IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS | Kate Spade Francis Tote + Luggage Tag + Cosmetic Case + Green Watch + Live Colorfully Perfume c/o | Kate Spade Bow Wedges | Kate Spade iPhone Case | ASOS Lace Romper | Utility Vest, old | Kate Spade Business Card Holder | Forever21 Small Leopard Cosmetic Case [similar Tory Burch version on sale!] | MAC ‘Girl About Town’ Lipstick

Summer is coming up around the corner, and so are my big yet-to-be-determined travel plans! Wait, what? I did quite a bit of traveling over the past three months and, seriously, nothing makes me happier than exploring a place that I do not call home. I’ve stayed put for the last few weeks, but I know it won’t be long before I get that itch to get up and go somewhere again! I’m thinking about making it out to Denver in August to surprise my best friend for her birthday, but shhhh … don’t tell her!

If there is one thing that I know how to do really well, it’s how to overpack. Even my favorite and bossy little helper, Fish, has a hard time keeping me in line. I want y’all to meet my new summer travel bag, the Kate Spade Francis Tote. She is perfect because her spacious interior accommodates my packrat tendencies very well, but doesn’t allow me to go overboard. It’s exclusive to their East Hampton store location [17 newtown ln east hampton, ny 11937], but you can snag it at Bloomingdale’s and Sak’s, too! 

Kate Spade asked me to share my travel necessities with you, so here we go! I always, always, always, have to have my planner with me because it helps keep me on track. I pack a small cosmetic case with some jewelry, hair and makeup items to freshen up with when I get to my destination. To keep the bottom of my bag clutter free, I pack a smaller cosmetic case for my lipstick, lotion, charger, business card holder, and a cleaning & repair kit for sunglasses [it’s my new favorite thing, embrace it!]. And, I don’t know what it is with me and drink sleeves, but I always have my gold Starbucks coffee sleeve and a coozie with me. Hey, you never know when a flight delay may drive you to get thirsty for a beer or two! Last, but not least … if I don’t bring my iPad with me … I usually grab a magazine or two at the airport to keep me occupied in the air or take a snooze depending on how exhausted I am! What about y’all? Anything you consider a necessity that I absolutely need? Do tell!