My Favorite Travel Items

Tomorrow we are off on a little family vacation. I can't wait to get away for a few days. My packing tends to be a bit different when I fly than when I take a road trip. Since airline rules have gotten more stringent, I have reduced my carry on items considerably. If I check my suitcase, I usually only take one bag on the plane with me. My on board bag contains the items I'll need in flight. Everything else gets packed. I thought I'd share a few of my must haves for travel.

Clockwise from the top: Coach Chelsea Shopper, Love Quotes Rayon Scarf, Mary Kay Satin Lips Balm, Fashion Mags, Headphones with retractable cord, iPhone, Bobble, Gum

I have a Coach tote that I purchased at Marshall's more than 15 years ago.  It was a little pricey for me at the time, even though it was a great deal. The bag has paid for itself many times over and it still looks great. I can fit all of my purse essentials as well as my travel items, even my magazines. Because of this awesome tote, I only have one carry on (when I check my suitcase). They no longer make the style I own but the Chelsea Shopper is similar.

Last spring I snagged a Love Quotes scarf during a shopping trip to Loehmann's.  I own quite a few pashmina type scarves that I purchased from street vendors for about $10. I hesitated to buy the Love Quotes scarf because it was $35 (which was a steal, they sell for $70+) and most of my similar scarves cost less that $20. Now I regret not purchasing it in a few other colors. It's the softest and largest pashmina type scarf that I own. It's perfect for travel.  It serves as a regular scarf when it's chilly but also as a blanket or wrap on the plane. I use this scarf constantly and it still looks brand new. If you can find one for that amazing price, good for you!  It would have been a great purchase even if I'd paid full price. I highly recommend purchasing one.

My lips always get so dry on an airplane. As much as I love lipstick, I don't usually wear it on a long flight.  Lip balm is much better for me. Mary Kay Satin Lips, lip balm is my all time favorite.  It's super moisturizing, without being greasy and it lasts.

I can't believe that I've managed to save the March issues of Vogue and Harper's Bazaarfor this trip.  I haven't looked at them at all.  It's an amazing exercise in restraint. I usually open them as soon as they arrive. I've even surprised myself.

A few years ago my sister gave me a pair of headphones with a retractable cord. My headphones always got tangled in my bag before I got this pair. I love them.

Music, videos, audio books, Kindle app, all on my iPhone.  Enough said.

Ear popping is one of my least favorite parts of air travel.  I always carry gum with me and chew during take off.  It helps me tremendously. 

I drink tons of water but hate to purchase bottled water.  Many bottled waters are just filtered tap water.  They charge a fortune for bottles of water at the airport, not to mention the waste of throwing the bottle away when you are done.  The Bobble, is a reusable water bottle with a built in filter.  You fill it with water from a faucet or water fountain and as you drink, the water is filtered. It's a fantastic invention.

I will be traveling until Monday.  I'm going to try to do a few posts from the road about my travels.  You can also follow me on twitter.

If I was Stranded

While watching Survivor the other night (yes I still watch Survivor), I started thinking about my essentials.

My essentials are the five beauty items that if I couldn't have anything else, would be enough. I'm a product junkie. I love to try new products, new colors and new formulas. The thought of only using five products forever, is a bit scary. Double or even triple duty products would be key.

My five are:

• Face lotion with spf 50 - I like Neutrogena Healthy Defense because it's not too thick, chalky and greasy. I wear lotion with spf every day. It can do triple duty as tinted moisturizer (see below) and as a makeup remover. A small amount rubbed in with your fingers and a wet cloth can remove eye makeup.
• Eye cream - Mary Kay Age Fighting Eye Cream is my pick because it sinks in quickly but it rich.
• Concealer  - I can't live without Cle de Peau Beute concealer. I have very dark circles (heredity) and it is the best concealer I've ever used. It's pricey but lasts forever. Thinned with a bit of lotion, it could also be used as a tinted moisturizer.
• Mascara - Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara is lengthens and thickens but isn't clumpy. I could do double duty as eyeliner.
• Tinted lip balm - Mary Kay tinted lip balm has spf 15 and comes it great colors (Blush is shown in the picture below). It could do triple duty as lip, cheek and eye color.

Enter the Swag Bag Giveaway for a chance to win some of these products.

Begin with the Basics (part 1 of 10)

One of the questions I get most often is, "What pieces do I need to build a great wardrode." Today I am starting a series of ten entries on the essential foundation pieces you need.  There are lots of ideas out there when it comes to wardrobe building blocks.  I believe that regardless of personal style, there are a few items that everyone needs. These pieces can be styled to fit almost everyone's style.  You can find affordable options for all of these items. However, quality is key, since they will be timeless staples. Quality does not have to mean high cost.   

The items are:

1. Little Black Dress (LBD)
2. Dress Pants
3. Classic White Dress Shirt
4. Jeans
5. Skirt
6. Jacket
7. Weekend Uniform Option
8. Trench Coat
9. Any Occasion Top
10. Classic Pump or Flat

#1        

Little Black Dress (LBD)  or a Black Pants Suit – This is a wardrobe staple. It can be dressed down for day and dressed up for night. Pick the silhouette that works for your figure. If you’re top heavy, apple, or evenly proportioned, a sheath can be best. If you are pear or triangle shaped an a-line will be most flattering.

If you prefer to wear pants, then look for a black pants suit. It can also be dressed up or down. It can even be used like a tuxedo for a formal event. If you are different sizes on the top and bottom, don't forget, many lines make separates that you can pair together to make a suit.

All of these options come in both regular and plus sizes. Fit is extremely important. Don't hesitate to get an item altered.  A good tailor is worth every penny.  Tailoring increases your costs but can make a $50 dress look like it was custom made for you.