Spring break has been approaching ever so slowly this year (so has spring for that matter), and if you’re like me, you are ready for a (warm) vacation. This year I’m making my getaway even more special by treating myself to a few essentials that will keep me looking cool under the sun. 

1.Retro Inspired Bikini

High-waisted yet sexy, flirty yet coy, a vintage-inspired bathing suit is my swimwear of choice this season. This style honors a woman’s curves while leaving something to be desired. Go for a funky vibe with bold prints or keep it classic with simple color blocks. Either way, you’ll definitely be the most fashion forward swimmer at the pool.

2.  Jewels at the pool

No outfit is complete without an accessory or two, even if that outfit is a bathing suit and flip-flops. Which brings me to my next Spring Break essential—statement jewelry. Rather than accessorizing with plastic party beads this year, choose a bejeweled necklace, chandelier earrings or stacked bangles (or all three for that matter).

3.  A Printed Scarf

While SPF and sunglasses are staple items for when you’re under the hot sun, sometimes it’s refreshing to protect yourself from the heat in a more creative, stylish way. That’s when a printed scarf comes in handy. Tie one around your head to stay cool or drape it over your shoulders to prevent them from burning. Silky scarves are an accessory that is both practical and cute… what more can you ask for? 

These essentials are some that I’ll definitely be rocking this Spring Break. Be sure to keep updated with my vacation fashion endeavors on my blog, Spur of the Moments.

As noted in my previous post, a statement collar is one accessory that ads interest to any outfit. Nowadays you can find these at pretty much any clothing store, but nothing makes me feel more warm and fuzzy than staying in on a Friday night and doing a craft project. My motto is, if I can make it, why buy it? This video will show you how to make your own statement collar for very little money, leaving you very satisfied!

There are endless possibilities when it comes to dressing your head for winter, and it is my goal to explore every hat-avenue possible this year. Since it is inevitable that I must cover my head for winter, I figured I’d try to look as least goofy as possible while doing so. My hat choices in the past have been slacking to say the least, and this fall/winter I want to wear a hat in confidence and style. To reiterate, I’ll be staying warm physically and mentally knowing I look my best in winter wear. Without further ado, here are my top 3 favorite hats for winter:

1.The Slouchy Beanie

Effortless yet chic, a slouchy beanie is the easiest way to bundle up in style. You can wear your hair wavy, straight, in a braid, or even a bun; this versatile hat never fails. They are widely available and come in many different colors.

2.The Fedora

This hat comes in so many shapes and sizes that any girl (or guy) can rock one. It makes a bit more of a statement than a simple beanie, which I love. Wearing a hat with such intense structure shows that a person has confidence and a strong sense of personal taste, and when you’re exuding confidence, anything is possible. You can wear this with your hair down, or in a loose bun tucked underneath. Either way, you will look fabulous. Go for the fedora; you won’t regret it. 

3.The Head Wrap

Is it a headband? Is it a hat? I don’t know, but as long as it keeps me warm and looks cute on my head, I’m going to wear it. What is appealing to me about this “hat” is the fact that I can throw my hair in a bun on top of my head and still manage to keep my ears cozy in style. This is definitely an accessory I am going to dabble with in the near future. 

This last bit of advice is something that I am sure you have all heard before. Treat yourself! I find that it’s the little things in life that make me happy, and certain fall traditions keep me feeling positive and rejuvenated all year round. These are the treats I frequently use, but don’t feel limited by this short list. Really, the options are endless with this one.

1. Scented Candles

Lighting a scented candle after a long day may seem mundane, but let me tell you; it is truly a delight. My apartment fills with the sweet scent of synthetic cupcakes, and all of a sudden I am in pure ecstasy. Try it yourself and see what I mean.

2. Exfoliating Face Masks

Try using a face mask once a week to deep clean your pores. Not only will this exfoliate your skin, but it will become a relaxing ritual to look forward to and enjoy.  

3. Drinking a Warm Beverage

Chai tea, green tea, whatever tea—they all comfort me during the chillier seasons. Add a little vanilla creamer to cup of chai, or squeeze some honey in a glass of green.  It’ll make this treat extra special and even more delicious.  

This concludes my crash course on how to feel good in fall and stay warm in winter.  Good luck tackling these next few months, and hopefully my tips will aid on your success!

See more from Alexandra at Spur of the Moments

Getting out of bed in the morning can be a much more challenging task as the seasons change during this time of year.  In order to avoid dreading the day, I’ve made it my goal to figure out how to look and feel as warm as possible even as the weather gets cold.  So without further ado, let me show you how to keep your mind, body, and soul fabulous all year round:

1. Keep your summer glow in the healthiest way possible

The first thing that always reminds me summer has come to an end is when I see the glorious tan, which I worked so hard to achieve, fade right before my eyes. If you’re like me and prefer to maintain some sort of color (sans tanning bed), then you’d probably appreciate this first tip.  Here are some of the products I have found mimic tans most successfully.

LORAC’s TANtalizer is the perfect product for those of you who realize you’re looking particularly translucent right before going out.  This make up instantly bronzes with tanner for those skin tones that tend to become orange with a more long-lasting product.  Since this is a makeup, it washes right off at the end of the night and won’t leave you with any unexpected bronzing malfunctions a lightweight formula that doesn’t streak and looks completely natural.  It is the ideal self-tanner. 

For those of you who think ahead of time, ST. TROPEZ’s Everyday Gradual Tan is the product for you.  You can slowly build your tan over time, without worrying about becoming orange.  This advanced formula creates the most natural tan I’ve witnessed.  Not only does it nourish your skin with aloe vera, but also it has barely any self-tan odor, which is always a plus in my book. 

This next product is on the top of my “cannot live without” list.  I posted Benefit’s Moon Beam on my own blog to publically exclaim its excellence, and felt the need to endorse it one more time.  This iridescent highlighter instantly enhances your complexion in the most glorious way possible.  Use it with or without powder to add the perfect amount of sheen to any skin tone.  

2.  Energize your wardrobe

Recycle your summer neons for fall to keep a fresh, fun wardrobe.  Pair a chiffon neon shirt (like this one from nastygal.com) with your favorite cargo pants for a vibrant take on a fall classic.  A bright pink clutch adds a summer flare to any outfit.  Wear it with skinny jeans and a leather jacket to remind yourself that just because the summer is over, doesn’t mean you’re limited to wearing shades of brown.   A more subtle pop of color can be achieved with a neon belt.  Wear it with trousers and a silk blouse to amp up your work attire and shine some light into your office.

Another summer trend that won’t be fading too quickly is bold floral patterns. Wear these from your head to your toe, add some leather accents, and voilà, you have the perfect juxtaposition of two seasons.   

3. Accessorize with statement necklaces

Go big or go home with your accessories.  Take risks with what you choose to embellish your outfit with.  Statement necklaces are one accessory that can add visual interest instantly.  They are arguably the easiest solution to turning an “okay” outfit into something extraordinary.  Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean your outfits need to be drab and dull!

See more from Alexandra at Spur of the Moments