Girl Talk and the Countdown to ACL

Let's talk about it: Looking calm in a bar alone (without the help of an iPhone). We've all been there.
This scenario is quoted on the back of the ultimate girly coffee table book "Girl Talk: Unsolicited Advice for Modern Ladies." I chose "Girl Talk" by Christie Young as my second book from Blogging For Books. If you missed my first post, Blogging For Books is an opportunity for bloggers to read, review and spread the word about some of the newest books out on the market. With me not being a reader, I opt for the cookbooks and coffee table books.
I got Girl Talk in the mail last week and I think all four of my roommates and I have now read through it. It's the perfect book to leave on your coffee table and let people flip though. It has tips on growing up and moving out of your hometown, how to pick a roommate, how to pick a boyfriend, how to "look calm at a bar without the help of your iPhone," and everyday tips like eating healthy, having good etiquette, going to the doctor regularly and not waiting until your sheets are visibly dirty to wash them.

The pictures are illustrated in sketches and written in easy to understand girl terms. Christie Young is on point with every topic she covers. I cracked up over the section on how to throw a house party and accidentally stealing something from the farmers market (ya like every sample given out and usually going back for seconds). She also depicts every type of friend and family member you have, even down to your pet. This book is good, and gives exactly what the title says--unsolicited advice for the modern lady.

The one section I loved that came just in time was How To: Get Out of Town-Festival Edition. Girl Talk gives the following advice when it comes to music festivals...don't "touch them" or you will get kicked out, you will look a wreck by the end of the day if it is outside, don't forget your ticket, have a plan and a have a party sack full of necessities like sunscreen a phone charger, a snack, Advil, and water.

I conveniently leave for Austin City Limits music festival tomorrow and I can NOT wait. I now know not to "touch them," that I'll look ugly by the end of the day and I have my party sack packed and ready to go. Sam Smith, I repeat Sam Smith will be there, along with Iggy, Lana, The Avett Brothers, Paolo Nutini and The Head and the Heart just to name a few. I'm not a hipster music festival junkie, but it's going to be a great weekend in Austin with a ton of my friends, good food and great music. 

From boyfriends to parents, and music festivals to grocery shopping, Girl Talk gives you the real advice we all need to hear. I urge you to grab a copy of this book and/or read more about it in my B4B review!

Annie

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.



Packing Tips

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T-1 day until I'm officially on spring break! Instead of spending our break together all of my friends are splitting up this year. Inspired by some of my friends vacation destinations, I put together ideas for outfits and essentials for each location. 

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If you are going to the beach don't forget it can still get a little chilly this time of year. I love jean shirts worn as cover ups and maxi skirts to keep my legs warm at night. Also, this may seem obvious, but don't forget sunglasses. Trust me, no one needs to go through the traumatic experience of having your eyelids sunburned like I did on the Tucker Family Coasta Rica vay cay. 

Beach Vacation Packing List:
-chambray shirt
-swimsuits
-maxi skirt or dress
-sandals
-sunglasses

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If you are jumping the pond, make sure you have all your essentials. A jacket for those rainy London days, light layers and big scarf to wrap up in. 

London Packing List:
-trench coat
-leather boots
-big scarf
-stripe t-shirt
-skinny jeans

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New York is filled with tourists, but if you want to do it right it's all about blending in. Black, black and more black. I promise if you stick to this color scheme people will think you are an average New Yorker. As far as shoes go you want them to be comfortable for all the walking you will be doing, but that doesn't mean sporting Adidas running shoes. Like I said it's all about blending in. 

NYC Packing List:
-black
-comfy shoes
-leather jacket
-dressy tank tops
-cash for taxis

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The desert is hot. Make sure to pack things like shorts and wedges with long sleeve breezy tops. Anything light and airy is perfect for the dry desert heat!

Desert Packing List:
-silk shorts
-flowy tops
-light jacket or sweater for chilly nights
-spring wedges
-turquoise jewelry

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My turn! I'm traveling east to South Carolina with my family this spring break. I plan on sporting outfits like this maxi dress with either a jean jacket or jean vest and comfy flats for walking through the quaint streets of Charleston. This is a city I've wanted to visit for a long time so I'm excited to check it off my list! Please send recommendations if you have any! 

East Coast Packing List:
-pastel sweaters
-white jeans (yes I'm breaking them out before Easter)
-strappy sandals
-converse
-boyfriend jeans

One final packing tip before you head off for spring break (I learned this one from my idol LC). Wear a scarf on the plane. Not only does it make your traveling outfit a little more stylish, but it also doubles as a blanket on those drafty airplanes. Now it's time to pull out the suitcase and get packing! 

Annie