#PackWithMe

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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.

img_0417This 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)

gold macbook, gucci zip around wallet, rayban aviator sunglasses, sessa vee pen, marshall headphones, l’occitane hand cream, iPad mini case, louis vuitton pouch, treat yourself pouch & earbud holder (sold out).

from target: gold glitter journal, emergen-c, colgate wisp, glide

in the small black quilted steph & co makeup case: gucci lipgloss, tom ford lips & boys lip color, crem de la mer, dior lip glow, anastasia beverly hills lipgloss, tweezerman tweezer, tom ford perfume

_13475545img_0441Now, 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)

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:

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Looks nice and neat right? That’s because it is! ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE! On the left hand side:

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!

take off side (deepest): first aid ultra repair cream, amazing grace (travel size at ulta), purity made simple (1 oz at ulta), clinique take the day off, lancome eye makeup remover, SK-II facial treatment essence (night only), SK-II facial treatment clear lotion (daytime only, great for oil control), makeup forever matte primer, urban decay b6 spray, l’occitane almond shower oil (travel size at sephora)

touch down side (shallow): toms deodorant, la mer lip balm, dior nail polish, toms toothpaste, jo malone fragrance, la mer hand cream (night only), crem de la mer moisturizing cream (night only)

Whew!!! That was fun! ☺️ And I still had enough space left to pack Christmas gifts for the kiddos! 🎁🎄 Happy packing!!!

 

see also #pampermesunday and #favoritethings2016

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Bri’s Favorite Things 2016

So, beautiful people… it’s time for Bri’s Favorite Things 2016! Looking over my list, I can truly say that ACCESSORIES definitely stole the year! If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you already know the deal:

  1. Shopping is easy when you buy the things you love for the people you love
  2. I only recommend things I’ve actually purchased for myself ❤️❤️❤️

There are more than twenty-five items this year!!! 😳 All super fabulous, of course. ☺️ If you’re a guy and need ideas for your gal, this list is for you! If you’re a girl shopping for your mom, sister, neice, cousin, BFF (or for yourself 😉), this list is also for you!

Enjoy!!!

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Louis Vuitton Large Ring Agenda CoverMichael Kors Jeweled Keaton Slip-On Sneaker,   J. Crew Tippi SweaterPandora Shimmering Rose EarringsLouis Vuitton Pochette Felicie, Philosophy Just Release Me Makeup RemoverThe New Jim CrowKenneth Cole Nap PillowCole Haan Tali Bow FlatGucci Soho Discho Handbag, Chanel No 5 Eau de Toilette Spray, Ralph Lauren Slipper Bootie, EllandEmm Vogue Sweatshirt, Louis Vuitton Key Pouch, Pandora Alluring Brilliant Ring, Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch, Sticky Notes (Fancy, Marble), Banana Republic Moonless Night Long-Sleeve Cozy Top, Neutral T-Shirt, Nike Free RN Running ShoeNike Featherlight Baseball Cap50 for Your Future, Solange A Seat At The Table

See Also: Bri’s Favorite Things 201520142013

Kate Spade, Michael Kors or Coach?

“It’s a tale of three diverging luxury designers as affordability and availability take precedence over exclusivity and high pricing that have long attracted rich, aspirational spenders and tourists.” (Fox Business) Are you buying that?? Anytime someone makes a claim that a stock is about to take off, you want to do some investigation yourself… but since this is not that kind of site, we’ll move on to a more fabulous-type of discussion.

I’ve told you before about Kate Spade for Former/Future Brides as well as Kate Spade Idiom Bracelets; but, I haven’t really paid much attention to the designer’s hand bags. That’s because I love the vibrancy of Michael Kors and the classic, sophisticated feel of Coach. Given the proclamation by Fox that Kate Spade is set to sail to the top, I decided to compare current offerings and select my favorite brand in 3 categories: Clutch, Tote and Shoulder Bag. I just have one requirement: It absolutely must be Fabulous!

cluth-coachshoulder-coachtote-korsThe best Clutch goes to Coach at $299. Kate Spade was the runner up (click here) and I was hard pressed to find anything I liked by Michael Kors, although he did win best Tote, hands down at $298, with a classic style in a gorgeously vibrant green (there are many color choices). Some people prefer to have zippers on their totes and Kors has those options as well! I may give consideration to this 2nd option from Coach at $258. Finally, for a Shoulder Bag. This area is not really not my forte / go-to design; but, what I do know is that I would not purchase any of the Kors options. I like Madison by Coach at $328 – the powder blue totally sold me! Sooo… there you have it – I guess I’m still a mostly-Coach & sometimes-Kors kinda-girl! Which is quite strange for me to say because a few years ago I wouldn’t step a foot into a Coach store! I guess the times (or designers) have changed! I always say buy stock for companies you like so I include tickers for Coach and Michael Kors below 🙂

spadePS: Since we’re talking handbags, I’d love to have this cutie by Kate Spade come in a smaller version to use for my lunch. Or even maybe better, a fashionable beach bag in the current size! (too bad it’s not waterproof). 😦