On My Radar No 44

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Happy Friday! This week has flown by quicker than usual since Jason and I were out of town last weekend visiting my family in Florida and didn't get back to Charleston until Monday afternoon. It was such a wonderful trip and my only complaint is that family time always seems to end too quickly. I'm already counting down the days until Christmas. In the meantime, here are a few of the things that have been on my radar this week.

IGTV | First up is Instagram's latest update - IGTV. This new feature which allows users to share videos up to 1 hour long, has been receiving mixed reviews and I'm personally not sure how I feel about it. I'd love to know if you're a fan and if you'd like to see more casual videos posted on Instagram in between my planned and edited videos on YouTube. 

AMTRAK SALE | Next up is a two-for-one Amtrak deal that's the perfect incentive to book a fall train trip this year. As a kid, my family rode the Amtrak across several states when we moved one time and I've been wanting to do it again ever since.  

NEW STYLE DIRECTOR FOR J CREW ANNOUNCED | It's no surprise that J.Crew has been struggling lately and with a few exceptions, many of their items have slipped in quality but risen in price. I haven't given up hope yet though and I'm excited to see how their new style director influences the company - hopefully for the better.

HOW 4 WOMEN GOT THEIR STYLE BACK | I discuss personal style constantly here and on my YouTube channel because I think the true key to sartorial happiness is dressing the way you want to dress. Not how someone tells you to dress or how you think you should dress for your age, height, weight, coloring, proportions etc. I think it's so easy to lose sight of this throughout our lives and it's something that we should continually be reevaluating so I love this round-up of how a 4 women rediscovered their true style.

6 Carry-On Essentials For Easy Travel

As we continue "Travel Week," I want to share a few of my carry-on essentials that help make traveling a breeze. Before we hop into the items though, let's touch on why I never check a bag and why you might want to consider doing the same. The first reason comes down to control. In short, I like having control over my luggage I don't like the uncertainty that comes with having my suitcase out of my control. While there are certainly no guarantees, I find that keeping my suitcase close by helps cut down on the likelihood that it can be stolen or damaged. Not only does bringing my bag on board mean that I can keep it close by, but it also means that if my flight or connection is delayed, my bag won't go on without me and end up misplaced in another airport.

Next, I like to carry-on when possible because it helps ensure that I don't overpack. If I only have a limited amount of space to work with, I can't bring too much and really have to think about every item. I find that this approach helps me zero in on what I'll actually use and wear and even motivates me to pick my outfits before I leave. Plus, since I love playing dress up and putting together new outfits, this is such a fun part of the process for me and it helps start the excitement of traveling before I even leave. 

Last but not least, I love how much easier travel is when I carry-on rather than check a bag. Instead of needing to build in time for checking a bag in, I'm able to head straight to security when I arrive at the airport and never have to worry about a checked bag fee - this is especially helpful when traveling internationally. Plus, I don't have to wait at baggage claim when landing and instead I can get straight to enjoying my vacation. 

My first essential is a great carry-on suitcase. It probably comes as no surprise that I've had the same carry-on suitcase for years - since before college - and though it's served me well, it's definitely time for an upgrade.

Currently, I have my eye on this one from Away because it has a hard case which helps protect the contents, has neat zippered pockets on the interior and wheels that rotate a full 360 degrees.

This last one may not seem that important but after spending the last decade using a suitcase that didn't easily turn and struggling with it through airports and unfamiliar city streets, it's a non-negotiable upgrade that I can't wait to have. Plus, this option comes in a variety of colors and is reasonably priced.  

Next up is a weekender bag. If you already have a carry-on suitcase that you love, this probably isn't a necessity but I wanted to include it because I really love mine.

Beyond the aesthetic of a classic duffle, I love that this bag helps bring my fantasies of effortless weekend getaways to life. I love the experience of neatly packing up my weekender with a few of my favorite wardrobe essentials and throwing it in the back of the car and hitting the road for a weekend away.

Even though it's not the most practical piece for long-haul travel, my weekender even accompanied me to Italy on our honeymoon. I wouldn't recommend doing the same though because it was extremely heavy after carrying it for a bit, and it isn't ideal for walking through the rain or other elements. 

