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| Travelling style is easier than you might think if you organize your thoughts (and your luggage). |
We love to travel. In fact, traveling to see different people, places and things is at least half of our bucket list...the top three places on our list? Alaska, Australia and South Africa (apparently Louis Vuitton is feeling our last location). And our dashing Mr. Harbin's top three? Jamaica, Spain and Italy - after all, this time of year, he wants to spend his time off soaking up some sun (while wearing sunscreen!) with his bikini clad lady. Vacation is amazing, no doubt about it. But all the planning and packing required for to actually go on any trip is, well, less than amazing. We've all been there, finally to your location, about to go see some sights only to realize the only shoes suitable for walking around aren't really all that comfortable. Or you don't have a single outfit appropriate to get drinks at the swanky bar the hotel recommended. Shopping in a new place is fun but if it's for something you absolutely must have it can take the fun out of it.
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| Jacqueline and Jonathan Harbin on a Grand adventure - when the weather turns cold, layers and accessories are your best friend. |
Knowing what to pack depends hugely on where you're going and what you're doing. Our suitcases were full of swim suits, sandals, shorts and t-shirts with floppy hats and sunscreen when we cruised to the Bahamas...a vast contrast to spending a week in Rome over New Years where we donned coats and wore tights with every single skirt, seeing the sights in a pair of well-loved flat J.Crew boots. We're living proof that you can pack everything you need for a two week trip to Crete in a single Vera Bradley weekender bag and still look fashionable. Our secret? Having a checklist.
Soaking up the Sun
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| Soaking up the sun at any beach requires bikinis, straw hats and lots of sunscreen. |
Whether it's a cruise or just a beach getaway, sunshine means you're going to need a few staples and not a whole lot else.
What to bring:
- bikini(s) (or swimsuit of choice) with a coverup that can get you in at beach side bars for drinks
- beach towel
- big floppy hat
- denim and cotton shorts
- light cotton skirts - minis, maxis, loose or tight, it's up to you
- sundresses
- tank tops and fitted t-shirts
- a cute dress to have a nice dinner out one night
- jacket for walking on the beach once the sun goes down
- flip flops so you don't burn your tootsies, sandals for walking around and wedges if you're going all out for dinner
- SUNSCREEN
- beach bag
- sunglasses
- surf spray...embrace the salt waves and leave your straightener at home
Hitting up the Slopes
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| If hitting the slopes is your idea of fun make sure you plan ahead to get the cheapest rates and dress warm! If you don't ski often look into renting your jacket, bib and other equipment. |
Maybe you're not a beach bum or it's just too far away. If you're one of the people that the powder just calls to you, a skiing or snowboarding may be more up your alley. You can find places to ski year round but try to plan ahead to get the best lift ticket rates!
What to bring:
- ski pants/bib and jacket
- underlayers (thick and thin)
- gloves or mittens - one pair for the slopes and another for just being outside
- glove liners
- ski hat/headband/facemask
- regular winter hat
- ski socks
- jeans
- sweaters
- warm pants
- waterproof winter coat
- scarf
- hand warmers
Adventure Time!
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| Travel in other countries doesn't have to be stressful if you do some prep work before you depart. List out the sites you must see while leaving some room for impromptu adventures. And make sure you bring your walking shoes! |
Whether it's stateside or abroad, sometimes the best vacations are somewhere completely new, maybe uncharted and may involve sweating. The most important rule of thumb? Less really is more. Event if you're staying in a hotel, you don't want to be lugging around half a dozen suitcases filled with things you really don't need. Besides, you need room for souvenirs! Much of what you'll need is weather dependent - if it's supposed to be cold make sure you take warm layers and jackets, rain jackets are invaluable for the wet season and moisture-wicking gear is a lifesaver when it's hot and muggy.
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| Crete, Greece has so much to explore! Pack lightweight tops and shorts if you're going during the summer since it gets hot and make sure you have a comfortable pack to carry all your essentials. |
What to bring:
- thermal underwear
- warm jacket/rain jacket
- comfy pants or shorts
- short sleeve shirts
- moisture-wicking socks
- thin gloves
- toilet paper (better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it)
- leatherman multi-purpose tool
- medicine
- dry bag
- candy and granola bars
- if you're traveling outside the country (or anywhere else that may require documentation) or hiking, make sure you email yourself your documents just in case something gets lost
City Exploration
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| If it's a city your heart longs to explore bring along some more fashion-forward clothing: heels, skirts and bold patterns. If all else fails you can always take a cab back to the hotel |
Seattle, Nashville, Dallas or anywhere else your heart desires to roam. City vacations aren't always the most relaxing but they do offer plenty of sights, restaurants and other attractions. The key thing is to balance your going-out clothes with outfits that are comfortable running around seeing attractions.
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| Bring on the warmer weather and get out to see the sights in cute but lightweight clothes. Don't be afraid of bright colors! |
What to bring:
- skinny jeans
- pants and/or shorts that are both comfy but also fashion-forward (colored skinny capris are great this year!)
- thin strap tanks, silk tops for evening
- blazer
- sundresses for day
- cocktail dress (or equivalent) for dinner and drinks
- flats for running through crosswalks as the light changes
- heels to drop your tourist look
- sexy accessories
- statement jewelry
Escape to the Countryside
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| Visiting a small town tucked away somewhere can be very relaxing experience. Leave the more trendy attire at home and opt for comfortable clothes that are still cute but can take a little dirt. |
Some people don't need beaches to lounge on or cities to explore or anything else to keep them entertained. For some, relaxation somewhere laid back is enough - whether it's your hometown or just a spot in the middle of nowhere you and some friends picked out, this kind of vacation is truly rejuvenating. Who doesn't love bonfires?
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| The most important thing to remember when you're travelling? Have fun and don't take yourself too seriously! |
- tee's and tanks
- jean shorts
- jeans
- bo-ho dress
- flannel button down or cute jacket to keep the chill away at night
- flat, strappy sandals
- short, flat boots that can handle a bit of dirt
- s'mores kit for that bonfire with friends
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| Louis Vuitton certainly has the spirit of adventure these days - we haven't made it to South Africa but it's definitely on our list! |
Where ever your travels take you, remember that life will be much more enjoyable if you put a little effort into organizing your packing. Besides, you're going to snap several photos while on vacation and you want to be able to look back at those photos and see that your fashion sense carries with you where ever you go! Now go and enjoy the weather...a start planning your next adventure!
Photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Jacqueline Harbin.
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