Travel Style Archives - Whitney Nic James

#WNJDrives | 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Car Review

August 27, 2015 by Whitney 6 Comments

In the midst of a hectic and crazy few days, I’ve been able to ride in style all week in the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. With hubs and I packing to move, this mid-size family car has been the PERFECT companion! We’ve used the car to transport certain items to the our local Goodwill, as well as hauled quite a few bags of unwanted items to the dump. We just started packing up this spacious car with boxes and bags in order to transport a few belongings to the new place. With 3 rows of seats, easily converted to create more cargo space, it’s been a breeze.

Another feature I LOVE is the built in navigation and hands-free capabilities. On our recent overnight trip to D.C. we used the navigation system to get us there. The system alerted us about possible traffic jams and congestion, accidents, as well as detours. The hands-free feature definitely came in handy while driving to work each morning. I’ve been able to listen to my favorite podcasts and my homemade iTunes playlists! That small feature has made my drives to work that much more enjoyable.

The 2015 @Hyundai Santa Fe is the perfect safe and spacious SUV! #DriveHyundai

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Again, the car has plenty of space (driver’s and passengers side) and also came with a panoramic sunroof. This feature allows the warm sunlight and fresh air to seep in while driving. Plus driving around with an open sunroof and Kendrick Lamar blaring from the speakers makes you look and feel really cool, duh! One more thing – I’ve had the car since last Friday and with all the driving I’ve been doing (back and forth to D.C. and Baltimore) I have not stopped at the gas station. The tank is still a little under half full – #WINNING!

So tell me, what features do you look for in a car? Have you ever driven the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe? Let me know!

Looking for a spacious mid-size crossover or SUV? I highly suggest the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. This car has made the list of “possible future cars” for hubby and I. I can see it being perfect for a family on the go, or for a family without children who road-trips often and transports items frequently. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe….XO!

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* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

Style | Travel Style Continued + Nordstrom Must Haves for Traveling

July 14, 2015 by Whitney 4 Comments

Hey there! Yesterday I showcased one of my favorite travel outfits and of course, comfort and style were key elements. Today I want to share a few of my travel style must haves from Nordstrom. I really love their in store and online selections and actually plan to purchase a few items from them for upcoming road trips/wardrobe purposes. Their anniversary sale is coming up, so it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the awesome deals they’ll have. Let’s take a look!

1. Sleeves Trench. I’ve been eyeing this trench for months and I’ve been waiting for the price to drop. Patience paid off because now it’s $77 instead of the original $129 price tag. I scooped up the item online and cannot wait to rotate it during the summer and fall season. It’s lightweight and perfect to add to any travel style outfit. It’s a chic piece and although it’s khaki colored, I still plan to style this with some travel outfits during the early fall.

2. Screen Tee-Shirt. While I may not purchase this particular tee, the style and color is perfect for my travel style! A good lightweight, colorful and fun tee shirt is a great addition to any travel style. Tee shirts like this are a must have because they’re also easy to pair with denim, shorts, or even a maxi skirt and it’s also easy to fold and pack a few of these in a suit case.

3. Denim Capris. I love a pair of good denim and this Lucky pair happens to be on sale. This is another item I’ve watched for a while and I’m thrilled they’re finally on sale. It’s a tedious task to find denim that’s made well, so I often shop at Nordstrom or Macy’s to score the Lucky, Seven and Micheal Kors brands. They work for my shape and the price isn’t (usually) outlandish.

All the clothing you’ll need for your next road trip/vacation! #wnjstyle

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Sejour Open Front Sleeves Trench

Junarose Sceen Tee

Lucky Denim

4. Jumpsuit. My travel style usually consists of a few maxi dress or a few jumpsuits. If you follow along with me on Instagram you know that lately I’ve been all about jumpsuits this season. So when I saw this Jessica Simpson one I was hooked! I love a jumpsuit while on vacation because it’s an easy item to dress up or down. I suggest light weight material like cotton or polyester. That material is breathable and more than likely, you won’t have to iron after unpacking.

