THE MORNING AFTER KIT
How To Survive The Next Day And Look Good Doing It
Words By Nicole Rose Stillings | Illustration by Sandra Builes

 

So now that the holidays are finally over, it’s about that time of the year to kick back and relax. A simple, inverted relationship describes what this means for college students all over the world. Less work = more partying. But before going out for a hot night on the town, make sure you’ll be prepared for the next morning. This is more important than you might think because being fashionable is a fulltime occupation. Just because you looked good last night, doesn’t mean you look good twelve hours and a drunken sleep later. But if you take my advice and prepare in advance, you can minimize the unfashionableness of the morning after. 

There are 10 items you need to steer the morning after clear of a disaster. They’ll either make you look alive and fresh, or disguise who you are. Either way, your rep won’t get tarnished.

For the night of and the morning after, Advil is an obvious must. Forget that and you can forget going to class or work in the morning. A mini toothbrush, toothpaste and gum are right up there in importance. Have bad breath if you wish, but don’t plan on getting an invite back to that bed.

Don’t forget the eye drops. Depending on your actions the night before, they may be crucial to your appearance. Vaseline helps a lot with that too. It has two huge benefits: lip moisturizer and eye makeup remover. Who would ever want their dark circles to look worse than they actually are?
However, the worst problem of sleeping at a stranger’s is wearing your mini-skit and tank top or little lacey black dress home in the morning. If you roll up a Hanes tee or a beater and a pair of spandex, secure it with a rubber band and throw it in your bag, this horrifying problem becomes avoidable. If you have room for flip flops, throw them in too. Juicy, Havaianas or Reefs—it doesn’t really matter, but you’re heels simply won’t do. So here’s the tradeoff: you want to wear the bigger heels, and then you have to bring the bigger bag. 

On the topic of bigger things, super-sized sunglasses are a must. At least if you still look like a train wreck, there’s less of a chance that people will know who you are. Some of my favorites are Dior, Tom Ford and Chanel (in order from larger to smaller glasses sizes). 

Lastly, you’re probably wondering how all of this will fit in your bag. Well here’s the truth: if it doesn’t you need to go and get a new one because bags are simply bigger these days. The oversize bag is a must, and now it has a practical purpose also. It’s always easier spending more money on something when it’s multi-functional. Some labels to consider are Prada, with their oversized and super sexy messenger bags, and Marc Jacobs, with tons of handles and excessive gold hardware. 

So, I know Art Nouveau Magazine is addicting, but get off the computer and get your ass to your local fashion haven. Create that kit now and you’ll thank yourself (and me) tomorrow.