Gift Guide: My College Roommate

I got so lucky when I got paired up with my college roommate. We bonded instantly even though we are quite different people, and we're still great friends to this day. Even though we don't get to see each other all the time, I love that we can pick right up where we left off and I can't wait for a reunion during the holiday season. I have LOTS of great gift ideas for her...

WHO I'M SHOPPING FOR: my college roommate

She's an airy-fairy free spirit, an artist with a true bohemian soul. She's a girlie-girl with a big heart. She's also a total scatterbrain, in the most delightful of ways.

WHO YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR: your baby sister...someone who always has her head in the clouds....that friend who is a friend to all (animals, mother earth, lost causes)...a girl with flirty and feminine taste

ASOS Embellished Cape, $100

This sweet little capelet is like giving the gift of fairy wings. It will look great over all of those pretty vintage dresses in her closet, or with jeans and a tank for an easy night out.

You're A Mess Tray, $25

She's totally self-aware and has a great sense of humor, so this tray is perfect for her. I'd put this together with a good book: the wonderfully messy Drew Barrymore's Wildflower, Shonda Rhimes' The Year of Yes, or Carrie Brownstein's Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl are great reads that will have her feeling great about her perfectly imperfect life.

Casetify Moroccan Tile iPhone Case, $40

She's probably shattered a screen or two, so a good sturdy case is a really thoughtful gift. This watery mermaid-esque pattern is so dreamy.

State Charm, $18

This little charm is a little bit sweet and a little bit gaudy. So of course, I love it. My roommate is a bit of a wanderlust and calls a few states home -- I love the idea of a necklace or bracelet with charms from each of those special places (Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and California are currently available, I'm hoping a few more show up soon).

Urban Decay Delirious Travel Eyeliner Set, $29

A great artist sees a canvas anywhere, even her own eyelids. Urban Decay makes some of the best eyeliners on the market, and this set is a like a crayon box of fun vibrant colors. 

Heart-shaped Umbrella, $35

Rainy days never dull her sparkle, so how about giving her the most adorkable umbrella ever. It's big enough for two, which is great because she always has a friend or crush to stroll around with.

Scarf, earmuffs, and gloves, $13-78

My sweet friend never grew out of that childhood habit of losing her hat/scarf/gloves, so why not give her a pile of cute cold weather accessories. This scarf is the coziest, and the bright pink color is so flattering on lots of skin tones. The earmuffs and gloves are pretty, useful, and cheap (so neither of you will feel bad when she loses them again).

Do Unto Animals, $14

If you have a friend who spends Sunday mornings feeding the ducks and has named all of the squirrels in her yard, this is perfect. Tracey Stewart (Jon's wife) wrote a funny, smart, and practical book about the special relationship between humans and animals -- there are a few people on my list who I'll be gifting this to. For extra credit, try a thoughtful donation -- the World Wildlife Federation and Farm Sanctuary allow you to adopt an animal on someone's behalf, a very adorable add-on.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mug, $14

My girl isn't afraid to wear her political heart on her sleeve, and this cheeky mug is the perfect way for her to let everyone know that she's down with the Notorious RBG. Pair it with a few pounds of her favorite roast, a box of Keurig cups, or even a coffee subscription service.

The Blend Custom Fragrance Kit, $29

For your friend who marches to her own beat and definitely wants to stand out, this adorable little kit will allow her to create a custom fragrance. Even better, she can change it up every day and match her scent to her mood, her outfit, or her horoscope.

St. Jude Heart Leather Zipper Case, $24

A big leather pouch can be a lifesaver for someone who doesn't always have her act together. Perfect for storing travel essentials, organizing receipts, or just corralling all of the little things in her purse. (Bonus: proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which will make her love it even more)

And if you need a few extras...

Some gourmet pop tarts that she can grab on those days she doesn't have time for breakfast (pretty much every day).

A keyring that's pretty hard to lose (bonus: make her an extra set of keys, because you know she'll need them).

An extra battery for her phone -- it's practical but oh so pretty.

Rainbow-hued temporary hair dye, because she's always ready to try something new.

An astrologically correct trinket dish.

Holiday Gift Guide: Mom

Shopping for my mom is always pretty easy. I know her tastes pretty well, and since she's always thinking about everyone else's needs, it's fun to find ways to really pamper her.

