What's in My Bag | Part 1

As a frequent traveler I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite new finds in my new ongoing series "What's in My Bag". This is my chance to reveal the best beauty secrets, my go to travel wardrobe, and the newest trends in the world of wanderlust. Some of these products have worked with me on collaborations, some I've found organically while shopping or talking to friends. However they fell in to my lap, you can be sure I'm smitten with them, otherwise they wouldn't be worth toting around with me on my adventures. Join me as I unveil my most recent favorite discoveries. 

By the Numbers

1. Panama Hat

2. Sarong (Similar to one Picture)

3. RISEGear Jumper Bag

4. Gladiator Sandals

5. Image Skincare

6. Citrine Studs by Anjolee

7. IConceal Foundation

8. Epic Wipes - Massive Wet Wipes 

9. Boho Suede Necklace

10. Watercolor Octopus Tank (Similar Tank That's Just as Cool)

11. Origami Unicorn TUO 

12. (Unseen in Image) The BrowGal Products found in Jax at Solé Spa

The Bag

The bag itself must be innovative, functional, and of course fashionable whenever possible. I love this RISE Gear Jumper Bag I recently reviewed. This brilliant concept saves you time when packing and unpacking. I also recently reviewed Origami Unicorn's TUO, which helps you organize and pack your undergarments. I was attracted to the fact that you can hang it up in your travel closet, something it shares with RISE Gear. 

Fashion

When it comes to travel and fashion, I'm all about a few statement pieces that can be worn many times. This may mean they are neutral and go with anything like these gladiator sandals (seen in several of my recent fashion posts), and my panama hat (which I wear all the time I know), or it may mean the item is exceptionally versatile like this sarong that can be worn as a scarf or cover up. In my cover image I also included my watercolor octopus shirt which is to date one of my most complimented shirts ever (should have heard how bananas folks went at the aquarium we visited). I also included a great neutral statement necklace and my Anjolee studs which both go with virtually anything. Whatever the reason, if it made the edit into my bag, it is likely to be timeless and eye catching. 

Beauty 

It's hard to feel fly when you are trying to travel light and you can't bring the whole beauty bar in your bag. Just like my fashion choices I focus on bringing products that make a statement, are versatile, and go with anything. Part of that philosophy is making sure you have the basics covered. I've talked about Image Skincare Products before however, it's worth saying again, I can't live without the IConceal foundation. This miracle formula is mineral based, long lasting, sweat resistant, and includes spf. It's a perfect fit and always on my packing list. 

A more recent find and now complete addiction are The BrowGal products. I'm sad to admit that for years I've been behind on my brow game. I shaped them sure, but I never really filled them in or enhanced them in any way. The last few years, brows have been back "in" big time and I've made an effort, but those efforts really didn't take shape until I found The BrowGal products. While at a regular waxing appointment at Solé Spa here in Jacksonville, I was given the full brow treatment with shaping, and color matching to ensure my brows were providing the natural framework to my face they were meant to. The pencil has a built in sharpener which is extra convenient when traveling!

Handy Little Things

These Epic Wipes are my new fav handy little things. 14x the size of normal wipes, these gems can really help out in a pinch if you are feeling the ick factor after a long day of travel, or if you have kids that know how to make a major mess (me, me, me). They are safe, healthy, and biodegradable so you can feel good about using them on the whole family. 

Another handy little thing I've discovered recently is the website Case2Fit built by Case Luggage. I'll be doing future round ups of useful travel sites I love, but this one deserves a little airtime pronto since it has to do with travel bags. Using Case2Fit you can put in the dimensions of your bag and find out if your carry on will fit in the cabin of any airline. This would have been perfect for me on my last flight when my carry on fit on one leg of the trip but not the second! Don't be caught unprepared. Use this handy little site! 

What are your go to travel must haves? I love learning new tricks and tips of the trade! Whether it be fashion, beauty, snacks, staples, or stuff for kids, sound off in the comments below. 

