Get WHIT It

Staying at The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences in Playa Del Carmen

2019-02-17T15:22:00.003-05:00

To end the summer last year, I stayed at The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton while visiting Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. This easily became one of my favorite Hilton stays! Let me tell you about my stay in their luxurious penthouse!

The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences

Located in the Riviera Maya, The Fives Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel from Hilton's Curio collection, nestled in the heart of downtown Playa Del Carmen. It features contemporary decor with Mexican flair and has a beautiful rooftop infinity pool and bar with views of the sea and Cozumel.

The Room

I was lucky enough to stay in their unique 2 bedroom penthouse suite with upstairs private pool. The suite featured a beautifully decorated kitchen, living room, 2 separate bedrooms and full bathrooms with all the amenities. A nice touch were the robes and The Fives branded flip flops. Large windows opened up to balconies with views of the sea.

The Pool

The pool is truly what made it amazing for me. I love swimming, so I spent most of my time in the private infinity pool. There was really no need to leave! With a fully furnished private terrace with a bathroom and connected to the Purobeach Club, this was the perfect spot to eat breakfast and start the day with a swim.

We also had butler service, which made sure we had everything we needed and always with fresh towels. During the day, after spending time exploring the streets of Playa Del Carmen, the private rooftop pool was a great place to retire and fit in another quick swim before dinner.

Late at night we had a great view of the night sky and could here the nightlife - Playa Del Carmen comes alive at night.

Food & Drink

Not only was the suite perfect, but the hotel as a whole was great and the staff was very accommodating. The Mercatto restaurant on the ground floor offers great breakfast options. You can also grab drinks on the rooftop at the Purobeach Club. There are also a few other dining options in the hotel. A major plus is being steps away from downtown, that offers a range of Mexican restaurants to try.

If visiting the Riviera Maya, you should definitely stay here! In addition to the larger suites, you can also find affordable guest rooms that are equally as nice. But if you have the chance to splurge, treat yourself to a stay at the penthouse and you'll see why I fell in love!

Thank you to The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences for an amazing stay!

Top 10 Things To Do In Thailand

2019-02-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

Thailand was my bucket list trip that I dreamed of as a teen. Crossing it off the list in 2018 was a blessing, and I encourage everyone to see it at least once in their life. Time to share my top 10 things you MUST do in Thailand!

10. Go on an Elephant Trek

This was one of the first activities we did while in Thailand. I put it in the #10 spot because you must make sure the place you visit is an elephant sanctuary that treats the elephants with care and keeps their well-being as a top priority. You can do more research on that online. Even better if you don’t ride the elephants but instead just get to play with them. Our experience included riding the elephants but I felt a little bad and also wasn’t the biggest fan of how they have them chained up as a photo opportunity on the way to the main location. It's something I can check off and say I did, but make sure you do your research before experiencing time with your Thai elephant friends!

9. Visit the Big Buddha Statue

There are various Big Buddha statues throughout Thailand, but the one we got to see was at the top of a hill in Phuket, and was breathtaking! I would recommend going on your own so you have more time to enjoy the view and take pictures, but you can visit it as a part of many tours and excursions that stop there. It was the last stop of our elephant trek adventure, and we got to ride ATVs up the hill to the massive landmark. At the top you’ll get a great view of Phuket and the surrounding seas. Being a Buddhist sanctuary, you’ll need to cover your arms and legs, but they will give you scarves to wear in case you forget.

8. Phi Phi Lookout

This is all about the views! If you take a trip to Phi Phi Island (which I highly recommend), make sure you save room to take the journey to the top of the Phi Phi lookout for a great photo op. There are two ways to get there - walk up steep the hill (about a 40-45 min walk) or take the stairs up the hill. We walked up and took the stairs back down. What a view! You’ll be able to see the entire island and surrounding islands in all their beauty.

7. Full Moon/Half Moon Party

If visiting Thailand, try to schedule your visit during a half moon or half moon party, which happen every month. Cities all over Thailand celebrate it (there’s a massive celebration in Koh Phangan for the Full Moon). We got to partake in the smaller half moon party in Phi Phi - which was definitely an experience. Expect a beach party with all the beach bars blasting electronic music with fire shows and lots of neon lights. If you’re good at jumping rope, try your hand at glow-in-the-dark rope jumping for a fun memory. While on the subject of partying in Phi Phi, check out places like Stockholm for great hip hop music and Reggae Bar to see some Thai Boxing (and if you’re brave enough, you can even participate in the fight)!

6. Bangla Road In Patong Beach

If your are looking for a lively scene, take a stroll down this famous walking street in Patong, especially at night. Bars, food, shops and massage parlors fill the street and everyone is there to have a good time. If you’re wanting to come home with a story to tell, look around at night for someone offering to come view a Ping Pong show. I’ll let you google that one, lol!

5. Try all the food you can!

Everything is so cheap in Thailand, and food is luckily inexpensive everywhere you go. From street food to restaurants, you’ll find something delicious on every corner. If you are adventurous, try any street food that catches your eye, and don’t miss out on the street pad thai and Thai rolled ice cream. Some standouts:

This little spot in Karon called the Pad Thai Shop, that hands down had the best pad thai - we only paid around $2 for our entire meal (soup and drink included).

I also loved all the fruit shakes in Phi Phi Island, the fried rice in Patong and my first experience trying mango with coconut rice - omg!!! Food was so cheap that at one restaurant I ordered two full dishes under $10.

4. Cooking Class

On the subject of food, why not take an authentic cooking class to learn how to make some of your favorite Thai dishes? When in Phi Phi, we booked a class at Pum Thai Cooking School, and I’m so glad we did. After an active day, the class was a great way to wind down. After choosing a Thai recipe from their cookbook, we learned how to make pad thai and got a little history on Thai cooking and spices. Best of all, we got to eat our food at the end and it was delicious!

3. Daily Massages

Yes, that’s right... I said daily. If relaxation is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. In Thailand you can get a massage on any given day, at any time, usually under $10. And this isn’t just a quick massage, but a full body Thai massage lasting at least an hour. We had them almost daily in every location we visited, and I’m pretty sure I fell asleep every single time! Treat yourself!

2. Songkran Festival

This only happens once every April, so plan accordingly if you want to be a part of it. What a great experience! Songkran festival is the celebration of Thai new year, and is basically a giant water gun festival. If you don’t like getting wet, this isn’t for you, but my inner child was all for it! We experienced it in Patong during the final days of our trip and it was such a great end to our vacation. For 3 days, expect everyone walking the streets with water guns, buckets and hoses. Take a trip down Bangla Road to experience the madness and catch a foam party. Find a busy street and throw buckets at people on motorbikes and trucks for some laughs, but just know they throw water back!

1. Phi Phi Island Boat Trip

At the top of my list has to be the boat day trip that took me to the island that sparked my fascination with Thailand. We did Mr Chet’s Boat Trip, an amazing trip of a lifetime that took us to Maya Bay to see the beach featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach, which is the most beautiful sight I have seen. The water is so clear and the scenery is breathtaking! We then did some snorkeling, had lunch on the beach, more snorkeling, and visited Monkey Beach (if you are lucky, you may get to pet monkeys there - unfortunately they were hiding when we visited). This half day trip was more than worth the price we paid, and I would encourage everyone visiting Phi Phi to book a trip with Mr. Chet!

So there you have it. Those were my top 10 experiences and memories from Thailand that I hope help you when you plan a trip to beautiful Thailand!

What to Pack: Travel Essentials for Warm-Weather Trips

2019-01-04T13:31:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope everyone is refreshed and ready to take on 2019! I just came back from a holiday vacation in Australia, and fell in love with the city of Sydney. In 2018 I traveled to Thailand, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Mexico and Australia, all warm-weather destinations, so I've learned to pack certain essentials.

If you are planning on traveling to a warm destination soon to escape the cold, or simply because you love the sun, pack these items below so your trip will be a comfortable one!

Clothing

While in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, I enjoyed the warm sun and beach breezes daily. Bring some flowy dresses to keep cool and be stylish and comfy at the same time. Also shorts are a must, but go easy on the heavy denim if it gets extremely hot. Cotton linen shorts are great in hot climates and come in a variety of colors and prints. Aim for looser styles that allow air to circulate. This material is also great for rompers and pants. As for tops, try pairing crop tops with high waisted shorts for a trendy look. Here are some of my picks at the moment:
Also depending on the location, it may get a little cool at night (as it did in LA and Sydney), so be sure to pack a jacket to get you through the cooler night temps. My pick is always a good denim jacket or lightweight kimono, that is also good for the beach:

Sun Protection

The months of December through February are summertime for Australia, and it gets hot. The sun is intense there, so sun protection is a must. While visiting Manly Beach in Sydney, I bought a large brimmed sunhat from a shop on the main strip that seriously saved me from the heat and sun rays. Items like sunscreen, aloe vera, hats, and sunglasses are must-haves to protect your skin.

