Luxury Christmas Gift Ideas for the One you Love
Christmas is on the horizon and it won’t be long until the festivities are in full swing, from enjoying a mulled wine or two at a festive market to whizzing around an ice rink.
15 tips to travel light and smart: how to pack your luggage like a pro
The desire to travel was going to peek out sooner or later. Now that you can travel with more freedom, how to pack your luggage with confidence? We have searched and put in practice smart tips that will change once and for all the way you prepare your suitcase.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova, Pexels
Travelling is an enjoyable experience but getting ready to reach your destination can be rather stressful. Packing your luggage is not always as straightforward but with these 15 tips, you are going to pack like a pro traveller.
Maybe you are not used anymore to pack for long distances, maybe you wish to bring all your wardrobe with you or you want to fly with peace of mind. Between strict regulations and security checks, without mentioning airlines' endless policies, packing your suitcases is never that easy. The tip list unrolled in this blog will show you how to pack your luggage as a game. 'Playing Tetris' turns your luggage into an easy-to-solve puzzle and also allows you to save some space for extra souvenirs. Shall we play Tetris?
1) Find The Right Luggage
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych, Pexels
If you plan to travel by plane, your suitcase may need to have specific dimensions to fit properly and safely inside a cabin. In any case, hard-shell luggage is the most reliable and lasting choice. It is an investment over time that will protect your belongings and also suggests you when much is too much. 4-wheel models are the easiest suitcases to carry around. A little push goes a long way!
2) Make A List And Check It
This game needs some logic. Exactly like you do your usual grocery list, write down a list of essentials and clothing you will need. As the packing day approaches, do a final check to make sure you do not forget important items on your way.
3) Lay Everything On Your Bed
This elementary tip will prevent you to throw everything instinctively in your bag. Place your essentials, toiletries bag and especially your clothing selection flat on your bed. Now you have a clearer view of what you want to bring and what you need. From here you can start your final selection.
Photo by Monstera, Pexels
4) Build Your Outfit Ahead
Much depends on your travel destination but always try to pack as light as possible. Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane and pack garments that you can layer up for the breeziest nights. Plan your underwear based on the days of vacation and include a 'fancier' outfit. Remember: never bring too much with you. Most of the time, those 'just in case' outfits will sit undisturbed at the bottom of your luggage.
5) 'Shoe Tetris'
Let's the game begin! You will soon realise that packing your suitcase is like Tetris: once you know your pieces, you can turn them to stuck them neatly. You can save extra space if you put your shoes heel to toe and stuff them with your socks. Make sure to wrap them in a plastic bag and place them at the bottom of your suitcase to keep dirt away from your nice clothes.
6) The Heaviest First
It may sound obvious but the heaviest belongings should be placed at the bottom of your suitcase or backpack. The gravity will push them down naturally anyway. With this tip, you will not squish or break anything else.
7) Rolls And Cubes
Photo by Vlada Karpovich, Pexels
Roll your clothes to gain more space and use packing cubes or cheaper Ziplock bags to keep everything well organised and protected.
8) Dirty Business
The joy of packing is dealing with clean and nicely folded clothes but you will need to pack your dirty outfits at some point. Bring with you some spare plastic bags to store used clothes away.
9) Extra Bag: Allowed
Photo by Bagpad
You may want to bring with you a nice pochette to match that fancy outfit mentioned earlier. Stuff your handbag with soft clothes or use special paddings that will prevent your leather and vegan handbag to crease or lose its original shape. You can try a bag padding like Bagpad that matches your signature handbag dimensions.
10) Makeup Made Easy
'Less is more' applies to makeup when travelling. Minimise your makeup allowance by selecting multipurpose cosmetics and crayons that can work on eyes, lips and cheeks. Slim down your list and forget the most valuable palette in your stash and big liquid products. Opt for a compact face & eyes palette with versatile and neutral shades you can use day to night.
