December 31, 2015
by Julia DiNardo

I go back to Pittsburgh, PA quite often, and after all of this time I still stress out a little over what to pack and what to leave behind. What goes into my handbag is actually the easiest part of it all, as those items tend to pretty much stay them same, with some seasonal updates and swaps. Pictured above are my most dire items, which can usually be found tucked (somewhat) neatly inside of my handbag du jour, with this one being the Rebekah bag in olive from Sole Society.
See below for an explanation of why each of these items are always considered a holiday travel essential to me:
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December 28, 2015
by Julia DiNardo

I’ve never been big on “twinning” with anyone; in high school I always wore vintage dresses to date dances to avoid an awkward encounter of having on the exact same dress as someone else, and as an adult, have been shopping at an eclectic mix of brands and retailers to continue to dodge being compared to anyone else. I do, however, think it is absolutely ADORABLE to match the little ones; those little daughter/niece/goddaughter pairings of wearing identical items never gets old.

Nene Shoes is a brand that focuses on the “mini me” factor with styles that resonate with moms and daughters alike, and us aunts that take our roles very seriously can get in on the stylish fun too! My best friend Emily and her daughter Lily are now coordinated in their footwear (see above), and “Auntie J” had to of course also join in on the action (see below). The curated selections are stylish and practical for both girls and their busy adult components, and affordably priced since at least one pair of feet tend to grow very, very quickly. Matching shoes elevate any event to a special occasion, and this is one “twinning” exception I’ll gladly make!


In This Look:
Nene Shoes Carmen Wedge in Beige for Women and for girls (c/o)
Talbots Flawless Five Pocket Ankle Jeans (c/o)
Talbots Cotton Printed Blouse (c/o)
Gemma Redux Curved Hoop Earrings
American Eagle Outfitters Cotton Tie-Dye Sweater (c/o)
GAP Moto Jacket (no longer available)
Ray-Ban Wayfarer
Lulu Frost Equine Ring
On Nails: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish (c/o)
On Lips: Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Vibrant Magenta (c/o)
December 22, 2015
by Julia DiNardo

Finding an old lipstick or nail polish that was “totally your color”from years ago is like being reunited with a best friend, sometimes one that has been long forgotten. I forgot about the deep hue of navy mixed with delicate silvery bits that I adored in high school, considered to be my first “designer” nail polish; the first time I had spent more than $2 on a bottle. At first I tried to concoct a combination of shades that I already had at home in order to get the same effect, but eventually succumbed to buying a bottle of the real deal. When I spotted it again in this collection, thanks to the essie starry starry night shade, I was immediately transported back to that time in my life, which is so interesting to think about the memories one bottle of navy and silver nail polish can hold.
Before I digress any further on my walk down high school’s memory lane, let’s take a pause here so that you can get all of the details on the collection! Available now on essie.com for $8.50 per bottle, this six-piece collection is in honor of essie’s 35th anniversary, and is a walk down memory lane of some of the brand’s most popular colors, which include (picture above, from clockwise) bikini with a martini (2006), cabana boy (2005), sequin sash (2005), life of the party (2002), birthday suit (1981), and starry starry night (1985).
Which shade is your favorite? Does one of them take you on a walk down memory lane too?
The limited edition essie retro revival collection will also be available at fine salons and beauty destinations nationwide in January 2016.
Full Disclosure: Fashion Pulse Daily was given samples for editorial review.
December 21, 2015
by Julia DiNardo

In New York City, when your body functions basically as a car, using your own two feet to largely get you around, weaving in and out of human traffic and dodging any other obstacles in the way, carrying multiple bags is more of a hazard and less of a convenience. Especially on the subway when, at any point in time, you may be pressed against a minimum of four other humans, consolidating your stuff into one generously-sized bag is ideal.
In this week of extra chaos in the rush right before Christmas, I’ve been using the Dooney & Burke Newbury Suede Sloan Hobo bag in Brown, which neatly organizes and keeps secure my essentials, thanks to the its inside pockets, key hook, and zipper closure while channeling a slightly retro, ’70s vibe. There’s also plenty of room for a few extras, such as my workout clothes, a water bottle, and even space left over to conceal a small gift.
I can’t really predict what the new year may have in store for me or what to expect in 2016, but I do know that I can rely on this bag to contain whatever I need to be prepared for it!




In This Look:
Talbots Camel Car Coat (c/o)
Dooney & Burke Newbury Suede Sloan Hobo bag in Brown (c/o)
Tourneau Watch (c/o)
Studebaker Metals Chevron Necklace (c/o)
Sorrelli Stud Earrings (c/o)
Vintage Bracelet Set
American Eagle Outfitters Chambray Shirt (c/o)
Athleta Tunic Top
Gap Navy Chinos (c/o)
(c/o)
Ray-Ban Wayfarer
Lulu Frost Equine Ring
On Nails: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish (c/o)
On Lips: Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Vibrant Magenta (c/o)