Swimwear

Thailand is located near the equator, so it is hot year-round, making it a great destination for water activities. I was in a swimsuit daily while there, and picking out swimwear was one of the most fun parts about packing for the trip. Depending on where you travel, you may be living in swimwear daily, which is easy to pack. My go-to's are cute one pieces with cutouts and ties, high waisted two-pieces and cute print bikinis. I do a LOT of Amazon shopping, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are some items I have purchased or looked at recently:

Footwear

Warm weather means that chances are you will be out in the elements while exploring. You'll want to make sure your feet stay comfortable if you do a lot of walking. I like wearing a pair of sneakers on the flight that can also be worn to the gym or my favorite Nike Slides that are cute and have more support for walking than flatter soled sandals. Embellished, flatter sandals are great if you don't have to do much walking, but bring shoes with more support if you plan on walking a lot.

I love Haviana's flip flops for the beach and yoga mat sandals are great for cushion and getting wet.

Find a good pair of water shoes if you do any water activities. It's just good to bring to any trip where you plan on visiting a beach, in case the sea floor isn't smooth. I found this pair on Amazon that are both cute and a good functioning water shoe.

Bags

Accessorize and bring the right items to carry your things. I love a good fanny pack on the days I need to be hands-free, and a nice sized tote bag on the days when I need to bring items with me (changes of clothes, beach essentials, and electronic accessories) or to put items I buy into. If you are moving around various neighborhoods and beaches, a nice sized tote will be more useful than a crossbody bag. As an added bonus in Australia, it gave me a reason to pack Tim Tams and other snacks for my daily adventures.

Other Items You'll Need:

Quick dry towel ($13)

In case you didn't grab a towel from the hotel or don't want to carry around a bulky full size towel, try a convenient microfiber quick-dry travel towel for your water activities.

Portable Charger ($20-$42)

Chances are you will be out and enjoying the weather, and most likely snapping pics and videos of the scenery, so don't risk draining your batteries while out. Find a good portable charger to bring. If packing light, this smaller Anker PowerCore+ Mini Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger is great. If you have more room, I love my RAVPower Power Bank that holds 3 ports to charge up multiple items at once and holds a week's worth of power.

Beach-Friendly Makeup

For beach trips, I recommend keeping makeup to a minimum, but some must-haves are items that work well with warmer temperatures. SPF foundation and lip balm, waterproof mascara and eyebrow pencils/gel will keep you looking good throughout the day and protect your skin. Highlighters will reflect the sun and long-wear/matte lip stains are great for the water.

Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle ($20)

Hydrate! I love bringing a stainless steel insulated water bottle to keep water cold while out in the heat. You never know when you might need a drink! Find a cute mini one that you can latch onto a bag or bring a full size one if you have more room.

Waterproof Bag and Phone Case ($20-$30)

Buying a Waterproof Dry Bag and Waterproof Phone Case was perfect in Thailand for Songkran Festival, their yearly water gun fight to celebrate the Thai New Year. The bags are great to pack your belongings and keep them dry. Also I love my waterproof phone case so I can hop in the ocean with my phone to take pics.

I definitely have some warm-weather trips planned for 2019, so I'll be packing these items with me. Hope this helps you!

Tips for Achieving Your Travel Goals

2018-12-18T12:46:00.001-05:00

2019 is right around the corner, and I'm sure many of you are in the process of thinking about what the new year looks like for you and things you want to accomplish.

For many, doing more traveling is a big goal but some aren't sure where to start. We all want to use that #travelgoals tag on our IG posts.

This can be especially challenging when funds are low and you aren't sure when you'll be able to take your next trip. Looking back on the past year, I'm proud to say I tackled some of my biggest travel goals and had a great time in the process, all while never breaking the bank. I would like to share a few tips so your travel forecast for 2019 can be bright!

Build Travel Rewards...Now

I can't stress enough how being able to use travel rewards over the past year helped me go to a few places FREE or for a fraction of the price. I am so grateful for travel reward credit cards and airline points!

Capital One Venture Card

If you don't already own a travel rewards card, please look into getting one. Earlier this year I got a $700 roundtrip flight to Thailand for free by using points I had saved up the previous year with my Capital One Venture Card. It has been the best credit card decision I have made because I'm still booking free flights with all the points! Apply for one now and spend $3000 within the first 3 months using the card and get 50,000 bonus points (which equals $500 that you can use with the travel eraser feature). Continue building up points by using the card regularly and you can fly to that bucket list destination you've always wanted to visit for free in 2019 or 2020.

Oh... and if you hate waiting in long lines at airport security, the Venture card also covers the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which I just applied for (more on that in 2019)!

It goes without saying that you should be saving up money to travel. Even better if you use apps that do the work for you. Check out these money saving apps you need to help with that.

Airline Rewards

I'm also very thankful for airline rewards. Over the years it has gotten me a few free flights and saved me money. Because I travel often, my points rack up with Delta SkyMiles, American Airlines, and Southwest. Every now and then I will log into my account and realize I have enough for a flight somewhere. This year I used it for a quick trip to New Orleans and applied it towards part of a flight for next year. If you travel exclusively with any airline, you may earn points quicker, but I tend to travel with the above 3 mostly. You may have enough points in your account for a trip, so make sure you check!

Write Out a List

I'm always making lists, and I find it helps me to stick to my goals. Write down your dreams and goals, and say them out loud! That's the first step to accomplishing anything, and not just for travel goals. It's also very rewarding when you can come back to that list and cross off a few things.

Where do you want to go? What do you want to do there? I always thought Thailand would remain on my bucket list forever... but when I made it happen, I feel like going anywhere is possible!

Plan Ahead & Research

This goes along with the previous two points. After making my list and deciding to start saving up rewards, I started to realize my travel goals would happen. So, the next step was to plan ahead for the trips and do my research.

Find out what other people did while they visited a location and make note of the good and bad (so you will know what to avoid). Once you have found what you want to do while there, start making arrangements and creating an itinerary - booking activities, making reservations, and looking at maps and menus. Plan ahead so your trip goes smoothly while you are there - I hate wasting time trying to figure out what to do while I am on vacation.

My favorite tool to use for creating itineraries is Travefy, a free online trip planner. It's such a great tool to keep all your trip plans and documents in one place and also share with anyone traveling with you. No one will be left in the dark or have questions about how each day will go while on your trip. It also is a big help when packing my suitcase and knowing what I need to bring for any given day. When planning your itinerary, make sure you leave room to explore, because this is when you can discover some hidden gems!

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So what are some of your travel goals for the new year? How do you plan on making it happen?

Let me know how you use these tips and if you have any others!

Where To Stay in Thailand

2018-12-14T14:41:00.002-05:00

I'm still reminiscing on my trip to Thailand, and have so much more to share with you. My goal is to help anyone who is planning on visiting Thailand or maybe never even thought of visiting. Thailand is a beautiful country, and although I only saw part of it, I want to share the places I stayed while visiting Phuket and Phi Phi Island!

While there I split my trip into 3 portions - Karon Beach, Phi Phi Island, and Patong Beach. With my group, we stayed at 2 resorts and an Airbnb. Below is more info on each location:

Karon Beach: Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa

After arriving in Phuket and a short stay at an overnight airport hotel (that was around $20 and very clean with everything we needed), we made our way to the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. We had the Hilton shuttle pick us up from the airport and took about a 45 minute ride through Phuket to the beach town of Karon. Upon entering the resort grounds, we instantly noticed how clean and large the resort was. The grounds were beautiful and spread out between several buildings and multiple pools.

We were greeted by a welcoming and informative staff and given water and a cold towel for our shuttle ride. Once being greeting in the main lobby to check in, we were given some delicious lychee juice.

Hilton was nice enough to hook us up with a free buffet dinner and brought a bottle of wine and snacks to my room.

Our rooms were amazing! Beautiful and spacious, with a sea view. I had a corner room on the top floor with a view of the beach and the Big Buddha statue. The bed was comfy and the room was clean with a beautiful bathroom. I expect nothing less than the best from Hilton, which is why they are always my top choice when choosing a hotel. Loved our stay here and wish we stayed longer! You can get a king bed room for under $150 a night. Add the breakfast buffet to your package - it is worth it!

