My vacation must haves this week...

What are the most essential pieces to take with you on your next trip? I'm referring to those "must have" items- the ones you really need.  Of course it depends on the type of trip, the weather etc.  I'll share with you my most recent trip packing challenge... 

The challenge: We are going for a three day weekend to San Francisco (temperature 60-75 degrees) and then driving 3 hours to Lake Tahoe to ski for the week - think snow, cold and ski clothes. Nine days and my husband is not big on surcharges for extra luggage (an understatement) so I needed to figure out how to manage this and get all my ski clothes, regular stuff and everything else in my allotted single suitcase.  

My goal: To have exactly what I needed and nothing more! (Truth- there wasn't room for more)  Here's what I came up with...

Outerwear

• Must haves: Ski Jacket, Shearling Coat, and my choice for balmy San Francisco - my North Face Down Vest.  Wore the bulky shearling on the plane and the vest was a perfect choice instead of a light weight jacket for San Francisco. It is now working double duty on our ski trip.
  

Accessories that do it all

• Must haves: I found this great little western style leather pouch - (see photos above and below) at Jeremy's in San Fran.  Jeremy's is famous for amazing bargains - I always try and stop in for a quick look when I'm in town.  Brand: Linea Pelle- price: $58.00 on super George Washington birthday weekend sale- Sold!  Great as a casual clutch or a bag to keep in your travel tote.  I've been wearing it at night - perfect for super casual San Fran and Tahoe. The LV pouch on the left is my daughter Jaime's - a great classic, timeless option. It's at least ten years old and pretty much indestructable.  Use when traveling or anytime you need a little bag/pouch. Goes with everything, just the right size for your phone, room key, credit card and lipstick. My other bag-pick for this tripwas a Marc Jacobs messenger bag in plum. (see above) I use it whenever I travel and it's an especially good choice when in a big city.  I used it all day long in San Francisco - a great way to bring in some color too. 
  

3. Footwear
Here is where I could really get into trouble.  So bulky - My must haves: Furry snow boots, hiking boots (for snow shoeing), and sneakers. My one additional choice - a pair of motorcycle boots. I figured these could work in both cities and go with everything- and they do! 

4. Pants
Ecru - a  brand that I have never tried for myself (until now) but always liked on other women- I am now hooked - they fit/look amazing. And my Paige jeans which I've mentioned before.. 

La Canadienne black water proof/shearling boots... Stuart Weitzman Brown Motorcycle boots - My go to choice at home too..

Other accessories that make sense when you can't take a lot: 
  .  A fun pair of earrings, a cuff and maybe scarf or two.   Nice finishing touches - especially when clothing rotation consists of the same two pair of pants and four tops.  

Below:
Left photo: cozy scarves picked up at sample sales.  Right photo: Eyewear- Tom Ford, Leather Wrap Bracelet- Tory Burch (old), Earrings- Alexis Bitar on left, gold hoops, gift for my 16th birthday- really!
 

What are your travel essentials?

Hope you are having a great week wherever you are, Thanks for reading, Lori