I’m headed to Seoul and Tokyo in just a few short weeks and I’m consumed with all things travel planning and packing.

I’ve spent many a trip perfecting my carry-on tote. It’s like my security blankie while I’m traveling; I need want all my stuff right under my feet, accessible and organized.

Do you keep your entire carry-on at your feet or do you stow it above only keeping your necessities nearby? Do tell, and include your must-have travel essentials, too!

ONE: MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote. This is my latest purchase in my quest to find the perfect tote and I love it. It has three attached but detachable zipper pouches included inside. // TWO: Frends Taylor Gold earphones – so pretty! // THREE: GiGi New York passport cover // FOUR: Eagle Creek’s Specter Cubes. A stylish and more compact update of their original packing cubes. Great for electronic chargers and snack storage. // FIVE: Tata Harper travel sized skincare. I’m obsessed with these truly all-natural products. // SIX: Flight 001 quart size bag – reusable and sturdy. // SEVEN: Cashmere socks. // EIGHT: DSPTCH camera sling. This is by far the most comfy camera strap I’ve owned. It’s also available in different colors and a wider width for bigger DSLR cameras.

P.S.  I’m going to share the dorkiest travel product I’ve ever purchased. I’m short and my feet don’t really touch the floor on the plane (unless the upgrade gods grant me first-class!) I slump in my chair and it’s super uncomfortable … until now. I found this compact folding travel foot rest and trust me, vertically challenged people, you need it. It will change your life! (It’s so good I don’t even care what the person next to me thinks when I pull it out of my bag!)

August means back to school for most. I loved new school supplies more than I loved new school shoes … which is saying alot. One of my favorite new school year necessities? The backpack, of course! Mine varied from year to year, but I recall my Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony packs as my faves.

The backpack is back this fall, but this time in high style for chic ladies and fashionable on-the-go moms. The thought of being hands free while running errands, toting tots, or simply shopping on Saturdays make this THE bag to consider for fall. I’ve got my eye on more than one of the above!

Do you think a backpack would fit your lifestyle? Should I get one for my upcoming trip to Seoul and Tokyo in October? Let me know below!

ONE: Steven Alan Clemence in Navy // TWO: Filson Twill in Otter Green  // THREE: Madewell Transport (also available here) // FOUR: BAGGU (so many color and print options!) // FIVE: Herschel Supply Co. City (great color options for this backpack too) // SIX: Arsenale

Every year in July (specifically in Texas), I question the fashion cycle which starts to debut Fall collections when it is literally 100 degrees outside. I don’t know if I should feel hopeful that my favorite time of year is (sort of) around the corner or depressed that I still have August, September, and lately, October to get through before boots and sweaters can be rotated back in to my wardrobe.

This year, I’ll choose hopeful, because the runway forecasts include several of my favorite styles that never seem to get old along with a few new ones I’d like to try.

> Leather/Faux leather: It’s bigger than ever this Fall. Jackets (currently want), pants, dresses, insets in sweatshirts and tees (love this bargain in gray!) …
> Rocker: Lots of leather lace up boots. Wear with super cool jeans.
> Animal Print: Let’s just call this a neutral and wardrobe staple from now on. (Keep it minimal. Leopard is always a good bet, especially in a pony hair shoe)

Hi, everyone! Since June is a slow-ish month for fashion news and trends, let’s talk about beauty products.

I’ll be the first to admit I was late to the makeup and beauty party. Like, super late. It’s not that I didn’t care, but it seemed overwhelming and I didn’t know where to begin. I grew up in a town where Merle Norman was my only option! Thanks to my friends Jill and Lisa, I was rescued from the scary makeup gods, and they introduced me to MAC. (This is still my every day powder/foundation combo and I can’t live without it. It’s just so easy, has great coverage, and it travels well.) More recently, I worked with an incredible hair and makeup artist on a photo shoot who gave me so many good tips that it sparked a crazy obsession for trying new products.

I use these daily/weekly and I love them! ONE: OPI Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs. It’s the perfect neutral; it’s opaque and not to pink, not to white … just right. // TWO: Too Faced Shadow Insurance. This was a life changer for me. No more under eye smudges! (apply to top lids and under bottom lash line) It literally keeps shadow and liner in place all day. // THREE: Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks. These are genius and perfect for touch ups when applying eye makeup. // FOUR: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on pencils. The pencils go on super easy and the color is rich and saturated. // FIVE: Oscar Blandi Texture & Volume Spray. I love that this spray gives freshly washed hair two-day old texture. Seriously obsessed. // SIX: Make Up For Ever HD Powder. This was recommended to me by the makeup artist and gives your skin a smooth finish. // SEVEN: Aveda Firmata Hair Spray. I’ve tried every “beachy wave” hair product there is to no avail. My stylist recommended spraying this on damp hair and scrunching while blow-drying with a diffuser. Viola! Perfect beach waves.

