I am by no means a traveling expert because I haven't been a ton of places. But, recently, I've been traveling more for work; whether it's a weekend trip or a longer period of time, I can pack accordingly. *I did this post back at the beginning of 2016 on how I pack for a weekend work trip

As you read this, I'm in Florida for my annual work trip for an Ulta Conference and I spent the weekend packing my life away. I'll be gone 4 nights & 5 days so I brought more stuff than usual and checked a suitcase.

I have a lot of new travel accessories that made packing a lot easier and I wanted to share how I packed this time around.

What I used:

• Target x DesignLoveFest suitcase
• Henri Bendel Makeup Brush Holder
• Henri Bendel x Megan Hess Jewelry Case
• Kate Spade Makeup Train Case
• Kate Spade Travel Wallet
• Henri Bendel Pill Box
• Lilly Pulitzer Wash & Wear Bags *similar Henri Bendel here*
• Various makeup bags

So, I start by rolling my clothes* and putting them on the bottom of my suitcase. The Target suitcase is super roomy, very lightweight, and comes with multiple compartments to help pack efficiently. It even came with a little extra bag that I assume would be used for laundry but I used it to put two pairs of shoes in.

*Rolling your clothes is best to maximize space and it works out really well for me.

After all my clothes are laid out, I stack on top. I'm not that concerned with my clothes being wrinkled, I can't remember the last time I ironed my clothes.

In the Lilly Pulitzer bags, I put my underwear, socks, and bras so that goes on top. I also had a pair of new, unworn shoes that I stuck in a corner.





I added two extra bags that I wanted to bring with me, my Gigi New York Clutch & my Mila mini backpack from Danielle Nicole.  If you really wanted too, you could pack things inside these bags to free up some extra space.

In one of the slip pockets on the side of the suitcase, I put two delicate, fancy shirts that I may not want to touch anything else.

I added my skincare bag on top of everything and will add my makeup brushes and jewelry case.





My carry on is going to be my Louis Vuitton Keepall 45; in there I'll keep a pair of flip-flops, possibly my makeup bag, a book, laptop, iPad, chargers, hat, sunglasses, etc. Anything I may need the moment I get off the plane, when I'm waiting in the airport, or on the plane will go in there. If you don't have anything over the liquid limit according to skincare, this would also be a good place to keep it.

In addition to the carry on, I'll bring my NEW Kate Spade bag as a handbag where I'll keep headphones, my cell phone, wallet, etc.




A few tips to stay organized: 

• Make a list of what you know you'll need to pack
• Write out what you will be doing each day you're away so you know what kind of outfit to bring
• Enlist the help of travel accessories to pack things in; don't just throw jewelry, socks, underwear, chargers, etc into a bag.

I never thought I'd be traveling so often, especially for work, but here I am! Last week I took my 4th work trip in 6 months and I feel like an old pro.

From a very young age, I always overpacked whenever I was going somewhere. I have so much stuff and I want it all with me at any given time. I have not gotten better as I've grown older and it's much worse now. On a daily basis, my bag weighs a ton because it's always packed to the brim.

The first few work trips I went on, I definitely overpacked. The trips I go on are to QVC and they don't require a lot of items. I'm pretty much awake for 24 hours, barely in my hotel room, and my attire consists of plain t-shirts, leggings, and slippers. Comfort is key when you're awake for an entire day.

After the first 2 trips, I definitely packed lighter this trip.  I learned my lesson!

Now, everyone is different and you may not be an over packer-- you may have this process down pat but I always feel like I need to pay close attention to what I'm packing. There are also certain things you think you may need, or things you may not think you need. Also, everyone's work trips are different so this may not really apply to you but I'm going to do my best to generalize these tips!

Tote bag for computer, etc

Duffel bag

Makeup bag

Toiletries

• Minimal bags: I usually bring a lot of stuff but I also bring a lot of bags. You really only need a duffel bag for clothes, toiletries, etc. I bring a tote bag to keep my laptop, iPad, and other items I need to bring with me back and forth to the TV studio. I don't usually bring a handbag but if you need one on the road, definitely tuck that bad boy into your duffel bag! The less bags you have, the easier traveling will be! 
• Comfy Clothes: Comfort is key for me on a daily basis. If your trip is more casual and not a business conference, I recommend picking something that is comfortable but still makes you feel and look put together. If you could get away with a nice sweater, jeggings, and casual boots or flats, I'd go with that! Make sure you have a nicer outfit in your bag just in case! 
• Two pairs: Shoes is something I always struggle with packing. I hate shoes, I'd walk around barefoot if it was hygienic. For trips like this, I always bring two pairs of shoes. This past trip I brought UGG boots and slippers, just incase I didn't feel like wearing one pair. That's my lesson for all of you-- bring TWO pairs of shoes that you really like but bring both just incase you're not in the mood for one of them.
• Minimal makeup: A work trip, no matter the cause, is not a time for a smoky eye (in my opinion). It's also not the time to try out a new product. Bring the makeup you use and love; makeup that will give you your favorite look in an instant.
• Chargers, chargers, and more chargers: I'm a social media coordinator, henceforth, my phone, iPad, and laptop are constantly attached to my hip. I bring extra chargers for all my electronics along with a battery pack for my phone. I'd be nothing with my technology.