Samantha K Schmidt

I spent much of my adolescence crash trending (it's basically crash dieting for a fashionista). I grasped onto a trend I liked, bought everything that exhibited that style, and wore it to death for 6 months or so, then switched to something else. I went from skater to boho chic to preppy in just a few years. As I got older I realized that I had a love for ALL styles, and I wanted to be able to create them simply with a basic, but versatile wardrobe. My strategy was to begin collecting a lot of basic pieces that could be transformed with the right accessories. This technique keeps my closet from overflowing and keeps my wallet from emptying. Here are the basic pieces that every fashionista needs to pull off an easy and versatile wardrobe. Shirts : Pick well-fitted t-shirts in a variety of neutral colors. I like to stick to one style, but you can get a mixture of crew necks and v-necks as well. shirts by samantha-k89 featuring cotton t shirts Rag bone tall shirt , $...

I'm a minimalist at heart, but I love to have variety in my wardrobe when I travel. Part of any girl's wardrobe is having the right bag for every occasion. I have three bags that I take on every trip. These travel essentials can be placed one inside the other like Russian dolls to help you minimize what you have to carry. These must-haves will give you variety without the bulk. 1. Wristlet This wristlet by Fossil is perfect for your essentials. Use this for your ID, passport, some cash, and lip gloss (that's an essential right?).

I never thought I'd be caught dead wearing a fanny pack, but this year the hip hugging accessory has made its way into my heart and my wardrobe. Here are a few packs you won't mind on your fanny. Splurge: Rebecca Minkoff Affiar Fanny Bag - $195 Elizabeth and James Cynnie Lambskin Belt Bag - $245 Joyrich Editorial Map Bum Bag - $155 Steal: Juicy Couture Double Pouch Fanny Pack - $59 (at Kohls ) Avenue Dee Triangle Print Fanny Pack - $34 Apt. 9 Quilted Fanny Pack - $19.99

Traveling can be a nuisance for a lot of people. Flying can mean measuring, weighing, and checking luggage. And even then there's a chance everything could be lost. When I travel I try to keep everything with me to minimize tragedy. For my upcoming trip to California I have managed to pack everything I need into one backpack that will fit snugly under my seat. Here are few tips you can use to help you downsize. Compromise: Downsizing means giving up unnecessary accessories. I've minimized my accessories down to one scarf and my every day jewelry. I'm also taking a small wallet in lieu of a purse. Minimize:  Here's where some people may have trouble. For a 3 day vacation (1 of which is travel) I am only taking 2 pairs of pants. There is no reason you can't wear a pair of pants twice unless you experience severe perspiration. And even if you do, Febreeze is your friend. Spray your pants at night, hang them up, and they are ready for the next day.  Compart...