Bags & Beauty: travel essentials

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. 

What are your favorite bags and beauty travel essentials?!  Next on my list is to invest in some cute and great quality luggage. 

Have a great day!
xo  ♥ Ash

Nordstrom 1/2 Yearly Sale

Happy Thursday! 

Normally I don't do round-ups of my picks for the big sales however this one is too good not too.  Here goes...

Have a great rest of your day!!
xo  ♥ Ash

Tuesday Shoesday

Happy Tuesday ladies!  I don't know about you but when the warmer weather starts to come around, I start looking for new shoes.  Who am I kidding, I look for new shoes all year ;)  

I rounded up some of my favorite picks for Spring/Summer.  I actually have the middle row espadrilles (from Target!) and love them.  They are really comfy and go with everything.  I am really loving the New Balance sneakers and rose gold slides.  I just realized my choices are all pretty neutral, which is fine with me because then you can get more use out of them, right?!

  

 


Have you picked up any new Spring/Summer shoes lately?

Have a great day!
xo  ♥ Ash

High or Low

Happy Monday!!  I don't know about you but Monday always feels like this to me.  Today is no exception.  However, today I've come to save you money, that is if you want to.  And who doesn't?!

I've been recently seeing the Mar Y Sol totes pop up everywhere.  They are perfect!  But their price tag, not so much.  Then I came across these Old Navy ones that are verrry similar.  Similar enough for me to save the $98 considering this is more than likely a beach tote which here in New England would be used for 3ish months out of the year. 

 

Waht do you think?  Would you pick the high or the low? Do you already have either of these totes?!

Have a great day!
xo  ♥ Ash

Going to the chapel...

Sorry for the short hiatus!  I was having an uninspired moment.  I also meant to get this post up yesterday and got busy.  

With all the weddings and wedding events coming up, I thought it would be nice to share some options for bridal showers based on themes.  I love a good theme and moreso when I can coordinate my attire with it.  I love all of these looks and I actually have and will be wearing the dress in the "Garden Party" look later this Summer.  You recently saw it here! 

 

Let me know in the comments below which look is your favorite or if you've already picked out your outfit for an upcoming shower!

 xo  ♥ Ash