5. Nightgown/Tunic. I absolutely LOVE to sleep in long tunics/caftans when traveling. Something about sashaying around in your hotel room while wearing one is so chic! This Oscar de la Renta option is a bit pricey, but every now and then it’s OK to splurge on a designer item. Especially if you’re like me and you know the garment will get lots of wear.

6. Swimsuit. Of course a swimsuit is a must for travel style. A pretty and bright colored one, with ruching to conceal the tummy, is perfect! I’m a fan of one pieces, although I do wear a two piece here and there. If you’re into the one piece look, this La Blanca number is a great option.

The perfect travel style picks from @Nordstrom! #wnjstyle

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Jessica Simpson Jumpsuit

Oscar de la Renta Tunic Sleeper

La Blanca Swimsuit

So tell me, what do you think about my Nordstrom picks for travel style? Anything catch your eye? Let me know!

As always, I thoroughly appreciate your comments, shares and feedback! Don’t forget to show off your personal style by linking your recent OOTD pots(s) here. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: Garay’s Treasures, Sophisticated Style, Style Me Wednesday, Tuesday Trends, WIW **

Personal Style | Travel Style

July 13, 2015 by Whitney 42 Comments

Happy Monday! I hope you’re all well and ready for an amazing and productive week. Hubby and I traveled to Delaware for an unexpected, yet fun and enjoyable, road trip yesterday. We visited his family and also ate some really good cookout food! It’s not out of the ordinary that we hop in the car for a weekend or day road trip, so I thought this week I’d talk about some of my travel style outfits/travel must haves.

Blouse: West Kei, Nordstrom Rack // Travel Bag: Calvin Klein,Thrifted

Of course when traveling comfort is key, so I like to wear clothing that’s fit a bit looser (and leggings). Tunics, oversized tee shirts and plazo pants are at the top of my travel style list. Hubby and I do a lot of road trips, so functional wardrobe pieces are a must for me as well. Shoes that can easily be removed while in the car like sandals and comfy flats are important too. The flats in this outfit are perfect. Not only are they comfortable, but they’re in style and can go with just about any outfit.

Your travel style should be comfortable, stylish and functional. #wnjstyle

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I can usually fit my outfits and personal items in the same bag as hubby, so we often road trip with one bag. If we’re going somewhere for an entire weekend and have different events to attend while there, we carry 2 bags max. I also carry a big tote bag or purse and I keep it next to me on the ride. More on what’s in our bags and how I pack later this week. In the meantime, check out a few of my miscellaneous road trip essentials here!

Pants: Bobeau. Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Flats: Steven Madden (Similar & On Sale) // Earrings: Gifted (Other Options)

Take a look at this road trip/travel outfit; it’s perfect! #wnjstyle

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So tell me, what do you think about my travel style? What do you wear when traveling? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and commenting. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Guest Blogger | What to Wear to a Summer Blog Conference

June 16, 2015 by Whitney 12 Comments

Blogging conferences bring about so much excitement! While they can be so much fun, the conferences are truly educational, offer opportunities to network, help you develop your business and usually provide you with plan of action. As with any other activity related to your blogging business, the way that you present yourself at a conference is important. While attending, you are your brand, every day, every minute of the conference. Be prepared to represent your brand very well. You want to be taken seriously.

Once you register and plan your traveling, it’s time to pack for a stylish, professional, oh so cute, and comfortable experience. But….HOW? Most conferences are Thursday-Sunday so this snapshot should take you through those few days. Here’s a sample agenda and a visual (celebrity inspired) for What to Wear to a Summer Blog Conference.

*Author’s Note: I recommend substituting shoes that are pictured, for comfortable flats sandals/shoes to suit your walking needs.*

Thursday and Sunday Travel – Boyfriend jeans and tee with a little layering for the cool flight or train ride.

