Sunday, May 1, 2011

Bon voyage!

Exams... check! Papers...check! Packing...check!

Summer has begun (well, almost for some) and many GW students are off to travel. Some are just traveling home, while others are exploring the world.

"I'm going on a Eurotrip to visit my friends that are abroad," junior Deirdre Grass said. "I've never been and I can't wait!"

Between remembering paperwork and passports, and shoving clothes into a 50 pound suitcase, traveling can be very stressful. The long hours of waiting and sitting on planes, trains and automobiles can make some of us want to wear our pajamas to the airport. However, there's some other options to look stylish AND be comfortable while awaiting your dream destination.

"I always wear jeggings at the airport," stylish traveler Grass said. "They are always in style and work no matter what season it is."




J.Brand makes a great pair, or you could even get some from Nordstrom.

For the top, a slouchy sweater is perfect for airport comfort.




"Airplanes can get pretty chilly, so I like to have something with sleeves," Grass said. "Slouchy sweaters are perfect because they breathe and look put together."

You can find these almost anywhere, but stores like J.Crew, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters have them in stock year round.

To round off the bottom, choose a shoe that is easy to slip on and off for those pesky security checks.

"I always wear flats at the airport because they are comfortable and cute," Grass said.



Last, but not least, you need to carry a bag that can fit EVERYTHING - and I mean everything. Laptop, wallet, plane snacks, the works!






Hobo bags, like the one above, are the best for traveling because they can expand to fit your load, while avoiding looking bulky. Aldo and Target have some affordable options.

And don't forget cute travel accessories like these!



Lilly Pulitzer Luggage Tag




Kate Spade Passport Holder



Moleskin Travel Journals


Bon voyage!

Buff and Blue

Here's some spirited buff and blue looks.. You can be fashionable AND school spirited!

J crew cardigan
$62 - jcrew.com

Theory cotton short
$206 - my-wardrobe.com

Jon Richard pearl jewelry
12 GBP - debenhams.com



Bustier dress
70 GBP - warehouse.co.uk

Isharya blue necklace
$188 - charmandchain.com


H M top
4.99 GBP - hm.com

J Brand cropped jeans
205 GBP - net-a-porter.com

Reed Krakoff flat shoes
$395 - net-a-porter.com

A V Max gold plated bracelet
$60 - lespommettes.com

Kirsty Kirkpatrick stud earring
10 GBP - hannahzakari.co.uk

Would you like a bag with that?

Because it now costs five cents per bag in D.C. food stores, it's important for GW students to have a carry-all that does exactly that: carries all. But the issue always comes down to the big debate: backpack or tote?

"I think a backpack is way more practical," junior Caroline Buck said. "I can fit everything in it without killing my shoulders."

Caroline wears a simple Jansport every day to class.




"It's the same one I've had since high school and it still has held up!" she said.

Her friend Holly Johannson, on the other hand, is on Team Tote.

"I think totes are just much more stylish," she said. "They look less utilitarian and student-y."

Holly sports the ever-popular Longchamp bags, seen around GW in every color of the rainbow.





While it seems like there will never be a winner in the totes versus backpacks debate, here's my top three choices for each candidate!

Team Backpack










Le Sportsac Mini Backpack





Urban Outfitters Backpack





American Apparel Backpack


Team Tote










J. Crew Tote




American Eagle Tote



Vineyard Vines Tote