Please tell me what your go-to/favorite beauty product is right now (so I can try it!)

I don’t know about you, but once the weather turns warmer my mind shifts to easy breezy basics like worn-in tees, tanks, maxi skirts, and comfy summer dresses. My accessories also become minimal because, let’s face it, in the heat of a Texas summer, I need as little adornment as possible on my bod.

To me, the perfect minimal accessory for said outfit is a long necklace. This season, long necklaces are adorned with tribal details, tassels, graphic shapes, and colorful textures.

Check these out: ONE: Fanned Rafia Pendant // TWO: Bloom Triangle Wrap // THREE: Ekka Simple Version // FOUR: Isabel Marant Tasselled Leather // FIVE: Knotted Wood & Tassel // SIX: Shark Necklace (my fave!)

What do you think? Long necklace do or don’t?

Don’t get me wrong, I love to teeter in my stilettos, platforms, and sky-high wedges just like the next girl, but for every day wear, I’ve been grabbing my sliver (aka mini) wedges. They look effortless, are super comfy, and give you a little more oopmh than a pair of flats. Style these up with your shorts, spring dresses, and everything in between!

ONE: Lanvin // TWO: Madewell // THREE: Alexander Wang // FOUR: DVF // FIVE: J.Crew // SIX: Aldo

Spill it! What’s your go-to shoe?

I just got back from a girls trip to Palm Springs. Our trip was born over late night dirty martinis in one of Dallas’ finest dive bars.

You’d have to know my girlfriends, but suffice it to say, they could literally run the world. They are creative, smart, kind-hearted, fun, funny, and most applicable to this post: stylish beyond words. When it comes to fashion, these girls mean business. (If you think I’m joking, look at the Pinterest board that was created way before plane tickets were ever booked.)

I had to share a couple of the items my best girls packed in their suitcases, along with a few more pieces I’m coveting after spending a weekend in the desert.  I hope you’ll be inspired to grab your sneaks and a pair of sunnies, round up your girls, and hit the road. Time spent together is time well spent … and if you look good doing it, even better!

What’s your favorite destination for a girls getaway?

ONE: Tattly temporary tattoos. Karen debuted these little arrow tats upon arrival and we had so much fun sporting them on our wrists all weekend. They’d be great (and silly!) to have at any party! // TWO: Keds x Madewell as worn by our photographer friend Heather. // THREE: Pamela Love Cuff  // FOUR: Mirrored Aviators // FIVE: Denim Shirt. This is officially a travel staple. I’m pretty sure all six of us brought our own version.

P.S. If you are looking for Palm Springs tips, leave a comment below and I’m happy to share my recommendations!

It’s that time of year that needs no explanation. New year = new workout resolutions. I don’t know about you, but I need all the motivation I can get to maintain a regular exercise regime. Motivation, in my book, comes in the form of new workout gear. So, grab a colorful pair of sneaks, make a new playlist, and get a’movin’! Here’s to an active and healthy 2013!

P.S. Tell me what you do to keep motivated!

ONE: On-the-go facial towelettes // TWO: glass water bottle (go green!) // THREE: Reed Krakoff Gym Bag II // FOUR: Earphones // FIVE: Adidas by Stella McCartney tights // SIX: Nike Free // SEVEN: iPod Shuffle // EIGHT: Hyperwarm base layer // NINE: Lululemon tank // TEN: Vest

Perhaps you heard last week that Pantone declared EMERALD as the color for 2013. It seems greens will be of-the-moment for fashion and home in the coming months. I particularly noticed mint green on Spring 2013 runways and immediately took note.

I’ve already seen this hue popping up in stores and online. Since it’s the holiday season, why not go for a fresh take on the standard holiday green and pair your mint with metallic silvers or golds? Or how about an oversized grey sweater, jeans, and those mint green pumps above for a casual dinner date? (And can we talk about how chic the color looks incorporated into utilitarian goods like pencils and Swiss Army Knives?!)

Tell me, are you going to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe and if so, how? Make me green with envy! (I couldn’t resist.)

ONE: Cutout Wedges // TWO: Kenneth Jay Lane earrings // THREE: Pentel Drafting Pencil // FOUR: Snakeskin Pumps // FIVE: Swiss Army Knife // SIX: Marc Jacobs wide-leg pants // SEVEN: Marvis Mint Toothpaste (toothpaste from Barneys?! I’ll take two!) // EIGHT: Rebecca Minkoff Jacket  Inspiration photo: via Pinterest.

P.S. I think Beth needs this sweatshirt  (in mint, of course). I know she loves her fabulous hubby, and surely she misses her Texas margaritas …