How to Wear the Military Jacket Two Ways

Fashion is about expressing yourself, and for me that usually leans towards a more classic profile. However, it's fun to mix it up and explore different fashion trends. As I'm transitioning my summer to fall wardrobe I decided to play with the military jacket trend and see how I could integrate it into my favorite feminine looks for the fall. 

It's All About Contrast

I love bringing opposites together. To create the perfect contrast take this military jacket which projects a certain amount of toughness, combine with a soft color palette and flowy fabrics, and you'll create a look that's sure to bring the compliments on. This first outfit combines a more bohemian pattern on a light airy maxi skirt that is casually on trend and perfect for travel. This was a great summer look and together with the military jacket and booties, it glides straight into fall. 

Where did you get that? 

I grabbed most of this look from Le Tote. I know I've been bragging about Le Tote for a while. It's the subscription box full of great trends you can rent or keep. Read more on this blog. Grab your first Le Tote box FREE here. The necklace is from a recent sale at Bauble Bar, and the booties are from Nordstrom (true to size). 

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Jacket (similar) - Maxi Skirt (Similar) - Tank (Similar) - Booties - Necklace
Bracelets (Similar) - Belt (Similar) - Earrings (Similar) - Sunglasses - Clutch (Similar) 

Flirt with the Classics

What better way to breathe new life into a classic dress than to pair it with a few trends? My family portrait dress was definitely a worthy purchase that I'll be wearing for seasons to come. Take this timeless piece and top it with the military jacket, over the knee boots, and a cross body bag and it becomes a modern interpretation of individual style that goes straight from day to night. 

Where did you get that? 

The dress was from Anthropologie (true to size, I'm in a M). The boots are from Nordstrom, the jacket and cross body were in my Le Tote. 

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Jacket (Similar different than above link) - Dress - Boots - Necklace - Sunglasses - Lip color (Similar) - Cross body bag (Similar) - Bracelet (Similar) 

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How will you wear this on trend style? I'd love your feedback in the comments below. Any trends you want tips on? Give me a shout!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Special thanks to:
Tara Clemons for taking these amazing photos
Rio Hair Studio for my new cut and color
To you my fabulous readers for sharing this blog and making it a success. I couldn't do it without you all!
More Shopping Here


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Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

3 Tips for Beginning Your Fall Transition

We made it to September, but in Florida it's still heating up. Like most of America, as soon as the pumpkin spice rolls out I'm ready to feel all the fall feels. I don't, however, want to have a heat stroke. This requires some carefully crafted wardrobe adjustments. Here are 3 Tips for Beginning Your Fall Transition. 

3 Tips for Beginning Your Fall Transition

1. Texture - Start adding texture to your wardrobe with layers and chunkier knits as seen here with my oversized sweater.

This oversized sweater from  Anthropologie is drool worthy. It's incredibly light and breathable and perfect to throw in that getaway bag. I hate itchy sweaters and this is not itchy at all. I found it to be very soft with almost a terry cloth texture. The embellishment at the sleeves breaks up the color nicely and adds that extra feminine touch. Really, it's just the perfect weekend look to throw on and bounce out the door.  

2. Color Palette - Begin transitioning to warmer fall tones and duskier shades like these carbon blue chinos, and color block clutch.

These cropped chinos are a great staple for any wardrobe and will get lots of wear through spring, summer, and fall. This dusty blue is a nice alternative to a grey or black and goes with more than you might think. 

The clutch actually came from my Le Tote shipment and I loved it so much I decided to keep it. Let Tote is a great way to discover great new fashionable finds. Here is $25 off your first tote. 

The fold over design of this clutch is right on trend and gives you room to fit all the necessities. I like to keep a small bag like this I can slip into a diaper bag, then when I am without the kids I just grab it and go. I saw recently that Target had some fun options that are similar too. 

3. Bring out the Boots - This is the time to dust off those boots and get to walking. Booties like the ones I'm wearing aren't so warm as the knee high and over the knee designs, but they still bring that fall feeling to your look.

I've been obsessing over these booties from Nordstrom for a long time. I love that they zip up on both sides. You can have fun with this feature and style them up differently to transform the booties into a more relaxed look. This granite color is another great alternative to grey or brown and serves as a perfect neutral that goes with everything. The fit is true to size and though it's not the cheapest boot, it's also not the most expensive. If you are used to grabbing the cheap pair of boots at your local 'Mart, think twice and consider making an investment in a shoe that is going to last you way longer. Plus these fit like a glove and are as comfy as slippers. 

Sweater - Chinos - Booties - Clutch ( Similar) - Sunnies (Similar) - Cuff (Similar) - Ear Crawler (Similar) - Little Girls Maxi (Similar) 

What are the first fall pieces you'll be rocking this season? I love hearing from you in the comments section. Share your fav fall looks below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Special thanks to:

My husband David for the great photos.

Rio Hair Studio for a most excellent job on my hair cut and color.

The Bearded Pig BBQ for a tasty lunch and great backdrop for this blog (full food review here). 

