organization – The Sol Compass

Step One: Cosmetics

The reason toiletries are up first is because they are all packed so early I don’t even have to think about them. If you’re a long time reader you may remember in my last packing post I mentioned that I have a travel sized toiletry bag (or two) ready to go at all times. I know the small sized products are more expensive, but the peace of mind having them packed and ready to go is 100% worth it to me, instead of having to try to pour my products into these tubes. Michaela and I left at 6:45am yesterday morning and it was nice not to have to remember to pack everything after I went through my morning routine. Just throw the bags into the bags the night before and we are on our way!

My biggest setbacks when traveling are I am a huge germaphobe with a tendency to get dry skin/eyes/etc when 30,000 feet in the air. Michaela bought these Truffle pouches for Christmas and let me tell you they are the real deal. The small size is TSA Approved and perfect for your carry on. I use mine for the inflight essentials (eye drops, lotion, hand sanitizer, facial water, mouthwash, face wipes, dry shampoo, deodorant wipes, all the things a germaphobe may need). These are my all-time favorite phone wipes, and I love that they come in this cute pouch to help organize my face wipes, antibacterial wipes, phone wipes, and deodorant wipes in my Sole Society backpack (similar here)! This gives me the opportunity to store the larger size in my suitcase with my skin and hair products that I won’t urgently need.

I buy the small gift sets of skin/hair products when they come out around the holidays. I can put them in my trusty travel bag and know that I’m set for most of the year. I have this FAB one, this Clinique one, and a VERB one (which is no longer available, but you can buy travel sizes of the shampoo and conditioner, or try this one, this one, or this one). Other products I keep in my suitcase include my toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, a mini micellar water, and a small amount of cotton rounds. It saves me so much time packing knowing that I don’t have to round up my grooming products every time I travel (or even spend a long weekend with friends or family!)

Step Two: Clothing

Think about the number of outfits you need and subtract one. You still won’t wear everything you pack.

Stick with a color palette. It gives you multiple outfits while simultaneously giving you flexible to adjust your outfits based on the weather or your mood while you’re traveling. My Tennessee palette is anchored heavily in blush and denim, with olive and navy strewn throughout.

I never bring heels while traveling for leisure unless I have a very specific occasion planned. I hardly ever need them, especially when there are so many beautiful flat sandal options these days that work for both day and evening purposes. Plus walking around all day hardly ever leads me to say ‘yes, give me a pair of stiletto heels’.

Merino wool can be worn forever and is the absolute best and most versatile travel material.

Do you have any must have packing tips?? Share them in the comments below!

xo, C

Most of us spend a valuable third of our days at our desks. Whether it’s in a cubicle, the coveted corner office, or the comfort of your own home; you always want to be getting your best work done while you’re there. For some people, this means having a workspace that is totally free of clutter. For others, it might be a bright white space that serves as a clean canvas. For me, I just like it to be as bright and fun as possible to inspire creativity while maintaining a bit of professionalism. I have a theme of gold that runs consistently throughout, which I love, and as many colors as possible to brighten up my work zone.

Scissors: Nate Berkus | Pens: Yoobi | Planner: Sugar Paper

I’m not sure it’s possible to be in love with a pair of scissors, but these gold shears totally captured my heart. Nate Berkus and Threshold (in the office section of Target) have the most beautiful gold office supplies. Over months of browsing the aisles and picking up piece by piece, they have finally come together to create a sleek look!

Coasters: Indego Africa | Sticky Note Dispenser: Yoobi | Paperclips: Yoobi (purple, blue) | Mugs: Starbucks

I am always enamored with Starbucks’ mugs, especially when they come out by the dozens during the Holiday Season! These two fit in with my gold accent theme perfectly, which makes for a perfect caffeine hit and a paper clip holder! I also have another Starbucks mug filled with pens at my home desk!

My laptop is my portable blog office. I take it pretty much everywhere with me in my Street Level tote, since I never know when I’ll have an open lunch or unexpected downtime to chug away at some emails or posts. I love this gold pencil pouch from Poppin (which perfectly coordinates with my stapler!) to tote around my favorite Yoobi pens!

Stapler: poppin | Pencil Pouch: poppin

This school house lamp and gorgeous filing system add some of my favorite flair to the office!

Lamp: Threshold | Tabletop File: Nate Berkus | Hanging File Folders: Threshold

These beautiful Indego Africa coasters were a J.Crew find a while ago. They are all handmade in Africa by women striving to lift themselves and their families out of poverty and become empowered businesswomen.

I usually have my iPad handy while I’m working, even when it’s on a laptop or a desktop. It’s great to have another machine handy to play Spotify on when I have several different apps open on my computer, or to have another screen to keep reference with. This Dabney Lee case my sister got me is awesome because it comes with a built in stand which is perfect for multitasking.