3 favorite travel bags!

It's almost SPRING BREAK time and whether that means road trips or heading south to somewhere warm, today I am rounding up my favorite travel bags to help make packing easier. These are bags I use myself for carry ons when I fly or just simply as my front seat bag for a road trip. I reviewed them all on the blog earlier this winter but since travel season is upon us now I thought I would circle back and revisit the topic.

Let's take a look at some of my favorites...

MZ WALLACE METRO TOTE - LARGE (above)

You can find the full review of this bag here but it's quickly become one of my favorites. I've used it as a carry on twice now. It's HUGE and fits under the seat on aircraft. It would also work great for an overnight bag simply because it can carry so much. 

What I usually pack in it: sun hat, pashmina, travel pillow, truffle case for essentials, truffle case for chargers, laptop, planner, wallet, sunglasses, a few snacks and a water bottle

Shop the look: sweatshirt, leggings, sneakers or similar sneakers, tote or smaller tote

MADEWELL TRANSPORT TOTE (above)

You can find the full review of this bag here but what I love about this bag most is that it's so beautiful. The leather is durable but gorgeous and I love that Madewell offers free monogramming in most of their stores. This one is quite roomy but not near as big as the MZ Wallace bag which is fine since you don't always need to travel with a bag that big. 

What I usually pack in it: truffle case for essentials, truffle case for chargers, laptop, planner, wallet, sunglasses, a few snacks and a water bottle (I can usually lay my travel pillow OR pashmina over the top of the bag but it's tough to get both in)

Shop the look: denim jacket, leggings, sneakers or similar sneakers, tote

LE PLIAGE BY LONGCHAMP - LARGE (above)

You can find the full review of this bag here - but what I love most about it is that it's iconically classic and good looking without compromising quality and durability. I've hauled this bag around A LOT and it's held up really well.

What I usually pack in it: truffle case for essentials, truffle case for chargers, laptop, planner, wallet, sunglasses, a few snacks and a water bottle (I can usually lay my travel pillow OR pashmina over the top of the bag but it's tough to get both in)

Shop the look: sweater, jeans, flats, bag

my travel style: part III and MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Review

Today is the FINAL day of my travel week series here on the blog... I think I covered everything as far as questions you have asked, the gear I use and outfits I like to wear for travel. To review you can see my Longchamp Tote review here along with the first travel outfit, my huge Disney Q&A and tips and tricks post here, my Madewell Transport Tote review and go-to travel leggings post here and then my travel gear must-haves are all in this post.  Whew! What a week! Thank you so much for following along, I think this was a really fun way to start the year and it seems like you all really enjoyed these posts too. Whether you are a jet-setter (me, I'm a wannabe!), a road warrior or a weekender or a mix of all three... I hope that when you hit the road in any form these posts will be helpful.  Let's get to the good stuff, shall we?

MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Review

This is my NEWEST travel investment and to be honest I haven't used it yet... so it's just based solely on my first impressions. Which are VERY GOOD. First of all, this quilted MZ Wallace Tote in size large is gorgeous. It's light as a feather, extremely roomy and includes three separate zip pouches to organize the bag. The 3 zip pouches really got me, I mean who doesn't love freebies? Especially freebies that involve organizing! The shoulder straps are nice and thick for added comfort and this bag is HUGE! This bag would also work as a weekender too because of the size. I do think it will have no problem still slipping under the seat in front of you on a plane. So even though it's on the big side I'm not worried about traveling with it. I imagine this fabric is quite durable, so it's going to be great for kids sporting events and weekend activities too. I also ordered it in the Medium size to compare the two, but I think the Large is the size I prefer. I also love the gorgeous quilting and this bag is available in lots of fun colors - so you can have some fun with these for sure!

Favorite Travel Outfit Combination, Part III

I'm back with the same leggings as this post, just in the camo this time. I can't stress enough how much I love these leggings... and how amazing they are for travel! They are quite thick, the waist band doesn't dig in and they suck you in at all the right places. The camo print is so subtle on this pair, I love them!  Paired with an oversized sweatshirt - I love the turtleneck on this one, so warm - and sneakers this is the perfect comfy and cozy travel look. For air or road travel you will be comfortable all day in this look.