When I'm ready to head out and shop for mom, I like to remind myself of the brattiest thing I ever said to her (oh, those angsty teen years), the grossest thing she ever had to clean up (when I was seven I tried to eat an entire box of Cheez-Its -- didn't go so well), and the many times she dried my tears. And then I buy her twice as many presents.

WHO I'M SHOPPING FOR: my mama

She's the best, of course. She's selfless and big-hearted, smart and funny and unbelievably kind. She has her own style and while she's not trying to set trends, she always knows on what's going on in fashion and isn't afraid to try something new.

WHO YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR: someone who deserves a unique gift...or your own mama

Custom Street Map Puzzle, $129

For most moms, home is where the heart is. This puzzle is a fun way to honor a special address (your family home, or maybe even the neighborhood she grew up in). Putting it together is the perfect activity for chilly winter evenings, and it would look great in a frame when it's finished. A satellite view option is also available.

M. Gemi Felize Custom Driving Mocassins, $198

Custom Italian loafers -- does it get more luxurious than that? My mom would be gaga over these chic loafers, especially knowing that the suede color, stitching, and tread were personalized just to her tastes. The monogram inside is a sweet touch.

Vintage Perfume Atomizer (similar), $125+

One of my favorite memories is sitting in my mom's bedroom and playing with all of the pretty things on her vanity -- piles of costume jewelry, a delicate music box, and her fancy perfume bottles. Beautiful atomizers have sort of gone out of style, but you can find some lovely vintage ones -- I loved this one on One Kings Lane (sold out now, but new ones pop up every day), and you can also find on them on eBay, 1st Dibs, etc. This would make a nice gift along with a bottom of her favorite perfume -- every time she spritzs it on, she'll be making new favorite memories of you!

Dr. Jart+ The Book of Masks, $39

Sheet masks are the hottest thing in skincare -- this collection of 8 different ones from one of the top beauty brands will guarantee many relaxing at-home spa nights (she'll probably even invite you over to join her!).

Pearl ring, $85

My mom will see me wearing something and immediately want it for herself, even if it isn't at all her taste or style. I have an enormous statement ring that I wear all the time -- it's gold with a mother-of-pearl stone and you can see it from a mile away. This ring is just as bold but a bit more wearable, perfect for mom.

Jensen Turntable, $37

OK, hear me out -- turntables have made a comeback thanks to a new generation of audiophiles who learned to appreciate their unique sound, but our parents were the original vinyl-lovers. I think my mom still has a box or two of her old albums and she definitely doesn't have a way to listen to them -- I'll be she'd get a kick out of digging them out and taking a stroll down music memory lane. 

French Blue Bureau Pitcher, $68

This sweet little pitcher is a triple threat: it's pretty and would look lovely on any bedside table. It's practical, perfect to quench that midnight thirst without having to leave a cozy bed. And it's thoughtful, hand crafted by one of the artisans who sells her goods on The Little Market (a wonderful fair trade marketplace). My mom is a principled lady -- she spent a year boycotting products made in China in protest of poor working conditions -- so she'll feel extra good about this piece.

Amazon Fire, $40

She wants to cut the cord but doesn't really know how -- this is an easy way for her to take the digital leap and learn to love binge watching. I'm going to pick one up for my mom this year. I just hope I don't have to explain "Netflix and chill" to her...

Minted Heart Snapshot Photo Art, $29 and up

My mom checks Facebook about once or twice a month, so she misses a lot of great photos. She also still appreciates the value of physical photos that she can enjoy even when she's offline. Minted has a lot of fun custom photo products -- I'd create one that includes recent snaps with some of her favorite old photos for a piece of art she'll really treasure.

Sephora Mani Kit, $30

Your mom was probably your first mani/pedi partner -- treat her to this sleek little tool set, perfect for giving herself an at-home treatment (or even bringing them to the salon -- I prefer to use my own tools for sanitary reasons!)

And if you need a few extras...

A special tea that's perfect for Downton lovers on Christmas morning.

A good sleep mask to help her catch up on all of those Zzzzs she missed when you were a baby.

A chic little key fob that almost looks like it was handcrafted by you (if you were crafty).

An excellent hand cream in the prettiest little tube (keep an eye on Sephora's Black Friday deals as this has been included for the past few years).

Holiday Gift Guide: My Best Friend

Shopping for your best friend is like shopping for yourself -- it's the best! This is always one of the most fun gifts to buy. I have lots of great ideas, so now the only problem is deciding which one to pick...