Next up are my beloved packing cubes. If you've seen any of my packing videos you know how much I love these cubes for keeping my luggage organized. The set that I have is from Amazon but you can easily find these everywhere these days - I've seen them in Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx etc. 

Beyond just ensuring that everything I have stays neat and organized, I find that these help optimize my luggage space and prevent my suitcase from becoming a dumping ground - especially when I'm traveling for longer than a few days. 

Another major benefit of these cubes is that they make packing up to go home a breeze. Even though I can certainly keep my luggage tidy without these cubes, I find that these help me quickly survey what I have and ensure I haven't left anything behind. Plus, they keep me more organized throughout my trip so that I don't have to completely repack my suitcase when it's time to head home. 

For years when traveling, I stored my makeup and non liquid toiletries in anything I had lying around. Often times this meant a flimsy gift with purchase pouch or ziploc bag but last year, I received this travel set and haven't looked back. 

Not only are these beautiful and instantly elevate my entire packing experience, but they keep everything organized and fit perfectly into my luggage without taking up an excessive amount of space. I love the smaller bag for my capsule makeup collection and the larger one for my hair care items and other non liquid toiletries.

I'm definitely partial to the set that I have, but you can find something similar from nearly every retailer these days. If you're not sold on this style, you can even use a dopp kit for the same effect. My only tip would be to find a bag or bags with wipeable interiors to avoid permanent stains.

Since I love and use my fancy leather set for my makeup and non liquid toiletries, I use a separate, smaller TSA approved bag for my skincare, shampoo etc. If you really want to reduce what you bring and prefer to only have one bag for everything, this clear TSA approved case is wonderful. 

I love that it's clearly waterproof so you don't have to worry if something explodes inside of it, and that it's large enough to store makeup and toiletries. Plus, the clear exterior makes it easy to locate everything and the flat bottom is perfect for setting it upright on your counter or vanity. 

I've seen these everywhere and you can spend as little or as much as you like to get one that suits your personal needs. 

Last but not least is a travel jewelry case. I had one of these lovely little cases years ago but after moving a few times since college it has gone missing.

Since then, I've been reusing old makeup and jewelry pouches which work well but often result in tangled necklaces, general disorganization and sometimes even misplaced items. 

To fix this problem I would love to pick up a travel jewelry case again. I currently really love this one because it's compact, looks nice and offers different compartments for earrings, necklaces and rings. 

Easy Travel Outfits For Every Season

Today kicks off Travel Week here on AudreyALaMode.com! With summer in full swing, travel is bound to happen so this week I want to share a few of my favorite travel tips and tricks. From what to wear when traveling, to the packing mistakes we all make, I hope these posts will help ease some of the stress that comes with travel. We're starting things off with easy travel outfits for every season. Each of these looks is super simple to recreate with basic closet staples and will help you arrive at your destination looking chic and put-together - with very little effort. 

Let's start off with winter. In my experience, winter travel is the easiest to dress for, because layers are king and you rarely have to worry about competing temperatures like you do in spring, summer and sometimes fall. 

When it comes to putting together a travel outfit, I like to start with a simple base of comfortable pieces that I love to wear. For me, that typically means a cozy sweater that isn't too fitted and either a pair of comfortable but neat trousers (bonus points if the pants are wrinkle-resistant like these) or a great pair of jeans. If you're taking a long haul flight, I love pull on style pants that still look tailored like these. I also like to wear darker shades like navy, black and grey when traveling to avoid any obvious staining. A dark base means one less thing to worry about and I find that it makes the whole process a lot easier. Once I have my base sorted, I'll add layers and accessories as needed.

From there, I like to add a coat that will easily go with everything else I'm packing, a cozy scarf, and a hat and gloves as needed. When it comes to footwear, I don't think you can go wrong with ankle or chelsea boots because they're incredibly comfortable, can be dressed up or down, go with with pants, skirts and dresses alike, and can be slipped on and off at airport security.

Riding boots or snow boots are another good option if you need to protect your feet from the elements, but I find that they can be a little more cumbersome so I tend to opt for ankle boots most of the time. 

