Travel Staples
This is a collection of what you’ll typically find in my suitcase (sorry guys). Many are essentials that have become tried and true with a few newcomers thrown in because I’m always on the lookout for great travel items.
My “Go-To” Staple:
If there is one staple I absolutely love is a cashmere wrap. I usually don't travel with anything that needs to be dry cleaned, but here's why I make an exception for this wrap. It doubles as a blanket on the plane, and there is nothing that feels better on a long flight than snuggling up with soft cashmere. Additionally, I can't tell you how many times this has come in handy on a night out.
The Purse(s):
I treat the purse situation like layering clothes, I have three that all can fit within each other. This allows you your carry-on option, with your suitcase, while giving you multiple options for different situations on the road.
• first, the wristlet, when you just need an ID, credit card, lipstick, and your phone
• which can fit inside a cross-body bag, used for most day-time excursions
• which can fit inside a zipped tote, for travel items like a kindle, earphones, cords, adaptors, etc
I like a cross-body bag that’s square or wider in nature because they are easier to see in to and find things without digging. Also, I find a zipper to work better than the magnetic snap.
For a zipped tote, there is nothing better than Longchamp. I’ve used this for everything; I've even put ice and a bottle of wine and took it to the beach. It's easily washed and has held up on too many trips to count.
DSLR Camera Purse
If you do carry a camera, then I have another go-to option because who wants to carry an ugly camera bag. I love this camera purse because I don't always like to have my camera just hanging around my neck while walking across a city. This is big enough I can fit my camera, an extra lens and some essentials; iPhone, lipstick, etc. It has a nice quilted interior for extra padding and a couple of little pockets for extra memory cards.
Make-up and Toiletries BaG:
I have tried so many different makeup bags over the years, but since I found this lay-in-go, I haven’t turned back. It can work in any bathroom situation, its easily washed, and can be packed to fit in almost any space. I use the smaller one for toiletries I take into the shower; you can hang it and it will dry on its own.
If you want to be able to see what you have in your makeup bag, and don’t mind spending a bit more, I’d recommend this.
Clothing:
When it comes to clothes I start with a basic color scheme; white, black, tan, and navy. I can always add a “pop” of color with scarves or a shirt or two. This helps not only to mix and match but also with the shoe situation. I look for material that doesn’t wrinkle, because I typically roll everything, and doesn’t require dry cleaning.
The Basic Tee:
Find one you love and buy it in multiple colors. They are so easy to layer and dress up with a scarf. My go to is a Los Angeles based company, Marine Layer. I like the longer length and material thickness.
Long sleeved shirt:
Another travel basic, this tailored blouse has gone soft. With just a touch of spandex it won’t wrinkle and has a perfect fit (although it does run a bit on the small side).
Pants or Leggings:
In my search for comfortable pants, but wanting something more than workout legging, these JMcLaughlin pants have become my go-to. They are washable and even though they stretch, they still hold their fit.
LBD:
Another staple that you can dress up or down; the little black dress. Now finding one that will travel well can be a challenge, but here are a couple of good options.
Casual The gathering on one side of this dress helps to hide all those great meals you’ll have on vacation :)
Dressy I found this dress for business, but it works for travel too. They have multiple style options that are hand washable (a score in my book) and I love a pocket.
This dress is great for runny around site-seeing on a sunny day. The cap sleeve means you can also go in any church.
Sweater Jacket:
I often travel in shoulder seasons, which usually necessitates a light jacket or a heavy sweater. This is always a tricky one for packing. Here is one I found that I think is going to move into the staple category.
Shoes:
This is a tough category; I tend to lean toward comfort, but I'd like a little style. I know I'm usually going to be walking several miles a day, and generally, on cobblestone streets, so high heels are not an option for most daytime situations.
Sneaker This is a shoe I found that is really comfortable but is a bit more stylish than your typical tennis shoe options.
White Sneaker If you want a white sneaker, because it goes with everything in the summer, I’m loving this Superga Italian brand for a low cost option.
White Sneaker If you want a sneaker that is going to hold up walking 5 to 10 miles a day, but still looks stylish, I swear by this one.
Essential travel flats You can't go wrong with the Tory Burch flat that folds up. I was lucky to find them in a pewter color that goes with everything.
Hope these ideas help you in finding your travel essentials. Please drop me a note, I’d love to hear if you find any of them useful.