Yes, please / Travel edition

Porter Magazine   /   How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are Book   /   MUJI Clear Cosmetic Case   / 

Kate Spade Jewelry Bag   /   Carpisa Go-Pillow and Eye Mask Set   /   MUJI Garment Case    

Kate Spade Lingerie Bag Set   /   Charlotte Tilbury Make Up Bag   /   Kate Spade Travel Wallet   

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eye Make Up Remover Pads   /   Travalo Perfume Bottle   /   Nuxe Travel Kit   

e.l.f. Cosmetics Make Up Remover Cleansing Cloths   /   The Laundress Travel Pack Care Set

Beginning of August means that the vacation season is still in full swing. And you know how they say travel isn't just about the destination, but about the journey? True, but travel is also all about the preparation before the trip; all the researching, planning and packing! And that is something I take pretty seriously - so mach that I started working on my packing check lists five weeks in advance. Over the years I have gathered numerous tips and tricks for packing neat; having everything organized and less space-consuming, and keeping safe from spilling, breaking and creasing. While I have mastered packing light when it comes to beauty and make up products, I have to admit I am still struggling to apply the same approach to my clothes and accessories; but I will get there. Eventually.

Anyway, today I wanted to show you my packing/travel essentials (including garment cases and envelopes, travel cosmetics sets, mini stain and crease removers). And also share couple of free printable packing lists and some of my favorite videos on beauty and clothing packing tips, which I am sure you will find useful. Let me know how you prep - I would love to read your tips and find out what your travel essentials are in the comment section below!

How To Pack (The 5,4,3,2,1 Guide)
Printable Packing List
Summer Vacation Packing Check List
The Guide to Holiday Beauty Packing (list and video)
How to NOT Overpack Your Suitcase (video)
How To Pack Light For Travel (video) 

SHOP MY TRAVEL WISHLIST:

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Venice outfit. Bridges.

I have no idea how many bridges I've crossed for these three days, but I think that even with the hardest effort I wouldn't have made it through all of the 340 that are count to be in Venice islands. Since everything in Venice has a story to tell, I'm sure that each of these 340 bridges has one too. The most famous ones, embodying all the beauty and the history of this fascinating city, are those crossing Grand Canal - Ponte Rialto and Ponte Degli Scalzi. But I've always found the small bridges in the narrow alleys of Venice way more interesting and photogenic. Lacking the crowds and the noise, but definitely not lacking the beauty and charm.

Did you know that, back in the days, you could donate some money to the city of Venice and have a bridge named after you? I wouldn't mind leaving my name in this decorated cast iron one crossing over Rio Malatin and Rio S. Mauritzio. Well, at least in a form of the clichéed love locks, that seem to be popping up on numerous bridges around Venice.

Wearing: kimono Sheinside (got it here); top Zara (similar here and here);
jeans Zara (get similar here, here and here); bag Caprisa;
necklace Accessorize (love this, this and this too); flats Aldo.

Venice outfit. Bricks.

Yes, the architecture of venetian palaces is a definition of elegance; and an absolute must for your photo diary with their Gothic and Moorish inspired tall facades, pointed arches and crenellations. But if you step away from the common tourist routes and famous buildings, and find yourself among the residential houses of the islands, you will find just enough charm and inspiration in the simple orange brick facades. And depending on your mood, you can snap a photo or two by the old ones decorated with wooden door and window frames, or these graffiti covered ones*.     (*matching the color of your belt is optional.)

Wearing: shirt Oviesse (the similar style here, for larger polka dot print see here);
bracelet H&M (love this, this and this too); rings Stradivarius (similar here and here);
shorts Terranova (similar here and here); belt H&M (similar here);
bag Carpisa; boots Bershka (similar here and here).

Venice photo diary.

Photos by me.

It was in the peak of winter almost four years ago when we first arrived in then foggy and rainy islands of Venice.  Our stay was so short and chaotic but so charming at the same time that, on our way back to mainland, it made us promise to return. And we finally did this year and we could not pink a better timing than my birthday weekend. Last Sunday I finally sailed into my thirties - and I say that quite literally too - in a famous venetian gondola.

During this stay we had all the time in the world to get lost in the maze of streets and canals, cross as many bridges as possible, capture all the red brick facades and pretty windows, and indulge in cappuccinos and Italian cuisine. And, at the end of the day, rest our back and feet on the gondola ride. Spoiling ourselves was our mission, but be aware that in venetian style it does not come cheap. Yes, Venice was packed with tourists just like it is every other time, but as long as I had a substantial amount of caffeine in me I didn't mind making my way through the crowds and going after the hidden places and piazzas with just the locals or even no one around us.

Maybe one day the road (and the railway) will bring us to this magnificent place once again, but for now we are absolutely fulfilled with the experience and in the mood to browse our photos over and over again. And just the tiny amount of these I shared with you today. In case they inspired your choice of the next travel destination, feel free to ask me about any travel, hotel, food and drink or the shopping recommendations.

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