11) Protect Your Beauty
Invest in a padded makeup pouch as makeup artists will do or recycle bubble wraps from other packagings. This cheap quick fix will protect your compacts from impacts and damages whether you are travelling by plane, train, coach or car.
12) The Toiletries Dilemma
It is crucial to know in which bag you are going to store your toiletries: is it your hold luggage or your carry-on?
Hold luggage offers more freedom for what concerns the size of your liquids, excluding nail polishes which are forbidden. Although this should be the rule, always check your airline company policies and list of prohibited items on board. Your carry-on or hand luggage toiletries need to comply with air travel safety regulations: each liquid item must be no more than 10 0ml and must fit in a clear and resealable plastic bag with a max volume of 1 litre, measuring around 20x20cm.
13) Smart Travel Sizes
Photo by Sarah Chai, Pexels
Of course, none of your regular liquid treatments or personal care products will fit the above requirements. The bad news is that you cannot take with you your half-used bottles as they will be rejected at the checking area. Travel sizes are the solution but we guess you want to travel both light and smart. Cosmetic travel-size products are easy to find in any drugstore but they are expensive compared to the full-size version. Creating your own travel sizes is cheap and very easy, you can turn any treatment, liquid makeup or personal care product into a travel size with mini containers or sustainable travel sets like this we have tested for you.
14) Toliteries Come First
Now that you have cut down the size of your essential toiletries and prepared your pouch ready for inspection, keep it at the very top of your hand luggage, so that it is easy to reach before entering the safety check area.
15) Tandem Travel, Safe X2
Photo by Mikhail Nilov, Pexels
A fight being cancelled is a nightmare but losing a big suitcase is equally frightening. Here, travelling as a couple is safer for both. Have a spare outfit of your travel companion in your hand luggage and so your friend or partner. In the worst scenario ever, both will have something for a quick change while waiting to retrieve the missing bag.Photo by Shopify Partners, Burst
Solo traveller? If you are travelling alone with two pieces of luggage, save your trip by having always at least one complete spare outfit in your hand luggage in case your hold suitcase gets lost. Also keep your medications, documents and power charger in your hand suitcase to protect the most valuable items closer to you and keep your mobile always charged.
These tested 15 smart packing tips will drastically cut the time you need to pack your bags so that you can enjoy your journey, seat back and relax.
5 Top Fashion Bloggers Share Their Best Packing Tips
It’s time to prepare for your next Insta-perfect holiday spot, but you’d gladly skip the entire packing process, right? If only you could just teleport yourself to that honey-hued beach, snap your fingers for a cool cocktail to appear in your hand, and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves. Alas, we first need to get you there, preferably with all the right essentials to keep your skin, your style, and your sanity intact.
Once again, when you have such a conundrum, it’s best to turn to the ladies who have mastered the art of self-care, especially for these on-the-go moments. For this occasion, let’s see what some of the most ingenious fashion bloggers have to say to simplify and streamline your packing process, so that you’ll have everything you need for a stress-free vacation!
Think In Outfits By Lindsey
We’re all tempted to bring every single favorite tee that we own together with every breezy skirt that will give us the comfort we need. But there aren’t enough suitcases in the world to bring your entire wardrobe, and you should stay practical. Or, as Lindsey Holland would put it, pack in outfits! If you don’t, you risk bringing too many items you won’t wear and missing out on those you could actually put to good use.
Take some time to bring out some of your favorite clothes, and then try to combine them into outfits that will fit the purpose and the destination of your vacation. If you’re going to a tropical spot, there’s no need for that oversized coat, right? Pack layers and of course, pick color-coordinated outfits that you can mix and match.
Neutrals Are Your Friends By Cristin
Who knew that some day you’d actually look forward to packing a pair of beige sandals instead of those boho floral ones? However, if you want your outfits to have more combo power, then you need to use simple additions such as neutral shoes and bags to easily go with everything else that you pack in that suitcase.
