Travel In Style With Uber

Have you tried Uber yet? I am a huge fan and recently I teamed up with Uber to provide STYLE'N readers an exclusive sign-up offer. Readers who are new to Uber can click HERE or sign up online using the promo code 'STYLEN' for $30 OFF their first ride (valid for UberBLACK and SUV only). 

Uber is a magical technology platform that puts riders and drivers together, in real time. Using the Uber iPhone or Android app you, can request a town car, SUV or taxi within the Washington DC Metro area. You tell the driver where you want to go and once you get there you can walk away without having to worry about having any cash (because your credit card details are attached to your Uber account & the tip is included). Right now, Uber's reliable coverage area in Washington, D.C. includes the entirety of the District and Arlington, as well as most of Alexandria, Chevy Chase, McLean, and Bethesda. You can check coverage for your specific location here: http://uber.com/dc 

Also just last week, Uber rolled out a new feature, Fare Splitting, giving DC area residents just one more reason to tap the app! The latest version of the Uber app now allows riders to split their fare between friends and fellow Uber account holders, which means the days of paying a friend back for a ride are long gone.

To learn more about Uber, check them out at www.uber.com/dc and follow them on Twitter & Instagram. 

Dress c/o Take 5 Boutique | Bag-Prada | Shoes- Take 5 Boutique 

Photos by Bonnie Sen

 

STYLE TIPS: How To Travel With {only} A Carry On Bag

With longer check in's, stricter baggage restrictions, and long waits at the baggage carousel it is a much easier to travel without checking in bags. Today on Let's Talk Live DC I am sharing a few style tips for traveling with a just a carry on bag. Whether you are traveling for two days or two weeks these tips will help you travel light while still looking stylish. 

Check out the TV segment here.  {I apologize but the segment was cut short due to a presidential address so the last two style tips were not mentioned during the segment and also there were some technical difficulties and not all the images were shown}

STYLE TIPS 

1. Do some planning in advance.  Invest in the right type of carry on bag so you can fit all your essentials. Tumi makes a great high quality carry on bag but there are so many options out there. Be sure to take full advantage of the "personal item" and select one that is durable and large so you can fit as many items in there as possible. Also make a list of the items you need and when planning outfits consider the types of events you will be attending. Finally lay everything out on the bed and create outfits based on the events you will be attending Remember a little planning in advance and you will be able to pack light and avoid checking bags. 

2. Pack neutral colors.  When packing select two to three colors and keep the rest of the items neutral.  Be sure you can interchange tops and bottoms to create several different looks and remember the key to packing your clothes is to focus on versatility. This is not the best time to pack new clothes, clothes that are uncomfortable, or clothes that don't mix and match with the other items in your bag.  Also keep in mind you can always wash or dry clean your clothes at your destination. Finally consider packing dresses- they are easy to pack, require no outfit coordination, and they transition beautifully from day to night. Also don't forget to bring along a cardigan. A cardigan is a travel essential and will keep you warm during travel and it can be layered to create new looks with your outfits as well.  

Dress-Banana Republic

3. Create new outfits with accessories.  Scarves, jewelry, and handbags are easy and fun ways to change up your look without packing more clothes. A scarf is a must have travel accessory for air travel. It is stylish and can be used as a blanket or pillow on the airplane.  A scarf can also be used to change up the look of an outfit,  adds color, and is perfect for those cooler days. Clutches are another great accessory and can be used in the evenings or when you don't want to carry your larger handbag. This one from BCBG works well because it is flat and can easily be packed without being crushed.  Finally bring jewelry along to dress up an outfit for the evening. If you're like me and pack a lot of black clothes then colorful jewelry will liven up your outfit. 

4. Go easy on the shoes. Shoes take up a lot of space and most women tend to over pack shoes. When it comes to packing your shoes comfort and versatility are key. I recommend wearing  flats on the airplane and packing an additional pair of neutral heels. If you have space and are heading on a summer vacation then you may need to add pair of flip flops or sandals as well. Usually if I have any extra space in my bag then I will think about packing an additional pair of shoes such as a second pair of heels or a pair of running/walking shoes. 

Michael Kors ballet flats and Vince Camuto peep-toe heels

5. Pack travel size items. Many of your favorite cosmetics, face, and hair products come in travel sizes so stock up on them when possible. Also if you travel often keep your travel items organized and ready to go.  Try and bring only the essentials and and keep your routine simple while traveling.  These clear pouches from Truffle are great because they are compact yet expandable. You can use them to neatly organize and pack liquids, toiletries, make up, jewelry, and chargers and tech accessories.  I have one of these truffle pouches but I am pretty sure I will be purchasing a few more really soon!

Truffle No 1 clarity pouch 

Mini Getaway - Napa And Sonoma

{Peju Winery}

Last weekend we met up with my sister and brother in law in Sonoma and spent three days enjoying all that wine country has to offer.  We stayed at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa and spent most of the time visiting our favorite wineries and exploring a few new ones. The trip was short but I find that mini getaways are the perfect way to take a break from the hassles of daily life and feel refreshed and renewed. 

Some of the wineries we visited included Peju, Fontanella, Gloria Ferrer, Truett Hurst, Ledson, Opus One, and La Crema.

{wine glasses at La Crema, wine barrels at Fontanella, and beautiful scene and architecture at Opus One}

 {our stunning view at the Gloria Ferrer Winery}

{a few family photos }

{these cherries were so incredibly sweet and delicious}

{wine tasting at Opus One}

{private tasting at Peju-one of our favorites}

{my lovely sister}

{sparkling wine at Gloria Ferrer}

 {relaxing and enjoying Red Zinfandel and Cowgirl Creamery cheese at Truett Hurst }

Weekend Getaway-Napa and Sonoma

Happy Friday everyone!

I am taking a break from STYLE'Notes this week. {for a good reason of course} We are on a weekend wine getaway with my sister and brother in law in Napa and Sonoma. Yay! Looking forward to visiting some of our favorite vineyards and restaurants and hopefully squeezing in some time at the hotel pool and spa.

Have a great weekend and see you back here Monday. xx 

The Countdown Is On

Dress-Dress The Population c/o | Blazer-Anthropologie | Ankle Boots-Stuart Weitzman

2012 was a year I will never forget because there were so many personal and professional changes that took place.  We left Boston after twelve years and moved to Washington D.C. and I left my longstanding professional career as a PharmD in the Biotech world.  Although I dearly miss my sister, close friends, and my career in Boston; these changes have allowed me to spend more quality time with my little girl, meet new people and explore a new city, pursue other passions and interests, and work on establishing my fashion and personal styling business. And I am so happy to announce that in just 3 short weeks I will be launching the new, improved, and expanded STYLE'N website.  

So let the countdown and celebrations begin for the New Year and a new STYLE'N. Thank you so much for your continued support and Happy New Year!

 Photos by Kelly Frances Dunn