♥ life's a journey, not a destination.

(via we heart it)

this sunday, my bff, carolyn is embarking on an amazing european

adventure that will take her around the world and back again!! i am going to

miss her like crazy (she won't be back until september!!! ), but i am so looking

forward to hearing the many stories she will undoubtedly have to tell, and to

seeing gorgeous places like paris, rome, and ireland through her sparkling perspective.

while i am pretty sure that she has it her packing down to a science, i cannot

help but wonder what sort of advice i could offer for such a long trip that

requires one to bring only the essentials and avoid the "princess phenomenon,"

which as she explains, is when a girl brings way too much luggage

for her own damn good.

so, without any further ado, here are some packing tips i have picked up

from the interwebs.

1) check the weather report for where you're going.

2) bring layering pieces.

3) bring flat shoes.

4) bring cozy socks & a pashmina on the plane

5) save room for shopping.

(via what i wore)

1) use a packing list and check it twice!

2) wear layers and save space.

3) hand wash laundry.

4) buy stuff while you're there.

5) use packing cubes. they will keep it separated.

6) roll the large items of clothing and pack the rest.

7) use unique colored/patterned luggage so you can spot it easily.

(via marie claire)

1) include a splash of color. "paying attention to small details, like a scarf or a bracelet, allows you to mix up your looks and stretch your outfits out for several days."

2) carry a big handbag. after you've packed everything into your carry on, don't

forget a big handbag to hold all of your vitamins, books, etc.

3) mix it up. mix primary colors with patterns. "before you even start packing,

think of what you'll be doing on the trip. hang up your clothes and see how

you can combine them. then edit it down."

4) bring jersey. jersey knit clothing items can be dressed up or down, and are always comfy.

(packing tips from dvf via traveling fashionista)

a travel bag should include:

1) an oversized pocketbook for passports, tickets, as well as receipts, business cards, etc.

2) a hard calendar that you can write your schedule in.

3) a digital camera.

4) mints/ gum.

5) magazines, books, other reading materials.

6) antibacterial wipes and tissues.

7) neosporin for dabbing at the edge of your nostrils to prevent germs on flight!

8) a small mirror and cosmetic basics such as a mini lip gloss, mascara and concealer.

packing order:

1) start with shoes on the bottom. put them in sacks so they don't get scratched.

2) next will be jeans, folded in half.

3) then lay trousers, shirts, dresses, folded flat and with as little folds as possible.

4) lay delicate items with sequins pr beads on top, wrap in tissue or plastic if necessary.

(via style a to zoe by rachel zoe)