WHO I'M SHOPPING FOR: my best friend

She's smart and fun with lots of interests and a great eye. She has a little one and has a hard time remembering to take time for herself, so I'm making sure that her gift is purely for her enjoyment (nothing that she'll end up "sharing" with her husband or kiddo). She knows that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but she also makes sure her cover is always flawless.

WHO YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR: the person on your list who deserves some pampering...a new mom...a friend with excellent taste...someone who appreciates the little details.

Sunday Riley Power Couple Kit, $70

A very luxurious set from one of the hottest skincare lines. She'll think of you every time someone compliments her glowing skin.

Confetti Wine Glasses, $80

These are the prettiest wine glasses and will be perfect for fancying up a special dinner or taking the edge off on a Tuesday night. Adding a favorite bottle of wine would be a nice touch.

Monogrammed Sunshine Satchel, $120

She may not be taking long jaunts to Europe right now, but a long weekend away is totally doable. The black/tan/cream color combo is elegant, and a monogram makes everything better.

Mesa Moonstone and Druzy Cuff Bracelet, $345

For someone who has been very, very good. Moonstone and white druzy are two of my favorites -- dreamy, ethereal stones that go with everything. This simple bangle is unassuming and easy to wear every day, with enough sparkle to feel special.

Evil Eye Heart Dish, $98

One of my jobs is to protect to protect my best friend from bullshit, assholes, haters, and other evil-doers. I love the idea of this sweet but kickass little dish to stand guard when I'm not around -- it's also a stylish little way to store jewelry, keys, and other little treasures. I'd wrap it up with something fun, like some homemade cookies or a handful of old school lip glosses.

Rainbow Key Fob, $98

She'd never splurge on something like this, but you can. It's pricey, but just think about how many times a day she'll pull her keys out and smile. A little everyday luxury goes a long way.

Striped Sleepset, $78

The cutest, coziest jammies are perfect for lazy Sundays and Netflix date nights. Give them to her before Christmas morning so she'll look effortlessly perfect for the present-opening photos.

Belle Calligraphy Kit, $20

I don't think anyone has time for hobbies anymore, but this calligraphy kit is perfect for the busy creative type. My best friend Sara is really crafty and would probably be great at this -- I might go a step further and buy her an online class so she can really master all of the swirly strokes.

Bite Lip Lab Custom Lipstick, $45

This was actually what I gave Sara for her birthday last year and let me tell you, it was a big hit (there may have been tears...). Bite Beauty has the coolest Lip Lab in SoHo where you can have a custom lipstick shade mixed just for you (you can read about my visit here). This is the perfect gift for the lipstick-lover in your life -- I mean really, what price can you put on finding "your" shade? If a trip to NYC isn't in the cards, this Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip set is a lot of fun. I'd also add this cheeky little makeup pouch, because she who has the reddest lipstick does indeed win.

Mini Messenger Bucket Bag, $50

She knows you'd buy her a Chanel bag if you could, but she'll love that you were nice enough to snag her this inspired-by version.

Kule Cashmere Breton Sweater, $285

I don't know a woman who doesn't love a classic striped Breton shirt. There are lots of great cotton ones out there, but how about a cashmere upgrade? She'll wear this to death and love you forever. (PS: Land's End has an almost identical one at a very reasonable price)

Custom Portrait Stationery, $200 and up

Personalized stationery featuring a darling custom portrait, from one of the most popular paper goods companies -- HOW GREAT IS THIS??? If there is a lady on your list who understands the power of a great handwritten letter, this is a winner. (And if these cards are a bit out of your price range, you could find a pretty set of notecards and order some personalized stamps to go with them -- pets and kids are super cute)

If you need a few little extras, consider...

These little pots of goodness from RMS Beauty -- the luminizer and lip shine are favorites of J. Crew's stylists.

A silly candle, because when she played MASH as a kid she always got mansion.

An adorable pouch for business cards, because she makes leaning in look great.

This great little balm in a pretty tin (I gave so many of these last year, love them!).

A little extra sparkle for her tree (pretty ornaments make great package decorations).

What I'm Buying: Sephora VIB Sale

This is one of my favorite times of the year -- Sephora's annual VIB sale! For a few days, Sephora's VIB members get 20% off all purchases. This is amazing because Sephora never really has sales (unless products are being discontinued), so it is a rare opportunity to stock up on your favorites for less, pull the trigger on a slurge-y treat, and pick up gifts for all the best people on your holiday list.

