Summer often brings about travel for many people – and of course, you all know how much I am on the road year-round! Whether going far or near, I’m always looking for the best things to make my trips more efficient and still look stylish. For this edition, I figured the best place to start is with personal gear (because I could write volumes on this topic!).

Do you tend to need your whole life in your handbag? If you’re a worker bee and need to bring your laptop or iPad with you, I recommend the lightweight Lo & Sons bag. It fits SO much stuff, has a secret side pocket that holds a pair of shoes in its own “shoe bag”, AND slips over your rolling bag. After ten years of constant use, mine finally gave up the ghost and I decided to look for a backpack, so I wasn’t always leaning to one side. I finally found one from Mina Baie – technically a diaper/mom bag, it has a gazillion pockets inside, which is helpful for all my wires and cords, glasses, kindle, lip-gloss, hand cream, hairbrush, snacks, jewelers loupe, gauge, ring sizer… You get the point. The best part is that this backpack also slides over your roller bag, making it super versatile.

Now that you’ve got your bag with plenty of space, let’s talk about the important stuff: jewelry. Number 1, ALWAYS keep your jewelry with you. Your baubles should never be packed in your suitcase or out of your close personal sphere. Number 2, please treat your jewels nicely and make sure they’re packed well for the trip, so a) pieces don’t bang against each other and b) things don’t get crushed in the travel process when chucked in the side pocket of your bag (yes, I know you ALL do this).

The solution is a travel jewelry case. I created a small one that’s perfect to keep in your purse for when you need to take off your jewels at a moment’s notice (massage, swimming, cooking, etc.). But there are many other (larger) options on the market, and you just need to make sure yours fits what you wear most. For example, I’m rarely without earrings, so I’m always packing at least one pairs of stud-like earrings, as well as short dangles. My faves are a pair of Dailies Earclips or a pair of Dailies Smalls ­ that always make you look pulled together no matter what you’re wearing – both of these options I’ve listed feature gems in "neutral" gold tones, which mean they’ll match everything in your suitcase.

I would bring at least one pair of big, fun earrings for a night out on the town, like the Spring Earrings. And depending on the destination, I’ll add in a couple rings, maybe a big bracelet, and a trio of pendant/necklaces. Recent obsession? The Lavender Necklace with a mystical piece of chevron amethyst sporting a perfect triangle within its center. Last but not least, don’t forget to bring along some jewelry cleaner to keep all your goodies sparkling clean and looking their best!

See you on the road!