Once that's all done, I like to add my everyday jewelry which typically consists of my finer pieces so that I avoid leaving them unattended in my carry-on while it's stowed (again, one less thing to worry about). Last but not least is a versatile handbag that will go with everything I'm packing. Here I've chosen a tote because it can double as an extra suitcase of sorts for a smaller handbag etc, but a small crossbody is just as great. 

turtleneck / classic trousers / ankle boots / plaid coat / solid gold hoops / grey tote / cozy scarf / sunglasses / signet ring / carry-on bag

As you know, spring is my favorite season but I find that it can be a tricky one to dress for - especially when traveling. To keep things light and airy but also appropriate for the shifting weather, I like to start my travel outfits off with a simple top and jeans.

For me, this is typically a white blouse and classic pair of straight leg or skinny jeans but you could just as easily opt for a t-shirt and trousers if you prefer. 

From there, I like to swap my ankle boots for a pair of slip on sneakers that protect my feet from the airport floor, but still feel light enough for spring. Next, I throw on a large scarf which is a travel essential for me. The one pictured here is my new Sabina Savage scarf but you can easily find these just about everywhere to suit your budget and color palette. I love this one under $50, this solid one for $60, this slightly smaller one for $95, and this one for $192.  

To finish the look and keep things practical, I like to add a light jacket. A blazer is always a favorite of mine, but here I've shown a light open jacket in a spring shade. A trench would also be a great choice because it can easily be worn over any other outfit you've packed for the trip and isn't too casual or too formal. 

Much like the first look, I completed it with sunglasses and simple, everyday jewelry and a versatile crossbody bag.  

white shirt / jeans / coat (this is a cute option for $70) / purse / wool & cashmere scarf / sunglasses / solid gold hoops / signet ring / slip on sneakers / carry-on bag

Dressing for the airport during the summer is no easy task. On the one hand, you have to dress appropriately for the heat and humidity of summer, but on the other, you have to dress for the air conditioner and drafts of the airport and airplanes.

To work around both, I like to swap my traditional trousers and jeans for a lighter pair of pants or even culottes. I find that this silhouette is easy to work with, travels well and keeps you warm on the plane but not too warm when you land. If you don't typically get cold on planes, then a simple skirt or dress would also work perfectly. 

Next, I like to wear a cute top that isn't too simple and then, because I get cold easily, a light topper like a denim jacket is a must. For footwear, I think you can't go wrong with an easy pair of slip on sneakers that you can easily trade for your sandals when you land. For my handbag, I like to pick something summery to help make the rest of my wardrobe feel season appropriate. It's amazing what a difference a handbag makes. Last but not least, I wear my go-to jewelry and a great pair of sunglasses. 

pants / cute top / denim jacket / straw bag / sunglasses / solid gold hoops / signet ring /carry-on bag

Last but not least, fall. I LOVE dressing for fall and it's easily my favorite time to travel as well. There's just something about the crisp air, changing leaves and incredible beauty of autumn that gets me so excited about taking a weekend trip to the country, the city (hello central park in fall!) or the mountains.

Beyond just the fun and excitement that comes with fall, I think it's one of the easiest seasons to dress for and that makes dressing for fall travel a breeze. To start things off, I like to begin with a base like the rest of my outfits here that consists of a simple pair or pants or jeans and a cozy, comfortable sweater. I find that especially in early fall, the intense cold of winter hasn't quite set in yet, so I can get away with just a blazer.

To keep my neck warm and add another level of coziness to my look, I like to wear a warm scarf (bonus points if it's in a fall shade) and slip on a great pair of ankle boots. Sued is always nice for fall and I've had this pair on my wish list for almost 2 years. Simple jewelry and a versatile tote complete the look. You could also add a hat if you like. 

sweater / suede ankle boots / blazer / jeans / sunglasses / solid gold hoops / signet ring / carry-on bag / cozy scarf / grey tote

My Most Worn Spring Capsule Outfits | Looking Back On My Spring Capsule Before Summer

With summer right around the corner, I want to share a few of my favorite outfits from my spring capsule wardrobe.

I wore each of these combinations repeatedly this season and I think they perfect encompass the overall feel of my capsule and the direction my personal style has been evolving lately. 

Plus, many of these outfits will transition nicely into summer with a few small tweaks here and there. You can see each of the looks in the video to the left, and learn more about the corresponding pieces in the description box. 

Also, I'm still working on the self timer for my camera so I don't have any outfit stills this time around but hopefully I will next time. Like always, thanks so much for watching and I hope you have a wonderful week!