Outfit Details:

MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote (or the Medium is a nice size too)

Turtleneck Sweatshirt (fits a little snug, if between sizes, go up one size, I am in a small here)

Camo Leggings (True to size, I am in a small here)

Sneakers (Runs big, go down a size)

Sunglasses

my travel necessities!

Travel week continues with all my travel necessities! A lot of these I have mentioned on stories or in various blog posts, but now they get to all live in one convenient place. I get questions about a lot of these items so feel free to bookmark this post for the future!

Let's take a look at some of the pieces I depend on when traveling!

kindle paperwhite, I used to pack books for trips, but that starts to get very cumbersome. I try to stock my kindle up with a few books and then pop it in my carryon and I'm set for the trip with no heavy books!

carry on tote, this is one of my most-used carry on bags. It's classic and beautiful and carries just the basics for a flight or road trip. You can see my full review of it here!

inexpensive sunglasses, I always travel with cheap sunglasses in case they get broken, squashed in my carry on or lost. This pair is $10! And so comfortable and cute!

travel pillow, I am ALWAYS getting asked about this pillow. It's the BEST. It blocks out light and some sound and then you can lean on the window and sleep. I literally pass out as soon as I put this on. It's amazing!

RX bars, I rarely leave home without these and definitely pack more for trips. I don't love airport food or fast food, so these work in a pinch when you are hungry. I often pair them with a banana from the Delta Sky Club or an airport fast food counter and it's healthy and energizing.

compression socks, if you don't need compression socks on flights - I envy you. A few years ago my ankles and feet started swelling like crazy on flights. It's quite uncomfortable and when you land it's hard to "hit the ground running" with super swollen feet. I slip these on after we board and they do the trick! Hello, 40s. You suck. Haha.

cashmere shawl/scarf, I have a few cashmere shawls/scarves that double as a scarf or a blanket for flights and I always take one along. Grey or black is my favorite in case of stains.

white yeti, my husband and I just recently started packing empty Yeti's in our checked baggage. It's so nice to have coffee or tea in a cup from home and if you are at the beach it will keep a LaCroix or beer cold forever. It's the best ever! We can't believe we didn't think of it earlier!

truffle wristlet, I get asked about my truffle cases all the time. They are amazing, but they sell out A LOT so you sometimes have to stalk them. I have this wristlet size for small items, this truffle square case is what I use for chargers and this truffle flat case keeps lip glosses, keys, bandaids, pens, etc organized. They are all TSA friendly too.

hair ties, I try to always fly with clean hair, but it always seems like the minute I get on a plane my hair feels gross and dirty or static-y. Having hair ties on hand is a must!

grapefruit hand sanitizer, this smells AMAZING! I am not a huge germaphobe, but air travel is just gross - so I always have this on hand!

peppermint lip conditioner, this lip conditioner is soft and not sticky and the peppy peppermint flavor feels fresh when traveling. I love it!

Another question we get a lot is about our Dakine suitcases (large for the adults, smaller for the kids) - we LOVE them! We always check luggage because try as I might, I am not always a very minimalist packer. These are super durable and easy to recognize at the luggage claim. They have held up very well. I think we have had ours for 4 years. 2 for the adults and 2 for the kids!

my travel style: part II and Madewell Transport Tote Review

Today I am back with part 2 of my travel outfit and travel tote review! If you missed the first one, you can check that out here! For this entire week I will be chatting all things travel - including reviewing some of my favorite travel bags (like today's review of the Madewell Transport Tote), dishing on some of my favorite travel outfits and rounding up all of my travel must-haves! I know many of us are beginning to think about spring break and other warm weather travel for the winter - so I hope you find these posts helpful as you plan.

Transport Tote by Madewell Review

The Transport Tote by Madewell is one of my favorite travel bags and probably the one I use the most often. It's the perfect size for a laptop, wallet, chargers, sunglasses and other small items needed for a carry on for a flight or for a road trip. And unlike the Le Pliage by Longchamp that I reviewed here, I also sometimes use the Transport Tote as an everyday bag too. The leather is just a little more pulled together and I love that it carries all the things for busy days.  I have found the leather to be very durable on this bag, showing almost no wear and tear, even after a lot of use. I like that the leather on the Transport Tote is a little more stiff, so it holds it's shape nicely versus other leather totes I have seen around. A slouchy tote is gorgeous, but a stiffer tote works better for travel in my opinion. This tote is taller than the Le Pliage too - making it a little too tall to stand upright under the seat in front of you on an airplane, I usually gently fold over the top to slide it under. I love that you can have this tote monogrammed in select Madewell stores. I had mine done in the Chicago store - even if you don't buy it there they will still monogram it for you if it's Madewell brand. I even believe I got it for free - but don't quote me on that. There are LOTS of Transport tote sizes and colors too... so this bag truly has something for everyone.  I highly recommend this tote!

