Clear for Take-off

Editor’s note: this is not a sponsored post.

Day Five of our "What to Pack?" Series

In our final installment of travel essentials, we turn our attention to the one product I can’t embark on a journey without: Pond’s® wet cleansing towelettes.  I discovered these when the TSA cracked-down on gels and liquids in carry-on luggage and I wanted to swap my facial cleanser for a cleansing cloth.  I tried a few brands before I discovered Pond’s and trust me, not all cleansing cloths are created equal.

The Ponds model foams up and works, without a drop of water. The texture of the cloth removes all make up, even waterproof mascara and eyeliner, without tugging or irritating.   I recently took them on a two week trip and noticed after using the cloths for that long, my complexion improved overall (clearer, better moisturized skin).  In fact, I loved them so much when I returned from my trip, I started using them as my daily routine, not just for travel.  Two separate people asked me what I was doing different with my face the week I got back. 

They come in packs of 30 and I have found travel packs of 5 at Target.  I keep a travel pack in my carry-on and use them to remove make up prior to a trans-Atlantic nap.  That, and a healthy dose of night cream, let’s me wake up without my mascara under my eyes and the dry skin that stale airplane air causes.

Carry On

Day Four of our "What to Pack?" Series

When I was in college, I borrowed my father’s camera for an introductory photography class I was taking.  Dad was a photojournalist with the Army in Vietnam, so when he delivered the camera to me it was still in his U.S. issued, army green shell bag with a well-worn leather strap.  I loved that bag and needless to say when the class was over, I returned the camera but kept the bag. 

The year was 1993 and that Christmas, under the tree, was my very own shell bag, complements of Dad from Duluth Pack.  If you have never heard of the Duluth Pack, get friendly immediately.  Their products are timeless, guaranteed for life, made in the USA and beyond reasonably priced.  And, if an endorsement from Delicious is not enough, what about Barney’s?  Duluth collaborated with the New York fashion force to produce an exclusive line.  And, out of respect for Duluth, I am not one to drop names but I can tell you Barney’s is not the only retailer who is interested in their wares.  

Eighteen years later, I am still carrying that same bag on my journeys (and in my daily life).  Oh sure, at times it went to the back of the closet for a spell (you remember the “it” bag trend after all, don’t you?) but I always come back to my shell bag.  I love it for travel because it can hold all the essentials but the blend of canvas with leather makes it more lightweight than an all-leather bag, plus I love the contrast of materials.  And last Spring when I saw Chloe roll out the military trend in their looks, I put down my wallet and pulled my Duluth bag out from the closet.

Priced at $80 and available in a variety of colors.

So what do you think, is the return to all-American craftsmanship for you, or does it make you go running to your Chanel?

Get Wrapped Up in It

Day Three of our "What to Pack?" Series

It seems that airports and planes are either chilly or sweltering, but never just right.  Layering works well for trans-Atlantic flights and a big, comfy scarf is a must.  I always travel with at least one long, wide scarf that can double as a blanket or wrap in-flight and at my final destination.  All scarves work well because they are so versatile, but don’t add a lot of weight or bulk to your suitcase.  You can use a longer oblong scarf as a belt one day, headband the next.  Or, tie a square scarf into a turban-a look that I have been seeing more and more of lately. 

In terms of versatility, this organic cotton scarf from Organic Giraffe is about as good as it gets.  It is light weight enough to loop the neck, but unfurls to a full wrap.  For sales info, contact sales@organicgiraffe.com.  And the stripes seem just right for Spring, don’t you think?

These Boots were Made for Walking

Day Two of our "What to Pack?" Series

Now that you have picked your perfect travel coat, the second most important item to consider for your travel wardrobe is your footwear for day.  Of course you need something fashionable, but it also must withstand walking long distances, navigating over cobblestones and climbing the stairs of say the piazza di Spagna, aka the Spanish steps, in Rome. 

When I was looking to build my travel wardrobe, I knew a flat boot was just what I needed and spent considerable time searching out the perfect pair.  After much debate, I settled on my Paige boots from Frye in “saddle”.  I felt the camel color was a bit unexpected and would work well with the skinny dark denim jeans I live in on trips.  Also, the style was unique and would lend itself well to the inevitable “distressing” that comes with any journey. 

My advice: after you have purchased your perfect travel boots, test drive them on a long walk at home to break them in properly, ensure you pack the correct weight of sock and to see if you need to get any inserts for them.

What is your favorite footwear for day when you travel?

Don't Trip Up: Travel Packing Made Easy

I have the good fortune of doing a fair amount of international leisure travel, which I love.  And I forever seem to be answering the question, “When you take a trip overseas, what are your must-have items?”  So each day this week I will be featuring a different item that I consider to be the perfect traveling companion and why it works so well.

The coat you wear is of utmost importance when you take a trip.  You need something that works for touring sites outside (no matter the weather), is not too bulky to have on inside museums and such, elegant enough for dinner or the theater, and practical enough for hoping on a train for a day trip.  For me, that’s my rain-proof Burberry trench with a zip out wool lining.  I purchased my coat back in 2002 and it is still a staple of my travel wardrobe.  A Burberry is an investment piece, but when I think of all of the use I have gotten out of mine it has definitely earned it’s keep.  The trench style is one of the most fashionable and practical choices a girl can put on before she takes off.

This silhouette can elevate the most basic of looks, as a defined waist brings polish.  Water-proofing and a removable lining let’s you travel through variety of climates with ease.  Alas, I scoured the web to try to find my exact coat to share with you, but Burberry does not appear to be making zip out linings anymore.  However, this model features a button trim that changes a full length trench to a cropped one which is another very clever solution.

Here are several takes on this classic style, all at a variety of price points.  

 1, 2, 3, 4 

What about you?  Do you have a favorite coat to take when traveling?

Road Trip!

What are you up to this weekend?  I am braving the winter roads to travel to Michigan with my husband to visit his family.  I am really looking forward to seeing everyone, especially my niece and nephew.  So what’s in my bag?  So glad you asked….



1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, *Winter Kate, sold out online.  Originally purchased at shopbop.com.



What are your road trip essentials?  See anything missing here?