I can't wait to share more of my finds in the future, look for bags full of gear for solo, couples, and family travel coming soon.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Shop Here 

Haute Hippie Longhorn printed Micro Modal tank • Haute Hippie • $70.20

Topshop Suede Coin Tassel Necklace • Topshop • $22

MIA Shoes Mia Gladiator Sandal • $59

FINE JEWELRY Genuine Yellow Citrine 14K White Stud Earrings • $124.99

Panama hat • $58

Mumu Sarong ~ Auntie Em's Blue Paisley • MUMU • $42

Nolan White Elephant Tank • $28

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme, 2 Ounce • $34.13

RISE gear - Weekender Duffle With Collapsible Shelves • $139

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .

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

RISE Gear | An Elevated Packing Solution

If you're like me, you may find yourself stuck in the same ole pattern of unorganized chaos when you pack and unpack your travel bags. Rolling up your clothes to avoid wrinkles and save space is great and travel compartments sure help, but when it comes down to it, wouldn't it be great to pack and unpack just once? To have easy access to everything you need with one zip? I'm smitten with my latest travel find and I think you'll be too. RISE Gear's travel solution is so simple and completely perfect it will have you asking "Why didn't I think of that"? 

The RISE Gear Jumper bag is affordably priced at $99

Easy Come Easy Go

When it comes down to it, we would all like to spend the least amount of time we can packing and unpacking. There are too many other pressing matters to attend to in this life (like that glass of wine calling your name) besides spending hours organizing your bag. RISE Gear's clever design gives you more time to spend doing what you love, whether that be enjoying some much needed leisure time, or jumping right into the adventure that awaits on your next trip. After you initially pack your bag, simply unzip and hang up in your hotel closet or on the back of a door. Off you go, you are finished unpacking. 

Everything Has Its Place

As my mom so lovingly hammered into my head as a youth, "Everything has its place".  Now that I'm an adult, these words are music to my ears. Seriously I think I spend 40% of my life just organizing stuff. Granted, much of that is my kids stuff, but still, I'm thankful I can spend one less minute worrying about where to put stuff. RISE Gear makes it easy for you with this simple guide above, or you can go rogue and do whatever feels right. There is plenty of room for everything you need from shoes and toiletries, to undergarments, shirts, and pants. You can see how I packed my "Jumper" bag here. I mixed it up a little according to my own preferences. The Jumper is designed as a weekender so you can see I was able to fit in a few outfits including nightwear, and work out gear as well as shoes, my makeup bag, and of course, my nook. I also love that they even included a space for your dirty items right below. As the shelves empty out, the bottom fills up. Then you just fold it down and zip it up when it's time for the next leg of your trip. 

Easy Access to All You Need

If you are worried about last minute necessities being easily available, fear no more! I was pleased with the easy access inside the RISE Gear Jumper. Love the concept but wish there was a quicker solution for those who already have luggage they don't want to part with? You're in luck. RISE Gear not only has full size bags and weekenders, they also sell just the shelving inserts so you can transform your favorite bag into a RISE Gear bag. 

I don't know about you, but I'll take all the help I can get turning my next trip into a swifter process. Spend more time doing what you love and less time packing and unpacking. RISE Gear products are affordably priced for the every day traveller giving access to this elevated travel gear to all. 

What's your favorite design? Will you grab a shelving insert for your designer label, or jump right in with one of RISE Gear's intelligent designs? I'd love your feedback in the comments below. 

Until Then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo - Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

* The Jumper Rise Gear bag was gifted to me, however the opinions in this blog are all my own.
Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Packing Simplified | Trend Report | Origami Unicorn

Savvy travelers agree that if you are going to live in and out of a bag, the best way to do it is as organized as possible. Since organization is always top of mind when I put my bag together, it comes as no surprise why I'd be completely in love with my latest trendy find, Origami Unicorn's TUO (Travel Undergarment Organizer). 

