7 Simple Products That Create Totally Different Travel Looks.

Happy Friday, friends! Hope everyone has had a great week. I've been asked a lot lately how on earth I packed for 4+ months in one suitcase (especially with seasons changing so drastically from August to December). While I plan to do a post dedicated to long term packing, I wanted to quickly touch on a few items that are great for any traveler to pack this time of year- no matter how long you're traveling. You see- it's not about how much you pack, but how much you can recreate a look using the same items. So today I'm sharing 7 simple items to pack this season that all create unique looks.  

1. BLANKET SCARVES

Blanket scarves have been a LIFE SAVER. Not only can you wrap them up several different ways, but you could literally wear the same all black uniform underneath every day and have a totally different look just from the scarf you wear (I do this OFTEN). Pictured above is this from Mango, but this Nordstrom option even gives you TWO prints in one.

2. RED LIPSTICK

I ALWAYS love a good red lip. It creates such a statement that it can make an outfit look totally different with it vs. without it. Some of my favorites include "Ruby Woo" by MAC, "Cruella" by NARS and "Red Smile" by Dior. 

 

3. STATEMENT SUNGLASSES

I bought a pair of classic-shaped sunnies when I was in Paris last September and I can wear them with anything. But when I found these Prada sunnies on a fluke sale in Sorrento last month, I splurged. They're more of a statement pair, but it's been so fun to alternate them into my wardrobe because they create a totally different look (a very similar look-alike pair by ASOS here)

 

 

4. SOCK BUN WRAP UP

Sock buns are my best friend. Not only do they create a totally different look than wearing your hair down, but it's great if you haven't washed your hair. Not great at doing a sock bun on your own? Fear not. Kits like this Beachwaver wrap up or this MIA Bun Ease make it incredibly simple. 

5. BEANIES

Also great for masking unwashed hair, beanies create a unique look and are perfect for this time of year. Another perk? Unlike other hats, these guys are super easy to pack because you can squish them in any suitcase corner without consequence. Go for a neutral that can be worn with a lot like this or this. 

6. CLASSIC STRIPED SHIRT

I've worn my black + white striped shirt non-stop between August and still wear it now. It can be worn on its own, layered with a scarf or under a jacket. It literally goes with just about anything else you pack, so the possibilities are endless. I got mine at J Crew, but you can find them here, here or here as well. 

7. REVERSIBLE OUTERWEAR

I LOVE reversible outerwear. Coats are something you need to wear everyday this time of year (depending where you travel of course) but I get tired of wearing the same one over and over (and your suitcase really doesn't allow for you to pack too many!) Enter reversible outerwear. Coats like this or ponchos like this and this let you wear them 2 ways, giving you double the options of looks to wear. 

If you have these items in your suitcase, you can mix and match all the above to create an endless number of looks with just a few items. I hope you find them to be helpful as you pack, or even if you're staying put and just need to revamp your current closet. 

What other items have you found to be versatile during your travels? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend, and stay tuned for an exciting giveaway I'll be announcing on the blog next week!

xo, 

Whitney

Travel Uniform for a gal-on-the-go: 2016 guift guide

Happy Cyber Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. While going back to reality after the holiday is never fun, at least there are some great sales happening online to ease the pain a bit, right? Some of my favorites include: 

LOFT: 50% OFF EVERYTHING WITH CODE CYBER MONDAY

NORDSTROM: ADDITIONAL 20% OFF SELECT SALE ITEMS

J. CREW: 20% OFF WITH CODE GETSHOPPING

EXPRESS: 50% OFF EVERYTHING

MACY'S: TAKE AN EXTRA 20-40% OFF

LUGGAGE UP TO 85% OFF AT E-BAGS

And if you're looking for flights or hotels? Priceline is offering:

15% OFF UNTIL 7:59AM EST, 12% OFF UNTIL 11:59AM EST, 7% OFF UNTIL 5:59PM EST & 5% OFF THE REST OF THE DAY (USING CODE: CYBER15

For today's gift guide, I wanted to focus on the "travel uniform" (essentially, those cozy staples every gal-on-the-go should have). I've learned that comfort + functionality is the perfect combination for travel days, and I've rounded up some of my favorite pieces that you can benefit from (some of them still included in these Cyber Monday sales!)

ponchos + wraps

CLASSIC ALPACA CAPE: CUYANA

I love Cuyana and I love a good poncho to wrap up in on a travel day. Combine those two factors and this Classic Alpaca Cape is pretty much a perfect staple for any traveler. 

CASHMERE OVERSIZED SCARF WRAP

I've said dozens of times before that cashmere is one of my favorite fabrics for travel. It's soft + warm, but also lightweight, so it's perfect to wrap up in. This cashmere oversized scarf wrap from Macy's is marked down significantly for Cyber Monday. 

oversized thermal scarf

Are you picking up on my love for oversized scarves and wraps yet? There's really nothing better (or more chic) than wrapping up in a big comfy piece like this oversized thermal scarf from Shopbop. This textile offers a bit of variety from cashmere if you're wanting to mix it up. 

RIBBED CASHMERE MUFFLER

If you're wanting to stick with cashmere but want a piece that's a bit smaller or less overwhelming than some of my options above, you'll love this ribbed cashmere muffler from Nordstrom. 

OMBRÉ ALPACA SERAPE WRAP

Another great alpaca poncho, this ombré option from Nordsrom offers something a bit more interesting than a solid print. I also love that it combines two of my favorite neutrals: camel + grey. 

