NEED THIS IN MY LIFE. right. now.

Deux Lux Sequin Weekender (faux leather) $137 at www.deuxlux.com.

Oooh La La!

Swimsuit season is (thankfully) still a long ways off, but just in case any of you are planning for an exotic tropical getaway sometime soon, there's still plenty of sultry swimwear to pick from--even in the middle of winter. Take this coquettish one-piece by JETS by Jessika Allen White Label. The strapless silhouette is flattering and flirty; the lace detail is glamorous, sexy and retro chic.



Top with high-waisted shorts or a sheer maxi skirt for a high-fashion cover-up that you can wear well beyond the beach.
$315 here.

Bon Voyage!

Happy summer, darlings! For any of you jet-setting glamazons out there, may I direct your attention to some super fabulous accessories from Jimmy Choo. Blinged out passport covers and luggage tags ensure you'll be traveling in style and turning heads at the airport.



Luggage Tag, $165.

Passport Cover, $260.

Rachel Pally Summer 2011

Not only is designer Rachel Pally super sweet, but she wows me with her very wearable styles season after season. (And I'm not just saying that because we're friends!)
For primarily working with just jersey, Pally has mastered her craft and keeps reinventing the wheel. I own endless amounts of RP, and year after year I wear them to the ground and always get compliments. Easy, comfortable and in most cases, flattering, Pally's clothes really resonate with my personal style. The line might be a little on the pricey side, but consider it an investment worth making--her clothes hold up for years and always look great, especially for traveling! Every summer I stock up on some fresh new styles and this year was no exception.

Take a look at my personal favorites from her current Summer 2011 line:







I totally want them all!

Beauty Junkie

When it comes to transporting my makeup and toiletries, I am one picky customer. I want a bag that compartmentalizes products as much as possible, is wipeable (in case of accidental spillage while traveling), is compact and discreet (my dream makeup bag will stuff a lot in and magically take up little space...after all, does everyone need to know that I am product hoarder?)...and of course, is cute beyond words on the outside.

I've searched far and wide for such a bag, and I have yet to find it, but Kate Spade makes some pretty chic manuelas (in large and small sizes) that I'm a new fan of. They come in fun patterns (I just scored a large purple and red striped one online) to accomdate all of my beauty necessities on the go.

This cutesy one is currently on sale for $66.00 with an additional 25% off, should you be so inclined:

Cutest Carry-On Ever.

I popped into Betsey Johnson today, and while I'm always enamored with her playful, fabulous, flirty pieces, I positively pined for her 'glitzy floral weekender' bag in the window display. It's clearly the cutest carry-on bag I've ever laid eyes on, and with its gorgeous rose print, luxe gold hardware and sparkly sequin overlay, I couldn't help but fantasize future travels where I could tote this stunner around and turn heads in the process.



$348 at BetseyJohnson.com.

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

I'm jetting off to Taiwan tonight and finally focused long enough to pack for my week-long visit. I'm super excited for a little international getaway (I hope to be blogging on Taiwanese street style, so check back for updates!), but totally not looking forward to the muggy, rainy weather in store while I'm there.

That being said, all I've packed (trying to keep it light) are lots of comfy basics (Ts, tanks, leggings, tunics, cardigans) in my favorite wearable colors (black, white, grey.) Packs well, layers effortlessly and perfectly suits my (suddenly bland, Cali-cool) style of the moment (or rather, more of a life-long commitment.)

I stock up on basics from American Apparel, LNA, Velvet, Splendid, James Perse, Hard Tail and others, and you should, too.

Jess's Latest LV Bag

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Collection Keepall Bag $1,780 at Louis Vuitton boutiques.

Super-Cute.

Leopard print, pink piping and personalized monogramming? Does a makeup bag get any better than this?



Available at SomeoneSpoilMe.com.

New York, New York!

On my way for a long, fabulous weekend trip to NYC with my sister! Can't wait to romp around, see all of my old spots, hang with my fave east coasters, get my hair done at Mark Garrison, hit up all of the amazing sample sales (I'll report back, don't worry!) and celebrate Nikki's 25th birthday! Can you believe it's been a YEAR since I left!??

Dear Fabulous File...

I've got big travel plans coming up and I want to pack a stash of travel-size amenities (think: shampoo, conditioner, face wipes, perfume, etc.) so I'm not without anything. Also, just to add to the challenge, I'd love to find products that are moderately budget-friendly and discreet (I'll be traveling with my new boyfriend, so I don't want to scare him off with an arsenal of scary beauty products!)
Any tips?

-Cara
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Dear Cara,

Great question! Summer's just around the corner, and we're all looking to pack up our bags soon for a little getaway. Nothing spoils a trip more than a bad hair day (thanks to lackluster hotel-provided shampoo and conditioner)--so you're smart to source your own beauty goodies in advance.

Here are some options:

Burt's Bees Travel Shower Kit, $12.99 at www.drugstore.com




This affordable and natural kit has you covered. It includes:

Milk & Honey Body Lotion
Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo
Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Conditioner
Citrus & Ginger Root Body Wash

Kiehl's Perennial Favorites Travel Kit, $39 at www.kiehls.com



Kiehl's is a classic stand-by, and their best-selling goods are top-notch. You won't be sorry you splurged on these fab products. Here's what this kit packs in:

Creme de Corps conditioner
Lip Balm #1
Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Amino Acid Shampoo
(All adorably packaged in an earth-friendly bag made from 100% EVA and biodegradable
material.)


Pond's Clean Sweep Cleansing Towelettes, Travel Pack, $2.39 at www.drugstore.com



The perfect solution for a quick, easy method of rinsing off the grime at the end of a day.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Fragrance, $30 at www.sephora.com



Why mess with perfume bottles, when fab fragrances now come conveniently packaged in solid or roll-on oil formulas, perfect for traveling!

And now...
the most FABULOUS finds of all?
FREE gift sets with any $100 purchase!

From Beauty.com:


Beauty.com has recently partnered with designer Lela Rose to create a luxe beauty gift set, packed with prestige travel-size products like Alterna caviar moisture shampoo with seasilk, Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion, L'Occitane's Verbena Harvest shower gel and body lotion, Vincent Longo La Dolce Vita lashes and mascara, Bliss Foaming Face Wash, and Tarte Cheek Stain.

The chic bow-adorned bag also comes with built-ins like brush holders and zippered plastic compartments for easy organizing.

And, last but not least, BeautySak.com is offering this free gift with any $100 purchase:



Packed with tons of convenient little samples to get you through your vacation without the bulk of bottles.
Snap one up before they run out!

Happy Travels!

Dear Fabulous File...

I am going to Egypt next month and am hunting for a modest (but still cute!) one-piece swimsuit. Any ideas?

-Cara

Dear Cara,

Definitely! Here are some of my top picks:



Halter suit, Vix, $140 at DianesBeachwear.com



Retro-inspired suit, Carmen Marc Valvo, $156 on VictoriasSecret.com



Ruched Bandeau Swimdress, Juicy Couture, $155 at DianesBeachwear.com



Cross-Back suit, OldNavy.com, $19.50