Room Tour

The Food

Dinner the first night was their Asian bbq night buffet. We had our choice of bbq chicken, pork, beef, squid, fruits, pork belly, hoisin chicken, sweet n sour pork, fried rice, steamed rice, pork wontons, spicy green beans and more. It was delicious!

For breakfast during our 2 day stay there, we had the buffet downstairs at Sails restaurant. Breakfast options included cooked to order eggs, various fruits, bbq chicken steamed buns (amazing), chicken noodle soup with egg noodle, breakfast potatoes, fried chicken, and the freshest juices every morning. I loved it and the fact that they had something different every day.

The Pool and Beach

No trip is complete without a trip to the beach and pools. We enjoyed their larger pool closest to the beach that featured a DJ around sunset with chill vibes. The beach was a short walk across the street with nice calm water and great views. You can purchase various water activities if interested, right on the beach.

Overall our stay at the Hilton was amazing and we didn't want to leave! It was definitely our favorite place that we stayed and would come back and stay longer! Special thanks to the staff for the free treats and for being extra accommodating and helpful when we had to reschedule a planned activity. You made our stay even better!

Phi Phi Island: PP Princess Resort

Phi Phi island is amazing. Definitely a busy island full of shops, bars, food and fun. It is known as a party island, with music going every night into the morning. We managed to find an affordable room at the PP Princess Resort, right near the beach and in the center of the island.

We booked with a great deal using Agoda. You can get a Deluxe 2 bed room for under $150 a night, and that includes free breakfast every morning.

It can be costly staying on the island - many people just take day trips to Phi Phi and return to other parts of Thailand, but if you want to experience Phi Phi a little longer, find a hotel to stay in for a night or two (that should be all you need). Be careful to read reviews and pay attention to notes that others leave. Some are cleaner than others and some may try to scam you into paying for missing or mysteriously appearing dirty items. We only ran into one small bump with that at PP Princess, but were able to fix the situation. The room was clean and the AC works. One note for this location is that it is very close to the clubs/bars on the beach, so you will hear the music every night depending on your room location. It didn't bother us much, but it's something to be aware of. The pool is lovely - we spent a lot of time here.

The Food

The breakfast buffet at the hotel came free with our reservation and is great, offering different items each day. Definitely get up early for this. Luckily, even if you miss breakfast, you can find tons of cheap food nearby.

Patong

For our final few days, and to celebrate the Songkran Festival, we chose an Airbnb near all the action. It was in a nice apartment building a few blocks from Bangla Road, the main strip where everyone goes that is known for bars, food and Ping Pong shows (google that if you want, haha).

Our host was great and met us at the entrance and showed us around the unit we were staying in. We had plenty of space with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, and had a great view of the pool. Our stay was comfortable and perfect location. You can stay at this Patong apartment for about $75 a night.

The Food

Plenty of options in the city of Patong. The famous Bangla Road was right down the street from us!

Overall I loved Thailand and will remember the experience forever. If visiting for at least a week, I suggest getting a taste of these 3 towns and experiencing a mix of hotels and Airbnbs to fit your needs. Prices are very affordable there, so you can have more money for fun experiences and shopping!

Special note: Thank you to Tianna for taking the amazing pics of me! We had several photo shoots while there, and in such a beautiful location, I'm sure you will too! :)

How I Flew to My Dream Destination for Free

2018-04-22T16:16:00.000-04:00

Wow, it has been a while! I can go on and on about how beautiful Thailand was, the breathtaking beaches, the nice people, the tasty food, the relaxing massages... and I will, so stay tuned for future posts. For now, I must share how I made this a very affordable dream trip and flew for free!

Sorry to leave you all hanging, but life happens and we both took a break. I'm happy to say that things are going great and I had to resume blogging because I just took the trip of a lifetime! The one place at the top of my bucket list has always been Thailand - Phi Phi Islands to be exact. Ever since I saw Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie The Beach, I knew this place was beautiful and I had to visit it one day. Much to my surprise, the opportunity presented itself and I did my best to plan for it and make sure my ultimate dream trip was fulfilled.

Photo by Caio Resende from Pexels

Free Flight Using Travel Rewards

Let's get right into it. I cannot stress how thankful I am for having the Capital One Venture card that got me a free roundtrip flight to Thailand after building up rewards. It took me a little less than a year to have enough saved up to score a $700 flight free!

How I did it

I signed up for the card about a year before I bought my plane ticket. At the time I signed up, they had a promotion where if you spent $3,000 in the first 3 months, you got a bonus 40,000 miles/points. That is equivalent to $400 free to use towards any travel related expenses. You can also redeem for gift cards or credit your account if you want, but you won't get to use the full value of your miles like you would if you apply towards travel. Their current promotion is spend $3,000 in the first 3 months and receive 50,000 bonus miles ($500)! The annual fee is $0 for the first year and $95 after that. Double miles per dollar on EVERY purchase!

It was easy to spend $3,000 in the first 3 months by simply treating my Venture card as a debit, using it to make daily purchases, pay bills and even paying my rent once. After the first 3 months I had my $400 but I kept using my card daily to continue building miles. All major purchases were made on the card and I just paid off the balance every month to avoid any interest fees. So not only was I building up rewards, but my credit score was improving too!

By the end of the year, I had well over 70,000 points built up, meaning I had over $700 available for my plane ticket to Thailand. I knew this would be enough to cover the flight. I started searching late last year for good deals from Chicago to Thailand during March-April (right before their rainy season), and found that most deals were in the $600's - $700's range.

Pro Tip

I suggest scouting sites like AirfareSpot.com, The Flight Deal, Skyscanner, Google Flights, and the Hopper app to find the best deals! Keep your date options open and you will find better prices.

After some careful planning and consideration of which events my travel group wanted to be in Thailand for, we decided on a roundtrip flight with China Eastern Airlines during the first half of April. The grand total was $705.56, and I simply used the travel eraser feature to redeem my purchase using my miles, making the flight $0 for me!

Other ways to save in Thailand

I didn't stop at just the flight. I was also able to purchase a hotel room for an overnight stay near the airport after our arrival (we were arriving at 2 in the morning, so we needed a place to crash for a few hours before heading to our first resort).

Affordable lodging, food, and transportation

One of the things I love about Thailand is once you take care of your flight and get there, most things are very affordable. You can find cheap places to stay, eat on a small budget, get around easily and treat yourself with things like daily massages (they are under $15 for full body!). I was in heaven over there!

Even the fun activities we scheduled were affordable. We did things like an elephant trek with an ATV ride up to the Big Buddha statue and a half day boat trip - both activities were under $60 each.

More details on all of this in future posts.

Conclusion

I highly encourage you to get a rewards credit card, specifically the Capital One Venture card, to build miles and fly for free. You too could go on your dream trip this year!

Whit Tips: Money Saving Apps You Need

2016-12-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

Here at Get Whit It, I want to share tips to help you better yourself and your life, from personal style, making great travel decisions, general recommendations and saving up for them. It's the end of the year, which is commonly a time when money can get tight if you have to spend money on gifts or other expenses. With all the wish lists and dream trips I want to go on, I need to save up for them! I'm constantly looking for ways to save or make my money stretch and am always learning new tips along the way. I wanted to start by sharing a few of my favorite useful apps that have been working not only to help me save short term, but prep for an incredible future!

Saving and investing is something I got more serious about this year. I already have a checking and savings account, but I wanted to start doing some additional saving. I found two apps that have really been a great help for that.

Acorns

First is Acorns, a micro-investing app that invests your spare change. I love the round-up feature, which easily builds up when you make purchases using the card you have connected to your account. Acorns rounds-up your purchases to the nearest dollar. Depending on your spending habits, you could easily save up an extra $100 in a few months or less. Also I love that it saves it on the app so it's kind of out of sight and out of mind. With less temptation to spend that extra money, you could save a nice chunk of change. There are other options to save as well. Get all the details here.

Acorns is very secure and does the investing for you. You choose a portfolio and then every dollar you invest is automatically diversified across 7,000 stocks and bonds to help improve your return while reducing risk. You also have the option to withdraw that money back into your bank account whenever you want. It takes 5-10 business days to transfer, so keep that in mind. With Acorns there is a monthly $1 fee but it is hardly noticeable when your savings are constantly building and investments regularly add to it. I only tend to see investments fluctuate between a few cents more or less daily, but your portfolio choice will influence that.

