Travel In Style: Fashionable Travel Accessories

I’m not quite sure how it already snuck up on me, but our trip to Europe starts in less than 48 hours (assuming our flight doesn’t get canceled due to weather; cross your fingers!). I’m equal parts excited and majorly stressed out that I have yet to finish packing and/or all the work that needs to get done before our red-eye flight takes off tomorrow night. But somehow, despite the time crunch I’m under, there’s always something I manage to find time for: Scouting out a million and one things I need and want for various occasions.

This time, it’s travel accessories. Though it’s probably a little too late in the game to be thinking about picking up these pieces for my trip to Europe, getting all of my stuff packed up has me itching for some fun new pieces to add to my travel collection. From luggage and jewelry rolls to sleep masks and comfy flats, I’ve rounded up some picks that are (practically) essential for traveling and, most importantly, super cute. Check them out:

1. Suitcase by Mulberry 2. Hydration spray by Jane Iredale 3. Cosmetics bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs 4. Duffel bag by Brahmin 5. Lip balm by Rosebud Perfume Co. 6. Silk sleep mask by elizabethW Collection 7. Garment bag by Hudson+Bleecker 8. Passport case by Dooney & Bourke 9. Pony-hair luggage tag by Barneys New York 10. Flats by Tieks 11. Water bottle by Eastman Tritan 12. Snakeskin jewelry roll by GiGi New York 13. Earphones by Frends

I had been on a hunt for a new duffel/carry-on bag for weeks and managed to finally find one (which you’ll see next week), but discovering this floral beauty from Brahmin almost has me wishing I had waited for it instead. I love the other luggage pieces here, too, from the hot-pink cosmetics case and printed garment bag down to the luxe suitcase and pony-hair luggage tag. Embossed snakeskin always grabs my eye, so this jewelry roll and passport case were both no-brainers for me, and the metallic gold flats are the perfect pick for a comfortable travel shoe that’s stylish and versatile. I often neglect my beauty needs while traveling, but I’d love to make a better effort toward staying hydrated with a cute water bottle, hydrating facial spray and moisturizing lip balm—all while getting my much-needed beauty sleep with that adorable silk sleep mask and gold-trimmed headphones.

Though I’m pretty sure I’ll make it to Europe and back just fine without each and every one of these pieces, it never hurts to dream about traveling in style, right?

What travel essentials do you never leave home without?

Travel Time: 5 Tips for Packing

Thanks to months studying abroad, family all around the country and years in a long-distance relationship, I’ve become an old pro at traveling—and packing to travel, in particular. For years, packing was something I dreaded. I’d take hours going through outfit possibilities, only to get frustrated and end up throwing a million things haphazardly into a bag. Once I got to my destination, I’d open up my suitcase to realize I had a bunch of clothes to wear, but no outfits I actually wanted to put on. But since I’ve started traveling more frequently, I’ve finally figured out how to quickly, efficiently and stylishly pack for any destination.

I’m heading home in the morning for Thanksgiving, and since there’s a good chance you may be traveling during the holidays, too, I thought I’d share a few of my biggest tips and tricks for painless packing.

1. Make a List

I’m a huge fan of making lists for everything, and packing is no exception. Keep track of what to pack by separating items into categories (like clothing, accessories, technology, etc.) and writing down each item you’ll need or want to bring. Because I’m a planner at heart, I even go so far as to detail every outfit I’ll wear on my trip, down to the jewelry, hair and makeup. This way, I know I won’t be stuck on my trip without the right coat or the cute necklace that ties my whole outfit together.

2. Mix + Match Your Pieces

Like I mentioned, I used to pack a zillion items for every trip I took. But after having to carry just a small suitcase during my travels in Europe, I learned how useful it is to pack multipurpose items I can mix and match to make several outfits. For my upcoming trip, for example, I can wear a white button-down multiple ways, whether it’s on its own, with a cardigan or layered under a sweater. This cuts down on the amount of luggage I have to tote around, and it’s easy to use a statement necklace, a beautiful scarf or a bright belt to give each outfit life.

3. Separate Your Accessories

Rather than throwing all my accessories and jewelry together in the same bag or section of my suitcase, I’ve found it’s much less of a hassle to keep them separated. I haven’t been smart enough to buy a traveling jewelry case yet, so for now I pack my necklaces, bracelets and earrings in separate bags or pouches to keep them from tangling. I also keep scarves, belts and other accessories in a zippered section of my suitcase to avoid having to dig through my whole bag for the one piece I need.

4. Keep It Organized

Nothing’s worse than an overflowing suitcase, so keep things streamlined by organizing items when packing. I start by laying my shoes along the bottom of the suitcase to keep them from getting my clothes dirty. Then, I finish the bottom layer by packing up my pajamas and workout clothes. On top of that, I add shirts, sweaters, dresses and bottoms. Roll clothes rather than fold them to fit in as many pieces as possible, and lay bulkier or delicate items across the top of the suitcase (see below).

5. Use Your Carry-On Wisely

A carry-on is your saving grace when it comes to traveling, so it’s essential to pack it smartly. I always include an extra outfit—as well as jewelry, my computer, chargers and any valuable items—in my carry-on in case my suitcase gets lost (God forbid!). I also try to pack anything I might need during my flight, train or bus ride, like magazines, books, snacks and my purse.

Do you use any of these tips? What are your best tricks for stress-free packing?