Thursday Night Networking Event – Fun jumpsuit; jazz it up and impress. First impressions are lasting ones.

Friday workshops – Nice pants & blouse. You can layer with a cardigan/light blazer for those cool conference rooms.

Friday Night Networking & Fun – Fun summer dress; time to show off & grab cocktails!

First impressions are a lasting one. – @misssassystyle

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Saturday Workshops – Stylish dress or skirt. Show your personality and style; add cardigan/light blazer for layering.

Saturday Night Dinner / Out & About with New Blogger friends – Jeans and an easy, cute top.

You are so ready! Oh, don’t forget your FIVE must-haves since you are there for blogging business:

1. Camera

2. Laptop

3. Phone/Laptop Chargers

4. Business Cards

5. Note Pad (some of us still like to take quick notes the old fashioned way)

Make sure you pack these items for those summer #blogging conferences!

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So tell me, what are a few of your must haves to wear to a blog confrence? What do you have to take with you? Let me know!

Okay…go, go, go and have a FABULOUS time! I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Written by: Stania Romain of Miss-Sassy.com | Wardrobe stylist & style blogger in Washington, DC.

#WNJDrves | Road Trip Essentials + Traveling with the 2015 Kia Optima SX

June 9, 2015 by Whitney 17 Comments

Hubby and I are on the road at least 2 weekends a month. Oftentimes, we’re road tripping to Delaware to visit Darrius’ side of the family. That’s exactly where we were this weekend; we had a great time! Our niece graduated from high school Saturday, so of course we were front and center…cheering her on and showing our support. Without hesitation, we loaded up the 2015 Kia Optima SX, as well as our road trip essentials.

A reliable and safe care is the #1 must have when traveling on a road trip. This Remington Red Kia was just that! One of my favorite features was the rear-view camera. It’s extremely helpful when parking and backing out of a parking space. The power folding outside mirrors also came in handy while traveling. The mirrors alert you by blinking and making a faint beeping sound to let you know when it’s safe to make the move. This feature is one I’d like to see in all cars; it’s so necessary!

Must have road-trip essentials. #wnjdrives

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Another great feature is the Infinity sound system. Cruising with music while road tripping is a must, and the sound system in the 2015 Optima is on point! From my homemade mix CD’s to the radio to Sirus XM, hubby and I grooved the entire time. The sound pouring from the speakers is crisp and I was even able to listen to my iPhone playlists through the speakers.

2015 Kia Optima SX

Aside from a safe and reliable car and good music, here are my 5 must have road trip essentials:

1. Sunglasses. When traveling, especially during the summer months, sunnies need to be on deck. Sun viseres in the car can help, but wearing sunnies is better, and much more stylish.

2. Hand Sanitizer. Eating and snacking on the road is a must, so be sure to pack some hand sanatizer (or wet wipes) to keep those hands nice and clean. The mini ones are great to keep in your glove compartment!

3. Phone Charger(s). Separate phone chargers, yes please! There’s nothing worse than your phone dying while traveling. Pack at least 2 phone chargers, as well as an extra wall charger piece. If you have a portable charger, throw that in the bag too. Charging your phone, iPod and other electronic devices is a must. You can never be too prepared, so pack extras!

Road Trip Essentials - 2015 Kia Optima SX

Spacious Trunk Space!

Rear-view Camera

4. Cash and Coins. If you don’t have an EZ-Pass, you need change for the tolls. Carrying $1 bills, a few $5’s and $10’s is always a good idea. Also, carry a couple quarters and some other silver coins too. If you stop at a gas station for gas or snacks, it’s always better to pay with cash. Keep the transactions simple and quick!

5. Feminine Products. Every woman should have a few extra feminine care products to take on a road trip. You never know when you may need them, trust me!

So tell me, what are your road trip essentials? Have you ever driven a Kia? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *