The most important thing to keep in mind is keeping things casual, comfortable and easy to mix/match. Going with colors that are a bit more neutral so they “go with everything” makes a world of difference when you are trying to be choosy and not pack your entire closet.

Here are the ten items that always seem to find their way into my suitcase (and actually get used when I make it to my final destination).

Ballet Flats - I live in ballet flats when I’m on vacation. They look good and are wearable even if we decide to embark on an impromptu walk around the city. Nothing is worse than being sidelined in your hotel room because those pretty new heels gave you killer blisters.

Slouchy Sweater - If the weather turns and all of a sudden it actually feels like Fall, I want to be prepared with a comfy sweater to snuggle into.

Jeans - They go with everything, dress up or down as needed and just work. I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t travel without their favorite pair of jeans on hand.

Jersey Tee - Lately my t-shirt style has changed a little bit, with more color and interesting necklines/sleeves instead of your basic old version. But they remain a staple, especially when traveling. Again, unpredictable weather makes this essential absolutely key.

Big Purse - It has to carry all my regular every day necessities, plus a camera, map, and anything else that I might need for a day of vacationing. Wide armstraps for comfort and lots of pockets for convenience.

Bikini - Most hotels have a pool and a bathing suit takes up no room at all, so it would be silly not to have a bikini on hand.

Scarf - For similar reasons to the sweater, I want to have a scarf available if the weather turns. This is one thing that will likely be tucked in my big purse for the entire trip..!

Casual Dress - If the right opportunity comes up, I might just give in and put on a dress while I’m vacationing. Something that goes with my ballet flats and isn’t too fussy will do the trick.

Post from: The List Maven

Every new bride will surely have all sorts the essentials tucked away in her luggage for this oh so important vacation. But if there was ever a time to splurge on a beautiful new bikini, this is totally it. After all, you’ve spent all those extra hours down in the gym working your butt off to look fabulous in the white dress. Show off that trim figure in one of these gorgeous swimsuits.

From left to right: Melissa Adabash Miami Triangle Bikini ($165); Missoni Acapulco Triangle Bikini ($405); Shay Todd Tassle Bandeau Bikini ($230)

From left to right: Zimmerman Babushka Triangle Bikini ($220); Tooshie Hamptons Triangle Bikini ($285); Tara Matthews Snake Halter Bikini ($335)

Images: Net-A-Porter

Post from: The List Maven

In these times, justifying a full blown vacation didn’t seem right. My husband and I talked about where we could go and what we could do and both decided that right now it makes sense to stay put and enjoy what our city of Toronto has to offer.

Image: sxc.hu

The concept of a staycation is still relatively new – but more and more I’m hearing people say the word and think of this as a viable alterative to costly vacations.

Four days later, here’s why I think you should consider taking a staycation too:

1. Instead of spending money on a flight, pick up a book and yourself up at a local spa for the day – you’ll have the funds to get a whole whack of treatments and potentially find an esthetician or massage therapist you can go back to semi-regularly.
2. We often forget how many great attractions are right around us – museums, galleries and local landmarks can be excellent for daytrips…and now you will be more knowledgeable about the area when family comes to stay.
3. And it’s not just tourist attractions we overlook – what about all the great restaurants that are out there? Have a couple glasses of wine and enjoy yourself.
4. All those forgotten hobbies that you don’t have time for are right there stuffed in the back of your closet. No need to cart everything to a far off location…rediscover that fun at home and try to make time for them when you’re back to work too.
5. Don’t worry about jetlag or losing a couple days just on travel – every single day you are off is yours to do what you want.
6. In the process of staycationing, you might also find the time to take care of those nagging little tasks that you forget about when you’re busy with work. Relaxation and a sense of accomplishment? Now that’s a wellrounded week.
7. Sleep. Yep, you got it. Sleep.
8. With all that money you saved and time you have, spend the day prepping a great dinner for you and your friends.
9. If you choose, you can still keep an eye on email so you don’t have a mountain to go through when you get back (set up an autoresponder though, which should do the trick for 90% of the messages you receive.
10. Since you didn’t splurge on one expensive vacation, you can use a some more of those vacation days in a few months to take another mini-break from it all.

Post from: The List Maven