Clever Design

I like to keep it as simple as possible when I travel, which means I usually carry on. There is nothing so mortifying though, than your undergarments being displayed for the world to see if you happen to be chosen for a random search. This is chief amongst the reasons I think the TUO is a must have! This fashionable bag (which is available in a variety of colors and designs) not only organizes your intimates, it also hides them away from the prying eyes of the public. Designed out of easy to clean fabric, it's not only cute, it's also functional. In addition, I love the clever snaps at the handles that allow you to hang the bag in your closet for easy access to every thing you need. Origami Unicorn even includes a bag for dirty or wet items. It's clear they thought of everything. 

Not Just for Underwear

With breathable mesh fabric, and ideally sized pockets, you aren't limited to strictly intimates. I took advantage of the bottom pocket for my larger statement jewelry that usually ends up in my toiletry bag. Other great items you could easily store might be:

• electronic cords
• sunglasses
• hair brushes or accessories
• medicine
• scarves
• ballet flats
• makeup brushes
• first aid items

And anything else your imagination can conjure up. 

The Perfect Fit 

After folding up my freshly packed TUO, I was pleased to find it fit perfectly in my carry on bag which was a must for me. Large enough to fit what you need, but not so large that it becomes an obstruction to packing the rest of your belongings. The best part was there is no unpacking, simply pull it out of your bag and hang it up in your hotel closet or place it right in your drawer. Easy, organized, and perfect for every kind of traveler. 

Traveling can be hectic, but packing doesn't need to be. I love discovering solution oriented travel gear that makes life easier! Origami Unicorn's TUO retails for $49.50, a fair price for a quality travel aid that will make your life more organized, and look good while doing it. 

Share your latest finds in the comments below! I love learning your favorite travel tips and hacks.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

*This post was sponsored by Origami Unicorn, however all the words and opinions are mine.

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

Just Incase for Your Next Trip | Product Review

As a professional traveler, having the right bag falls under "must have" tools of the trade. Finding the perfect bag can be like finding the perfect shoe. You may try on a lot of duds before you discover the one that fits like a glove. That's why when I found Incase's EO Roller travel bag, I knew I might have just found my luggage soul mate...

EO Roller - Sized Just Right

When browsing the Incase product line I chose the EO Roller for it's carry on friendly size. Technically it's designed to fit 3 days worth of clothes, but a savvy packer could easily fit more using some clever travel hacks. I prefer the carry on size for smoother transitions when traveling. I hate hold ups waiting for luggage after the flight, and need easy access to what I've brought, especially if there are any flight delays or changes. 

The Poly Cotton front panel is weather resistant to keep your valuables safer. 

Incase's mission has always gone hand in hand with serving to protect it's users technology. In addition to the padded pocket serving just this purpose, I also really appreciated the poly cotton/ weather resistant front panel.

The rubberized handle extends with the push of a button and folds down quickly, and the smooth rollers are ideal for quickly maneuvering through airport gates or dashing through the terminal.

Cozy Fit

The perfect protection for all your devices, Incase not only made room, they made your devices the star. This special padded front opening has room for a 17" laptop, as well as space for cables, other electronics, and any other business supplies you can think of ( I hear a collective squeal from all you type A organizers). As you can see form the image, I still had room for my fluffy travel pillow. It's a very spacious pocket. 

The pocket designed for your electronics and gadgets has plenty of room, and provides ample pockets for organization. 

Room to Grow

Inside the main compartment you'll find a small mesh pocket and a large space for the bulk of your clothes etc. Each zips up nicely for tidy storage. Like I said, you are good for 3 days or more of supplies, and that is aided by the expanding main compartment which gives you 35% more room. 

Store around 3 days worth of clothes in the main compartment. 

For heavier loads upon return, take advantage of the expandable zipper which gives you 35% more space. 

I'm so happy I found my perfect fit. Seriously what's not to love?

For the perfect fit for your next trip, look to Incase to meet your needs. Not only do they carry a host of great luggage, you'll also find backpacks, messenger bags, duffle bags, and protection for all your devices. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

The perfect carry on. Hands Down

 * Sponsored post. My Incase EO Roller was provided to me for testing
however, all words and thoughts are my own. 

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