara, lipstick, small bottle of lotion, and a brush were all I needed to feel fresh. Eye liner and eyeshadow could get a little messy when trying to sleep. The lotion kept my dry skin feeling soft. I'm sure you don't want your hair and face to look like you just got out of bed when you arrive to your destination.

7. You can't take water with you but drink plenty of it on the plane. I found that my skin and lips got really dry from the cold air that filled the cabin.

8. If you wear contact lenses, I suggest you wear your glasses instead. It frees you from extra baggage and your eyes will feel much better when sleeping.

9. You will find while waiting for your next flight you may have some thoughts or ideas you want to jot down. Take along a notebook and a few pens for that bright moment.

10. The airplane music is limited, take along your i pod for tunes to suit your mood.

Remember, if you do have liquids to take on board, check the restrictions and new rules. Air travel is constantly changing their policies. I hope this helps for your next trip. Keep busy, enjoy the ride, and be prepared.

-Tannya Bernadette

Tips to finding the most flattering printed dress for spring

Fun Print

Yoana Baraschi: Mama Africa One Shoulder Dress
:::STYLE TIP::: Dress it down with a black cardigan and a bun,

dress it up with heels and big hair!

Classic Print

Yoana Baraschi: White Night Draped Jersey Dress
:::STYLE TIP::: Wear this to work with a black blazer and

closed toed nude colored heels.

Fun Print

Yoana Baraschi: Gigi Print Shirt Dress
:::STYLE TIP::: I suggest no necklace, this neck line already calls attention!

Instead wear large earrings and stacked bracelets.

Dear Tannya Bernadette,

How do I find the best print dress that suits me? I seem to feel overwhelmed when I try printed dresses.

Sincerely,

Picky Print Purchaser

Dear Picky Print Purchaser,

Prints are so fun, a great statement piece, and can be used to layer.

Finding the right print can be frustrating but here are a few tips to use while searching:

1. Choose prints that fit your body proportion: A rule of thumb when shopping for prints is, if you are small don't wear prints that are too large, if you are more voluptuous, wear prints that are a little larger. Like any rule this can be broken. I suggest you take three different print sizes to the fitting room, try them on, and see how they make you feel.

2. Pick up prints with colors you like: It is our nature to pick up the clothing with colors we most often wear. Don't think about it so much.

3. Make sure the print is attractive to you: You could spend hours trying on all the printed dresses you see but for times sake and your sanity, only take the prints that are you would wear. If you NEVER wear plaid, don't pick up the plaid, if you like floral prints, pick it up. Whatever catches your attention immediately on the hanger should be taken to the fitting room.

LASTLY.... don't rush searching for the perfect printed dress. Only purchase the one that makes you feel fabulous and makes you feel like you, not someone else.

"The best color in the whole world is the one that looks best on you!" Coco Chanel

-Tannya Bernadette

Tips to finding the most flattering printed dress for spring

Fun Print

Yoana Baraschi: Mama Africa One Shoulder Dress
:::STYLE TIP::: Dress it down with a black cardigan and a bun,

dress it up with heels and big hair!

Classic Print

Yoana Baraschi: White Night Draped Jersey Dress
:::STYLE TIP::: Wear this to work with a black blazer and

closed toed nude colored heels.

Fun Print

Yoana Baraschi: Gigi Print Shirt Dress
:::STYLE TIP::: I suggest no necklace, this neck line already calls attention!

Instead wear large earrings and stacked bracelets.

Dear Tannya Bernadette,

How do I find the best print dress that suits me? I seem to feel overwhelmed when I try printed dresses.

Sincerely,

Picky Print Purchaser

Dear Picky Print Purchaser,

Prints are so fun, a great statement piece, and can be used to layer.

Finding the right print can be frustrating but here are a few tips to use while searching:

1. Choose prints that fit your body proportion: A rule of thumb when shopping for prints is, if you are small don't wear prints that are too large, if you are more voluptuous, wear prints that are a little larger. Like any rule this can be broken. I suggest you take three different print sizes to the fitting room, try them on, and see how they make you feel.

2. Pick up prints with colors you like: It is our nature to pick up the clothing with colors we most often wear. Don't think about it so much.

3. Make sure the print is attractive to you: You could spend hours trying on all the printed dresses you see but for times sake and your sanity, only take the prints that are you would wear. If you NEVER wear plaid, don't pick up the plaid, if you like floral prints, pick it up. Whatever catches your attention immediately on the hanger should be taken to the fitting room.

LASTLY.... don't rush searching for the perfect printed dress. Only purchase the one that makes you feel fabulous and makes you feel like you, not someone else.

"The best color in the whole world is the one that looks best on you!" Coco Chanel

-Tannya Bernadette

One Velvet Blazer Creates Countless Outfits

Casual Look: Dress it down with a white cotton tee and jeans, but keep it

hot with a pair of heels. :::STYLE TIP::: The silver necklace makes

this outfit edgy.

Evening Look: Dress the blazer up with cropped black pants

and opened toed heels. The pop of the purple lace top keeps it

flirty.

Dear Tannya Bernadette,

I have a suede blazer I hardly ever wear. How can I use it with pieces I already own?

Sincerely,

Blah Blah Blazer

Dear Blah Blah Blazer,

A blazer is such a versatile piece. You can wear it day and night. Check out the two looks that were put together to create clean lines and fun outfits.

"I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern — wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passé. It’s a new era in fashion — there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together. " -Alexander McQueen

-Tannya Bernadette

One Velvet Blazer Creates Countless Outfits

Casual Look: Dress it down with a white cotton tee and jeans, but keep it

hot with a pair of heels. :::STYLE TIP::: The silver necklace makes

this outfit edgy.

Evening Look: Dress the blazer up with cropped black pants

and opened toed heels. The pop of the purple lace top keeps it

flirty.

Dear Tannya Bernadette,

I have a suede blazer I hardly ever wear. How can I use it with pieces I already own?

Sincerely,

Blah Blah Blazer

Dear Blah Blah Blazer,

A blazer is such a versatile piece. You can wear it day and night. Check out the two looks that were put together to create clean lines and fun outfits.

"I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern — wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passé. It’s a new era in fashion — there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together. " -Alexander McQueen

-Tannya Bernadette

How to create three outfits from one vest

:::STYLE TIP::: If you own a draped vest, try pairing it with a belted dress or top to create a new look.



:::STYLE TIP::: Want to make a dress go from evening to day? Add a vest and boots and you have a new day outfit.



:::STYLE TIP::: If you have a lot of blouses and dress pants, add a vest to update the look and make it chic.

Dear Tannya Bernadette,

I am not in the best financial state at the time but want to purchase a piece I can get use of. There are so many trends and I don't want to get stuck with clothing that will linger in my closet with the tag still attached. What do you suggest I should purchase?

Sincerely,

Confused Shopper

Dear Confused Shopper,

Vivenne Tam did a fabulous job showing how to make a vest fit in with many of her pieces. This is an item you can use year round by combining it in so many ways.

I do want to advise that the length of the vest should be flattering to your figure.

Here are a few tips:

Fuller hips = longer vest around hip length or so
avoid pockets near bottom of vest, you do not want to draw attention

Smaller bust = nice deep neck line
collar or detailing near top of the vest

Hour glass figure = a nice belted vest would be flattering to accentuate
your little waist

Buy a vest and make a new look.

"Taste is having the courage of your own convictions." - Willamina (Ugly Betty)

-Tannya Bernadette