5 Secrets for Packing the Perfect Fall Travel Bag

away this fall and at odds as to what you should bring? Fall temps can change dramatically ranging from chilly to hot and humid depending on the destination. If you are like me and have fashion on the brain, but don't want to arrive loaded down with baggage, then you will love these five tips to make packing for your next fall trip a bit more streamlined. No need to bring the whole wardrobe, here's the scoop. 

1. Wear the Bulkiest Items 

Although it's tempting to opt for loungewear when traveling through airports, it's actually more practical to wear your heavy items instead of packing. For instance your coat, boots, and a hat. This will save tons of space in your bag, and bonus, it will keep you warm in chilly airports while making a savvy fashion statement. 

2. Consider the Bag

 Look for bags with expandable main compartments. That way if you happen to purchase items to bring back on your return trip, you have space. Or, if you decide to pack that coat after all, all you have to do is unzip the expansion compartment and slip it in. 

3. Invest in Packing Cubes 

These nifty little bags aid in organization, but also help you save space. It's a great way to budget your bag. For instance, you can set a goal that one cube is for tops, the other is for pants, undergarments and so forth. 

4. Don't Over Pack

We've all been there. It's so hard to decide what to bring especially in fall when the weather can jump from hot to cold very quickly. Instead of overpacking bring light layers that pack easy and don't be afraid to wear durable staples like jeans more than once. Also it's helpful to set a goal to only bring 2 to 3 pairs of shoes. One for day time (like boots), one for working out or getting active (tennis shoes), and one you can dress up (heels). And remember you will be wearing the heaviest so plan your travel outfit accordingly. 

5. Select Fashion with Function

Pack clothes that work as transitional fall items. That could be a sun dress held over from summer with tights, a light topper (like a jean jacket), and some cute boots. Top it off with a cute hat and you have a great look. Taking lighter items like that and pairing them with warmer accessories that can be mixed and matched with other outfits will assure your wardrobe is functional, and fashionable, and avoid a lot of bulk that takes up too much space in your bag. 

Any favorite packing tips? I'd love to hear and give you a shout out in my upcoming posts!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch me discuss these tips on The Chat

watch here

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Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

3 Ways to Wear The Savannah Tunic by Lisa Kaminski | Outfit Post

During my recent trip the Caribbean I was more than excited to have my wardrobe supplied by Lisa Kaminski Swim and Resort wear. Out of all the pieces I wore the Savannah Tunic stood out due to it's versatility and my ability to dress it up or down. This year I'll be introducing outfit posts to showcase what I'm wearing. Whether I'm jet setting to the islands or getting the kiddo off to school, you'll have a chance to get an insiders look into what I'm wearing. In addition I've officially launched the Amy West Travel boutique with the Savannah Tunic as my first featured item for sale. Take a look at today's post on 3 Ways to wear the Savannah Tunic, then collect one for yourself! 

1. Mini dress/ Swimsuit Cover Up

Wear it poolside as an easy throw on cover up, or grab some heels and some accessories and wear it out for the night. The Savannah Tunic has a flattering design for almost any shape, and trust me when I say it's really comfy. The poly blend fabric is great for travel as it resists wrinkling and it's really lightweight so it dries quick and takes up little space in your luggage. 

2. Leaving on a Jet Plane 

When it was time to head to Miami from St. Lucia and connect to my flight in San Juan I chose to pair the Savannah Tunic with a textured scarf and classic jean jacket. I threw in my fedora and some calf length sandals, a. because they looked cool, but b. because they were the hardest to pack so I needed to wear them. I loved how the look came together and I stayed warm while remaining fashionable while hopping airports.  

 3. Leopard Print is the New Black

I liked mixing it up and adding a little edge to the tunic. This military jacket, and edgy boots paired with some chic aviators gave the Savannah a whole new look and feel. Skip the little black dress next time and try adding some animal print for a walk on the wild side and a different texture. 

Whether you are going on vacation, or just looking for a new staple piece the Savannah Tunic is a great addition to any wardrobe. To purchase click here. I'm looking forward to showcasing more great looks this year so keep checking back! 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Shop the extras below!


Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

My Caribbean Bikini Journal | Lisa Kaminski Swim and Resort Wear Recap

My recent whirlwind trip to the Caribbean was nothing short of exotic, breathtaking, and inspiring. In preparation for this three part adventure I knew there was only one designer I was interested in using for my wardrobe while I was filming excursions for Coconut Bay in St. Lucia and then reviewing b2 Hotel in downtown Miami, and Scrub Island Resort in the BVI. Lisa Kaminski's swim and resort wear has been featured before on my blog and her pieces never fail to strike the perfect silhouette. Whether you are dressing up or down her collectible designs make a scene and turn heads. I confess swim wear has always been a little tricky on my curvy figure. However there is just something about Lisa's designs that make me feel like a million bucks. She truly knows how to wield a special kind of magic in her garments. The kind of magic that might just convince you that romance, adventure, and intrigue are still very much alive. 

The Essentials

When traveling I need pieces that 

A. Resist Wrinkling 

B. Are lightweight and easy to pack. 

C. Are versatile for a variety of occasions. 

D. Are fashionable and appropriate for the destination. 

Lisa's work fell into all of these categories especially since I was traveling to luxurious island destinations I would need to be be able to dress up or down for. 

Also keep in mind I brought my wardrobe for filming so this was a complete styled shoot requiring me to pack swim wear, dresses, and activewear not to mention accessories and makeup. 

Everything in one medium carry on bag and a tote bag for my electronics and purse.

Loved this organized bag where I kept accessories, makeup, and toiletries. 

I'm big on traveling light and made 9 days worth of traveling to St. Lucia, Miami, and Scrub Island fit into one medium carry on bag. Yes that includes shoes! See my packing tips here. I believe in wearing your biggest items on travel days so I wore one of my hats, my jean jacket in case of cool weather and airport ac, and my biggest shoes which were calf length sandals. 

Luxurious

This dress! By far the sexiest thing I think I may have worn the whole trip. There is a slit in the leg that goes for miles. I felt like a sexy castaway with the great use of color and finishing details like the rope you tie the halter with. The wind certainly gave it a dramatic flair convincing me that I will just need to carry a fan around with me when I wear this in the future. 

iPhone shot

Remember this dress? Check out the bikini version below!

The Barcelona Swimsuit Love the bikini version! 

Sexy

Like I said there is just something about Lisa's work that makes you feel amazing. I think she just really knows that a woman's body should be celebrated and isn't afraid to design for curves. Her fabrics are silky and vibrant, simultaneously standing out while keeping you comfortable. 

The sexy Revered II mono-kini made me feel like a Bond Girl

These sexy mono-kinis were major fan favs. 

Elegant

Lisa's fashionable daytime designs are both chic and functional and look stellar on their own or layered with one of her luxe bikini's underneath. Gotta be ready for poolside at a moments notice after all. 

The Soleil Tunic was a match for the Caribbean sunshine! 

Playful

We all know that relaxing while on getaway is a must! But so having fun! It's essential that an island wardrobe be comfy enough to get out there and experience the adventure that awaits! I think it's safe to say these designs covered all the bases. 

Love this shot provided by Bclip for Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia with the famous Pitons in the background. 

I wore this versatile maxi quite a bit. Flattering, yet still colorful and light enough for the warm tropics.  

A few more behind the scenes shots from my instagram account. 

This dress was perfect pool side or topped with a jacket for the airport. 

What's hotter than a white bikini on a Catamaran? 

Going Snorkeling in this cute fish print. Contrasting prints with the multicolored cover up. 

That black mono-kini making an appearance again. 

Coconut Bay Resort provided lots of sun hats and wraps from their boutique. 

Drooling over Lisa Kaminski's designs? Collect them for yourself on her website, or find her work at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, FL.  As for me, I continue to add to my LK collection as she introduces each new inspired season. 

Until then....

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

More great reviews from my travels coming soon! 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.