Tip of the Month
 

"To travel is worth any cost or sacrifice."


This tip comes from Elizabeth Gilbert's bestseller novel, Eat Pray Love.
Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love

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Dear Friend,

 

When I fly, I never check bags -- I don't like dealing with baggage at the end of my trip, and of course there is that pesky fee I prefer to avoid.

 

Best Laid Plans

 

Recently I flew back home to visit my brother. When I got to the gate, the plane was full so I had to check one of my carry-ons after all. Since there was nothing I could do about it, I quickly tried to make sure the necessities of the trip were in my smaller carry-on, then off my bag went.

 

During my flight, I started pondering exactly what I had left in my checked bag. There was my makeup and clothes, as well as the one thing I really wished I had with me: my jewelry.

 

Absent Accessories 

 

I generally travel with several pieces of jewelry that have meaning to me, because they help me feel more like "me" on a trip. Also -- here's a pro tip -- I can make a few looks go a long way by packing more accessories than clothes.

 

It wasn't my lucky day and upon my arrival I found that my checked bag hadn't made the journey to Des Moines and was stuck in Chicago. I had already decided where I would get new makeup, but of course I was concerned that somehow my jewelry might not still be in the bag when it finally got to me.

 

Practicing What I Preach

 

I had failed one of my own cardinal rules of travel: Carry on, on your person, anything that you cannot afford to lose -- either emotionally or monetarily. If my jewelry had been particularly expensive, of course I would have kept it in my purse, but I hadn't packed according to the value of my emotional attachment. Some things you can't put a price tag on, but it doesn't mean they're not precious.

 

Fortunately when I did get my bag, all of my possessions were in place. Unfortunately, I had spent a significant amount of time worrying about it.

 

Uncheckables

 

Here's my personal list of essentials that must not be checked: Prescriptions, jewelry, cash, identification, makeup, my clear bag of liquids, and one change of clothes -- just in case. I also consider my book and now my iPad to be essentials. I like to be able to escape in a good book when I travel, and that means having the perfect read.

 

Anything else can be purchased or I can live without. Traveling light is the easiest way to travel. This includes traveling smart -- and smart means being prepared for whatever unexpected event comes along.

 

Enjoy your summer travel season and don't forget your own list of necessities!

Patricia Gorham

Patricia Gorham
Inside/Out Style  
Travel Fashion Girl Offers Savvy Tips

As you plan your summer vacations, check out this travel blog -- it is chock full of great tips on how to travel AND be fashionable. You'll find packing lists, outfit ideas, beauty tips, high-tech carry-on bags, and more. Don't miss the "best of" lists that share ideas for the best shoes, jeans, watches, and other items for traveling.  

      
Travel Fashion Girl �  

 

Travel Fashion Girl
Travel Fashion Girl

Fetching Pretty Sets You Up for Summer 

This new website out of Nashville features fun summer looks at a very reasonable price point. If you're looking for clothing or accessories to spice up your summer wardrobe, or darling pieces for kids and babies, look no further. I personally love this top with a pair of white shorts or pants.

 

Fetching Pretty �  

 

Fetching Pretty
Fetching Pretty

Interview Insights  

I was honored recently to be interviewed by Mike Leavitt of Publicity Daily News. Whether or not you've worked with me, you may not know how Inside/Out Style got started, or how I helped a high school student prepare for a meeting with the President of the United States -- all of this is covered in the interview. And for any small business owners reading this, you may pick up a tip or two, as Mike does a great job of focusing on marketing and promotion. 

Check out the interview �  

 

Patricia's Interview
Patricia's Interview