10 Things I Can’t Live Without

While packing for vacation this past week, I realized out of all the stuff that I normally pack that there are always about 10 things I take with me everywhere, despite where I am going. I figured I’d share with you my packing essentials…

1. Flat Iron
   
   I adore my flat iron because it let’s me do my hair quickly in the morning when I get up. Unlike some people, I have hair that has to be styled after it’s washed because it is naturally a little frizzy. When it’s not styled, it looks unhealthy and gross. By straightening, I can throw it up into a nice ponytail or tease it and make a poof. It’s really sad, but I go through a hair straightener per year because I use it so much. I’ve bought different brands of straighteners because I go through them so fast.But it never fails; they always caught on fire at the end of their lives. Bizarre I know. Right now I am using the Remington T/Studio Ceramic Plate Flat Iron. I love it because it has a digital display and gets hot fast! (Buy it online at Ulta.)

1. Mascara and Eyeliner
   
   I love make-up! And my favorite thing is to dress up my eyes! I am always wearing liquid eyeliner and mascara! The Almay liquid eyeliner is amazing! It doesn’t get smudged or peel off. The Max Volume Flash mascara by Rimmel London is a good lengthening and thickening mascara.
2. Body by Victoria Bra
   
   I got this bra free from work and it is by far my favorite and best bra I have ever owned! It is the Body by Victoria Push-up in the new lace invisible lace! It has the memory foam and it provides support, but so much push-up! Obsessed!
3. Ann Taylor Skinny Jeans
   
   I absolutely hate shopping for jeans because I am in between sizes and I have a long torso, so nothing fits very well. Last fall, I found these awesome jeans by Ann Taylor! They are dark-washed, modern, skinny jeans. They are dressy enough to wear with a nice top for a special occasion, but hip enough to wear out clubbing.
4. Steve Madden Shoes
   
   Steve Madden is my favorite shoe designer and I own so many different types of his shoes! They go with everything and are adorable! A must have!
5. Pink Sweatpants and Yoga Pants
   
   I know I am kind of biased towards Victoria’s Secret merchandise because I work there… But their sweatpants have always been one of my favorite lounge items! They are super comfy and go with anything. (I used to wear them out with an American Eagle polo when I was younger… I thought I was so hot!) Now, I have discovered the yoga pants! I was hesitant to get them because they are super tight and I didn’t think that they would be that comfortable. Oddly enough, they are one of the most comfortable pair of pants that I have! I love them too because they look like regular black dress pants if you don’t see the folded over band at the top. I wear them to work all the time. Shhh! Don’t tell.
6. Over-sized Sunglasses
   
   I have a little Paris Hilton in me because of my love for huge sunglasses! Every time I go out shopping for new sunglasses, I always look for the largest pair first.
7. Kiehl’s Lotion
   
   My skin always gets dehydrated from traveling and for years I struggled with finding a good moisturizer. For Christmas, one of my best friend’s mom gave me Kiehl’s lotion. Honestly, it is the best lotion I have ever used. It’s smell-less, so it doesn’t overpower your perfume or make you feel faint from the fumes and it keeps your skin feeling soft for hours! It’s a little pricey, but totally worth it, especially during the summer! Buy it here.
8. Over-sized Purse or Tote Bag
   
   Huge bags, like big sunglasses and tall heels, is one of my weaknesses. The bigger the bag, the better. Yes, I am that annoying girl in the store with the huge bag that will take you out! (I have the Steve Madden one above, but in hot pink!)
9. Self-tanner
   
   I am 75% Irish. I have red hair. And yes, I have light skin. I have a family history of skin cancer, so I stay away from the tanning beds. But that doesn’t keep me from getting my glow on! With much experimentation with self-tanners, I found one that works well. I use Jergen’s Natural Glow Foaming Sunless Tanner. The fluffy formula gives an even tan and lasts for a long time.
10. Neck Pillow
    
    My friends make fun of me because I bring this pink neck roll pillow with me everywhere. It is hot pink and super soft. I do admit now it is looking kind of ragged since it comes with me on all of my trips.

What are your packing essentials? What do you bring with you everywhere? What’s in your suitcase?