when i travel, one of my favorite things to do is visit drugstores and beauty counters for products that are hard to find in the states.  australian beauty brands are big on using all-natural products, specially formulated for the unrelenting australian sun.

i had heard of mecca beauty before i left, and i made sure to visit the store while in melbourne.  i picked a few products for summer (tinted moisturizer, highlighter, and tinted lip balm) – all very light but containing spf for the unrelenting nyc sun.

i spent an incredible three weeks traveling through australia in march.  i have far too many pictures to post here, so i thought i would limit this post to my favorite three animal snaps.

i’m currently in london for the second time this year, and both trips have been at least 3 weeks long.  my wardrobe has changed a bit since the last time i was here, and i was definitely much smarter about how i packed this time around.  it also helps that my temporary apartment has a washer/dryer, so i did not need to pack as many basics.

i laid out my pieces on my bed beforehand, and i did not pack anything that could not be worn at least two ways.  for example, every dress can be worn with a blazer or a cardigan, or two different cardigans.  every skirt matches at least 2 tops.  i think you get the idea.

i packed: 1) 3 skirts; 2) 4 blouses; 3) 4 sweaters (1 sleeveless, 2 short sleeved, and 2 3/4 sleeved); 4) 1 pair of pants; 5) 3 dresses; 6) 1 blazer; 7) 2 cardigans; and 8) 2 camisoles.

this is everything i packed in terms of clothes, for work and pleasure.  my closet has a lot of building blocks, so i can create a lot of different outfits with a limited number of pieces.  its kind of amazing to realize that while i miss my other clothes, i don’t really need any more than this to make almost every outfit i want to wear.

not pictured but with me are: 1) my raincoat, with a removable fleece liner.  because this is london.  2) work out clothes (several gray t-shirts and 2 pairs of running capris).  the gray t-shirts i work out in triple as casual weekend shirts and sleepwear.  3) underwear and socks.  4)  shoes (2 pairs of flats, 1 pair of short rain boots, 1 pair of running shoes, and 3 pairs of heels (black suede, tortoise shell, and snakeskin).  5) 2 scarfs (one pink check, and one blue leopard).  6) 5 pairs of earrings.  7) two bags (1 crossbody and one shoulder bag).

everything fit in 1 large checked bag.  not bad, eh?

in july, i spent an incredible four days in rio for work, and stayed at the beautiful hotel fasano.  i didn’t take many pictures, but here are a few quick shots of my room.

excuse the mess… oh and this was the beach across the street from the hotel.  yea…

in spain, all i brought with me was a small carry-on, so i had to be very careful about what i purchased.  in madrid, i knew i wanted to get a pair of espadrilles from castaner.  this brand is hard to find in the states, which is a shame because it has such a great history.  these shoes are so well-made, and are extremely comfortable.

i also got a pair of flat, sparkly sandals and underwear from oysho.  because i, of all people, didn’t pack enough underwear.

i was lucky enough to spend an incredible 10 days in early july in spain with a good friend.  the main purpose of the trip was to go to the running of the bulls in pamplona, but we also made it to madrid, san sebastian, bilbao, and barcelona.  here are a few of the highlights:

madrid

bilbao san sebastian pamplona barcelona

i have traveled more this year than ever before, and these five purchases have proven to be worth every penny.

#1 classic black carry on.  i initially balked at spending so much on a suitcase, but years later, it still looks gorgeous.  mine is anya hindmarch, but any classic style in a dark color will do.

#2 lightweight tote bag.  this longchamp tote is the perfect size on its own for an overnight trip, and matches my carry on for when i am traveling for a few days.  as a care tip, i wipe down any stains on the tote or suitcase with baby wipes before i store them.

#3 preprinted packing list.  i am one of those people who always forgot something, but this pad now saves me.  it lists everything you can think of (organized into helpful categories), and you can simply tear off the page when you are done.

#4 wool shawl.  this shawl has been around the world with me.  it is warm yet light, and it is large enough to use as a blanket.  the blue leopard also adds a little extra to any outfit.

#5 small point-and-shoot camera.  i use this camera for almost every photo on this blog.  while i do have a digital slr, i usually find myself reaching for this instead because it is so easy to travel with.  in addition, considering that it is a point-and-shoot, i think the photo quality is excellent.