One Dress, Three Looks

The key to packing light is finding versatile pieces that can be worn in many different ways. We consider ourselves pros at this, so when Banana Republic asked JSG's Annie to style its new Olivia Silk Twist Strap dress, she was ready for the challenge:

For my first look, I wanted something casual and beach-y. This would be a great outfit to wander an outdoor market in. I'm wearing my favorite vintage cropped Gap jean jacket, Masino scarf, Naya sandals and Kate Spade bag.

I would wear this second look to dinner. I always like to have a jacket in case it's chilly inside. I get cold easily and I hate being cold! This look could also work for the office or a business meeting. I topped the Banana Republic dress off with a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg blazer and Coach high-heeled sandals.

When I'm ready to hit the town, I would lose the jacket and amp up the accessories. In addition to necklaces and bracelets, my new Kenneth Cole heels and favorite Juicy Couture sequin clutch, make the look.

The Banana Republic Olivia Silk Twist Strap dress is available at Banana Republic stores and online. 

Disclosure: Per FTC regulations, JSG has a relationship with Banana Republic.

Travel Tuesday Links

Need a vacation? Enter to win a trip to the Palazzo Las Vegas (Glamour)

East coasters and midwesterners take note: here's how to order an In-N-Out burger like a regular. (A Hamburger Today)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Budget Travel readers share their favorite photos of Ireland. (Budget Travel).

Thinking about opting out of a full body scan at the airport? Find out what happens next. (Wanderlust and Lipstick)

Foodies fare well in Sante Fe! (Boston Herald)

This is for all you droolers out there: Cailin tells us how to look attractive while sleeping on a plane. (Cailin Travels)

Tickets on sale today for the 2012 Olympics in London. Learn about the process. Hint: it's not on a first-come, first-serve basis... (CNN)

St. Patrick's Day Cocktails

Sure, you could order a Guinness on St. Patrick's Day, but why not celebrate with a creative cocktail? Here are a few to inspire you:

CUCUMBER MINT COCKTAIL

3 slices of cucumber
2 large sprigs of fresh mint
1 ½ oz. Moon Mountain Vodka
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
½ oz. agave nectar

To Make:
1. Add 3 slices of cucumber and 2 large sprigs of mint to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to release the flavors. Add 1½ oz. Moon Mountain Vodka, ¾ oz. fresh lime juice and ½ oz. agave nectar and ice to fill. Shake and strain over fresh ice into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and mint sprig.


THE GINGER

2 oz Irish Whiskey (Tullamore Dew)
¾ oz Spicy Ginger Beer
Freshly squeezed lime juice

To make:
Pour the whiskey and lime juice in an ice-filled highball glass, top with a spicy ginger beer and stir
gently to mix. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge and add a sprig of mint for garnish.


THE SPICY IRISHMAN

1 oz Russian Standard Vodka
1.5 oz Lucid Absinthe
¼ oz Siracha Hot Sauce
Killian’s Irish Red Beer

Mix the vodka, absinthe and hot sauce in a cocktail strainer. Pour into a beer glass. Top with beer.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (2 days early)!

Review: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

SkinCeuticals latest, Blemish + Age Defense, arrived just in time for my most recent breakout. Sadly I still get them even though I've passed my thirtieth birthday.  Blemish + Age Defense was designed specifically for those of you in my position, looking to control adult acne and prevent aging. The combination of dioic acid and alpha and beta hydroxy acids inhibits oil production, controls acne causing bacteria and fights surface lines and wrinkles.

I used it for the first time three nights ago. There was significant stinging with the first application (be weary if you have uber sensitive skin); but my skin is acclimated to it now. My skin feels smoother though there is some flaking on my forehead. Product directions recommend less frequency if you have discomfort or peeling, then slowly working up to a couple of times each day. My skin has cleared up in just a few days and I'm hoping it'll stay that way. In the meantime, I'm also watching the lines around my eyes. It took a lot longer than three days to make them so expecting results this quickly is too optimistic; but I'll let you know in a few weeks!

Learn more and order Blemish + Age Defense at www.skinceuticals.com.

This review was based on a press sample.

How to Help Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Victims

The news coming out of Japan keeps getting worse: the death toll is expected to top 10,000; 300,000 people are without homes; nuclear plants are at risk and entire towns have been washed away. The photo above shows people in line for fresh water in the playground of a school. If you have even $10 to spare, here are ways you can help:

• To donate $10 to The Red Cross, text REDCROSS to 90999.
• To donate $10 to the Salvation Army in Tokyo, text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888. Follow along with its relief efforts on Facebook and Twitter.  
• To donate $10 to Save the Children, JAPAN or TSUNAMI to 20222 to donate $10.
• To donate $10 to Convoy of Hope, text TSUNAMI to 50555.

Let us know if we missed any in the comments below.

Rafael Nadal for Emporio Armani

We always love to share a little man candy when it's worthwhile, and Rafael Nadal's abs have us hitting replay time after time on this video.The jeans aren't bad either.

Travel Survival Kit

Here's a little something that should be in everyone's carry on: the Ms. and Mrs. Minimergency Travel Kit. It has all those little things you're likely to need—and just as likely to forget to pack. It contains: Hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and adhesive bandages. Plus it all comes in an adorable metallic pouch.

The Mr. and Mrs. Minimergency Travel Kit is $12. Available on MsandMrs.com.