The queen of all things effortless, Cristin Cooper, swears by this particular approach precisely because it gives you so much wiggle room to adapt to any situation, unplanned evening event, or simply give you plenty of comfort during the day. Of course, pack a dressy heel as well as those wedges and flats for everyday explorations, so that you can still stay true to your style!
Don’t Forget Your Beach Outfits By Sarah
If you’ve worked very hard during the year to ditch those carbs and sculpt that physique of yours, you definitely need to think carefully about what you’ll pack for the beach. Sarah Mikaela is all about authenticity and self-expression, so if you are confident, and you like enjoying that warm wind, why not match the outfit to your mood?
For starters, timeless triangle swimwear is a perfect foundation for that beach-perfect look, which you can then upgrade with the right accessories and hairstyle. A colorful swimsuit can look wonderfully with a long-sleeved linen shirt or a breezy dress, while Roman-style sandals and a statement piece of jewelry can speak volumes of your love for fashion. And please, don’t forget that sunscreen!
Cherish Your Skin On The Go By Adelina
Fashion-loving globetrotters always need to take special care of their pores. The stress of travel alone is enough to play havoc on your complexion, while skipping hydration can be disastrous enough that no concealer could ever help. Enter: Adelina-approved skincare for your travel adventures, perfectly simple, but equally purposeful to keep your skin radiant and healthy. After all, no selfie can be truly Insta-perfect if you’re trying to mask a massive zit.
As she points out, it’s key to prepare for the specific climate you’re traveling to, so as not to choose products that are either too light to help or too heavy to clog your pores. Moisturizers and serums are always a perfect go-to duo, but make sure to also pack specific items that will suit your pores.
Functional And Stunning Accessories By Rachel
Just like with that favorite hoodie or your most beloved cardigan, you cannot possibly bring your entire collection of baubles with you. This is why Rachel emphasizes the use of minimal jewelry that will be as practical as those neutral shoes and as easy to match as those outfits you’ve come up with.
If you mostly wear clean, simple clothes, then you can use your accessory box to add some vibrancy to your look and opt for a single statement piece and a few smaller, colorful items. However, also remember to pack sunglasses, a hat to keep you sun-safe and stylish, and a durable but beautiful bag for all those sightseeing hours. Combine function with form, and you’re good to go!
There’s no need to abandon your sense of fashion while you’re on the go. Use these fashion bloggers’ tips to make sure you’ve packed the right essentials, and every single photo you take will be a perfectly composed piece of art for your Instagram feed!
The Best Skincare Routine for Travelling
Image source: Unsplash
Looking forward to a trip doesn't necessarily mean we look forward to packing as well. In fact, in most cases, that is the part we dread the most. Not knowing what to bring, how much to pack, and of course when to stop when it comes to makeup and skincare products. Since we often bring everything that we own but end up using just a few products here are some tips on how to pack skincare for traveling.
Pack Only Travel-size Bottles
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Packing for a trip is a great time to use all those small, empty bottles you have laying around the bathroom. Everything you need you can put in those since it is easier to pack and you won’t bring more liquid than allowed. If you don’t have it at home, every store offers travel sizes of your favorite products you use every day. Another good tip is to save all the skincare samples you have for when you travel. If your trip lasts two weeks, for example, you’ll have more than enough. However, if you plan on staying longer, a good idea is to research the prices and get some things you need once you get there.
Take Extra Care Of Your Skin When Traveling
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Our skin has to deal with a lot on an everyday basis, and we should provide it with adequate skin care. When traveling, we subject our skin to a different climate, water, humidity, and much more. That is why it needs lots of hydration and care. It is best to stick to the products you use every day because that way you will avoid any irritation, redness, or breakouts if the new product doesn't suit your skin. However, what you should consider is picking products from the line and brand you are using, that provide extra hydration. This will make your skin look fresh throughout your trip. Many brands today offer sheet masks as a part of the anti-jet-lag routine so you can try out those too.