If you want to give it a try, I highly recommend. Start investing with Acorns today! Get $5 when you use my invite code: https://acorns.com/invite/2WNWYY

Qapital

Next up is Qapital, an everyday banking app which has the ability to save in multiple ways. What I love about this one is that you set financial goals and choose the rules for saving. Then all you have to do is sit back and watch the money grow. You can do round-ups (similar to Acorns), add money manually or do the 52 Week Rule, amongst other options. With this secure app, all you need is a checking account to get started!

I have the 52 Week Rule set up for a birthday savings goal. It starts week 1 saving $1, week 2 saving $2 and so on all the way up to 52 weeks. You keep adding a dollar each week so that during the last week, you’re putting away $52. You can also start in reverse, if you like, saving $52 on week 1 and then $51, $50, $49 and so on. In the end you will have $1,378 saved after the 52 weeks are complete, which is a great way to watch your money stack up!

Your goals can be for whatever is important to you: maybe you are trying to save up for a bucket list trip, item, or class. Don't worry about being short on cash - you decide what triggers savings and can pause your rules at any time. Qapital has no fees and you can withdraw your savings whenever. Simply link your bank account.

If you are ready to try Qapital, use my referral link to get $5 for your first goal after your first deposit. Simple :) Get Qapital here.

These two apps are what I use right now and have been life savers. Let me know if you are trying any of these or if you know of other good apps in the comments!

Images via Acorns and Qapital.

2016 Holiday Wish List

2016-12-15T16:17:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's almost Christmas and it's almost a new year! This year seemed to fly by but I'm so excited for what is in store for next year. I look forward to turning 30 and traveling even more. Be on the lookout for more exciting travel posts.

For now, to get in the holiday spirit, and to also focus on fashion, I would like to share some items on my wish list for Christmas and New Years!

Clothing:

I really don't need many clothes at the moment, but I could always use more longsleeve tops, leather leggings, jeans and loungewear.

NYE Dresses:

I always feel like I need something sparkly, so here are a few I had my eye on.

Shoes:

One thing I love about the colder temps are being able to wear boots! I've also had my eye on those Nike Air Presto sneakers.

Accessories:

Just the icing on the cake!

What are some items you need this year?

Travel Tips: Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas

2016-12-07T16:09:00.001-05:00

This past Thanksgiving I got a chance to visit one of my favorite places, Los Cabos, Mexico, for a short family vacation. Los Cabos is located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula and includes Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. This was my second time visiting Cabo, and I enjoyed it even more this time around. I wanted to share with you some tips on things to do while visiting Cabo!

1. Stay at a nice hotel/resort

What better way to enjoy Mexico and all it's true beauty than to stay at a beautiful resort or hotel. I got to stay at two different hotels and both were amazing. Our first night in Mexico, we stayed at the newly built Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Los Cabos at the new Koral Center. I would definitely recommend this hotel for anyone not only looking to save some money on accommodations but at the same time still get spacious and updated rooms with a great rooftop pool and view. You can get rooms as low as in the $70's for a night.

An added bonus is that they recently built a shopping and dining district right there, so you can walk outside and experience all of it. You will love El Merkado, which features a wide variety of dining options that are reasonably priced to satisfy your inner foodie.

I kept going back to a taco bar called Lateral to sample many of their affordable tacos.

The second day we moved to hands down my favorite Hilton resort so far, Hilton Los Cabos Resort.

The service alone is worth the stay. Our additional bonus was that we got to experience staying in their Presidential Suite this time, which I can't say enough great things about.

Read more details on my stay at the Hilton Los Cabos here.

2. Try all the Mexican cuisine you can

Eat... a lot. That I did! I had everything from shrimp, fish and octopus tacos to fresh ceviche, empanadas, tamales and lots of guacamole and chips. My favorites were the tacos at Lateral and the ceviche at the Hilton Azul bar (above).

3. Swim and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean

One thing I love is being near water and swimming. Every vacation I take, I always take advantage of being able to take a dip in any nearby water. I got plenty of pool time in both the Hampton and the Hilton and also visited the beach.

While there I also decided to book an activity to get the most out of the trip and have some fun. I went with Cabo Adventures and their Snorkel and Sea Adventure. It was a great decision! The excursion lasted 3 hours on a Saturday morning. After being given a brief on safety and an overview of the day, myself and a small group set out to sail on a boat to a secluded bay about 10-15 minutes away. There I got to snorkel, seeing various species of fish, and use a stand up paddle board. I always enjoy using the paddle boards and had a nice laugh after I lost my balance and fell into the ocean (I got right back up of course)!

After swimming and soaking up the sun for over an hour, we were given snacks and made our way back to the city. Before making it back, we stopped at El Arco and were told about the history of the beautiful natural rock formations and about Lovers Beach. I was able to get some great photos.

The last time I had been out there was for my first parasailing experience years ago. Cabo Adventures also has many other fun activities to choose from.

4. Experience Tequila Tasting

Trust me, everywhere you go you will be offered tequila, so take advantage. If you try a tasting experience you will be educated on the history of tequila, how it's made and the difference between mezcal, blanco, reposado and anejo. I definitely learned some new things and discovered a few favorites.

5. Enjoy the View

Mexico has some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Los Cabos is where the desert meets the ocean, and the beautiful blue water is a sight to see. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises every morning.

Definitely make sure you get a chance to visit downtown Cabo San Lucas to see El Arco, the famous arch.

You can view by land or take a boat out to get an up-close and personal view, and may even spot a group of sea lions!

6. Shop!

Downtown Cabo

When visiting Mexico, you may notice the low exchange rate from US dollars to pesos. This makes for great shopping in some areas. Of course in heavy tourist spots you will tend to spend more, but in local shops you may notice yourself coming across some great deals! On our way leaving the airport and heading into San Jose Del Cabo, we found a local Walmart where items were priced very low. Liquor was extremely inexpensive and everyday items were priced well below what you normally pay in the states. I'm sure the low liquor prices could be attributed to Mexico being the birthplace of tequila.

If you get a chance to visit any local stores and bring home any souvenirs, please do so!

I love Cabo and can't wait to visit again and try other Mexican destinations!

Mexico Trip Recap: Hilton Los Cabos Resort

2016-12-07T14:37:00.001-05:00

During my recent trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, my family and I stayed at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, one of my favorite Hiltons ever. From service and rooms to dining options and convenience, it's the perfect place to stay while in Cabo. It's also only a short 10-15 minute drive away from the city center.

Situated right on the coastline, Hilton Los Cabos is a beautiful property:

Having being recently renovated after a hurricane hit years ago, you notice the property's beauty right when you walk into the outdoor entrance.

This was our second time staying at the resort and this time we had the luxury of staying in their Presidential Suite, which we were given a great discount on. We were welcomed to their Vista Club (exclusive only to some staying at the Hilton) and were thoroughly informed about the features we could use and special advantages we had. There was a special Vista Club room with free drinks and food available at several times of the day. We also got our own poolside cabana bed and chairs with a great view.

I can't continue talking about this amazing Hilton without going into detail on the spacious and breathtaking Presidential Suite. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

Private jacuzzi on one of the balconies

We were welcomed with a bottle of tequila and snacks:

We also got a special turndown service nightly, where we got to choose a preferred turndown aromatherapy blend:

While there I made sure to make use of every room and outdoor space, taking the time out to enjoy the beauty of the suite. I also got in plenty of swim and relax time and visited the main infinity pool daily, which always felt to be at the perfect temperature. The pool was steps away from our private cabana:

They had a second pool on another side of the hotel as well.

When I got tired of the pool, I could walk down the path to the beach (also steps away) and experience the ocean.

While staying at the Hilton, we ate some delicious food and sampled many exotic drinks and varieties of tequila, even doing a tequila tasting experience there at their main bar Azul after arriving at the resort. Our waiter and tequila expert gave us a detailed history on the Mexican culture's prized tequila and the blue agave it originates from, letting us sample mezcal, blanco, reposado, and anejo tequila.

My favorites were the Frida Kahlo and the Don Julio 1942. I love the smoothness. At the end of our tasting we were given some fresh ceviche, guacamole and chips:

Later that evening we had complimentary snacks and drinks in the Vista Club room.

We had some tasty empanadas and of course more tequila.

By dinner time we were tired but ready to try something new at one of the hotel's restaurants - El Meson. I had the tamale trio:

The next morning, after getting a very peaceful and relaxing night of rest, we grabbed breakfast at their morning buffet. So many options to choose from.