Favorite Travel Outfit Combinations, Part II

Along with this tote being my most used when I travel, this outfit combination is also my go-to as well. Leggings, a tee (or sweatshirt), sneakers and a denim jacket works great for ALL types of travel. It's comfort at it's peak, especially this pair of leggings. I find them exceedingly comfortable, especially for long travel days (or nights). And simple layers like these are perfect when you land in warmer locations - which can always be tricky to dress for properly. This is definitely one of my all time favorite outfit combos for travel here.

Outfit Details:

Denim Jacket (or similar less expensive option) - true to size, I am in a small

Graphic Tee (or similar less expensive option) - true to size, I am in a small

Leggings - true to size, I am in a small

Sneakers (or similar less expensive option)

Tote

Sunglasses

my travel style: part I and Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote review!

This week I am kicking off an entire week devoted entirely to travel. Our family loves to travel and I love to travel with my husband a couple of times a year too. From road trips to long haul flights, we've pretty much done it all! Now that we have teens in the house it's super easy to travel, so I won't be going into traveling with kids. Instead I'll be chatting up my favorite travel outfits, reviewing my favorite travel bags (like today's review of the Large Le Pliage Tote by Longchamp), talking about my MUST HAVES while traveling and lastly answering ALL your Disney questions from our trip there a few weeks back. I know this is the time of year where a lot of people start planning winter and spring travel to escape the cold and snow and I hope these posts are helpful for you as you plan!

Large Le Pliage Tote by Longchamp Review

Let's talk about the bag first! The Large Le Pliage Tote by Longchamp is the travel tote I have owned the longest. I use it mostly for travel (both air travel or road trips) but it also makes a great bag to have on hand for mom duties too like kids' sports events where I pack snacks, water bottles, a book, etc. It would also make a great mom bag to hold diapers, wipes, kids toys and snacks for younger kids too. I will be featuring a few other carry-on totes this week but of all three that I own/use this one is on the smaller side. It still has plenty of room for a laptop, chargers, wallet and a water bottle, but if I add my camera (for work travel), travel pillow or a shawl/scarf it gets full to the top.  I like this tote because it's super lightweight, very classic and the zipper top is smooth and not awkward to zip.  When not in use you can fold it up quite small to store it. Every size has it's advantages though - later this week I will review a quite large tote - which also has it's own pros and cons. So don't let the size discourage you - this is still a great tote! I like to travel with it BEST when I am not taking my laptop. Then it is the PERFECT size. The laptop makes it a little snug in there, but definitely still works.

Favorite Travel Outfit Combinations, Part I

Let's talk about this travel outfit next! I have a few travel outfit combos that I go for time and time again. It kind of depends on the weather at home when we leave and the weather at the location we are traveling to - but in general I go for comfort and layers! No matter if we are in the car or on an airplane I hate to be cold so I always go for lots of layers. That is why I love an oversized sweater to travel. This is warm and snuggly in cars or planes, but you can easily layer a t-shirt or tank top underneath if you are traveling somewhere warm (my personal favorite). Stretchy skinny jeans and these ultra comfortable and classic flats (the most comfortable I own!) finish the look easily. I like to wear jeans when I travel if I know we are going straight to an event or a certain place when we land. If we are just checking in to our hotel immediately, then leggings are preferred. But jeans are a little more polished for when there is zero turnaround time on the ground.  And I usually always travel in dark clothing... because, while it hasn't happened in a while, spills on clothing on a long day of travel CAN happen and who wants to walk around with a stain all day!?!

Outfit Details:

Sweater (it's quite oversized, I'm in size small)

Jeans (I cut the hems myself)

Flats - true to size

Sunglasses

Tote

more NYC fun!

las vegas highlights...

