

7 Staples I Packed For A Two-Week Vacation In Europe
Every year the lure of a European summer draws me in with temptations of an Aperol spritz on the shores of the swankiest of beaches or sipping poolside on the rooftop of a trendy boutique hotel. This year, I decided to book a two-week vacation galavanting around Europe from London to Paris, with a few stops in Spain.
Jet setting from city to city may sound like the picture-perfect holiday in theory. However, it took more time to lock down my outfits than it did to plan my day-to-day itinerary. With such a long trip, dragging multiple suitcases around Europe was completely opposite of the romantic fantasy I envisioned for myself.
My goal? To blend in with the European aesthetic while also standing out in my own unique way. With perfectly warm temperatures along with stunning historical architecture, it was the perfect opportunity to shop for new clothes to fit my new surroundings. From neutral tones, lightweight trousers, bikinis, and chic accessories, these were items I could easily fit into a checked bag while also rotating between looks without a complete outfit repeat.
Whether packing for an upcoming trip or adding to your 2024 mood board, I’m here to ease your stress with a quick guide and outfit inspiration to living a stylish life while on your next European vacation.
What To Wear: 72 Hours in Paris
A Classic Blazer
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
There’s an effortlessly casual nature about The City of Light with chic undertones that I instantly wanted to be a part of. On day one, I went with a pinstripe blazer paired with wide-leg distressed denim jeans and casual sneakers for a day of sightseeing. Perfect from day to night, a dark oversized blazer is a great choice for a variety of looks.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The Denim Maxi Skirt
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
I couldn't travel to Europe without a few of my favorite denim pieces. Pairing a maxi denim skirt with a matching one-shoulder denim top gave the appearance of a denim dress ultimately, which allowed me to break up each piece to wear on two other occasions throughout my trip.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
A Necktie
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Incorporating menswear can be a cool addition to a women's look. Recently black neckties have taken on a unisex appeal within the spring/summer streetwear scene, and I couldn't wait to wear one of my own. In true Parisian fashion, I kept my tones neutral for a sleek look with a pop of gold metallic.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What To Wear: Views From Mallorca
Linen Trousers
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
There’s only one requirement when traveling to a warm European destination: lightweight fabrics. A fun play on textures and patterns, I paired a men’s cream and black knit top worn as a cover-up early in the day, ultimately transitioning my look with a pair of trousers for an evening walk around the city. Linen pants are my favorite this time of year because of their versatility and feel.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Crochet Knits
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Spain was the perfect destination to invest in summer trends saved to my Pinterest boards, such as crochet knits. As mentioned above, lightweight, breathable fabrics are great options to stay cool while lounging or touring a city. This yellow and orange ombre bikini crochet cover-up was the perfect coverage by the pool, revealing a conservative amount of skin.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Cargos
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The cargo look has dominated fashion trends for a couple of years, and now its influence has spread to incorporate more than just oversized pants. This cargo halter neck open-front top was an exciting addition to my vacation-ready looks, I couldn’t wait to wear it. Keeping it light and neutral, I paired it with tan cargo pants along with light green sunglasses for a subtle pop of color.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Ruffle Dress
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
This maxi ruffle dress was perfect for dinner with a view. Fit for a fairytale, the romantic style was a must-have for a stunning nighttime look. Traveling through Europe with mostly neutral, there was no better time than this flowing fuschia moment.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Is Once Ever Enough To See Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour?"
Many have wondered if one time is ever enough to see Queen Bey. Some argue yes. However, many of us on the opposite end of the spectrum, including myself, would disagree. Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour" is a universal yet varying experience for everyone who attends. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, the concert is "transcendent." For millennials, we have over two decades of her catalog that has served as the soundtrack for many of our lives and painted a personal portrait of our most coveted thoughts. Her music provides mental clarity and self-expression by serving as a universal language that has united fans from all walks of life through community, fashion, self-acceptance, and healing.
With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood