Sparkle & Soul: June 2015

So my recent trip to Chicago (I'll share in another post) had me thinking about all the travel essentials. Unless you're jumping the car, it's hard to just pack a bag and go. You have to make sure you have all the right size items and have enough clothes and shoes to last the duration of your trip. If you're jumping in the car it's easy to throw everything inside. Although, let's be honest I over pack all the time anyways.

First up BAGS. Now all of these bags can be used to hold clothes but also as your carry on. I have the leopard print bag and I throw headphones, magazines, light jacket and usually shoes in it. It's also where I keep a cross body bag with my tickets/license/money. I don't bring a full purse with me on vacation because more often than not I'm playing tourist and it's not fun to haul a big bag around. I love the Hershel bag because it has a separate shoe compartment, great for keeping other items free of dirt. The Longchamp bag is expandable which is always helpful (for those over packers like myself) and the Vera Bradley has a spot on the back where you can attach it to your suitcase handle which is perfect!! I saw so many of those in the airport this time.

Next up, BEAUTY. This is the hardest, at least I think. Trying to find travel size in all of your makeup is not easy. This only applies though if you plan to bring your cosmetic case on the plane, which I do not. I put mine in my checked luggage. However, it is still efficient to bring smaller sizes of a few items that way you aren't using so much space. All my makeup I take full size, including brushes. I have a separate brush case that fits in my cosmetic case. I am LOVING this Le Sportsac bag. I might have to buy it! It's big and super cute and lined with plastic which is great for cleaning. I currently have this one in a different pattern but LOVE this style as well. I always buy the Organix travel shampoo/conditioner, it's my favorite! I love that Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes comes in travel size, it's my FAVORITE mascara. After doing this roundup, I'm also thinking a travel straightener is in my future. Such a great idea since those tend to take up more room as well.