Happy Saturday, guys!

It's finally bright and sunny here, I almost can't believe it. Do you guys have any fun weekend plans? Share them down below! Today, I'm showing you my go-to airport outfit and my absolute essentials. My top priority is comfort but I also want to make sure I don't look too sloppy, in case I need to go anywhere right after the flight.

I've traveled a lot in my lifetime and I've learned that the most important things you can bring are things that will keep you hydrated. If you're on a long haul flight, remember to drink lots of water and don't be afraid to slap on a face mask! The air can be so drying and by the end, you feel like a dried up tomato. A face mask or any kind of hydrating lotion will help freshen up your face.

My trick to looking a little more awake without wearing a lot of makeup is to bring a bright lipstick. Works every time!


1. Ribbed Side Slit Cardigan from Loft (click here)

2. Modern Tie-Up Tee from Madewell (click here)

3. Body Shaping Leggings from Zara (click here)

4. Nike Juvenate sneakers in Bright Melon (click here)

5. Pull&Bear Mini Backpack from Asos (click here)
Layering is so crucial. Often, I find myself either really warm or really cold in the airport and on the plane so wearing multiple layers allows me to control how hot or cold I get. Plus, you get the added bonus of looking like you didn't roll out of bed and actually tried to appear decent.

My favorite outfit consists of a T-shirt, cozy cardigan, and leggings. I know. A lot of people have a love-hate relationship with leggings. I think they're fantastic. It stretches with you and keeps you warm. Wearing a longer cardigan to cover the crotch and the buttocks also makes the outfit a little classier. You can choose to wear a fun T-shirt with graphics or patterns or opt for this Madewell one with the tie in the front.

The little details matter! Notice the leggings have zippers on the front. The texture of the cardigan. Even the bag that you bring can add a little something extra. The one that I included is a leather-like backpack with a pink pom (also bc I'm obsessed with poms).

Finally, since everything is in a neutral color, it never hurts to wear a brightly colored pair of sneakers. Comfortable for walking but very stylish.

EXTRAS
1. Carmex (click here)

2. e.l.f. Shine Eraser (click here)

3. Laneige Water Mask (click here)

4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blushing Nude (click here)

5. Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion (click here)

Welcome to my last and final post about Seoul!

Transportation was probably one of the easiest aspects about traveling in Seoul because the subway system is fairly organized and almost always on time!

My biggest tip to you is to download the Kakao metro app. IT IS THE BEST. I'm not exaggerating. It tells you exactly what stop to get off at, which train you need to take, where to transfer, and even which carts to get on. Even if you don't use it for that, the app also has the subway map right on the main page, which you can refer to at any time.

Many places are within walking distance even though they seem far on the subway map. If you can, I recommend walking. It's a great way to get exercise and save a little on train fare. My mom and I walked from Insadong to Jonggak near the Cheonggyecheon Stream and then all the way back to Myeongdong. We were able to explore more areas than if we had taken the train!

BUY A TRAIN CARD. Seriously. You'll be able to avoid buying single tickets every time you need a ride. You can keep the card as a souvenir at the end of your trip or return it at the machine for a deposit.


Here are some general tips that might make your life easier while you're in Seoul:

* Weekends are a nightmare. If you like being surrounded by a buttload of people, then this might not be as big of a problem. However, I'm a homebug. Personal space is necessary. But you won't get it here, especially on the weekends. People have no awareness for personal space. You'll get pushed around in the subway and on the streets. No one really apologizes for it; don't take offense!

* Public trash cans don't seem to be a thing here. This becomes very evident when you've purchased ice cream or other portable foods and find that you can't dispose of it when you're done. Carry an extra plastic bag just in case. Some places have trash cans where there are food stalls and food stall owners will typically take your trash for you when you're done eating the street food. I've stopped by convenience stores before to throw stuff away so that's also another option.

* If you are exchanging money, it's better to do it in the city than at the airport. Myeongdong has a ton of money exchange stalls so keep your eye out for the ones with the best rate.

* Depending where you are staying in Seoul, a taxi can be very convenient. Yes, it's pricier than taking the airport limousine or even the train. But if you have luggages to carry around and you've just gotten off a long flight, a taxi can be much more comfortable. We took the international taxi so they spoke English, which was great. It was a flat rate based on region. You can split the cost with others so it's not TOO expensive. Plus, there's less stress from not having to lug your suitcases on the subway.

* Find a hotel or Airbnb near a supermarket if possible, if you plan on cooking or just want better food selections. I loved being near Emart during my first visit and was devastated on having to rely on convenience stores in my second trip. Food is less expensive at supermarkets compared to convenience stores. If you do end up going to a supermarket nearby, remember to use a 100 won coin to access the shopping carts. Don't worry; you'll get it back when you return the cart.