I've been hitting up my local Sephora over the past few weeks giving myself Sunday morning makeovers and stocking up on samples to help me narrow down my shopping list. Here's what I'm planning to buy this week:

Sunday Riley Power Couple Gift Set -- Sunday Riley products are hot right now, so it's not a surprise that Sephora put together a holiday set with the line's two best-selling products. I'm intrigued -- I'm at the age that I know I need to be taking better care of my skin, but I feel a bit overwhelmed at what I need to use. Sometimes it is easier to let popular opinion decide for me. I just ran out of my regular nighttime treatment, Kiehl's Midnight Repair Complex, and the Luna Sleeping Oil could be a nice change. The set is sold out online, but check your local store. I'll probably pick up a set and then I'll have to figure out whether to keep or be someone's favorite Santa and gift it.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask -- I've heard such great things about this for months, and I finally grabbed a sample but kind of dragged my feet about trying it. I don't know why, I just felt like I was going to be disappointed. NOPE! I slapped it on before I sat down to watch last week's Scandal and gave it about 20 minute per the instructions. I regularly use a couple of masks, and I'm kind of used to feeling (or seeing) something happen while the mask is on my face -- drying, tingling, tightening. A little razzle dazzle. This one is gentle, so I didn't really notice it while it was doing it's thing. It wasn't until I washed it off that I realized what the hype was about. My skin felt super soft and bright, but in a very natural way. It wasn't like I'd seared off a few layers of my face, or saw a temporary glow because of product that was deposited on my skin. Just clean, soft, and fresh. And it felt great for days later -- seriously, I spent much of Friday gently caressing my own cheek (it's cool, I work from home and my dog already knows I'm a weirdo). Definitely picking this one up for myself!

Benefit Speed Brow Gel -- I've decided I need a bit of a brow product. For a long time I've thought that just shaping my brows was enough, but I've been convinced that I could benefit from a little extra help to make sure everything stays in place. I tried this one in-store and liked the results, so I'll give it a whirl.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer -- I've been using Dr. Jart BB creams for a few years, and I like them but feel like I need a bit more coverage. Laura Mercier is synonymous with fresh, dewy skin, exactly what I am going for.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm -- this is a staple for me. I use it exclusively when I travel -- since it isn't a liquid, I can toss it in my carryon without taking up valuable room in my 1 quart ziplock -- but it is fantastic. Very gentle, but takes off every bit of makeup. A little goes a long way, it's taken me more than 3 years to use up my current jar.

Fresh Nude Lip Lovers Mini Kissing Trio -- sometimes holiday shopping becomes a bit of a "one for you, one for me" situation. I'm intending to pick this up as a gift, but I may snag one for myself. I love these little tinted lip balms, and it's nice to have a few extra tubes around. Also considering this one, which I could break up and divvy out into gifts (and still keep a few for myself...).

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette -- if you've been thinking about a new eye shadow palette, this is a good time to grab one. I really like the Naked 3 and I've given it a few times as a gift. This Bobbi Brown collection of nudes looks pretty and wearable.

Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler -- this is a great gift to give. The box includes sample sizes of 11 different best-selling fragrances. Good ones, including Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream, Armani Si, and my all-time favorite, Stella McCartney's Stella. The gift recipient gets to test drive all of the fragrances and then they get a certificate to redeem for a full-size bottle of their favorite. Definitely fun for a fragrance lover, or for someone who is looking for their first grown-up scent. The other Sephora Favorites sets are great as well -- I love the Beauty Unmasked box, with deluxe samples of 6 great face masks, and the Lashstash set of 8 deluxe mascara samples. 

Deborah Lippmann Undressed Shades of Nude Set -- a set of six high quality polishes that run the gamut from blush all the way to bashful. Perfect for girls like me who love a great classic ballet slippers look but sometimes want to go a little crazy with a...slightly darker ballet slipper-esque shade.

These are the items on my list for now, though you never know what will catch your eye in store (I do love Sephora's On The Go section with travel size products). What are your Sephora must-haves? Anything you're dying to try out this year?

