Travel in Style.

This weekend Erich and I are headed out of town for a long weekend. (A wedding gift we've been holding on to.) We are going to our favorite spot in Kennebunkport and I can't wait! It's our last getaway before the stress of the holidays so I plan to do nothing but unwind. Having the comforts of home away from home always makes for an amazing trip so I always keep this in mind when packing. It's all in the details. Here is a little travel guide of my favorite getaway essentials and tips:

Little Luxuries.
You have heard me sing the praises of beauty samples before (see post here), and the small packets always come in handy. A getaway is the perfect time to indulge. Try a new eye cream or perfume.  We all know that the shampoo and conditioner at most hotels just don't cut it for the ladies so don't forget those.

Recycle.
I store a laundry bag from my favorite hotel in the bottom of my weekend bag. I never have to remember to pack it, but I'm always glad that I have it. Right now I'm using one from the Taj Hotel to remind me of our wedding night. It's a nice personal touch on any weekend trip.

Smell.
It's one of the strongest senses. Don't forget to pack a travel candle in your favorite scent. It can help you relax, remind you of home, and cover the smell of any strong cleaning products in your hotel room.    I really like the subtle scent of this one by Voluspa. And the tin means I don't have to worry about it breaking in my bag!

{Voluspa, Creme de Peche Travel Tin, $8.}

Jewelry Roll.
Organization on a getaway is key. I have my eye on this one because as you know, I love gold. (Also available in silver.) A jewelry roll is always a great gift because it's not something that a lot of us would buy for ourselves. Make sure you keep this in your carry-on if you are taking any valuable pieces.

{Pebbled Leather Jewelry Roll, $40.}

Make Space.
If you plan on doing some shopping at your destination, a collapsible bag like this one is a must have. It's lightweight and takes up very little space in your luggage. You can bring it anywhere! Use it for snacks at the airport, bring it to the beach, or just throw a blanket and magazines in it for a picnic.

{Baggu for Jcrew, $9.}

Don't Forget to Write!
I always pack my journal to jot down special moments I want to remember and at least two cards with stamped envelopes just in case I find a free moment to write to my friends. It's always more thoughtful than an email. Who doesn't like to receive mail other than bills?

{Sugar Paper, Bow Noteset, $24.}

Because You Just Never Know.
I bought one for my wedding and never used it, but it has paid for itself ever since on all of my weekend trips! This 16 piece kit comes with everything from breath freshener to double sided tape to earring backs to a deodorant towelette. It also takes up less space in your luggage than packing a travel sized version of each of these products. Another great gift. And it is available in every color you can think of...

{Minimergency Kit for Her, $13.}

Travel Extras.
Passport Cover- Also a great gift. I have had the same black patent one on my passport for years!

Chic Flats- Nothing ruins a trip like sore feet. I love my Prada driving loafers, but you can also pack a pair of stylish sneakers, flat (broken-in) boots, or ballet flats.

Travel Umbrella- For those unexpected downpours.

Oversized Scarf- A great accessory that you can use as a wrap out at dinner or on the plane if it gets chilly.

Luggage Tag- It's time to grow up and use something other than those awful paper ones they give you at the airport. It's a great opportunity to add some style to your luggage too!

And lastly, a good book. Travel safely!

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Embrace the Man.

Although I am girly-girl, I am a sucker for borrowed-from-him classics. (Look at the cut of my go-to blouse, here.) That's why when I found the women's clothing line inspired by menswear called Claridge & King, I had to share. My two favorite things to steal from Erich's closet? Button-down shirts and boxer shorts. This line does them right.

First things first, I am also a sucker for pinstripes. And I love that every product you order from this site comes in an adorable grey and white striped bag. It's all in the presentation people! Why do you think all of us know that little blue box?

At Home.

