Hi! One thing that you must know about me is that I love, love, love to travel, even though I don’t get to do it nearly often enough.  I love seeing new towns and learning about the history and the people of all these places I get to visit, whether it’s right here in the States or across the planet.  So, as I get ready to head on my next trip, I thought I’d take the next few weeks to share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up through the years that make my travel easier and more fun.  But I have one big rule: pack light, never more than I can handle myself, which is usually one carry-on and one suitcase. That being said, there are a few things that most people don’t think to bring that I find absolutely necessary.  Enjoy!
Part 1: Where I Get All OCD

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Come Fly With Me ~ Part 2:
You Look Mahvelous
Clothes, Accessories, and More

Ah, packing.  This is my least favorite part of going on a trip.  What do I take?  Will it be enough? Will it be too much?  Will it be what I need? It’s so hard for me to know.  Here’s how I do it:

Clothes and Accessories

• Clothes: Sigh…I’m struggling with this one this year.  I’m at that weird stage in my pregnancy where my regular clothes look strange, and maternity clothes are too big, and if I go up one size in regular clothes, I’ll just look frumpy.  Clothes are going to be a game-day decision this time around. But, as far as packing strategy goes, I usually plan for a day outfit and night outfit for each day, planning on re-wearing some items, and then pack an extra outfit or two.  A cardigan or two (or a jacket, depending on where I’m going) round out my wardrobe. And always pack extra undies.
• Big Sunglasses: Big sunglasses make you look glamorous & stylish, protect your eyes from the sun, keep you from squinting (thus preventing crow’s feet).  But, the best part by far, and the biggest reason for having some with you at all times is that they are great for people watching because you can stare to your heart’s content and they’ll never know.  I never leave home without some big sunglasses. Also, they can double as a headband to keep your hair off your face.
• Neutral shoes: I used to pack either brown or black shoes and plan my wardrobe around that.  This year, I’m trying something new.  I’m going neutral, which I think will open up my wardrobe possibilities.  I got these champagne flip flops and wedges that can go with a lot more clothes.  I love how the subtle metallic of the champagne color adds just a little bit of bling. Also, while we’re talking about shoes – I go for the ‘comfort’ brands of sandals (my favorite are b.o.c.) – these brands have come a long way in cuteness. I mean, five-inch wedges that I can comfortably wear all day?  Yes, please!
• Jewelry: I leave most bling at home. It’s just more stuff to worry about. I go simple: a pair of earrings for day, one for night, and my wedding rings and right-hand ring (which I never take off).  I might bring a necklace.

Makeup and Toiletries

• Makeup: I don’t wear much makeup on a day-to-day basis, but I do when I’m on vacation, simply because we take so many pictures and I want to at least try to look cute in them.  I don’t go overboard, though.  I take the basic day-makeup stuff and then a couple of items to dress up for evening (like a dressier eye shadow and an extra lip gloss or two, and a makeup primer if I have the space).
• Pedi Kit: Your toes take a beating walking around all day.  I take a little pedi kit  so I can  give myself a quick pedi once or twice during the trip.  We usually have a night where we recharge and stay in, and this is a nice little relaxing thing to do on that night in.  You can always book a quick trip to a local spa for a good pedi, but I’d rather spend my time and cash on things that I can’t do back home.
• Sunblock, Sunblock, Sunblock: Protect yourself.  It’s good for your skin in the long run, and that burnt-to-a-crisp-tourist look just doesn’t cut it. My moisturizer has sunblock in it, and I touch up throughout the day with this.

How do you look marvelous when living out of a suitcase?