Travel Packing Tips with Cathclaire

We are less than a week away from Christmas. What the!

Yes, I have been watching Christmas movies basically every night since Thanksgiving (which I'm sure you guys have seen on my cathclaire instastory nonstop), but being so festive this year REALLY made time fly by super fast. Does anyone else feel this way?

This is the first time since college that I am traveling for Christmas AND it's my first Christmas with Kevin as husband and wife! **If you are new here, Kev and I just got married 6 months ago - you can see more about the cathclaire wedding here!**  I am so excited to pack (this is DEF a first....)  and share packing tips for a getaway this holiday season with family!

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1. Plan Ahead: This may sound like a no-brainer when it comes to packing tips, but if you ask me, it's even more important when packing for the holidays. Not only are you traveling with gifts so the extra space is key, but you are also probably traveling to spend time with family or friends. If you plan ahead and get clear about what you may need while on your trip, you will avoid forgetting an essential item and wasting precious time scrambling to get an outfit together or for something you need vs enjoying time carefree with your people!

2. Maximize Space in Your Suitcase: Towing gifts to your destination can take up a lot of space when packing, especially if you are flying. One of our favorite packing tips we just learned? To make the most room in your suitcase, roll your clothing. Not only does this maximize space but it also creates much less wrinkles. Doesn't that sound amazing?

3. Pick a Neutral Color Outfit Base: The Crystal Press is a huge fan of packing a neutral outfit base (think black, white, camel, navy), whether we are traveling to fashion week or home for the holidays. Packing with one main color in mind allows you to interchange pieces throughout your travels for different events without overstuffing your suitcase. Getting off the plane to meet friends for a fancy welcome dinner? Throw a blazer over your airplane get-up and trade out your flats for heels.  My go-to neutral base for this trip (and pretty much always) is black. I am going to be packing everything in this outfit post for my holiday travels - these leather culottes from ASOS are the most versatile piece I own right now and not to mention super comfy. I love how they pair with this old skool Vans and also can be dressed up with black heels for a night out or church with the family

4. Keep Essential Items In Your Carry-On: If you are like me and can't seem to travel without checking a bag - be sure to use this packing tip when traveling! Holiday travel can get crazy because it is such a popular time to jet-set so be prepared. Nothing is worse than getting to your destination without your necessities and essential items and especially during such a special time like the holidays!

5. Find Your Favorite Luggage / Suitcase Brand: This is something Rebecca and I on The Crystal Press have been shopping alot for with all of the traveling we have been doing the past few years. Here are a few of my favorite suitcase and luggage brands we are shopping right now!

Shop My Outfit: Top: Miss Selfridges (similar here) / Bag: Gucci Marmont Mini Camera Bag / Sunglasses: Quay Austrailia Cafe Racer in White and Silver / Shoes: Vans Old Skool Platform Sneaker /  Leather Culottes: ASOS  

My Honeymoon Travel with Four Seasons West Palm Beach

I am so excited to share with you my travel review of my honeymoon in West Palm Beach, Florida. Kevin and I spent a full week in West Palm Beach for our honeymoon and did not want to leave. Between the amazing team at the Four Seasons property, the crystal clear blue ocean (room) views, and the sophisticated ambiance of West Palm beach - we couldn't get enough of this are of Florida.

The first night we arrived, I was so pooped from the wedding that I slept a full fourteen hours. Yes, you read that right - 14 hours of sleep. I am a self-proclaimed introvert so a glamorous weekend chalk full of events with family and friends was amazing but also tiring! Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change a single thing. Any old way, after catching up on some z's, we ventured out to the beach and let me tell you something: once you have experienced the beach with the Four Seasons, you will never want to experience it any other way.

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Desert Blonde: Styled Shoot in Las Vegas

I have been to Las Vegas several times. I've worked at fashion trade shows in Sin City such as PROJECT and MAGIC and I've also celebrated birthdays on the strip. Last summer, I celebrated my cousin Nicole's (also my matron of honor + pseudo older sister) 30th birthday for an unforgettable weekend in Vegas. We danced our butts off to Calvin Harris at a show I will never forget and the whole group had an incredible time. We all had such a great time that we wanted to meet in Las Vegas again this year - except this time - for The Chainsmokers! 

Vegas is known for all kinds of things and their night life is high on the list. I, for one, will confirm that a night out in Vegas never disappoints but, after this trip, I can also confirm that exploring around Vegas is just as awesome. I have so much more to share with you about my time in Las Vegas with such a good group of people but for now, I want to share with you the photos my husband took while we ventured out to the Red Rocks about 28 mins away from the strip. Talk about a beautiful view worth waking up early for........even after staying up too late the night before. Full disclosure: this felt hat from ASOS hid my late night better than I was expecting.

Scroll down to the end of this post to shop my exact look from this style blog post!

Shop my Desert Blonde look:

Black Lace Blouse with Sleeve Detail: ASOS / 55 mm Square Sunglasses: Gucci from Nordstrom's / Felt Panama Black Hat: ASOS / High Waisted Blue Wash Denim Shorts: ASOS.com / Small Marmont GG Bag: Gucci, sold out. Shop similiar Gucci bag here / GEORGIA Slingback Heels in Black: Topshop / *new favorite* Black Soft Cup T-shirt Bra: Cosabella "Sweet Treats" via Net-A-Porter

Cathclaire's Hollywood Bachelorette

While I am not one of those people who had their wedding details picked out since they first saw Cinderella, I did know two things as a bride-to-be: I get to marry the love of my life & my bachelorette is going to be in LA.

Out West

It is no secret that I will use any excuse to go back to Los Angeles and I am so excited to be heading to the city of angels for a week. The Crystal Press has allowed this coast to coast trip to occur more often and this time around, some of my favorite girls from all over the place will be meeting us in Hollywood to celebrate my bachelorette! I can’t even contain my excitement about spending time with all of these beautiful souls in one of my favorite cities. The planning and thought they have put into this weekend speaks volumes/gives me happy tears and I cannot wait to dance the night away with some of the best ladies around. Follow along on Instagram stories and snapchat to see all of the BTS action! P.S Happy belated birthday, Mr. Bieber!