Back in my college days I would frequently steal Erich's boxer shorts. They worked great as comfortable loungewear when I was studying in one of our rooms; not to mention as impromptu sleepwear. Of course I always had to roll the waistband several times to keep them up, but that unflattering fabric bulk never stopped me. Comfort won out. Thankfully, ten years later Erich's choice of undergarment has changed and I am out of luck when I open his underwear drawer looking for unflattering shorts. 

{The Boxer Set, $68.}

But one thing hasn't changed: When it comes to loungewear and sleepwear, comfort still wins out. Enter Claridge & King and another fashion problem is solved. "We've borrowed his boxers and her tap pants and melded the best of both..."  Goodbye unflattering fabric bulk. Wear these on your waist or fold them over once to reveal their signature stripe on the inner band. They are available in four colors (of course, I want the 'ice pink') and the crisp cotton is begging to be worn at home in the warmer months. The side vents on each leg and grosgrain ribbon-edged back pocket are both thoughtful feminine touches.

{The Boxer Single, $40.}

Now I just need to make sure they get put back in the right drawer on laundry day.

For Brides.

Every woman knows that when you have your hair and makeup done professionally, you must be wearing a shirt that does not need to be pulled over your head when it is time to change into your outfit. On your big day, this is an important detail to remember. After hours spent in a chair, you will be a work of art. And trust me, you do not want to destroy it before you put on your dress! 

{The His is Hers Bridal Shirt, $98.}

This sweet little number is available in six different colors. Put your new monogram on the shirt and include your wedding day as a thoughtful touch. (Take a closer look at this photo to see the wedding date on the sleeve.)

On Your Honeymoon (or any other trip).

Three of my must-have travel items:

1) A pair of thick socks. - I refuse to walk through airport security barefoot. Ick.

2) An oversized scarf or wrap. - To double as a blanket on the plane, which is always freezing.

3) An eye mask. - More comfortable than sunglasses for in-flight naps.

Again, Claridge and King delivers it all in a pretty package. Now to decide which go-with-anything color...

{The Travel Set, $275.}

Bon voyage.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Get Away.

When I asked my married friends for their best advice in the wedding planning process, they all said the same thing: make time for the two of you and plan special dates leading up to the big day. Genius. I quickly found that planning a wedding is a full time job (in addition to our other jobs), so Erich and I decided that in the three months leading up to our wedding day, we would take a long weekend each month.

This past weekend we went to Newport, Rhode Island. Because it is only an hour and a half away from Boston, it's one of our favorite places for a day trip. I found a cozy place to stay at the Pearls Boutique Hotels, which is just a couple of blocks away from the waterfront. It's a great place for a romantic weekend away with your man or even a girls-only trip. We stayed in Suite 7 and it was very spacious for two people, our bathroom was huge, and it was just so charming. (Nothing like the sterile looking hotel rooms we sometimes find ourselves in.) The best thing was all of the light. Can you believe the house was built in 1785?!

I knew I was in the right place when I opened the door into our suite. Chanel, a fireplace, and a vintage crystal chandelier?  I had to share this shabby-chic meets modern-glam decor with you...

I loved the pine floors (so home-y) and the working fireplace added the perfect amount of romance to our casual evening. Another picture of the cozy living room of our suite...

The bathroom made us feel like we were at someone's house instead of an inn...

And the bedroom showed great use of a small space. The open closet concept is very similar to what we have at home in our apartment. My motto of 'only buy what you love' means this is always a nice way to display all of your favorite pieces. Our view of the private garden was even nice on a grey day (there are more windows along that right wall but the indoor shutters are closed in this photo).

Adorable right? The Ralph Lauren linens were also a nice touch. Check out their "last minute availability" section here if you are looking for a good deal and a different place to stay in Newport.

Next time I would like to stay across the hall, in Suite 8...

Another fabulous way to make the most of the limited closet space in an old house. (Just remember to keep it neat!)

I love an all-white bathroom, especially when it is softened by wood floors...

Beach house meets vintage meets glamour. The red accent chair and antique makeup table in the bathroom stole my heart. I want to set up camp!

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.