Here’s a question sure to divide readers. When you go on a trip, with your luggage… are you a carry-on’er or a check-in’er?

People have very (and I mean VERY) strong opinions on this subject.

Me? I love the option of the carry-on. I enjoy its efficiency and when I’m off the plane, I’m already prepared to do a mad dash to my final destination. Plus, I have no fears of anything getting lost.

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, well, you already know this! I learned the hard way my first trip to Rome, so I pruned and trimmed my travel style in my trips to France, and now, on my way back to Rome next week, I thought it was perfect timing to revisit this topic. 

To carry on or to check in? That is the question.

I’ve been spending lots of time helping my club members pack for trips all over the world - Italy, Spain, Paris – so I hope, if you are off somewhere too, that this will be helpful for YOU! 

My biggest takeaway from this trip is - simpler is better. We don’t need to over-complicate our bag with exciting prints and colors (but if you love that, more power to you and go for it). All I am trying to say is, don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Basics exist for a reason. Because they WORK.

My luggage is full of winter white, navy, camel, black, stripes and just one top with a special sleeve detail (to add a bit of flair). Especially in the winter, what can really help you feel like you’re changing up your Look from day to night, or even simply day to day, are accessories! Yes, something as simple as a different pair of sunglasses, a beret or headband, pearl barrett, or necklace, can give your Look a different vibe (and look how easy it is to fit these in a suitcase). Even just packing that one piece that’s signature a little bit more ‘fun’ will appease the packing appetite - but your suitcase most definitely does not need to be flooded with it (especially in the Winter when you’re likely walking around in a coat!).

So, even if you’re someone who doesn’t like to overpack or lug things around, here are my six suggestions to assure you a bon voyage!

1. Find your inspiration. Close your eyes and imagine the perfect day on your trip. Imagine the food you'll eat. Who you'll be with. What sights you'll be seeing. Now, on that perfect day... What are you wearing?

2. Pull the items out of your closet that you could DEFINITELY picture yourself wearing, including favorite items you get excited about. 

3. Decide which shoes you'll be wearing. Comfort is key yet it’s important to have footwear that can still be stylish for vacation and versatile enough to mix/match.

4. Pull out your "must-haves" that you have to bring (undergarments, socks, items for specific weather events, like rain). 

5. Find your style "glue" in pieces versatile enough to connect steps 1. and 2., and form different combinations (like a neutral cardigan with blue jeans or white pants, and a black blouse). 

6. Edit. Then edit again. There's likely to be items in your pile that you still need to remove (and probably one or two that you will realize you still need to add).

Since we’re talking fun winter accessories to jazz up your basics, here are a few suggestions for some easy shopping!

Question: What is YOUR best packing tip?