It’s that time again! For the 5th year in a row I’m publishing Bri’s Favorite Things, which can also be used a Holiday Gift Guide for your friends and loved ones. (See also: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014).
Because it’s year FIVE, I’m going BIGGER and BETTER and offering you TONS of options, so…. BUCKLE UP!
Most bloggers share this kind of information on YouTube. I’ve watched many videos and I’m completely #over watching people take things in and out of bags. 😕
Over the past five (5) years I’ve taken at least fifteen (15) international trips and have had many more domestic excursions. Over time I have PERFECTED MY TRAVEL TECHNIQUE. It’s actually a fun experience for me! So I thought I would share all the fabulous items I take with me on trips (or on holiday as our European friends would say 😘). Before we start, let’s get one thing out of the way: I NEVER CHECK BAGS no matter where I’m going or for how long. I’ve made a carry-on suitcase and a tote/backpack work for two-week trips to Europe so I know you can do it for a weekend getaway or even a week-long trip (with a little a lot of planning).
Travel mantra: Organize! Everything has a place and every place has a thing.
This is my PERSONAL ITEM (something that will fit underneath the seat). I am currently using the Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack. I absolutely ❤️ it and it holds SO MUCH! How much? Everything you see in the picture above! (click the image to zoom in)
Now, let’s move on to the SUITCASE, also known as the meat & potatoes of travel. I use Bric’s Belagio 21″ Roller.
On one side I pack all of my clothes. Mostly solid/plain pieces that I can mix and match. For every 1 pair of pants I will take 2 shirts (remember to count the bottoms you are wearing!) The trip I’m currently packing for is only 3 days (Saturday – Monday) so I packed 1 additional pair of pants besides the jeans I wore on the plane, 2 shirts and 1 jean shirt. See below for the 3 outfits I made from this combination. (see also Meaningful Holidays)
day 1
day 2
day 3
pajamas, jcrew style 🙂
Side 1 of my suitcase was pretty easy. Side 2? Not so much! 😩 This is where my mantra REALLY comes into play (O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-E❗️). Take a look at side 2 below. This is where I pack everything else:
Looks nice and neat right? That’s because it is! ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE! On the left hand side:
Finally, there’s a sleep mask from J. Crew 🙂 This one is sold out but here’s another good option from Slip Beauty that’s also on my wish list.
non-liquid items
daily smaller-size go-to makeup essentials
tech stuff
On the right hand side is:
Get ready for this super travel tip: my Gucci Soho Disco Handbag serves as storage for all of my underwear, socks, comb, hair bonnet and my prescription glasses! (GREAT way to help the bag keep it’s shape while on the go!)
The Anya Hindmarch In Flight Case has all of my liquids: makeup, skin care, etc. ❤️❤️❤️ this bag and the contents EVEN MORE! This case has two sides: Take Off (deepest) and Touch Down (more shallow). I ALWAYS buy smaller sizes of the products I use everyday to take with me. #justsayno to those clear plastic containers that can all contain what can appear to be mystery liquid. #nobueno 👎🏽 I absolutely love all of my things and I want to see them in as close to their original form as possible!!! 😍
Finally, I have a Tory Burch umbrella (no longer available ☹️).
Did you notice there’s no jewelry mentioned? That’s because I don’t wear much. I usually take 1-2 bracelets and it’s on me at all times: a dainty necklace, my pandora thumb ring, michael kors watch, some form of studs for earrings and my wedding ring – that’s it!
Brace yourself cell phone users, there’s a new phone in town! London is an Android device made by Marshall’s (the music people) and it is gorgeous! This phone is all about the music and even has a special button at the top so you can easily access your music. The phone comes with a set of Marshal’s awesome-sounding headphones (check them out the next time you’re in Best Buy, or just read the reviews on Amazon). I ♥ the design and the colors!!! The phone has a kind of retroey-moderney-old-skool feel. For Marshall, it’s not about the phone; it’s all about the music. I’d be very interested to know how this phone will work with Spotify, my choice for music streaming. The phone also has a removable battery and microSD slot for extra storage. Check out the pics below!
My Christmas shopping is just about done. I started a bit earlier than normal this year which is great because I don’t anticipate having any excessive bills during the month of December. That fact alone helps me focus my time and energy during the last month of the year on more important things like refining my bi-weekly budget for 2015 and adjusting my 401(K) contribution to meet the maximum allowed by the IRS, ($18k for 2016).
I’ve got a few more items to purchase – all tech – and I’m waiting for a special shopping day to buy those items. I’ve often found that my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE store of all time, Macy’s, has far better deals a few weeks BEFORE the popular day; but, for electronics, no day beats Black Friday! I’ve got my list and I plan to stick to it pretty closely.
Here’s what I’m on the look out for (notice I have already researched options and picked specific items I want). That makes my day more productive: I can solelyfocus on finding the best price for each item, rather than spending time perusing through a list of stuff I don’t want or need. I prefer no distractions when I exercise my 10 digits on my blinded out keyboard.
Marshall Headphones. Only if the price is right. If you haven’t tried these, stop by Best Buy – they are monster!
That’s it – only 2 items on my list so far. I may add one or two more over the next few weeks but not many more. One key to snagging a good deal, not mentioned my previous post, is to be sure and check the manufacturer’s site along with all the major retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Apple Store, Target, Dell (unlikely source) – basically any store you can think of that might sell the item you are interested in. I recommend against wasting your time on sites like blackfriday.com that publish sales ads for popular stores – you’ll likely end up buying items you don’t really want or need.
It’s that time again! For the 5th year in a row I’m publishing Bri’s Favorite Things, which can also be used a Holiday Gift Guide for your friends and loved ones. (See also: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014).
Bri Alys, LLC 