My mother is my traveling idol. Â The woman even potty-trained me on a flight from India to the USA. Â When I was 2.
Yes, I’m trying to wrangle her for an En Route With feature.
If there’s one thing she never leaves home without, it’s a small vanity case filled with jewelry. Â Mama Palepu and her bling is as classic a combination as peanut butter and jelly, biscuits and gravy, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Haribo Gummi Bears…
Ever since I could pack for myself, I’ve followed my mother’s sage advice and packed my own bag of jewelry. Â Granted, it was limited to friendship bracelet-making supplies as a kid, but it’s evolved to a healthy smattering of costume jewelry, with a fine piece or two thrown into the mix. Â Mom’s wise advice also provided the foundation of my entire accessory packing style.
Jewelry – As mama said, don’t leave home without it.  I’ll wear my delicate items on the airplane, and pack a statement piece from each category.  Sometimes, two of each.  As long as it…
Clutch Move – …all fits inside the clutch I’m packing.  Sometimes it’s a small, structured number.  Other times, it’s a large envelope clutch.  Whatever the trip and my mood dictates.  But as long as it fits in the clutch, it’s fair game.  Between the clutch (or any small bag) and the tote I use for my personal item, I’m well-equipped for all my purse needs.
Wrap It Up – Along with my bag of jewelry, I never leave home without a scarf.  A lightweight number that doubles as a sarong if I’m headed to the tropics, or a warm cashmere number the rest of the time.  My absolute favorite travel scarves are from Julie Vos – crazy soft, super warm, AND lightweight.  They are the Holy Grail of scarves.  Worth every penny.  If I don’t wear them, I use them to pack my hat?  How, you ask?
Top It Off – Hats aren’t something I always pack, but always do if I’m headed to the beach or suffering from a bad hair day.  Which is…often.  I usually opt to wear my hat on the plane (adds instant style AND hides awful airplane hair).  If I do choose to pack it, I’ll stuff the aforementioned scarf into the hat section (with other small items), and place it at the bottom of the suitcase or top, depending on the brim situation.  More tips on packing hats here!
Talk to me – how to pack your accessories? Â Are you a minimalist, or do you believe more is more? Â And what advice did your mother give you that you continue to follow to this day? Â COMMENT below and let me know!
