I was lucky enough to spend this summer gallivanting around  France and Northern Italy this summer (I can now divide my life into before and after Italy)

As my friends and I prepared for our trip we spoke frequently about what each of us should bring. Nevertheless even after our frequent conversations my three friends still showed up at the airport with bags three times the size of mine.

“Where’s your bag?” They exclaimed.

“It’s right here.” I replied

“But that’s a carry on?!”

“Thanks captain obvious, and it contains all that I need for this fabulous trip that we are about to embark on.”

“How is that possible?”

Let me assume that you are asking the same question…

How to pack for a French Riviera/ Italian summer adventure with a carry on

• Pack 4 shirts to 1 pair of pants
• 1 formal outfit
• 1 sweater (although I never used mine)
• 3 pairs of shoes-two packed and one worn on the plane (only multi tasking pairs allowed)  
• Undies and bras
• Face care – divided and labelled
• Accessories – this is what is going to save your outfits and keep them looking fresh
• Bathing suit

Tips to remember when packing:

• Largest shoes and jacket must be worn on the plane
• Roll, don’t fold your clothes and wrap any delicates in tissue paper
• Make sure to stuff your shoes with socks or undies
• Put all of your skincare in travel bottles and pack neutral make up that will go from day to night
• Pack in stages, to give yourself time to think
• Bring a great multi-functioning pashmina

Most importantly, only pack items that make you feel good about yourself.

Now you just have to book your trip!

Your Style Queen,
S.

In times like these we are always looking to save a few dollars; cutting out frivolous expenses like manicures, dinners out or new clothing. I don’t know about you, but I would happily cut out the first two to save the latter. I think of it like purchasing a metropass versus paying individually every time you went to ride transit (if you never ride transit, bear with me I have a point here). You may feel like it is too much to pay at first; however when you look at the amount spent at the end of the month, you could have saved money by investing in a pass. Paying a little bit each time makes it easier to convince yourself that you are getting a deal, but really, in the end you are losing money. Moreover, a good investment can take you even further than you think; just as the metropass can help you out on your tax return, so too can a great outfit help you to land the job you are looking for, or the partner you were looking for or even the confidence you were looking for!

A note from the Queen,

S.