Fish tacos from Desperados

After spending the morning in the city snorkeling, we grabbed lunch at Desperados in downtown Cabo. I got the fried fish tacos and we had fresh guacamole made table side. Food was good as usual.

Fettucine de mare

For dinner that night we ordered room service. Everyone got something different and I decided to have the fettuccine de mare with scallops and shrimp. It was delicious - I finished my plate!

The next day, before checking out of the resort we ordered a few drinks poolside - I had a strawberry mojito. The pool staff was very attentive and accommodating, they brought us water, cold towels and chips with guacamole to snack on. I love enjoyed my last moments at the resort by taking one last dip in the pool and laying in the cabana with the curtains drawn to shield the sun.

My time at the resort was just a short extended weekend stay, but I already can't wait to return and spend a full weekend there. If you are ever in Cabo, please look into the Hilton Los Cabos, even their standard rooms are beautiful and offer great views. You won't be disappointed!

I would like to send out a special thanks to Alfredo from the Hilton Los Cabos staff, who extended a great discount to us for the duration of our stay!

Kanye West Kicks Off Saint Pablo Tour in Indianapolis with a Floating Stage

2016-08-26T17:02:00.001-04:00

I saw Kanye West last night in my city Indianapolis as he kicked off his Saint Pablo Tour. I got my entire life! There were a range of mixed opinions from those who attended (expecting a smoother setlist, more movement from Kanye and less obstructive views) but honestly a perfect show shouldn’t be expected on the first night. It seems he was getting a feel for the setlist and the crowd's reaction to his awe-inspiring floating stage platform.

In true Kanye fashion, the show started late (and hour and a half to be exact) but once the show started we couldn’t help but be surprised and intrigued by the groundbreaking setup. There was no stage, only a standing room only floor surrounded by the standard stadium seats in the upper sections. Hanging from the ceiling were large lit platforms with beaming lights. Kanye himself came out on his own smaller floating stage, simply held by a tether as the platform tilted and moved around. There was one large screen in the front (where the end stage usually would be) and it only showed distorted footage of Kanye with a vivid and radiant glow around him.

His concept was very innovative and while this was the first show and some rough spots/mistakes were evident, overall you have to appreciate his vision. The experience was something I will always remember. From the mood-setting extraterrestrial music before the show and in between songs to the bright lights aimed at the audience, I felt like I was being abducted by aliens and taken into space. With his floating stage hovering over the general admission floor, I think he wanted the audience to really experience something different and become part of the show. There were many times I just focused on the audience going crazy. Kanye himself even had to restart “Blood on the Leaves” 2 times because the crowd was insane. I had seats in the lower level so I feel I got to see the show from a great viewpoint. Kanye performed with gusto and even sang an extended version of "Runaway" with a heartfelt confession to the audience.

Highlights for me were his performances of "All Falls Down" and "N*ggas in Paris." The latter always gets the crowd hype!

Here’s one video I captured from the night just to get an idea of the energy during the show:

Crazzzyyyy #SaintPabloTour
A video posted by Whitney (@curly.dimples) on Aug 25, 2016 at 11:19pm PDT

I’m sure as the tour goes on Kanye will work out all the kinks and craft an amazing show from start to finish. If you get the chance to go, please go and enjoy yourself. The crowd’s energy and seeing Kanye perform on the floating stage will make for a memorable experience. I’m surprised I didn’t lose my voice!

Whit Picks: Hawaiian Vacation Recap

2016-07-25T16:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Summer! Sorry for the delay, but we've been busy enjoying the summer months. I've been traveling a lot in the past months, and to kick off the summer, last month I spent a week in The Big Island, Hawaii. This was my 6th visit to Hawaii and 2nd time on that particular island. Hawaii is a truly beautiful place to visit! This trip was all about relaxation, sightseeing and eating good food! Here's a little recap of some of my experiences and reviews on the food and resort on The Big Island.

We arrived in Kona the first day and made our way to grab breakfast before heading to our resort. We ate at local favorite, Splashers, and I chose to get some authentic Kona coffee and go the healthy route with 2 scrambled eggs, bacon, a biscuit and bowl of fruit. (FYI I ate a ton of fruit that week - the pineapple in Hawaii is the best!)

As we made our way to our resort, Hilton Waikoloa Village, we passed some beautiful scenery and got to see old lava tubes on the way.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Let me first say that I almost exclusively stay at Hilton family hotels, so I always have a great experience with them. This was my second time staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and it is a beautiful and luxurious place to stay. From the large grounds (you will do some serious walking to explore the entire resort, and they also have a tram and boats to get around) to the rooms (we stayed in one of the large Hale Ike "presidential" suites) to the various activities available (Dolphin Quest, Luaus, various pools and slides, a lagoon with water activities like paddle boarding and snorkeling available) to the food options (numerous restaurants and pool bars to choose from), this resort is amazing! The service is top notch and I had the pleasure of being treated to lunch at one of the restaurants by one of Hilton's own Director of Marketing Communications, Leanne Pletcher, as a Mahalo (welcome).

I loved being able to have options when I wanted to swim, and I did a lot of that.

Lanai of our suite

Dining Room

One of the main gathering areas/living rooms

Bath with a view

Panoramic sunset view from lanai

Our room was beautiful and had been recently updated, so I enjoyed the new look. The spacious Lanai was perfect for viewing the sunset everyday.

I did some swimming and got to wear my long orange dashiki cardigan from Dashiki Pride as a cover up over my fringe high waist bikini from Target (Vanilla Beach).

For dinner we visited Pueo's Osteria, an Italian restaurant on the island. I tried the Romaine, Walnuts, Pears & "Dolce" Gorgonzola salad which was delicious. For my main course, I decided on the Cannelloni al Forno (which was filled with organic free-range chicken, ricotta, sundried tomato, spinach, besciamella, mozzarella and pecorino). So good! The flavors melted in your mouth and the sauce was rich and creamy - definitely something I would get again.

Something that is exclusive to Hawaii is their baked pies from Mcdonalds. Here on the main land, we are used to baked apple pies and other seasonal flavors, but overtime we visit Hawaii we try their exclusive pies. In the past we tried their taro pie (a purple filling, also sold in Asia) but this time we visited they had the Haupia pie, a coconut milk-based filling. They were delicious!

Over the next few days in Hawaii, we did some sight seeing and visited black sand beaches, volcanoes at the Hawaii National Park and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park. Here's a few images from those places:

Now back to more food...

We continued to eat great food throughout our stay, one night visiting Ruth's Chris for a steak dinner. I had the filet mignon with au gratin potatoes and asparagus.

Another day Leanne from Hilton treated us to lunch at the resort's Lagoon Grill. We had a table by the Dolphin Quest so were able to watch the dolphins swim and play.

Fruit platter

Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Burger with onion rings

Club sandwich

Steak House Burger and fries

We started with the fruit platter that came with fresh banana bread. I got the Lava Flow drink with the Steak House Burger and fries as my entree. My dad tried the Hawaiian Bacon BBQ Burger with onion rings. My mom went with the club sandwich with shaved turkey and avocado. Everything was great and very filling!

Another night we had sushi at the resort's Imari restaurant. I got a plate of various sushi rolls and enjoyed everything on my plate.

On one of the final days there, after spending the first few hours of the day in the pools we grabbed lunch at another resort restaurant, Boat Landing Cantina. I had a margarita to start, which definitely did it's job lol. I got 2 steak tacos and had fresh made guacamole with chips. Again, delicious! Everything we had while in Hawaii was amazing.

One night we went to a nearby food court to grab some dinner. I went with an old favorite, Lemongrass Express and got the chicken fried rice. The portions are huge! Everything was freshly made and I saved the other half for the next day.

On the final night in Hawaii, we went to Hawaii Calls Restaurant and Lounge for a poolside sunset dinner. They have a buffet featuring all you can eat crab legs. I definitely enjoyed it along with a glass of wine and a bowtie pasta they had.

The Big Island was an amazing trip yet again, and I definitely recommend visiting (or any other Hawaiian islands)! If you do visit the Big Island, look into staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, you will love it!