* Beware of scooters!!! I can't tell you how many times I almost died because they snuck up behind me in alleys.

* Don't forget that many businesses operate above the first floor. You might miss out on something great if you only keep your eyes straight ahead.

* Need to pee? Most subway stations have restrooms. It's just plain awesome.


I hope you enjoyed this mini series of posts. Let me know if you plan on visiting Seoul and where you end up going!

Not everyone likes shopping but if you're traveling to a different country, it can be worthwhile to pick up a few souvenirs! Similar to food, shopping ranges from cheap to high end. If you are looking to purchase a lot of souvenirs or clothing, I would try the underground malls connected to the subway stations. My favorites were the Goto or Gangnam and Myeongdong underground shopping centers. There are others as well like in Dongdaemun and Jonggak. Goto is the biggest one that I visited and definitely the most crowded. I would stop by on the weekdays if possible.


Thinking about a pricier purchase? You can try haggling in some of the shops in the underground malls. Most prices are set but if the item is above $70, it's worth it to try and get them to lower it a bit.

To get to Goto mall, take the subway to the EXPRESS BUS TERMINAL STATION, EXIT 8. Bonus! This is also connected to Famille Station. It's like this fancier area with a variety of international food options. The Banpo Bridge is also nearby if you are interested in seeing the rainbow lights show at night. Within the Goto mall are food courts on either end so feel free to grab a bite while you're browsing.


If a traditional mall seems more appealing, the biggest ones are COEX and Lotte World. COEX is nice since it's attached to the aquarium, so you can kill two birds with one stone. Both have extensive food options as well. COEX is also connected to Parnas Mall, with a lot of higher end brands. I liked that COEX had a mix of expensive and more affordable brands. The aquarium was fun as well, though definitely very pricey. If you are in the area, the Bongeunsa Temple is also nearby so be sure to check that out! To get to the mall, go to SAMSEONG STATION.


Lotte World Mall is divided into two areas so be wary when you first enter the building from the station. When we entered, we thought the mall only had designer brands. After viewing the directory, we realized there's a bridge to another side (also where the food is). I believe it's on the fifth floor but once you cross the bridge, the other building will have more affordable clothing options as well as several restaurants. There's a bubble tea shop right past the bridge, which I recommend! To get here, go to JAMSIL STATION.


As I mentioned in my other posts, university areas also have a lot of shopping. My favorites were Ewha and Hongik.


Here are some other tips you will need to know:

* Some places will charge you extra for a plastic bag. It is worthwhile to carry an extra tote bag if you plan on buying a lot. Same goes for supermarkets!

* If you're buying something cheap, chances are, the quality won't be that great either. However! I have found quite a lot of good sweatshirts for under $10 USD so it's not applicable to everything. Just try not to have high expectations.

* Many shops, particularly the ones on the street or in the underground malls, do not sell clothes with sizes. They are 'free' size. One size fits all. I have also seen this in several clothing stores in traditional malls. I mainly eye-balled and hoped that it would fit (though some places do have fitting rooms).

* Sometimes they will sell you the item on display. I always try asking to see if they have a new one in stock and more often than not, they'll check for you!

* Sales people can be VERY aggressive here. Do not let that deter you from making your own decisions and do not be afraid to say no if you really do not want to buy something. I've had quite the few ladies being pushy as soon as I touch something on the rack. Not all of them are like that but it's something to be aware of.


....And that's a wrap! My next and final post will be general tips that helped me during my trip!

