…from my iphone

we are wrapping up in mendocino this afternoon and heading back to sf for two more days. i’m a little sad to be leaving this place, all of the fresh air and sunshine has felt so, so good. we’re working hard to reward ourselves with some shopping, eating, and exploring in the next two days.

i’m thinking about how to make traveling a little more enjoyable these days. we’re going to be traveling a lot this summer and if you are anything like me, traveling is exciting only because of the destination. i love the anticipation of jetting off to see a new city, eat exotic food, visit old friends, or lay by the beach. but traveling itself can be less than glamorous. i dread packing and always leave at least one important thing at home.

so i pulled together a few things that get me excited about the traveling part of traveling. bringing a versatile wardrobe, eliminating unnecessary cosmetics and adding a few “comfort” items. and of course, there are a few wildly impractical things added in there, because that’s just how i roll sometimes. {and on that note- this is a not a budget friendly list. i’d like to go find some more affordable swaps for some of these pricier items!}

1. find a suitcase that you love and is well made, like this vibrant globe-trotters suitcase. the same rules apply to luggage as an investment bag. you’ll have these pieces for a lifetime if you choose wisely.

2. a compact wallet that you can keep close to your person like this mini kate spade variety.

3. you never know where you might end up needing to take a cat nap. come prepared!

4. a hat for bad hair days.

5. a button down shirt that you can wear with jeans, skirts, leggings, anything and everything you packed. right now i’m loving the military look paired with a white tee, simple gold necklace and skinny jeans.

6. flats that are comfortable and still make you feel like a lady.

7. two no brainers that i seem to always forget when i travel: a camera and eternally stylish sunglasses.

8. two dressier items (a skirt and statement necklace for example) that you can throw on with a white t-shirt to look casually glamorized in an instant.

9. cosmetic essentials (all very personal but these are mine): perfume, lip balm, tooth paste, hair brush and mascara.

10. a little treat: your favorite dessert and your favorite scented candle.

11. a cute bathing suit. because it really stinks when you are without one and your hotel has a lovely pool! this has happened to me more than once.

so what is your must-have item when you travel? do you have any traveling vices? (mine’s gossip magazines and peanut m&m’s!) i’d love to hear your thoughts!