All-White Looks for Memorial Day

2016-05-26T14:06:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day is this weekend and I am excited for the extended weekend and also taking a week off for vacation! A common party theme for the holiday is all-white parties, so I thought this would be a great time to put together some looks, inspired by celebs, to help you get your Memorial Day looks together. With some help from Adrian, we found looks for men and women. Let's start with the ladies:

Pants and Crop Top

This first look is simple but cute and sophisticated. If you think you can pull off the gaucho pant look, try them with a cropped white long sleeve tee and strappy sandals like Rihanna:

Plunge Neck Blazers

For Rihanna's plunge white blazer look, that can be more on the daring side depending on how low you go and what undergarments you wear, try these items:

Thigh High Slits

Thigh high slits are still a hot trend and recently Kylie Jenner wore a leg-baring all white dress. Get similar styles to show off some leg below:

White Bodycon Dresses

You could also go with a classic white body con dress like Ashley Graham, Karrueche and Justine Skye:

And now for the guys…

White with Color Accents

Rick Ross put on a performance at Club Gotha in Cannes, France during the annual Cannes Film Festival and went with a "geechi" all white ensemble with red accents. The banded collar look is very simple, clean, and on trend especially when worn with a necklace. The antique inspired aesthetic of ruby and gold has been revamped for the modern man and adds a classic appeal to his outfit. He finished the look with signature aviator shades and an all red pair of designer sneakers.

A big part of Rick's look was the accessories. Get some similar items from one of our favorites, The Gold Gods:

Ruby Pendant Necklace - $119
The Vigilate Watch Gold Band - $199
Gold Watch Link Bracelet - $79

Get Rick's look below:

Casual White Look

Dressing up not your thing? Keep it casual and comfortable like Drake aka 'The King of Cozy'. A lightweight long sleeve t-shirt paired with cotton sweat shorts will create an effortlessly chill outfit perfect for the weekend kickback. Keep it crispy with a fresh pair of air max 95's and a simple gold necklace.

Classic All-White

Future rocked a traditional all white look that features both trendy and classic pieces throughout. Military inspired bombers have been a huge trend in menswear as well as a nice fitted jean to complete the tailored silhouette that reigns supreme in men's fashion. Classic all white sneakers and a plain white t-shirt are staples that every man should have and can be found at all price points. Future is known for having a strong arsenal of masculine, yet fashionable accessories including rings, watches, necklaces, sunglasses, scarves, and his signature wide brim hats. In this look he kept things more toned down and let the all white do the talking with a splash of color on his scarf tied around his belt loop. Get the items:

Dapper Suit & Tie

Zac stopped by The Late Night Show with Seth Meyers to promote Neighbors 2 in an dapper suit and tie look. Zac broke up the monotony of all white with a black tie and classic black oxfords. His suit and shirt are well tailored and complement his youthful energy and athletic physique. Despite beards being a huge turn on for a lot of women, Zac opted for a clean shaven face and a conservatively sharp hair cut. Get inspired with items below:

We hope you are loving these all-white looks!

Beach Vacation Rental Picks

2016-05-25T12:17:00.000-04:00

If you love traveling as much as I do, then you know that one of the main things to determine where you go or how much you will enjoy the overall experience is the accommodations. Growing up, I mainly stayed in hotels and resorts while traveling with my family. My favorite hotel brand is Hilton - they have amazing locations all over the world and their service is top notch. Some of my favorites have been the Ho'olei in Maui, Hilton Los Cabos, Hilton Barbados Resort and Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa in Tahiti.

In the past few years, I have opened up to staying outside of the typical hotel and resorts and looking into vacation rentals found through places like Airbnb, HomeAway and other vacation companies (booked a recent stay with Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals for my birthday that I loved). What I love about vacation rentals is that you can get everything you get from a hotel/resort plus more with the option to have more space and privacy. I love being able to find affordable places for groups and live in luxurious houses and villas for the duration of the trip. Also, when traveling to the islands, having your own private pool is EVERYTHING! I stayed with family in a Jamaican villa a few years ago and having a private pool, personal chef, butler and daily housekeeping service made the experience unforgettable.

I will be turning the big 3-0 next year, so I have already begun exploring places to go. There is so much of the world I want to see (and will see), but since my birthday is in the cold winter month of March, I am trying to plan an island getaway to somewhere where the weather is warm and the water is crystal clear. My top pick is Aruba right now, since it is one of the few Caribbean islands I haven't been to yet. I am also still looking into other places like Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands, Mexico and more exotic far away places like Thailand and Greece. Here are a few of my current picks that I fell in love with!

Bali Style House, 2 Pools & Cinema

Aruba

Starting at $369 per night / $37 per person a night

Sleeps 10 / Bedrooms 4

Rent it here!

Villa Corazon de Fatima

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Starting at $700 per night / $70 per person a night

Sleeps 10 / Bedrooms 4

Rent it here!

New Condo in Romantic Zone

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Starting at $150 per night / $75 per person a night

Sleeps 2 / Bedrooms 1

Rent it here!

Villa On The Beach Barbados

Barbados

Starting at $510 per night / $85 per person a night

Sleeps 6 / Bedrooms 3

Rent it here!

Sun Cloud Oceanfront Luxury Villa

Cayman Islands

Starting at $987 per night / $99 per person a night

Sleeps 10 / Bedrooms 5

Rent it here!

3 Bed Pool Villa

Phucket, Thailand:

Starting at $330 per night / $55 per person a night

Sleeps 6 / Bedrooms 3

Rent it here!

If you know me, you know that Phi Phi Island (off the coast of Phuket, Thailand) has been on my bucket list for quite some time. I will get there one day and I plan on visiting Phuket for it's beautiful beaches and scenery. If you watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians, you may remember a 3 part episode they did a few years ago on their family trip to Phuket, Thailand. I have been wanting to go there long before they visited, but those episodes showed the beauty in the country.

These are all just a few of the places I love. Looking forward to future trips!

Swim Picks 2016

2016-05-13T10:33:00.003-04:00

Still working on those summer beach bodies? I know I am (and making some progress so far). I have an upcoming trip to Hawaii this month, so I have been thinking about new swimwear that I need. I have a few old favorites I will be taking with me, but I've had my eye on some new pieces as well. Whether it's a one piece or two piece, here are some of my favorites right now:

One pieces

Always classic and great if you are still in the process of working on those abs. Even if you do have a flat stomach, one piece swimsuits are still sexy. You can go for extra coverage or show a little more with cutouts and extra straps. A trend right now is the return of the throwback Baywatch-style one pieces that are super high cut. Below are my favorites:

High waist two piece bikinis

These are great if you have the right shape for them (curvy shapes look best in these) and also if you want to cover up a bit more of problem areas. Love these:

Bikinis

I love a cute bikini. Any shape can wear these, so don't think you have to be a size 2 (just ask the beautiful Ashley Graham). Love all of these (especially the H&M pieces):

Which are your favorites?

Fashion Feature: Jewelry by Michelle Marocco

2016-05-05T13:22:00.000-04:00

I would like our readers to get more familiar with artist and jewelry designer Michelle Marocco, a designer living here in Indiana (Carmel) who has a creative vision that expands way beyond her beautiful handmade jewelry and artwork. At my job (as a Senior Graphic Designer at local company Fat Atom), I got the opportunity to work with her for her new site design. I also got the chance to visit her home and see her showroom and art firsthand, which is awe-inspiring. With the recent relaunch of her redesigned website, Michelle Marocco is making big moves with her brand.

She is no newcomer to the game, and has a clientele list that includes the likes of celebrities Nicole Scherzinger, Russel Brand and Steven Tyler. From beaded bracelets and cuffs to diamond and leather necklaces, Marocco has something for everyone.

She gave me a few items to wear: the Karma Seed bracelets as well as a Niyama headband. I love them both and shared a few of my bracelets with my boyfriend, which is encouraged to spread good energy.

Here are a few more items from the Marocco site that I am loving:

I'm loving all the items from her BusyGirl™ Collection. This Diamond infinity symbol BusyGirl™ bracelet is unique.

The Most wanted diamond tile necklace is beautiful. The diamonds... need I say more?

The Stingray and diamond lattice cuff is another standout.

I love simple yet unique rings, and I am loving this Criss-cross pave diamond ring by Marocco.

Lastly these Perfect diamond teardrop earrings are very classy.

Visit michellemarocco.com for more of her jewelry or if you are ever in Carmel, Indiana give her showroom a visit!

Ivy Park: Get Active with Beyonce's New Clothing Line

2016-03-31T19:01:00.001-04:00

I guess it's time to get flawless in the gym! There's a lot of news with Beyonce as of late... from the release of her new album (reportedly coming out on April Fools Day) to her new tour starting soon, her fans should be struggling to contain themselves with all the good news. On top of all of that, today Beyonce announced a brand new clothing line called Ivy Park, an activewear and athleisure brand co-founded by Beyonce, with her fierceness all over it. Here are the first few promo photos from the site:

The good news is we can expect to be able to purchase items starting April 14th (which is right around the corner) online and in stores. Where? It will be available at Topshop, Nordstrom and Zalando worldwide, along with additional stores based on location.

