With the first week of spring finally upon is, it’s time to consider how to spend all of those vacation days you racked up over winter! If you’re like us, you’re planning your escape to an exotic, tropical destination where the days are hot and the drinks are cold.  It’s time to dust off your suitcase, slide on your sandals and hit the road for some serious fun in the sun.  Before saying goodbye to the snowpocalypse, say hello to these travel essentials before boarding the next plane out of Dodge.

Bold-colored bags never go out of style, and for trendy travelers it’s all about standing out among the crowd.  Take this textured Helmer JoJo Traveler tote on your next trip as an all-purpose carry-on, with enough space for all of your travel essentials. It even includes a detachable clutch, making this a perfect day to night look once you’ve landed in paradise.

Natural stones and organic materials embody the stunning Khalama collection of jewelry created by designer Gabriela Emma Olivera in Miami, Florida. Combining the natural world with the spiritual, Khalama – a Tibetan expression meaning ‘sky path’ – boasts striking patterns filled with Far Eastern symbolism including Buddha, the lord Ganesh, koi fish and lotus flowers. This stunning line of hand-crafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings will add an extra layer of style and spirituality to your travels.

Scrambling for your ID and credit cards while traveling is a rookie move! Keep your essentials all together with a cellphone case that doubles as a wallet! Available in a rainbow of colors for all the latest smart phones, EYN waterproof cases include extra features such as a kickstand, wrist strap and mirror. It’s no wonder EYN stands for “Everything You Need.” This, ladies, is the new definition of traveling light.

Smart technology has come a long way in recent years, and taking it with you when you travel has never been easier. Example A: the Cogito POP watch. This versatile timepiece exemplifies the latest generation of smart watches, combining fun with functionality. Cogito watches links to your cell with an easy-to-use interface that connects you to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all call functions on your phone, including text and voice messages. It means you’ll never miss out on what’s happening in your social sphere no matter where life takes you. It even tracks your fitness – which on vacation usually consists of lifting cocktail glasses rather than weights. We’ll stick with the social media functions, thanks.

It’s easy to fall victim to the abundance of airport junk food when hunger comes creeping in. Think ahead and be prepared with a healthy alternative when snacking on-the-go with Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green. With 100% pure fruit freeze-dried to perfection, this simple solution to sensible snacking is the perfect option for women who like to keep their waistline in check while traveling. Available in a wide variety of flavors including tangerine, apple, Asian pear, banana, cantaloupe, mango and pineapple, Crispy Fruit comes packaged in individual, single-serving packets for no-mess nibblers. Find it in your local supermarket or click the image below to shop online.

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Spring is finally here and what better time to bring some major color into your wardrobe!  Mixing bold colors can create a great look but it can also easily go wrong.  The key is to pair two or maybe three colors with classic neutrals to create a fun look that is not reminiscent of a circus clown!

This first outfit shows how you can fit 3 pastel colors in one outfit is a tasteful, classic way.  Start off with dark wash jeans.  Dark wash is important here because it anchors the look and keeps you from appearing washed out.  Next add a staple that I am obsessed with right now, a white denim jacket.  The reason that I am so in love with this piece is that it is super versatile!  Next add a colored v-neck.  These come in literally every color under the rainbow so feel free to pick your favorite.  I chose this great mint color because it screams springtime.  Now you can play up the outfit with fun accessories.  Nothing says spring like sunny yellow and this necklace adds interest to an otherwise very classic outfit.  Finish off with some trendy turquoise loafers that are both practical and stylish!

The next outfit is dressier and slightly less bold than the previous outfit.  It starts with this great coral wrap dress from Banana Republic.  Wrap dresses are great for slimming your waist and giving your body a more hourglass shape.  A blazer balances the dress by adding structure.  The fun khaki stripes and bright yellow lining definitely add some attitude to this outfit, but you could also sub the denim jacket from outfit one to dress it down a bit.  Next, bring in some teal with a delicate necklace and bold handbag.  Finish the outfit with some nude strappy sandals, just be sure to shop around to find a pair that complement your skin tone to maximize their slimming effects!

Every year Pantone comes out with the Color of the Year and I am in love with this year’s color, emerald!  Emerald translates so well across ages, body types, and lifestyles.  Another big trend is colored denim, which can be very hard to wear.  My personal rule for making colored denim wearable is that the color needs to be darker than medium wash jeans.  These emerald jeans are perfect for highlighting both trends!  My favorite color combo with emerald is magenta so I paired the jeans with this soft magenta top.  Finally, to brighten this otherwise dark outfit I added some bright orange earrings and sandals. 

The key to mixing colors is balance.  Mix dark with light, pair bold with classic.  When you create contrast, you get really interesting, wearable outfits!

Outfit One 

Anne Klein Talin Women's Slip on Shoes in turquoise

Anna & Ava Flora Bib Necklace in Yellow

GAP Essential short-sleeve V-neck T in Neon Mint Green

Gap Women’s Dark Perfect Boot Jeans Dark Wash

Gap White Denim Jacket

Outfit Two

GAP Striped Khaki Academy Blazer

BR Gemma Wrap Dress
David Jones Tote Bag with Removeable Shoulder & Crossbody Strap - Turquoise

Michael Kors Pave Slice Pendant Necklace, Turquoise/Silver Color

Naturalizer Dhani Slingback Sandals 

Outfit Three

Eddie Bauer Slightly Curvy Colored Denim Straight Leg Jeans

H&M Embroidered Yoke Top in Burgundy

Alexis Bittar 'Dewdrop' Earrings in Neon Orange

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Plate' Thong Sandal in Tangerine

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