Beauty Travel Essentials: My Top 5

So it just a few hours, I am boarding a train and heading to Hispanicize, the biggest conference for Latinos. I'm trying to take just a carry on but with all the electronics, gifts for friends and two outfits per day, my bag is getting tight. I decided that my make up can be minimized as I end up wearing the same look any how. If I were to only take 5 items, these would be it. Let's be realistic, in my case, I blog about beauty. I will be throwing in at last minute at least 2-3 more pieces just in case but these are really all I need.

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Miami, Hispanicize & What I Am Wearing {Personal Style}

With less than a week before I head out to Miami for Hispanicize, the biggest conference for Latin influencers, I'm trying to be smart and plan ahead of time. I've downloaded their new app on my iPhone that lists the agenda of the conference, I can pick what sessions I attend and put it in a calendar. I think it makes for packing a bit easier. I know I don't have much time from when I arrive in Miami to when I need to catch the shuttle to the first event so I now know I can relax and hail a cab instead. It also helps me plan what days I will wear what and what shoes. Wednesday will be a busy day so I've planned a comfy but chic outfit for the day but their are a few events that I plan on attending in the evening and something like this skirt that I found at Target for only $8, would work. I wear a lot of neutrals in Chicago but I've had this skirt now for almost two months and the tags are still attached. I've been waiting for warmer weather here but wait no more because I'm off to Miami. Don't worry, I'll have quite a few outfits to share when I return. Be sure to follow along on twitter with the hashtag #Hispz13 for all the details on Latinos in Social Media, and well...this mom.


If you like this skirt and want something similar, check out the few I've selected below.

More Calvin Klein...

How to Create a Messy Side Chignon

So I was seeing side parts galore for hair at New York Fashion Week for Fall 2013. Mind you, I already rock a side part but these were deep side parts. I also saw messy chignons. I thought I would get a bit creative for last night's Hispanicize event here in Chicago, to FINALLY meet my Facebook buddy and try one myself.

Those that saw Tuesday's post, look at my skin. No foundation. The peel worked.

This was AFTER the party and after getting nachos at Uncle Joe's with my long lost girlfriend who I ran into. There is no one better to eat nachos with and laugh at extremely loud decibels. Anywho,  here are 3 easy steps to get the messy side chignon.*

1. Curl hair in very large sections (I did about 8 sections) with a 1" barrel iron. You hair should already have a deep part because once it is curled, it will curl in that direction. Make sure you use a heat protecting styling product prior to.

2. Finger comb hair to the side and bunch it in your hand. Tie it. Make sure you do not use a brush, it will look too done and too perfect. We want messy.

3. Lightly mist with a finishing spray with a soft hold. No one wants crispy hair here.

I'm really into different types of parts and ponytails right now since I am growing out my hair. Any looks you are into right now?



*Products I have linked are the exact products I am currently using. The heat styling product is new to me but like it so far. The hairspray plays a serious rotation in my haircare and seems to be the one I alway run to when I run out of my Frederic Fekkai. The curling iron, I have used for 15 years and have yet to replace it. No joke.