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Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

What's in My Bag | Part 1

As a frequent traveler I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite new finds in my new ongoing series "What's in My Bag". This is my chance to reveal the best beauty secrets, my go to travel wardrobe, and the newest trends in the world of wanderlust. Some of these products have worked with me on collaborations, some I've found organically while shopping or talking to friends. However they fell in to my lap, you can be sure I'm smitten with them, otherwise they wouldn't be worth toting around with me on my adventures. Join me as I unveil my most recent favorite discoveries. 

By the Numbers

1. Panama Hat

2. Sarong (Similar to one Picture)

3. RISEGear Jumper Bag

4. Gladiator Sandals

5. Image Skincare

6. Citrine Studs by Anjolee

7. IConceal Foundation

8. Epic Wipes - Massive Wet Wipes 

9. Boho Suede Necklace

10. Watercolor Octopus Tank (Similar Tank That's Just as Cool)

11. Origami Unicorn TUO 

12. (Unseen in Image) The BrowGal Products found in Jax at Solé Spa

The Bag

The bag itself must be innovative, functional, and of course fashionable whenever possible. I love this RISE Gear Jumper Bag I recently reviewed. This brilliant concept saves you time when packing and unpacking. I also recently reviewed Origami Unicorn's TUO, which helps you organize and pack your undergarments. I was attracted to the fact that you can hang it up in your travel closet, something it shares with RISE Gear. 

Fashion

When it comes to travel and fashion, I'm all about a few statement pieces that can be worn many times. This may mean they are neutral and go with anything like these gladiator sandals (seen in several of my recent fashion posts), and my panama hat (which I wear all the time I know), or it may mean the item is exceptionally versatile like this sarong that can be worn as a scarf or cover up. In my cover image I also included my watercolor octopus shirt which is to date one of my most complimented shirts ever (should have heard how bananas folks went at the aquarium we visited). I also included a great neutral statement necklace and my Anjolee studs which both go with virtually anything. Whatever the reason, if it made the edit into my bag, it is likely to be timeless and eye catching. 

Beauty 

It's hard to feel fly when you are trying to travel light and you can't bring the whole beauty bar in your bag. Just like my fashion choices I focus on bringing products that make a statement, are versatile, and go with anything. Part of that philosophy is making sure you have the basics covered. I've talked about Image Skincare Products before however, it's worth saying again, I can't live without the IConceal foundation. This miracle formula is mineral based, long lasting, sweat resistant, and includes spf. It's a perfect fit and always on my packing list. 

A more recent find and now complete addiction are The BrowGal products. I'm sad to admit that for years I've been behind on my brow game. I shaped them sure, but I never really filled them in or enhanced them in any way. The last few years, brows have been back "in" big time and I've made an effort, but those efforts really didn't take shape until I found The BrowGal products. While at a regular waxing appointment at Solé Spa here in Jacksonville, I was given the full brow treatment with shaping, and color matching to ensure my brows were providing the natural framework to my face they were meant to. The pencil has a built in sharpener which is extra convenient when traveling!

Handy Little Things

These Epic Wipes are my new fav handy little things. 14x the size of normal wipes, these gems can really help out in a pinch if you are feeling the ick factor after a long day of travel, or if you have kids that know how to make a major mess (me, me, me). They are safe, healthy, and biodegradable so you can feel good about using them on the whole family. 

Another handy little thing I've discovered recently is the website Case2Fit built by Case Luggage. I'll be doing future round ups of useful travel sites I love, but this one deserves a little airtime pronto since it has to do with travel bags. Using Case2Fit you can put in the dimensions of your bag and find out if your carry on will fit in the cabin of any airline. This would have been perfect for me on my last flight when my carry on fit on one leg of the trip but not the second! Don't be caught unprepared. Use this handy little site! 

What are your go to travel must haves? I love learning new tricks and tips of the trade! Whether it be fashion, beauty, snacks, staples, or stuff for kids, sound off in the comments below. 

I can't wait to share more of my finds in the future, look for bags full of gear for solo, couples, and family travel coming soon.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Shop Here 

Haute Hippie Longhorn printed Micro Modal tank • Haute Hippie • $70.20

Topshop Suede Coin Tassel Necklace • Topshop • $22

MIA Shoes Mia Gladiator Sandal • $59

FINE JEWELRY Genuine Yellow Citrine 14K White Stud Earrings • $124.99

Panama hat • $58

Mumu Sarong ~ Auntie Em's Blue Paisley • MUMU • $42

Nolan White Elephant Tank • $28

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme, 2 Ounce • $34.13

RISE gear - Weekender Duffle With Collapsible Shelves • $139

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .

Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Puppies in Paradise | Featuring Anthropologie

This summer I proved you can go home again. The girls and I flew up to my family home in Kentucky where my dad is a cattle farmer. Clean fresh air, space to run around, and plenty of time in the pool was mom's prescription for summer time boredom. Add a litter of puppies to the mix and it was pretty much the perfect recipe for timeless summer memories. 

I grabbed this little number on sale at Anthropologie a few weeks back. Great news, it's still on sale! Catch this great deal in three different colors/prints while supplies last. I was surprised how sexy and flirty it turned out to be. The pictures I had seen online were sweet and feminine, but off the hanger the fabric hugged my curves in all the right ways. Casual enough to dress down and simple enough to style up, I loved the bright color for summer. I suggest ordering a size down.