Don’t forget your under-eye cream because that will lessen the dark circles and puffiness you can get from flying. If you are going to a place with a lot of sun exposure, don’t forget to pack a face cream with SPF. Another mandatory part of your skin care routine when traveling should be to drink a lot of water and bring your minerals and vitamins, which will make you glow from the inside.
The Importance Of Taking Care Of Your Body As Well
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When traveling, our body feels sudden changes too. We are often tired, sleepy and don’t feel really fresh. Contrary to popular belief, working out, for example, is not going to make you feel more tired. It will increase the blood flow and improve your circulation making you feel more awake.
Another good way to help your body while traveling is to have a relaxing professional massage which can help relieve soreness, and relax you from the journey which can be uncomfortable. This way you will be able to fully enjoy your stay and endure all the daily activities and sightseeing you have planned. A relaxing massage can add to the experience of the trip, and through it, you get to learn about oils and products they use. Why shouldn't you enjoy to the max when traveling somewhere?
Advice From Beauty Bloggers You Should Follow
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If you are not sure what are the best products and how you should use them, you can always follow advice from famous beauty bloggers or YouTubers. One of them is Chloe Morello, who has offered some tips and tricks on how to take care of your skin, especially when traveling. Much of the products she uses are natural ones that make your face glow and hydrate your skin, reducing signs of tiredness and lack of sleep. She also emphasizes the importance of masks when traveling even gel under eye patches that you can keep in the fridge to get the effect of cooling. Additional advice she gives is how to do your make-up to hide signs of travel from your face.
Every trip is a beautiful experience, but it can sometimes be stressful if our body and face don’t cooperate. That is why it is important to pack all the right skin care to avoid any possible problems. Just keep in mind that hydration is the most important part, and for the rest, listen to your skin and body and choose the products accordingly.
Luxury Travel Essentials for an Effortless Journey
They say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Still, in order for it to be ‘about the journey’ one must do everything possible to ensure the journey goes swimmingly. That inevitably includes some careful planning in terms of packing, transportation, entertainment and several other elements that will make the journey the one to remember.
If you’re stuck on the idea front, we’re here to lend a helping hand and make sure your journey is as pleasant and luxurious as it can possibly be.
Comfort Like No Other
As we know, there are plenty of ways to travel in style. If your chosen means of transportation is the mighty plane, you might want to use your miles or save up for first class tickets. Nothing says ‘comfort and luxury’ more than being pampered with extra leg room, super-cozy seats and the best foods and a variety of drinks and snacks to make the time go by.
However, if your chosen method involves staying on the ground, ditch the trains and buses and make sure you get the comfort and the level of luxury you deserve. Long drives can be grueling, but they don’t have to be if you opt for just the right kind of vehicle. There is a good reason Ford is the most trusted and best-selling car brand in both Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, when in doubt, go for one of the Ford SUVs for supreme safety and sense of luxury. What is more, if you have a big family, this brand has got you covered with their line of 7 seater SUVs, so it’s space, safety and luxury all wrapped up in one.
Luxury All The Way
Whoever said great luggage isn’t all that important simply didn’t know where to shop. Elegant luggage that represents luxury itself is about more than just appearances. The perfect set, which includes matching suitcases and carry-ons, allows you to have everything in one place, neatly organized and yes, it also looks as good on the outside as it is amazing on the inside. And what is inside?
Well, only the finest clothing items you own. If you’re travelling luxuriously, you must be going somewhere equally lush, so be prepared for everything. Have a gorgeous evening dress, amazing culottes, a Breton top, killer shoes as well as more practical walking ones. A white button-down is a definite must as it will elevate your style even when you’re roaming the streets sightseeing, and designer swimwear is mandatory if your destination involves a beach or a pool.
If travelling abroad, make sure all your travel documents are packed together in gorgeous travel document wallets. Not only do they look sleek but allow you to keep everything well-organized and have a peace of mind and not fall into the passport-searching frenzy.