Weekend To Do List

This post is coming to you from 30,000 feet over the Gulf of Mexico (love JetBlue, love FlyFi!). I'm no longer California dreaming -- vacation is finally here! I have a few posts scheduled for the week, and hopefully I'll have some trip photos and stories to share next week. Here's what my pre-vacation weekend looked like:

1. Cobb Me

I started my vacation a little early by taking Friday off. It's hard to leave for a week, and I thought it would be nice to have a "day off" before leaving town so I'd be around to check email and answer last minute questions. I also made plans with my friend Jen for a few hours of Friyay fun and headed over to Hollywood Studios for lunch. It was hot as balls and we didn't have much of an agenda other than stuffing our faces, but we did a little shopping, a little people watching, a little dancing with Olaf, and a few rides. The main attraction, however, was lunch at The Hollywood Brown Derby. If you are planning a trip to WDW, try to get a reservation at the Brown Derby. It is one of my favorite Disney restaurants and it serves my absolute favorite Disney meal, the classic Cobb salad (the original Brown Derby is where this bowl of heaven was conceived). Honestly, I come here at least once a month and always order the same thing. In addition to the salad, you get a basket of the best warm, crusty rolls and sweet butter topped with sea salt -- perfection. Jen ordered another basket of rolls the moment the first one arrived. And this is why we are friends.

2. Getting Pretty

I spend Saturday afternoon taking care of some getting pretty errands -- hair cut and color, trip to Sephora to pick up a few items (I love their On the Go section), and a DYI mani/pedi. I'm really overdue for a good salon pedicure (runners do not have cute feet), but when I looked at my trip budget and realized boarding my dog was going to cost $500+, I decided i needed to cut a few corners. 

3. Just a Little Shopping

This is an expensive month (in addition to my trip, I need to order a new pair of glasses, I am desperate for a new battery for my MacBook, and I need a new pair of running shoes - why can't those things just be free?), and I really haven't had much time to shop. But I did place a small J. Crew Factory order to take advantage of some great end of summer prices. I snagged this fabulous linen blazer (a wishlist item!) for less than $50 - hope it is as great in person as it is in my head.

4. (Almost) Out of Office

Even with my semi-vacation day, I still had some work to take care of before putting up that out of office message. I had a very exciting Saturday night that involved laundry and spreadsheets. Glamorous, I know.

5. Sunday Funday

The Parent Trap was my FAVORITE movie when I was a kid. I'm talking the original Haley Mills version, not the inferior (and at this point, depressing) 90's-era remake. I've seen it a million times but never on the big screen, so I was thrilled to see the local art house theater had a Sunday matinee. I convinced my man friend to accompany me, promising him a delicious brunch as a reward. It was fantastic -- there's just something about sitting in that dark theater and immersing yourself in a little piece of your childhood. We stopped at a local favorite, Se7en Bites, for a decadent brunch. Two words: S'mores Waffle. Hell, yes.

Pack this: 3-day trip

I mentioned taking a few quick business trips over the past few months -- I'm no road warrior, but I do a fair amount of business travel. I've been in my current job for about 7 years, and I have to laugh a bit now thinking about those first trips. I pretty much put my whole wardrobe in a giant 30" suitcase and dragged it through unfamiliar airports and cities, only to return home with an aching back and a ton of laundry.

This week I'm headed out on a fairly typical trip -- three days of professional meetings and events and downtime with friends in the evenings. And getting ready is so easy now (I don't know if professional packer is a thing, but I'm adding it to my resume). I was able to pack everything I needed, with plenty of options, in a small carry-on and a tote (ok, a pretty generous tote).

Here are a few of the things I've learned in my transition over-packer to savvy traveler:

Let's talk toiletries...

1. Pouches are a girl's best friend -- I use a ton of them when I travel, and I love a good roomy one for my non-liquid toiletries.

2. Find non-liquid alternatives to as many products as possible -- I have a few special products that I always travel with. My favorite is a good makeup removing balm like Clinique's Take the Day Off. At home I use a facial cleanser and liquid eye makeup remover, but this one (solid) product takes care of both without taking up valuable room in my 1-gallon ziplock. A pack of cleansing wipes will take care of a million needs -- freshening up hands or face when you're trapped in your airplane seat, cleaning your grimy hotel remote control, etc. In my regular life I often use liquid eyeliner, blush, and lip gloss, but I only bring my gel eyeliner, cream blush, and solid lip products when I travel. Throw in a few single-use wipes, too -- stain remover and nail polish remover will always come in handy.