I grabbed this t-shirt dress for Sienna at a local boutique recently and she adores it. It's super comfy and durable enough for play time. Wear it as a bathing suit cover up or a tunic, this dress is extremely versatile. She love the shoulder cut outs which add a little trendy touch to the classic black. She did a great job pairing it with a yellow accented headband for a pop of color. 

Here's that purse again. A perfect partner to the bold tangerine color of the dress.

Everyone has been asking if we brought a puppy home. No puppies for us. With all our travels it wouldn't be fair to leave the poor guy home all the time. We got our puppy love in for now, maybe next time we visit the farm it will be kittens....

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo - Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Shop the Look Here 

MIA Shoes Mia Gladiator Sandal • $59
HD in Paris Ardmore Dress • Hd In Paris • $79.95
Tory Burch York Small Saffiano-Leather Tote • Tory Burch • $245
FULL TILT Girls T-Shirt Dress • Full Tilt • $18.99
Arrowhead Ring • BaubleBar • $42
TONYMOLY Kiss Lover Lipstick • Urban Outfitters • $12

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Coastal Boho | What I'm Wearing | Featuring Anjolee

It's festival season. That means it's time to strap on your favorite gladiators and slip into something soft and breezy. Whether you're headed to your favorite music fest, or simply a walk on the beach, this look is perfect for hot summer days full of fun in the sun. Easily one of my most complimented looks on the street to date, I think the attraction of this look lies in it's effortless simplicity. 

These gladiators go with just about anything in my summer wardrobe, and this bright yellow handbag makes a statement everywhere it goes. 

I love the peek a boo back on this little number by On the Road, it gives a new meaning to the phrase "party in the back". I found it at local Jacksonville Beach boutique Blush, but I've included a few similar choices below. Shoes and bag can also be found at Blush along with the necklace. 

This Panama Hat is pretty much a staple in my summer line up along with my Versace sunnies and this wrap leather bracelet. I'm sure my new bag will just plenty of air time as well. 

The ideal piece to polish off this chic look are my new studs by Anjolee. Creating custom pieces for every budget Anjolee was formed in the 1960s and became well known for their tennis bracelet designs. I've been searching for the perfect studs to go with my 10 yr anniversary band from the hubby and these couldn't be more perfect. 

What's your favorite summer fashion trend? Share in the comments below. I love to hear from you.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Special thanks to Rio Hair Studio for my cut and color.
Special thanks also to Tara Clemons for taking these awesome photos.

Knockout Dress ~ Leafy Luxe White • MUMU • $100
Betsey Johnson FESTIVAL GIRL BELL SLEEVE BOHO DRESS • Betsey Johnson • $148
Umgee USA Boho Pattern Dress • Umgee USA • $70
Tory Burch York Small Saffiano-Leather Tote • Tory Burch • $98–245
Topshop 'Farewell' Gladiator Sandals (Women) • Topshop • $68
Panama hat • $58
Topshop Suede Coin Tassel Necklace • Topshop • $22
Versace 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses • Versace • $200
FOREVER 21 Tassel Charm Beaded Bracelet Set • Forever 21 • $5.90

Shop the Look Here

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Fruitful Fashion on Trend | What I'm Wearing

It all started with this lemon dress I found at a local boutique. Right away I was smitten. Yellow always makes me happy and the fact that this ladylike silhouette was covered in a retro lemon print made me grin from ear to ear. As a travel and lifestyle blogger I believe fashion should be as much about the way you feel as it is about style. For that reason I'm so incredibly happy that fruit is trending this summer season. 

It's time for summer picnics and days at the beach. What better way to show your summer spirt than in a brightly colored playful number like these? 

My girls like to get in on the outfit post action. When I spotted this watermelon swim suit for baby London at Target I knew we had an ensemble. A quick peek in Sienna's closet reminded me of this little kiwi dress from last year's Target line. Though it's not available now, I found an adorable replacement covered in strawberries that is just as sweet (listed below)!

What are your favorite summer fashion trends? I love hearing from you in the comments below.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com  

Special thanks to Tara Clemons for helping with the photos


Shop the Look
Toddler Girls' Watermelon Print Halter One-Piece Swimsuit Beach Pink - Circo • Circo • $10.99
Penelope Tree by Miss Behave Girls' Say What? Hearts Pattern Skater Dress - Black • $12.48
Brigitte Bailey Lucy Lemon Printed Dress • Brigitte Bailey • $89
Quay Eclipse Sunglasses • $55
Sensi Studio Watermelon Tote • Club Monaco • $330
Girls' Watermelon Zip Closure Crossbody Bag Green - Circo • Circo • $9.99
Tiffany & Co. Heart Pendant Necklace • Tiffany & Co. • $125
Picnic Time 'Gondola' Wicker Picnic Basket - Grey • Picnic Time • $167
Sur La Table Lemon Basil Soy Candle • Sur La Table • $12.59
Sur La Table Lemon Napkins, Set of 4 • Sur La Table • $17.49

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.