Of the things that inspire me the most, exploration tops the list. 

Travel doesn't always mean booking a flight to a distant destination. From time to time I'll explore unfamiliar parts of familiar places when the travel bug hits me hardest. In this case that meant adventuring around my home state of New Jersey over the Easter weekend.

I am a New Yorker born and raised in Jersey, though many will say the latter falls a far second to its bustling neighbor. I believe that there is always something new to discover, even in the places we call home. I've written more about my local wanderings for mobile lifestyle magazine REVUU -- be sure to check it out for my completed thoughts.

Spring is one of the most exciting seasons when it comes to personal style. It means stripping off those heavy coats for the first time each year and bringing some life back into our wardrobes. As we move closer towards the peak of the season, I'm partnering with Banana Republic to share how I'm styling their spring collection for both day and night. 

To celebrate the start of our post-grad careers, my friend and I took a road trip last weekend to the stunning coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island. Despite it being the off-season, we were able to enjoy many of Newport's gems with a sense of tranquility that fades once summer comes. For anyone looking for the quintessential seaside weekend trip, this town has it all. 

I am not the kind of person who enjoys sitting around. That means when the temperature hits eighty degrees in March, I'm ready to hop on a bus to Jersey for a quick drive to the shore. 

Last week we were blessed with a dose of summertime weather, and with work yet to start until next week, I am taking every spontaneous opportunity I can until then. Despite the less than brief time we had before sunset, my sister and I made the best of this randomly beautiful day. It is days like these spent simply in great conversation and carefree wandering that bring some ease into everyday life. Because of this I dressed with breezy springtime vibes in mind -- a loose off-shoulder top, flowing trousers, and a bit of Lydell sparkle to bring it all together.

{You must try their pizza if you ever make the trip!}

By early March, my winter outfits become pretty repetitive. My camel outerwear is worn on repeat, and my black jeans start fading to blue. A girl can only afford so much cold weather clothing (spring, I'm ready for you).

I recently purchased this bolo necklace for about four dollars to spruce up the basics that permeate my closet. I am not one to try out many new trends, but if I can join in for such a wallet-friendly price, sign me up. As I've said before, I'm all about adding some personality to even the simplest the looks. Which new accessory should I try next? 

Fun fact: I almost never wear glasses in public, even for a quick grocery run. I have owned about four pairs of glasses in my life and not once has a pair made me feel confident enough for public use. With the upcoming start of a new job, however, I had been hoping to find a pair I love to give my contacts a break on those nine-hour days in front of the computer.

Leave it to a Brooklyn-born eyewear brand to finally blend craftsmanship with a contemporary vibe to create classic specs that I will actually wear.

Oh, Edinburgh. The best way I can describe this stop on our UK tour is both captivating and challenging. Despite the unpredictable weather that hits this beloved city, it is nonetheless spectacular at every corner. Throughout our travels within the United Kingdom, we met several people who claimed that Edinburgh is the nation's most beautiful city. Between the medieval architecture and stunning landscapes, I can see why.

Today I am sharing seven things to do in Edinburgh (although there are many more) for those of you who may stop by one day -- and I strongly urge that you do. Enjoy!

The winter-to-spring transition always seems to bring more than just wardrobe changes. Around this time last year I was packing my bags for a semester abroad. Flash foward one year later, and I am a graduated student preparing for a full-time career. 

There is something about the arrival of spring that signals a sense of starting new. People talk of spring cleaning and spring refresh as if it's time to make resolutions all over again. I believe that this continuous reminder of transition is imperative. We should constantly be transitioning and working towards something that excites us. Life is no fun when it is at a stand still. How will you make your next transition the best one yet?