So what makes Ivy Park special? With a nod to her daughter Blue Ivy in the brand name, Beyonce reminisces over her childhood and growing up visiting a special park she holds close to her heart in the promo video:

The official site states,

Ivy Park is merging fashion-led design with technical innovation. Creating a new kind of performance wear: modern essentials for both on and off the field.

Topshop describes the brand:

Mixing high performance technical sportswear with fashion-led casualwear, Ivy Park empowers women through sport – no matter what your sporting ability or body shape. The collection centers on a core of sports staples: leggings in three rises, crop tops, drop arm tees, sweatshirts and technical jackets. All products can be mixed to create your personal sportswear uniform.

One thing we don't know are the price points yet, but judging from the stores it will be sold at, one can expect moderately priced activewear. Hopefully not too pricey, because I definitely need some new workout clothes. I like the fact that the items are neutral and can be mixed. Here are a few detail shots of the items:

Looking forward to the release!

**UPDATE 4/12/16:
Images have been released of the full collection. Thanks to Refinery29, we found out it will be available in sizes XXS to XL. Prices seem to range from $25 to $200, according to Elle's previews. You can grab most of the tops, bras and shorts under $50, with jackets, detailed print tops and hoodies over $50. All leggings seem to range from $60 to $80. So now you can start planning which items you want! Take a look below:

Images via Ivy Park & Refinery29

Festival Style 2016

2016-03-31T12:00:00.003-04:00

As the weather breaks, it's time to start thinking about festival style, especially with Coachella being around the corner. Whether it's a spring or summer festival you have been planning to attend, boho chic and tribal inspired styles are always popular. Some of the more well known festivals like Coachella (April), Lollapalooza (July), Bonnarroo (August), Afropunk (June & August), and Burning Man (August) will bring out tons of fashionable people, so start thinking about the items you may need.

Fringe, rompers, cutoff shorts, floral print, tunics, lace dresses, vests and kimonos will be your go-tos!

Many stores have created their own festival collections and featured items - H&M, NastyGal, Forever 21 and ASOS to name a few. Here are a few of our favorites below!

H&M Loves Coachella

Loving H&M's official H&M Loves Coachella Collection. I would love to someday attend this festival in sunny California, but until then I can at least get the look! Here are some favorites:

Forever 21

Forever 21 is featuring a #festivalgoals section of their site with essential festival pieces. Here are some favorites:

Asos

Found a bunch of cute items from the ASOS festival collection as well. Loving the lace-up sandals.

DashikiPride

Tribal print is always in style. African prints are one of my favorites and I love the dashikis from DashikiPride. With many styles to choose from, would be great to pair with a look for AfroPunk later this summer.

In summary, there is definitely no shortage of options for your perfect festival looks. Here are many other items I am loving below!

Rhymes & Fresh: Clothing Lines Owned by Hip Hop Artists

2016-03-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

Fashion has always been a crucial part in hip hop culture whether it be from shouting out a brand in a song, rocking a branded item in their videos, or even as far as owning a fashion house of their own. Artists such as Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Diddy have had some of the most successful lines by rappers to date! I wanted to shed light on artists who you may not have known had lines or are lesser known than their mainstream counterparts as well as a few brands that are owned by some of the biggest artists of today!

HSTRY (Nas):

HSTRY is an apparel brand from the mind of legendary hip-hop artist Nas, HSTRY is a culmination of his life experiences, knowledge and inspiration. The brand combines a lot of culturally inspired motifs and designs into high quality garments that make a bold and powerful statement. Below are 3 of my favorite items that are currently on their site.

Destroy and Rebuild Hoodie - Red
BLK HSTRY Claw Tee - Black
Slingshot Sweatshirt - Olive

More items below:

AKOO/Hustle Gang (T.I.):

Two brands one Artist. AKOO means A King Of Oneself. We design fine quality streetwear for gentleman of exceptional style, character and distinction. Founded by Grammy award winning artist, actor and producer T.I., AKOO outerwear is more than a brand. They are a movement, a revolution, a call to action. By wearing AKOO you are joining an uprising, a society of men committed to being A King Of Oneself. On the other hand Hustle Gang is a mass market streetwear brand. As they transform and mold the looks of street fashion into the wider market, they keep their eye on the street style perspective. Real streetwear is edgy and brash in its terminology and word play as well as in its graphic language. This style can be sometimes rude and off putting but that's also what makes it street! I have included a couple items from each brand that I feel embodies what the brand represents.

Big Oak Jean (Bermuda High)
Warlord Crew (Red)
Cool Breeze S/S Hoodie (White)

We The Best (DJ Khaled):

They don't want you to be the best...But we do! After taking the snapchat game to a whole other level DJ Khaled dropped his We The Best Clothing Store, an online front that carries clothing for both men and women. Even it's short existence various items have already sold out and are adding new items often. I have picked 4 of my favorite items including a pair of slides (which I got for Valentines Day and I love wearing them)!

THEY™ Hoodie
LION ORDER x Rohan Marley Collab Shirt
Red ANOTHER ONE™ ISlides
DJ KHALED X BEARDSACE COLLAB WINDBREAKER

OVO (Drake):

The Toronto native has been in the rap game for 10 years and has already changed the game and solidified his self as a legendary hip hop artist. Aside from hits upon hits he also has one of the hottest clothing lines, OVO (October's Very Own), as his items have been known to sell out the same day they go on sale. His items are simple, classic, and of high quality! I have listed my top 5 items from the store (although I really want almost everything):

POM POM POLO - SHORTSLEEVE POLO SHIRT
POM POM OXFORD - BUTTON DOWN COLLARED SHIRT
OWL LOGO SCARF
WOMEN'S OWL SPORTCAP
OWL LOGO RUGBY - LONGSLEEVE COLLARED SHIRT

Blood's Thicker (Fabolous):

The Young OG is always seen being fly and rocking some of the freshest gear so it was only right that he has his own clothing line. The mindset behind Blood's Thicker is that "We are related through this bond which shall never be broken or questioned". This is another clothing line that I would buy just about everything on the store with no shame,but I will contain myself to my top 5 selections.

Summertime Shootout Pullover
"The Family" Classic Beanie
Ferrari Family Zip Up
JESUS SHUTTLESWORTH JERSEY
WILL SMITH BEL-AIR ACADEMY JERSEY

Food Picks: Nada Restaurant

2016-03-25T15:35:00.001-04:00

I got the chance to try out a new restaurant in Indianapolis called Nada, themed as modern Mexican food with electric design. They have 2 other locations in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, but this is their first Indiana location. I heard a few good reviews from friends, so I thought it would be a great idea to try the place. Also I had been on the hunt for a new favorite Mexican restaurant.

Upon walking in, I noticed they stick to the electric theme design with a colorful yet modern interior design, which is refreshing to see in a Mexican restaurant. The seating, drapes, lighting and layout were all beautifully designed, right down to the table setting.

One look at the menu and I knew I was in for a treat with items like Queso Gringo, an assortment of tacos (with amazing ingredients like battered hake, salmon, short rib, pork belly and more), farro & sweet potatoes and churros on the menu.

We started with drinks, opting for sangria and their Nada lemonade (spiked with Avion tequila). Both were delicious!

For an appetizer, we started light with chips and salsa. They have a trio of salsas available for only $5, but I went with just the jalepeno salsa verde sauce this time, which was very good with the fresh cooked chips.

Baja Fish Tacos

Tinga Quesadilla

They encourage food sharing, so to mix it up we tried both the "Baja" fish tacos and Tinga Quesadilla - and fell in love with both. The freshness of the battered hake fish with the guacamole, lime cabbage and pico de gallo was amazingly delicious. The Tinga Quesadilla had just the right combination of meats, cheese and spice (chicken, chorizo, ancho chile, pico de gallo, chihuahua cheese and crema drizzled on top). I could have eaten another one!

Churros

To finish it off we tried the Churros for dessert, and they didn't last long on the plate!

Overall I LOVED this place and can't wait to come back and try more items on the menu, including their brunch. This is definitely a new favorite! They put a twist on Mexican cuisine and incorporate an inviting visual space. Hopefully they expand and get more locations all over the country. If you are ever in Indy, Columbus or Cincinnati, try Nada!