As always, Las Vegas is amazing, inspiring and entertaining... we had a great trip!  After a red-eye home I still feel like I am recuperating days later.  But here are the highlights...

1. We stayed at Vdara in the City Center this year.  This is the first time the entire City Center has been open since we visited last... and I can't say ENOUGH good things about the whole place!  It so urban, chic and young!  It was totally the place to see and be seen and it was packed in every bar, every restaurant and the entire casino.  Vdara is the "quiet" retreat of City Center though in that it is non-gaming (no casinos!!!) and non-smoking (a true rarity in Vegas).  So the hotel was quiet and serene against the busy-ness of Vegas.  I slept like a baby in our ultra quiet suite (all the rooms are suites!) and the staff was so pleasant and accommodating. In addition, I loved that you could go from the pool or spa to your room via elevator and not have to walk through the lobby or casino.  It all felt very private and relaxing.

2. I didn't take any 'outfit photos' technically, but instead snapped a few shots into mirrors when I found them... on the left, getting ready to go out in our room and on the right, riding in the ultra swanky elevator.

3. In the lobby of Vdara was a really cool restaurant/bar called Silk Road, it wasn't open to the public (looked like just private parties) but it looked amazing inside and this gold and pink wallpaper just killed me!  So gorgeous!

4.  My super sweet husband surprised me with a glorious hot rock massage at the Vdara spa one morning.  Whoa nelly!  That was my first and likely not last experience with hot rocks, I was in absolute heaven!

5. My pink party dress proved to be the perfect dress for a night out on the town!  We ate at Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan (a reader suggested this AMAZING restaurant - so THANK YOU!) and it was a perfect dress for a vibrant scene!

6. The Chandelier bar in Cosmopolitan was an amazing multi-floored bar that was one big chandelier as well as multiple chandeliers within it... it's hard to explain, but it was absolutely break taking!

7. And of course, any trip to Vegas wouldn't be complete without plenty of shopping!  I hit up most of my favorite stores and spots... but Zara always takes the cake for me and I was able to snag a few new things for winter.

So that sums up my trip!

Seattle, a quick re-cap!

Are you sick of hearing about Seattle yet?!?!? If you are - sorrs.  If not... here's more, the penny tour if you will... (these are all iPhone pics... we didn't take our "good" camera and I kinda regret it now...)

Fresh produce. Yes, please.

Beecher's Cheese: Double Yes, Please.

Date night with my best friend and our husbands: Classic back seat picture.

Blogger Meet-up: Maggie and her adorable apartment.

My Daughter with Peonies: Shut the front door.

what to pack: IN my carry-on!

As I prepare for our first cross-country trip with the kiddos... one of the first things on my mind is what are we carrying on.

We've got one short flight and one longer flight and for both I want my kiddos to be completely entertained at the drop of the hat (is that good or bad!?!?) - or at least be prepared for them to be.  Who knows, I might get lucky and they could get a little snooze in, but if I don't (or they don't) here is what will be entertaining us and keeping us comfortable for this Eastern Standard Time Zone transfer to Pacific Time Zone.

The great North West... here we come!

1. I'll have my trusty MacBook on hand for movies... and because I never go far without it, duh!

2. & 3. My new iPhone (and likely my older version as well) with both come with us for games, games and more games!  We are an Angry Birds loving family for sure!

4. My kids are just bonkers for Where's Waldo (this one is the Where's Waldo? The Ultimate Travel Collection). I'm going to be sure to pick up a few new (to us) ones from the library before we leave.

5. I absolutely always have to have a scarf on an airplane, you never know how cold it will be. This one looks summery and juuuuust perfect!

6. Have you seen Fantastic Mr. Fox? It's a family favorite and I'll be sure to have one on loan from Netflix for the trip!

7. & 9. Classic Gap hoodies (boys & girls) for the kids will be perfect light jackets for the kids to snuggle up in and the hoods will protect against rain if it happens to be raining when we land.

8. Target's brand 'Archer Farms' seems to be the best trailmix that I can find for the price around here (we don't have a Trader Joes near).  So this will definitely be coming along for a snack!

10. My husband said, "what about me?" when I was writing this post.  He loves to travel in his black Haviana flip flops.  He has blue one's too... but I'm betting his picks his black ones (he's so predictable!).