Hi everyone! I'm back this week with another tips post to help you shop smarter in 2016. Just a tiny disclaimer: I'm not saying that these are rules you absolutely must follow. They're meant to guide you and inspire you to shop in a more thoughtful way. By taking the time to assess your purchases, you can buy pieces that you'll actually get a lot of wear out of and use the money saved to indulge in other things like vacations or charity funds or bills. This doesn't apply only to clothing but anything that you can spend money on that isn't really a necessity.

~~~

Are you buying the item because it's on sale or are you buying it because you actually like it?
You'd be surprised how many people shop for products based on price rather than personal preference. Often times, it becomes a situation of convincing yourself that you'll wear the $10 jeans at least once. It must be worth the $10. Wrong! If you don't truly love the piece, you'll never reach for it in your closet. It becomes wasted space and money.

If it's a clothing item or shoes, did you try it on at the store first?
I hate bringing home clothes that end up not fitting. Not only that, it's hard to envision how it will look on your particular body without trying it on. Sometimes I realize that even though it fits, the material doesn't feel right or the cut isn't flattering. If you have the time, please try it on!

Does it fit?
Again, it's important that you aren't buying something because it's trendy or cheap, especially if the piece doesn't even fit properly. I've experienced this with jeans where it might be a little baggy around the waist but I convince myself to buy them, thinking I'll wear a belt with it. I never do. I never touch them because I have other jeans that fit way better. Same with shoes. I've bought boots that look really cute but hurt my feet so I end up not gravitating toward them as much.

How much wear will you get out of it?
This is a hard question to answer, no doubt. When you're out shopping, it can be challenging to imagine how an item can coordinate with other pieces in your wardrobe. Instead, my tip would be to think about how it fits into your overall style. Do you wear pieces like this often? If you're trying something new, ask yourself if it styles well with basic items that you most likely do have, such as black jeans, white t-shirts, chambray button ups. That way, even if the item you want to buy is outside of your usual style, you'll know you can get wear out of it if it works with pieces you definitely know that you own.


You don't have to cut yourself off completely but set a monetary goal in mind when you go shopping and try not to spend over a certain amount. If you come across something that you absolutely can't live without but it happens to go over the limit, don't feel like it's the end of the world. Buy it if it means a lot to you to have it. The monetary goal is to help curb any impulse purchases and also to help you keep track of how much you actually spend during these shopping trips.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to literally use only cash to pay, and to bring the maximum amount I'd allow myself for that shopping trip. That way, I'm forced to shop more thoughtfully and to consider what purchases are worth my money.


Have you ever bought a shirt or a pair of shoes or even a necklace and realized when you got home that you own something very similar (or even the same item!)?
I can't even tell you how many striped shirts I have. That being said, it helps to familiarize yourself with what you own. What pieces do you have the most of? Maybe try not to buy anymore of the similar style (unless you really wear all of them often). That also means knowing what you don't own. You may have a ton of black dresses but you don't own any that are formal. Or you may fill your closet with brown ankle boots. The next time you go shopping, it could be worthwhile to look into brown ankle boots with different textures, shapes, heel heights, etc. Or you could buy different colored ankle boots instead. Knowing what you have and don't have can help you make wiser decisions about what to buy and what to add to your collection.


You can have a separate account set aside for fashion items as long as it doesn't interfere with other fiscal obligations, such as bills, loan payments, etc. Even $20 per paycheck can add up and you won't feel as guilty about spending it because you have already set that money aside specifically for shopping purposes.


If you don't already have an idea of how much you spend per trip, you can jot it down in a journal or notebook. You can also make an Excel sheet, whatever works for you! See how much money you're using for fashion purchases per month and it will be a lot easier to know where you want to cut back or even how much you want to cut back. The great thing about this is that you can be as detailed or as vague as you want. If it's too difficult to list each and every purchase, you can start by documenting the total amount per trip. Being aware is the first step to shopping in a more meaningful way.


Shopping online can be dangerous because it's very easy to add items to your cart. It eliminates the process of feeling the item and there are often a lot more choices online. My tip would be to add whatever you want to the cart, take a break, and then revisit to see if you've changed your mind about anything.

It's almost like writing an essay. The first time you write the entire thing, it can sound very good and you may not notice any grammar errors or whatnot. The second time you read it, you start to notice sentences that can be moved around or an odd wording that could be edited. Revisiting something with a clearer mindset can help you see better. So while you're in the shopping mood, add items to your cart that you want to buy. Come back in a few hours and reconfirm that you truly want to buy those items. You'll save yourself from having to return a bunch of products!



What are some shopping tips that you have for saving money or just for preventing your closet from overflowing? I'd love to hear your thoughts so leave them down below!


Bye for now,
Jenn

Happy 2016, everyone! I don't want to sound cliche but 2015 really did fly by. I almost can't believe that we've made it to the new year already. This year, I'd like to continue improving myself as well as asmallbit. Resolutions aren't really my thing because I find it more effective to accomplish smaller tasks. It can be overwhelming if you start off with major goals, especially if you don't know how to get from A to B. Similarly, when I want to freshen up my space, I like to take it step by step.

Here are some tips that I've found helpful if you're like me and you've accumulated a lot of items in your wardrobe over time but aren't sure how to fully utilize those pieces.











Do you have any tips on how to freshen up your wardrobe? Share them down below :)


Bye for now,
Jenn

I know I have been hesitant about creating social media pages for this blog because I'm worried I'll fall off the bandwagon at some point. However...I've decided to make a Twitter account since it's easy to update you guys on posts and it's a much more interactive platform.

So show a girl some love and come follow me on Twitter @asmallbit :)



If you're interested, take a peek at the sidebar and follow me on Bloglovin' and Polyvore for more fashion tips!