3. Streamline your routine -- When I travel, I stick to the basics. I don't need my serums, eye cream, and retinols, just a good moisturizer will do. I limit myself to one must-have hair product (this amazing Redken gloss, which makes my hair so silky). One good eyeshadow is better than a bulky palette full of shades. It won't kill you to use the hotel's shampoo and soap for a few days; if I need a guaranteed good hair day, sometimes I'll add a tiny bottle of my favorite conditioner...or I'll treat myself to a blowout on the road.

3. Hoard product samples -- I keep a big box of all kinds of product samples in my bathroom -- gifts with purchase, VIB rewards, gift bag swag -- and crack into it when I'm heading out of town.

4. Save your almost-empties -- I usually repurchase favorite products before they're completely empty for fear of running out at the worst time. I hold on to my almost-empty tubes of foundation, moisturizer, etc., and throw them in my bag when I travel because they take up much less space than full products. I'll finish them off on my trip and toss them before heading home (leaving my suitcase lighter, or with room for a few souvenirs).

Be smart about your travel day outfit....

My only rule of thumb here is: wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane.

This is key to getting all of your clothes in a tiny suitcase -- don't let shoes take up valuable space. For this trip, my bulkiest footwear was my running shoes. I knew I'd have time to change in the airport before jumping into any professional festivities, so this meant I could keep things SUPER casual and comfy for my trip. I went with a good pair of leggings and my favorite drapey tee (I usually like to avoid lounge-y clothes for traveling, but sometimes an exception needs to be made).

Packing your carry on...

Most airlines allow you to bring a small suitcase and a "small personal item" like a handbag, computer bag, or briefcase. This tote might be pushing the boundaries of a small personal item, but it easily fits under the seat so I think I'm safe.

1. Tuck a pair of shoes in your tote -- shoes take up a lot of space, so be smart about what you bring and how you pack them. I had 4 pair on my trip, which was perfect, but only 2 pair taking up space in my actual suitcase.

2. Grab a scarf -- I knew I'd be wearing this one during my trip, but I always pack at least one scarf in my carry on in case I need a blanket or a pillow, a makeshift eye mask, or even an air filter in case my seat mate forgot to bathe that day week.

3. More pouches -- to avoid losing important things in a cavernous bag, I keep another pouch right on top. I stash my passport, my boarding pass, my earbuds, and any other small thing I might need for easy access.

4. Snacks -- earlier this year I broke one of my cardinal travel rules and got on a flight without any snacks. We were stuck on the tarmac for hours and I thought I'd pass out from hunger -- never again. I also like having healthy snacks in my hotel room so I'm not tempted by the minibar. Apples, nuts, and granola bars are perfect.

Packing your bag...

1. Find the right suitcase -- I found this slim little rollerbag at TJ Maxx for $40 (I've seen it in quite a few stores in a variety of colors). It is tiny but holds SO much. I easily fit 6 tops, 3 bottoms, 1 dress, 1 jacket, 2 pair of shoes, jewelry, a hair dryer and other odds and ends (I rolled most of my clothes -- I think it maximizes space and minimizes wrinkles).

2. Maximize your options -- I'm not someone who can plan out 3 days' worth of outfits in advance. I like to have options so I can adjust for changes in weather, plans, or just mood. I know I'll need a few options for work activities and a few options for casual evening plans, so I made sure almost everything I brought could be dressed up or down as needed. I think I'll wear the green top with black pants and heels for client meetings, but I may decide to throw it on with jeans and flats for dinner with my college roommate. With a streamlined color palette (black, white, blue, and green), I can easily put together lots of different outfits. A couple of bold accessories that work with just about any look will make it super easy to get dressed for every event.

A few pieces, lots of options...

3. Don't forget to work on your fitness -- traveling can be rough on your body and spirit. Your sleep schedule gets out of whack, you don't always eat the right things, you're cramming too much into your day. The remedy for all of this is exercise. I always make sure my hotel has a gym, but if possible I head out for a walk or run (preferably in the morning, so I can get a lay of the land and check out the city) and then do some squats and lunges back in my room. So make room for some gym clothes -- it's worth it.

4. Packing cubes are genius. I used to think these were just a frivolous "extra" for people who like to throw money away, but they make a difference. If used the right way, they'll let you pack smarter by filling in every last inch of valuable space. I used this one for socks and undies on this trip, but for a longer trip I'll use a few to cram in extra tops, pants, pjs, etc.

All packed and ready to fly -- see you on the road!