Look The Part
If you’re already in first class or having the ride of your life in one of the best cars out there, you simply have to have the looks to match. In the spirit of athleisure, feel free to put on your finest pair of sneakers and channel your supermodel athleisure goddess vibes. As for the rest of your outfit, a stylish white tee tucked into your stunning pair of breezy wide-leg trousers topped off with a statement embroidered blazer will make you look like a million dollars. All you need is that designer bag to complete the look, and of course, let’s not forget a killer pair of specs that flatter your face shape like no other.
What’s In The Bag?
So, your travel documents are all snug and together, so what else should your bag contain? First off, you don’t want to run out of battery on your phone, so investing in a high-quality power bank is the smartest thing you can do. It’s sleek, doesn’t take too much room and can charge anything from a phone to an iPad, so in case you’re travelling with kids, who will at some point require some digital entertainment, this will absolutely save your life. It also gives you the ability to listen to music or watch a movie, and before you know it, you will have reached your destination.
Noise-cancelling headphones are an absolute god-send, especially if you’re on a plane, so consider this little gadget as well. If you’re on a road trip, don’t forget your camera as you will want to capture these and numerous other moments. Bottles of quality water sitting comfortably in their compartment are always a plus, and if you add a couple of slices of lemon, and a few healthy snacks, it will be almost like you were at a spa.
Follow The No Makeup Rule
Whether you’re travelling by plane or car, avoid wearing makeup during travel. Planes tend to suck the life out of your skin, and makeup doesn’t help. Instead, make sure your bag is filled with pampering skincare goodies, such as a sheet mask – no better time like while on the road to place that baby on and replenish your skin. A tinted lip balm and a touch of mascara is all you need in terms of makeup.
Another absolute bag must-have is a facial mist as you have no idea how refreshing it is – it literally has the ability to make you look like you’ve just stepped off the runway and look gorgeous by the time you reach your destination. Hand cream is another must of course, and if you want that perfect touch of glow, Kora Organics Noni Oil is your perfect accessory, the one you should apply right near the end of your journey.
You’re all set. Now, go plan, shop, pack and enjoy this preparatory stage, as every journey should be pleasurable from the first steps to the finish line.
Written by Sophia Smith
Travelling In Style - Summer Essentials
Eva Fydrych wearing Bôhten sunglasses (Cefalu, Italy)
Stylish Sunglasses
Sunglasses, an essential summer accessory, are an important element of a trendy outfit. This season, the bigger and brighter, the better!
Founded in 2012, Bôhten manufactures and designs eco luxury glasses made from reclaimed material sourced from West Africa. All frames are super light and go well with various outfits. Perfect for travelling!
Bohten sunglasses (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)
Ripped Denim
Be it skinny, boyfriend, flared or cropped, ripped jeans is one denim trend that is still going strong.
Whether you pair it with a floaty blouse and sneakers for a daytime look, or a silky camisole and killer heels for a night out in town, ripped jeans add a definite edge to your outfit.
For more styling ideas, click here
Photos courtesy of Pinterest, Vogue, and Pull & Bear
Slip Dress
This is arguably one of the most versatile piece of clothing you can bring. A slip dress can be worn various ways. Throw it on and pair with comfy sandals for a day of sightseeing, with a sweater for a lovely dinner, or even over your swimsuit for some cover up for an evening stroll on the beach.
Photos courtesy of Pinterest and French Connection
While the floral print trend has been in full bloom for as long as we can remember, it is still one of the best ways to freshen up your wardrobe and get ready for the summer season. Fabulous florals combined with simple, minimalist accessories, will never go out of style.
If you are looking for a more edgy look, try mixing florals with other prints and adding bold accessories such as statement jewellery or oversized sunglasses.
Duro Olowu Spring/Summer 2017 (Photo courtesy of the designer)
For more travel essentials, click here Happy Summer!