Traveling in Style + the Best Travel Tote Ever!

Photos by Lauren Beatty of Lauren Beatty Photography 

H&M jacket {similar style here - under $50} | Free People stripe shirt | BP leather leggings | Nike sneakers | Vera Bradley 'Lighten Up' travel tote

Up, up and away! 

Later today I'll be taking off for Santiago, Chile, where I'll start my vacation before heading to Easter Island. I always look forward to flying. It's nice to 'unplug' for a bit and just get away from it all. I really like catching up on reading, watching movies and sipping champagne. My preference is to have a flight in the morning versus the evening. The night before a trip I never sleep well anyways, so I just like to get up and get going. Plus, the later in the day the greater the chance of delay. I actually won't be departing until almost 10pm tonight (that's the only time there's a direct flight to Santiago from Houston), so I'll have some extra time to make sure I packed everything.

For a long day of travel, I like to dress for comfort, but hate sacrificing style. Dressing in layers is key. Planes tend to be on the chilly side, which I love. There are those times when you get on a super stuffy one, so it's great to be able to take on or off something. Scarves can double as blankets and can be worn close to your neck or draped over your arms for added warmth. 

I tend to try to wear my bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane so they don't take up room in my suitcase. Traveling in black pants or leggings, or dark denim is always my trusted choice. You never know when you may spill on yourself or sit on something. You don't want to arrive looking a mess at your final destination! Choose tops and bottoms that have Lycra or spandex material in them so you're not too confined. This striped shirt is a perfect go-to, or any comfortable sweater or hoodless sweatshirt. 

This roomy and lightweight Vera Bradley bag is perfect for a long haul or a short weekend getaway. It's expandable (the zipper is in the middle of the bag), so you never have to leave home with all your essentials. The short handles make it easy to attach to your roll-aboard wheelie, and the detachable strap makes it convenient to throw over your shoulder. 

Now you'll be ready to jet set in style! Bon voyage!