How to pack for a weekend trip

The first time I had to pack for a week-long trip was when I was twelve years old. I was going to an All-girls' camp for five days, and ended up packing practically my entire room because it was my first time away from home for so long. My luggage weighed a ton and I could barely carry it to my cabin. I never even used over half of the stuff that I packed and learned that I only really needed a few things for a week at camp. So every year after that, I only packed the necessities - lesson learned!

I always try not to pack too much when I go anywhere. Here are some great tips fromMarie Claire on how to pack for a weekend trip.

Bigger Isn't Better
If you start with a giant, empty suitcase, you will fill it up! Pick a small overnight bag and trim your "essentials" down until you can fit everything in it.

Consider Your Itinerary
Think about what you plan to do on the trip, and pack only for those activities you're sure will happen. If you're honest with yourself about, say, not working out while you're away, you'll save a ton of space on sneakers and exercise wear.

Keep It Simple
Stick to one or two color schemes so that everything you pack can be mixed and matched. Think blacks, whites, and neutrals, with bright colors for layering pieces

Go Top-Heavy
Bring more tops than bottoms. They don't weigh as much--plus, pants and skirts can be worn a few times, but you usually can't re-wear shirts because of the sweat factor.

Map It Out 
Lay each outfit on your bed so you can see how everything works. Then roll each look together (sans the shoes, of course): Clothes are less likely to wrinkle this way, and every ensemble is ready to go when you get dressed. Be sure to wear your heaviest shoes while traveling -- that way, you don't have to pack them!

Bottom Line
Pack necessities. Anything else you buy along the way will be a fun souvenir of your trip

Handbag Day

Martha Stewart had a “handbag” episode all about handbags. I have to say, only Martha can turn an episode about handbags into something very practical. According to Martha, a great handbag should be considered an investment. Her greatest investment was her infamous Hermes Birkin Bag, which she toted to court. The amazing thing about it was that she has owned that bag for 17 years, and it looked absolutely perfect. It was clean and still looked brand new. A quality, well-made bag can be absolutely worth its price if it is taken cared of and stored properly. It’s all about price per wear! Of course, she showed us how she cleans and stores all her bags to keep them looking new. I just adore Martha Stewart and how just oh so perfect she does things in the kitchen. I don’t care that she can’t read cue cards at all; I mean, there is something admirable about a woman who made an empire around home-making.

Some great investment bags (featured on the show and also my faves):

Derek Lam - very unique shape

Zac Posen - I heart Zac Posen



Coach - creamy leather, understated hardware. Classic Coach.

Bulga - a multi-pocket bag. Six outside pockets and three inside pockets.

Mulberry - a cross between a briefcase and a purse.

Rafe Totengo - Latin Quarter bag. I love the hardware detailing.

Martha’s tips for keeping your investment handbags looking new:

(you can also view the tips on marthastewart.com)

Cleaning Your Handbag How-To

1. Empty all pockets and shake gently to remove dust and debris.

2. Clean interior of bag by gently pulling it inside out and using a lint roller. If you can't pull out the lining of your handbag, you can use the fabric brush attachment on your vacuum.

3. Clean exterior of leather bag with alcohol free baby wipes.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Handbag

1. If there is a big stain, don't try to clean it yourself. Take it to a leather expert as soon as possible.

2. If your handbag does not have "feet" on the bottom, you can have them added by a leather-care expert. Feet protect the bottom of the bag from scratches and dirt.

Tips for Keeping the Interior Clean

1. Never put a pen in your purse without a cap on it.

2. Keep makeup in a separate makeup bag.

Tips for Handbag Storage

1. Handbags can be hung on a hook for a few days, but any longer puts too much strain on the straps.
2. Fill handbags loosely with balls of tissue paper to help keep the shape; stiff bags don't need this.

3. Put handbag in the storage bag it came with. If it didn't come with a roomy drawstring sack then make one out of cotton or use a pillow case.

4. Ideally, handbags would be stored in cubbies built into your closet, but you can also store them in baskets or bins made of plastic-coated wire. Stand them upright or lay them down and don't crowd them. They need to breathe, so don't put a tight-fitting lid on.

Living up to its name

My latest shopping obsession is an online boutique called Wrapables. I ran across this website searching for a new jewelry stand (which I did end up buying there) and have it saved as a favorite ever since. I look on their website at least once a week, if not daily, just to peruse. They sell accessories, gifts, and home furnishings and accents. I absolutely love it because it is so easy to navigate, and everything is organized by category. What I love most about this boutique is that everything is so fresh and modern. There is always something new, and most of all, its easy to shop for a unique gift to wrap up, hence its name, Wrapables. I was looking for a new big bag recently to update my tired big black bag. After going to all the big department stores and looking at all the designer bags, I was looking around http://www.wrapables.com/ in the bag section and found the perfect big bag. I fell in love with a large white tote with lots of hardware. Since Wrapables was have a $5.99 flat s&h promotion, and I needed a laptop bag for my new laptop, I perused their line of laptop bags because that was the only logical thing to do. There was a small but great selection, and I saw the perfect laptop bag - a damask bag. Of course I had to get it. Ordering was really easy - since I've purchased from them before, I had an account so it was a matter of simple clicks. They sent me an email with shipment tracking information, and about 3 days later - a the bags arrived at my front door. I was so excited to open them up and start using them right away! I've been carrying the tote for a few days now, and I absolutely love it. I have pictures below:

Front view - love the hardware details and the ruching.
Side view - looks stiff in this picture, but in reality, its slouchy and very roomy!

View of ruching detail...beautiful.

Picture of Damask laptop. I love it because its so feminine.

Wrapables is based in California and was started by a group of entrepreneurs with e-commerce and distribution experience. Their goal is to provide stylish, modern and affordable home decor and accessories. Check it out sometime - you'll get hooked.