11. I always like to make sure I have one small bag for necessities.  Inside will likely be a stash of gum and lip gloss.

12. Speaking of lip gloss, this is my favorite. Plus it has lots of staying power. Perfect for flying!

~~~

What are your carry-on necessities!?!? Dish!

And also let me know if you have any tips for traveling with kids... I'm takin' 'em!

what to pack: carry-on!

I've got a family vacation coming up quickly here... so get ready for some traveling and packing posts.  For carry-on luggage I always want something that is roomy, but not bulky and especially since we are traveling with the kids, I want to make sure it holds TONS of stuff.  I will likely be bringing my Kate Spade Griffin Tote (seen here).  But here are some other options that would be fun too... doesn't a vacation seem like a perfect excuse for a new bag!?!?

All the bags shown here are fabulous brand names and all are UNDER $200 -

 I like a good quality bag sometimes, what can I say?

(navy)

(black and white)

(pink)

(red)

(white with black dots)

What is your carry-on of choice?  

nothing like a good cowboy...

This can be filed under Las Vegas trip notes... however, the photos and experiences weren't mine. :(

"PBR" was in Las Vegas while we were. Oh, wait, you don't know what PBR is? Common'! Well, the truth is I didn't until I learned about it last year when we were in Vegas at the same time of year. It's not "Pabst Blue Ribbon" which is what folks in my parts would guess (good down home midwest beer). It's actually the Professional Bull Riders. Cowboys, people. They were peppered all over Vegas while we were there.

And, of course, no one could capture the event as well as The Sartorialist and his gal, Garance, no?

(photo via Garance Dore)

(photo via Garance Dore)

(photo via The Sartorialist)

Makes this city mouse want to buy a pair of Wranglers and let my hair blow in the dusty breeze. Because, really, there is nothing like a good cowboy, right?

(ps, wouldn't it have been wild to run into these two fab bloggers!?!?!)
(pps. probably the closest I will ever be to Tim and Garance and their cameras. In my life. I think I can live with that though.)

a quick trip recap.

Don't you hate it when you get home from vacation and realize that you didn't take enough pictures, or that the pictures just don't live up to the experiences.

I have a bit of that feeling as I sit to recap the vacation. Although, how can you sum up in pictures the feeling of reconnecting with your spouse in deep and meaningful ways and sheer relaxation? Surely photos of the casinos would do it no justice. (and in fact many casinos and hotels had "no photos" signs every where. buggers.)

So let's all just come to the conclusion that these pictures weren't near as good as the real thing. But close.

Meeting my husband for lunch (he was working two of the three days I was there) at our favorite sushi place (I forget the name, just outside of the casino at Mandalay Bay). Look at this adorable bento box. And an iced tea. Perfect.


(ps. I am mostly vegetarian these days... but the tempura shrimp and the spicy tuna in the bento were consummed. And loved. The other more scale-y looking fish - bottom left - passed on to my husband.)

Me, fat and happy after an AMAZING meal at Mon Ami Gabi, hands down my most favorite restaurant ever.

We split the warm brie with peppered honey and roasted hazelnuts (I died and went to heaven). Then I had an amazing mushroom soup and roasted beet and goat cheese salad. If you want to drool over the menu, it's here. But the best part was a sharing a pitcher of "Fran-gria" a red-wine sangria concotion with rosemary undertones. It's heaven people! The best part is that the service was impeccable and the prices reasonable for the quality of food and service.

There was gelato and sorbet too... I only took a picture quick the first time we stopped (yes, there were multiple stops!) Here is my husbands chocolate hazelnut and my pomegranate. I am just wondering why in this picture he is digging into mine!?!? This little shop was in the breezeway between the Luxor and Mandalay.


A view from the pool. Where I spent most of my time... if you ever stay at the Luxor, the pyramid is cool. But get a room in the towers it is much more quiet and the rooms are nicer. We stayed in the pyramid last year and while it's "fun" it's also a bit on the cheesy side. And mostly I was there to relax (you probably think I am crazy, who goes to Vegas to relax? But I did. And I accomplished!)


Another pool view... the weather was warm and the pool was scrumptious!


All in all a most lovely get-away. There was shopping too! More on that soon!