Travel Essentials for Organized and Easy Packing

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Knowing what and where I packed my things from shoes, to tops, and bottoms is essential to keeping organized once I unpack at my destination. One of my biggest passions is traveling and I’ve loved the opportunities I’ve had to do so, whether it’s for work or personal trips. I used to get so overwhelmed with packing, procrastinate, and then end up over packing or forgetting the essentials I need.

When I used to nanny I was always impressed with how organized the mama was with keeping all of the children’s items organized in their suitcases by color coded zip storage pouches. This also made things easier for me when packing up! Though those days have ended I still swear by the zip around pouches and have used them for years to keep my garments sorted, making everything easy to find. They’ve become more popular now and usually come in a pack and in various sizes.  

After some trial and error with what to bring or leave behind I feel like I finally have a handle on my packing lists and if you’re traveling this summer I hope these tips can help you too! There’s nothing worse then arriving to your vacation spot and realizing you forgot something you need, then as you dig to locate it everything gets all mixed up into what looks like a dirty laundry pile! Sounds like a night mare right? So I started to make little investments over time for various items that I keep stored away in my suitcase for when I’m ready to pack up.

Something new I’m trying is this purse organizer because I always use a larger tote when traveling and it keeps me from having to dig to the bottom of my bag for lost lip glosses ! I love the use of see through pouches for my electronics/charging cords, headphones, mints, and pens. I’ve also used a similar one for my makeup that I don’t check with luggage. This option from amazon is great and keeps everything safe whether in a suitcase or carry on. I keep a smaller pouch with me for in flight items (tissues, hand sanitizer, mints, sleep mask, lotion, chapstick, eye drops)  


Luggage

I have honestly gone through so much luggage in the travels I’ve had and many time the airlines don’t always handle your prized pieces as carefully as you make hope for. I do think investing in a feather weight suitcase is a great idea because why have extra weight before you even begin packing?! My favorite brand is always Delsy Luggage bu I do love the Calpak version and my tried and true Diane von Furstenberg that’s sadly discontinued! I love my hardshell suitcases lately because they’ve really held up and don’t snag. I’ve been fortunate to just have some scrapes happen or wheels needing replacing, but fortunately most are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. Always check for that shelling out cash on sometime pricey!

Don’t forget about luggage tags for your carry on and checked bags. I love the leather or silicon ones because they last much longer.


Carry On

Whenever possible I try to get my carry on items into a larger tote. I love how this one can be personalized too with so many prints & monogrammed. When traveling I pack and organize my totes particular to what I’ll need with me. Things like my ipad, headphones, charging cords, makeup, snacks, or books. I use this bag for an overhead carry on, it’s great quality and doubles as a beach bag and gym bag. I have used it over and over and the bottom of the bag is finished well so I couldn’t recommend more at this price point!

Be sure to check out the widget below to see some of the pouches and other items I pack into my carry on to stay organized.






Travel Outfit

As much as I like to look put together and feel my best when I look my best I do tend to lean toward comfort and ease when traveling. My ankles usually swell on flights so I try to avoid tight clothing. I always end up cold on airplanes or want to sleep so I often bring a shawl or scarf that could double as a cover up or beach blanket for warmer trips, or scarves for cooler trips. This is of the easiest way to pack smart and functional.

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What are your travel essentials for your bucket list destinations? I’d love to hear what you use or anything I should try for my next escape in my comments section!


Leopard Coat Look

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It’s hard to believe that it is March & it’s still so cold in New York! We even had a snow day this past week, so I got an extra day to catchup on a lot of my to do lists. Though I’m still in such a rut and so ready for spring. I’ve been on pinterest and getting some warmer weather inspiration. Anything from home decor, home styling, to outfits and healthy smoothies. In the meantime, it’s still coats and layers when I head outside. Anyone who knows me, I’m always cold and I prefer it to be about 74 indoors!

During this in between season I’ve been trying to dress up even casual looks any way I can. I actually swiped this leopard coat from my mom when I was back home visiting last month. This coat is the perfect touch to dress up any outfit and since I’m usually wear darker clothing most of winter or neutrals it goes with a lot.

I also found a ton of warm winter coats on sale for end of the season so sharing those in this post as well. I usually keep a waterfall coat in my closet, a formal one with fur, my winter puffer coat, leather jacket, and trench coat. Each one brings something different to whatever outfit I’m wearing. Living in New York which has more than half the year sadly spent in coats I tend to find pieces I love and don’t mind wearing over and over. I’ve also been pairing these Steve Madden boots with so many outfits! I love the higher tight ankle so they work with leggings and for a taller heel they’re surprisingly comfortable and super easy to walk in. They’ve been going on sale and always sell out fairly quick. They come in a variety of colors. I also weather proofed them since they’re suede. I’ve been tempted to order them in another color like the grey or rust suede and save them for next fall. They go with skirts and dresses well too!

Scroll down to see my top 6 coats I believe every gal needs in her closet. Many of which are on sale for end of season so thought it’d be a perfect time to share as you start eyeing things for spring.

Wishing you all a happy week and brighter evenings now that daylights savings is in full swing!

Leather Jacket

This faux leather jacket in on major sale and so is this style. I love my butter soft Michael Kors one, I’ve had it for years and it’s edgy enough and works over dresses, t shirts, or paired with a tight tissue turtle neck at the moment. It’s definitely worth finding a style you love and will have for years if you take good care of it.

Suede Moto Jacket

I’ve been more into my suede coat and wore it a ton this fall and throughout winter. I opted for a deep olive color since so many of my others are in neutrals. It’s also currently 40% off and comes in a variety of shades. Also love this drape front style for spring!

Waterfall Coat

I absolutely love this coat’s color because it could easily transition into spring. With being 5’10” I usually go for longer coats. This version is at a good price point and works for fall into winter.

Wrap Coat with Fur

This coat is one of the higher end pieces I keep in my closet and it’s perfect for nights out in the city where I get a little more dressed up. I’m sharing this faux fur version because I like the color of the coat. I went for a dark charcoal since I wear mostly black shoes.

Puffer Coat

This one is a bit more of a splurge even on sale, but I have had my winter coat that’s a bit similar for over 4 years now and I have even had it repaired a few times because I just can’t give it up. It’s that good! I love a longer coat to keep me warm all winter, long enough to my knees.

Fur Wrap Coat

I usually wear a wrap coat when we go out to a special occasion. The fur is super soft and warm and the length is just right for colder weather. Then I found this color block option and woah, so adorable and different! The length is perfect and it’s more than 50% off!

Trench Coat

There’s so many great options for spring and I have two different versions, both of which are neutral and traditional. One is a little more heavy and the other is something to throw on in cooler spring mornings. This Something Navy one is light and feminine.

Softest Eyelash Cardigan

This eyelash long cardigan sweater is thick, warm, and so so soft ! I couldn't resist the contrast of the black and white with the plush texture. The best part is I found it at 60 % off! It was the perfect layer to wear walking around the city over the weekend while we had family in town for a wedding.

We took advantage of the sunny weather and played tourist for the day. I couldn't believe how developed and changed the water front is from Brookfield Place to Battery Park downtown.

 

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SWEATER: Bb Dakota  TOP: Bar III (short sleeve version) Long sleeve  Nordstrom  DENIM: Joe's  BOOTIES: Dolce Vita  PURSE: Leather Satchel, old Similar styles I love this one and love this one too SUNGLASSES: Love this Gucci pair NECKLACE: Bp similar option here