CARDIGANS + LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS

OPEN FRONT LONG CASHMERE CARDIGAN

Again with the cashmere, this long open front cardigan from Nordstrom is the ultimate chic + cozy option to wrap up in a travel day. 

LEITH WAFFLE KNIT CARDIGAN

While cashmere is ideal, I realize it can be a bit on the expensive side. If you want something that's still long + cozy but more affordable, this Leith Waffle Knit Cardigan from Nordstrom is a great find. 

TRAVELER WRAP JACKET

Stay stylish while keeping cozy in this French terry hoodie from Nordstrom. It's fashioned with a draped open front, leather cuffs and smart thumbholes to keep your hands warm. Lightweight jackets like this are clutch while traveling because they're not too bulky, but still help keep you at an ideal temperature. 

comfortable jeans or leggings

Whatever pants you choose to wear on a travel day should be comfortable. If you opt for jeans, go with a boyfriend pair like these (or these). I tend to wear black leggings like these (or these) because they're a bit more comfortable but still look chic and can be styled the same way. 

comfortable chic footwear 

I've shared these shoes on previous blogs, but I love the simplicity of these lifestyle / athletic shoes. Not only are the comfortable, but they pair well with both workout clothes and everyday street style. 

So there you have it! chic cozy neutrals that are comfortable are what you want on travel days (although to be honest, I want these everyday really...)  I hope you found this to be helpful and that you can score some travel staples of your own with these Cyber Monday sales!  And in case you missed it, be sure to check out my other posts from this weekend- lots of those items are still on sale too!

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR TRAVEL LOVERS

ULTIMATE LUGGAGE GUIDE

BEST TRAVEL ITEMS ON SALE FOR BLACK FRIDAY + CYBER MONDAY

GIFTS FOR A GUY-ON-THE-GO

Stay tuned for more posts this week! I'll be sharing more about my trip to Cologne, Germany a couple weeks ago and what you'll need to pack if you're visiting Europe in the winter!

xo, 

Whitney

guy on the go gift guide

Happy Sunday! Hope everyone has been enjoying Thanksgiving weekend with friends + family. I've been using these last few days to create shopping posts since there are so many great deals on travel items at the moment between Black Friday and Cyber Monday (but don't worry- more travel guides are coming next week!)

In case you've missed them, I've shared my favorite stocking stuffers for travel lovers, my favorite luggage (that's currently on sale), and all my favorite sales happening right now that include great travel items.   

Today, I've rounded up another list of my favorite items: gifts for a guy on the go. Whether he's an adventure-seeker you'll find hopping all over the globe, or a domestic business traveler you'll find in a suit, there are some items ever male traveler can benefit from. So I've polled my fellow travel lovers of the male species, and here's the verdict: 

CASHMERE SCARF

Temperatures while traveling are constantly changing. Light layers are key, and you can't go wrong with a cashmere scarf (especially a neutral like this grey that goes with everything). He can wear it with everything from a worn denim jacket to a dress coat for work. 

 

 

COTTON BEANIE

As I've said before, hats are great for travelers that want to hide messy hair they don't have time to tame. This time of year, a beanie like this (or this) can be worn with lots of different looks and easily stuffed into a bag when not needed. 

LEATHER TECH GLOVES

As a traveler myself, I know how annoying it is to take your gloves off when it's cold to be able to use a mobile device. These mens tech leather gloves are great because they look smart + polished while also working with all touch screens. 

 

DUFFLE CARRY-ON

A good carry-on or overnight duffle is clutch for any traveler. Whether your guy wants something a bit more polished and professional (like this) or something a bit more casual (like this) it's an item he'll use often and will appreciate having a quality one he loves.

 

RIMOWA HARD SHELL SUITCASE

Good luggage is one of the most important staples that a traveler needs. I've already shared my luggage guide, but if you're looking something a bit more many, try this Rimowa hard shell suitcase. 

MEN'S MINI TRAVEL KIT

This is the ultimate wash kit for the male traveler in your life. It includes 3 body washes born from the masculine Jack Wills scents (which are amazing) in a stylish charcoal pouch that's ready for plane-hopping and last minute adventures. 

 

MARVIS TOOTHPASTE TRAVEL KIT

I've previously shared my love of Marvis in my stocking stuffers post but this certainly applies to any traveler. Get your guy a set of this luxury toothpaste imported from Italy to equip him for any adventure ahead.  

CARRY ON COCKTAIL KIT

Also shared in my stocking stuffers post is this carry-on cocktail kit. The small tin easily fits into a carry on and gives you everything you need to make 2 delicious cocktails at 30,000 feet. 

LEATHER TRAVEL KIT

This rich leather travel tote adds natural texture to a compact travel kit for men. It's great to hold their toothbrush, razor, or whatever other toiletries they need to bring along on any adventure.

LUGGAGE TAG

I think it's pretty safe that leather is always a great gift for guys (if you can't tell from other ideas I've shared above) and a luggage tag is something that every traveler needs. I love this leather luggage tag from fashionABLE (for travelers of any gender really). 

BOSE HEADPHONES

Good headphones are a must for any traveler. These Bose wireless headphones give an exceptional listening experience and have a re-chargeable battery that lasts up to 15 hours (so they can listen to music for that entire international flight). 

Hope this helps you knock out your holiday shopping for the guy in your life! Stay tuned for tomorrow's Cyber Monday post for another gift guide - this time for the "Gal-on-the-Go"!

xo, 
Whitney