All photos taken by me except for title images from Nada's website.

Baby Bump Style: Chrissy Tiegen

2016-03-22T23:50:00.001-04:00

Chrissy Tiegen and husband John Legend have their first baby on the way, and we can't keep our eyes off Chrissy! Pregnancy looks amazing on her! She has been spotted out and about looking gorgeous every time, and we are loving her pregnancy style. Who says you can't be fab while sporting a bun in the oven? She is definitely inspiration for those with a little one on the way, and even those of us who aren't - anyone can incorporate her style.

I loved some of her recent looks from the past week, so lets take revisit and find out how to recreate the looks:

Casual Chic Weekend Style

First up is a neutral look from Saturday. I love the tan coat, white sheer crop top and shredded light blue boyfriend jeans with the nude sandals and chain strap bag. Her hair is amazing as well. I would definitely wear this look in the spring!

She wore this Chloe Drew Mini leather and suede cross-body bag:

Get the entire look below:

Weekend Dinner Style

The second look also comes from this past weekend while out to dinner. She wore a black coat over a simple white top with acid wash distressed jeans, black pointy toe pumps, a polka dot neck scarf and black chain shoulder bag. Very simple look but the addition of the scarf and pumps give it some extra flair. Get the look below:

Elegant Lunch Look

Lastly is a look from Monday. Chrissy and John were spotted coming from lunch. I love this elegant look: a cream dress with striped coat, nude sandals and a tan bag. Chrissy's looks have been mostly neutral paired with long coats and it works!

Chrissy wore this Stervis Belted Striped Jacquard Coat by The Row, nearly $3,000:

Get this look below:

Keep doing what you're doing Chrissy!

Images: DailyMail & GotCeleb

Interview with Lord Brian James

2016-03-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

What's good y'all this is Adrian, owner of the street wear brand Janus Clothiers, and I will be contributing some posts from a man's perspective from time to time, so feel free to email us anything you would like to see! A few weeks ago, Whitney W and I got the chance to attend a book release party for Lord Brian James' first book, The Man Who Didn't Stop Running, available on Amazon. We were able to sit down with the author/media personality/actor and learn more about his new book, what he has learned during the process, his background, and more!

1) Who is Lord Brian James/Alexander?

Brian: I’m just a dude from D.C. who is trying to, as corny as it may sound, change the world. That’s really it man. Just trying to paint the world different colors.

2) I understand that you are from the DMV area, how have you adapted to living and working in the Midwest?

Brian: Ironically its not to far off from DC. Its the same thing pretty much. The music taste is a little bit different. There’s a lot more Lil Boosie, Webbie, and stuff like that. As far as how people act its the same thing we just gotta get people out of the house more.

3) What inspired you to write this book?

Brian: My parents! They’ve had a strong, successful relationship all of my life and I just wanted to pass that story along and I always thought love is the answer to all questions.

4) What have you learned about yourself in the process of writing this book?

Brian: That I am very dark, contemplative and I am always trying to figure out what’s going on in life and it kinda pushed me into a dark corner.

5) What would define “success” for you with this book?

Brian: Man! I would love for it to be in stores all across the country. That's my goal, but I’m cool with 500 books though!

6) What advice from the book has helped you the most in your love life?

Brian: Probably learn to be more mature. A lot of times I have been the immature one and tried to play games with people in recent years. But recently I’ve been like ‘why don’t I be the mature one?’. The second thing is that I need to work on myself before anything! I’m not perfect and I have to work on my mind before I can be with anyone else.

7) I noticed the book is listed as the first installment of ‘Lover’s Chronicles’. How many stories are you planning on telling throughout the series?

Brian: Four right now but I did start writing the fifth one so it might be five. With this one I am trying to bring everyone in so they can learn the lesson.

8) As an actor, do you eventually want your books to turn into shows and movies or do you have other aspirations when it comes to being on the screen?

Brian: That would be really dope but I want the book to run its course and I want people to digest the lesson that it's okay to fall in love before anything. Then I want the movie thing, whatever to get the story out.

9) Who has played a key role in influencing you to pursue a career in media?

Brian: There’s a radio personality in DC named EZ Street he gave me my start in everything. Russ Parr was a also a mentor of mine as well as my parents who were always there and pushed me to follow my dreams as long as it makes sense.

10) Where can people find you or contact you?

Brian: Hit me up directly on twitter! I’m there bro, I love twitter @lbjcxvi, I’m also on Instagram but twitter is best for me.

Make sure you order Brian's book on Amazon today.

Requested Look: Casual Cute in Neutrals

2016-03-14T10:55:00.001-04:00

We love requested looks! Make sure you send yours in here! Get WHIT It reader Krystal wanted this look she saw on instagram:

She wanted to get this pale pink cropped hooded sweatshirt, olive cargo pants and blush pointed pumps. Unfortunately I couldn't find the exact items, but I did find a few great options for the entire look.

Get all the options below!

Spring Your Wardrobe Forward for 2016

2016-03-12T12:14:00.003-05:00

It’s almost time to spring our clocks forward which means its almost time to spring our wardrobe forward too! With one of the best seasons arriving next weekend and bringing the amazing weather with it… it's a good time to do some spring closet cleaning and grab the latest 2016 spring trends.

If you are like me, you tend to buy a lot of clothing over the year and then when the next season comes around, you realize that you haven’t even worn some of the stuff you purchased. A good way to get rid of items you may not wear or need and to grab some extra cash is selling the items on buy/sell apps. This is great for your spring closet cleaning.

Poshmark is the leading marketplace to buy and sell fashion. Its so easy to use. Each user has their own closet. You add photos, a description of what you are selling, and the price you want to sell your item for and BOOM! It’s that easy. People are able to find your items by color, style, and brand. Poshmark also features style parties where you can share what you are selling to get more interest. What I love is that there aren’t any listing fees. What I’m not the biggest fan of is that Poshmark takes about 20% commission. In addition, they charge the buyer $5-6 for shipping. However, they have such a huge following, so it allows you to sell items very easily. I’ve been a member since 2013 and I’ve listed 49 items. Out of all those items, I’ve sold 39 of them and made over $400. It might not seem like a lot but $400 can easily contribute to buying some new spring trends! If you want to download the app - do so with referral code HGFPN. You will get $10 when you use this code and download the app. The $10 can be used to purchase items that you may like from another users closet.

Another great app is Mercari. This app allows you to sell anything - not just fashion, shoes, and accessories. The major bonus is that there are no commission fees. You are also able to pick how you want to ship. You can charge the buyer or you can pay for it yourself. It also gives you the option to use USPS, FedEx, or you can ship your own preferred method/carrier. The only thing that I don’t like about the app is that it isn’t as nice and organized as Poshmark. On this app, I’ve sold about 15 items and made over $1000.

Now - moving on to what you need to wear to be on trend! Of course, you know we are always about keeping things on budget. All items we’ve chosen are under $100.

Giving the “cold shoulder” is on trend for spring. Shoulder cut outs can add so much to the simplest dress. Definitely a fan of this trend. Would you rock it? Check out some items we’ve found below.

Sparkle and shine by adding sequins to your wardrobe. This trend probably isn’t the best for day to day wear but if you have an event to attend or planning on going out for date night or girls night, this would be an easy look to achieve. Our budget friendly picks are below!

The thought of stripes can make you cringe! But hey - they’re on trend! And good thing - they are vertical stripes! When you are 4’11 - some vertical fine lines can help make you a little taller (yes I know I’m short). So - pinstripes aren’t just for the professional business woman anymore. Add some to your closet by grabbing some our picks.

We know trends come and go. Interesting enough, tie-dye prints are in. I wasn’t too sure about this trend but I grabbed a cute tan and white tie-dye top from Old Navy. So - I’m open to it! If you’re open to it, you can check out the items below.

In addition to the trends above, fringe - which I personally feel should ALWAYS remain on trend, netting & mesh, red florals, and lingerie inspired items were also on the runways.

PHOTOS via: E Online

Lauren London's Perfect Match Look

2016-03-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

Lauren London stars in the new movie The Perfect Match, out now (also starring Terrence J, Cassie Ventura, Paula Patton, Dascha Polanco, Donald Faison and more). I'm going to see the movie tonight, so I'm excited to check it out. Lauren graced the red carpet in a House of CB 'Klaudi' Grey Straped Bustier Dress:

You can get the dress for $185 on the House of CB site.

Lauren kept it simple and paired the dress with strappy black sandals. Get her look for less with any of these options: