During my last vacation, my Missoni for Target carry-on finally bit the dust. It was able to hold together through the whole vacation but I noticed it had started to come apart at a seam that couldn’t be repaired. It made me really sad as it went everywhere with me – Italy, New York, Vegas many times, San Diego, San Francisco and SE Asia. It was always easy to spot among the sea of black and gray.

Thus began my search for a new travel buddy. I have always wanted a leather weekender and originally considered the Transport Weekender. But I also wanted something that could be rolled around instead of being carried everywhere. Because of that, I turned my focus to an actual suitcase. I knew I wanted something chic and I love the look of the old vintage style steamer trunks and cases. That took me to Steamline and Globe-Trotter, which would be fabulous to have, but I just couldn’t justify the price. I know they are well made but for most of the year, it would be in a closet, unseen.


I finally found something that is so chic and that I absolutely love from Amazon. I bought the Vanity Case and the Small Carry-on. Against my better judgement, I chose the white with dark brown accents and straps. I just couldn’t resist the white over the other colors, knowing full well it will get dirty. There are some covers for them but even though that would keep them clean I wouldn’t be able to show them off.

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They items came from Japan and took about a week, which was quicker than I expected. The material is PVC/PU and the brown does look a little cheap. The small trunk is a carry-on size and so lightweight, especially compared to my last bag. I could have used it in place of a kettle ball for workouts.

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The vanity case can sit on top of the small trunk and there is a little strap that you can hook around the handle so nothing falls off.

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The inside of the small trunk. There’s a small pocket on the top. The bottom has a cover, with another zip pocket, so that everything looks nice and neat.

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So there is one thing bothers me about this trunk. The poles for the pull-out handle take up a little room inside the trunk. You don’t start out with a flat bottom. Now, I haven’t seen, or even been able to find, pictures of the inside of the Steamline or Globetrotter trunks so I don’t know if they have the same issue. For the price, I doubt it. If you roll your clothes then you can work with this issue. Sometimes I roll, sometimes I use additional inserts.

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I’m all packed! I have six outfits in here including pants, shorts, a dress and tops. They are all Summer items so the material is thinner than a sweater, but everything fit comfortably. The leather straps that you see buckle and there are two key locks on either side.

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The vanity case has two pockets on one side but no cover on the other. Since there is no pull-out handle, the bottom is flat. I have some additional shoes underneath my toiletries and make-up bags. The leather straps snap to the case and there is a combination lock for the case. I’ve actually used this case for weekend trips to see our friends in Dallas.

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The wheels on the small trunk spin and the handle is easy to pull out. The proportion is good for me and not overwhelming. I always hate to see people struggling with such large bags. I think I’d rather have two small trunks than one large suitcase to manage.

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In addition to the small strap to connect around the handles, the vanity case also comes with an over-the-shoulder strap.

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I am contemplating ordering the Medium size, with a cover, so that it would be more useful traveling during Winter or for longer trips, when I need more clothes. Of course, I also hate checking a bag so I may just get another small trunk. I did use this a few weeks ago traveling to Vegas. I was forced to check the small trunk on the way there and it did get dirty and a little scuffed up. When I got home I got a little baking soda and water and made a little paste and all the dark scuffs and dirt came right off. I did choose fashion over function with these two bags but I’m really pleased with my purchases.

I’m in Singapore now, visiting my brother. We will be off to Thailand on Friday! I cannot wait for the beach! I have a another version of this first outfit for my time in Singapore. That popover is one of my J Crew faves. I need to find it in a size bigger (size 8!). The Tory Peasant Blouse and Denim Skirt are “Husband-approved” separately and as an outfit.

~ Striped Linen Popover, J Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Sunday Slim Chino Shorts, J Crew  ~
~ Flip-Flops, Toms ~
~ Floral Peasant Top, Tory Burch ~
~ Denim Front-Slit Skirt, J Crew (one, two) ~
~ Strappy Sandals, Tory Burch (one, two) ~

This H&M Jumpsuit/Romper is perfect for the beach. It’s lightweight and easy to slip on or off. I’ll definitely use it as a cover-up.

~ Patterned Jumpsuit, H&M ~
~ Strappy Sandals, Tory Burch (one, two) ~


I love my Bailey 44 dress and knew it would come with me on my trip. I tried to find it in a different color on ebay, to no avail. The Old Navy dress is a very lightweight, but not see-through jersey dress. It will be good for night-time shenanigans. The J Crew Shirtdress in Vintage Plaid (originally the Madras Shirtdress) runs big. I figured it was like the Lame’ Shirtdress and ordered a Small but I think I could fit into an XS without any problems. It’s a sack with arms. :-/  The cardigan is from H&M and very sheer and lightweight. It will be good for the plane trip to Thailand along with keeping my shoulders covered, if needed. The striped dress is older J Crew and “Husband-approved”, so it had to come along.

~ Maren Midi Dress by Bailey 44, Anthropologie ~
~ Jersey Knit Swing Dress,  Black, Old Navy ~
~ Shirtdress in Vintage Plaid, J Crew ~
~ Shoreline Stripe Dress, J Crew (one, two) ~
~ Fine Knit Cardigan, Light Beige, H&M ~

I was obsessed with the Madras Shorts immediately. I debated on ordering them, hoping my store would get them in. Last Sunday, there was a 30% off promo. I was going to order the shorts but decided to check the store one last time. They had just gotten a shipment on Saturday with these shorts! Which was great because when I got home, they were sold out in my size online. The yellow and mint colors are in the shorts, though very subtle. 

~ V-Neck Pocket Tee, J Crew (Bright Butternut, Sunwashed Aqua) ~
~ Sunday Slim Shorts in Patchwork Madras, J Crew ~
~ Flip-Flops, Toms ~

And, lastly, my beachwear. I love the brown straw Panama Hat. I already have the Natural/White one but don’t want it to get dirty.

~ Cover-Up, H&M (one, two) ~
~ Bikini Top & Bottom, H&M) ~
~ Checkered Bikini, J Crew (top/bottom) ~
~ Panama Hat, J Crew (Factory) ~


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I am on my vacation! Husband and I are on our way to visit my brother in Singapore. We have our layover in Tokyo so we have extended our stay. After a couple of days in Tokyo we’ll then be off to Singapore. After that, we will be heading to Ko Lanta, Thailand for 5 days on the beach! I’m so excited! I did want to share the outfits I plan to wear over the trip. I was originally going for a color story but after seeing the potential weather in Tokyo, compared to Singapore and Thailand, I had to just pick what I would feel comfortable, warm and weather-proof wearing.

This first outfit is my travel outfit. I wore this to Tokyo. I’ll wear it to Singapore and I’ll wear it home. I always want to be comfortable on a plane but also cozy, especially on long flights.

~ Cocoon Over1sized Cardigan, Victoria’s Secret (one, two) ~
~ V-Neck Tee, Madewell ~
~ Jersey Maxi Skirt, J Crew (Factory) ~
~ Heathered Scarf, J Crew ~
~ Melanie Slip-ons, Frye (Mule, T-Strap) ~

The next two outfits I feel the most “me” in. The Cora Shirtdress is one of my favorites and I was lucky enough to get it in two prints. They are paired with leggings and some fantastic boots I found on The Real Real. Anyone shopped at The Real Real? I started out selling before I made a few purchases. They accept and sell quality brand clothing for you. No J Crew here. Think Tory, Kate, Manolo, Louis, Chanel. You send in your items to them. They look over them and accept what will sell. They have a list of brands they take and will return any items to you that weren’t accepted. They decide the pricing and you get 60% of that price.

I’ve since bought a couple of items and these boots were a steal at $95. The boots are Tods and the most supple leather. I was really worried that they looked a bit masculine but they are “Husband approved”! They are really comfortable and look great IRL with the leggings and shirt-dresses. 

~ Cora Shirtdress, Tory Burch (one, two, three) ~
~ Leggings, J Crew Factory (Hue)~
~ Refined Silk Cashmere Scarf, J Crew ~
~ Ankle Boots, Tods (one, two, three) ~

These next two outfits include the J Crew Ponte Wide-Leg Pants. I love these pants. I originally bought the size 6 in-store in the Navy but then ordered the Petite 8 which were an even better fit and were cropped on me. I then ordered the black in the regular size 6. I will wear the first outfit during the day. The second, with the black pants will be for night/dinner. 

~ Denim Jacket, J Crew (one, two) ~
~ Short-Sleeve Popover in Oxford Blue, J Crew (Factory) ~
~ Ponte Wide-Leg Pants, J Crew ~
~ Heathered Scarf, J Crew ~
~ Zerogrand Perforated Oxford, Cole Haan ~


~ Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan, J Crew ~
~ Drapey Popover in Clover, J Crew (one, two) ~
~ Silk Blouse in Santa Fe Print, Tory Burch (one, two) ~
~ Ponte Wide-Leg Pants, J Crew ~
~ Refined Silk Cashmere Scarf, J Crew ~
~ Ankle Boots, Tods (one, two, three) ~


I’m also taking the Via Spiga Trench. I planned all my outfits on my iPad with the Stylebook App. I love that app, especially for pattern mixing.

I hope to at least post some images from my travels this week. You can always follow me on Instagram, @audreybellatx, where I’ll be posting all my pics!

Just a little outfit post from my Vegas Vacation. Each time I go the experience is a little different whether it’s different restaurants, always a different hotel, different shows, etc. This time we stayed in two hotels, the Flamingo and then moved to the Mandarin Oriental. The latter is a beautiful, albeit pricey, hotel. If I could afford it I would stay there each time. There’s something to be said about not having a casino in the same hotel you are staying. The pool was gorgeous and everyone has a padded lounge chair. No stalking or reserving any like the other hotels. There was nothing wrong with our room at the Flamingo. We stayed in the remodeled “Go Rooms” and it’s perfect for a quick stay.

This was Travel Day 1. The Silk Crepe Maxidress was perfect. I am always chilly on planes and the Metallic V-Neck Sweater was just enough to keep me warm. One drawback to the sweater though. It almost caused me to get a pat-down by TSA due to the metallic threading in the sweater. I was about to go on my way and the TSA Agent said, “Hold on. I may have to check your sweater.” I was like “Say what?” Luckily I passed on through. I used my Amalie Sandals more than I thought I would. They were very comfortable all day. I usually like to take a small purse, like a cross-body for trips but I loved carrying the Kerrington Tote around. The interior zipped pouch kept my phone and wallet secure.

I had my cross-body bag, jewelry boxes and my Keating Boy Blazer in Chambray all tucked in my Tote bag.

I am in love with the Chrome Green color of the Factory Scalloped Shift Dress. I wore this the first night out with the Grande Crystal Drops Necklace and Martina Metallic Wedges. Husband and I went to the Mandarin Bar to celebrate our anniversary.

Day 2 had Husband finishing up a poker tournament and me on my own for a little while. My London Blouse with white Pleated Shorts and Amalie Sandals were perfect for the morning and afternoon. I chose these shorts instead of the Bermudas since they were a little dressier.

I kept the London Blouse on and changed into the Fluted Skirt in Double-Crepe. My Cleo Metallic Loafers and Kate Spade Clutch helped polish me up for the evening.

And this was the show Husband picked for that night. If you are ever in Vegas, a fan of Prince or not, you MUST MUST go see this show! It was simply amazing, complete with Morris Day, Jerome & the Time, and all the requisite banter. I would definitely go see this show again and again.

We moved hotels on Day 3 and I wore my new purchase from the Tory Burch store, the Mia Slim Boot Jean with the matching-in-color Lidia Polo and my Cece Ballet Flats. I loved this outfit. Husband thought the jeans were a little wacky but he lived with it.

We spent most of the afternoon at the pool and when we came back to our room a little treat was waiting for us.

On the flight home, I wore the Silk Crepe Maxidress in Brilliant Blueberry and topped it with the Jackie Cardigan in Black.

One thing that was really annoying this time were all the “get a free show but sit in this time-share/not time-share meeting for a few hours”. This is the first time I’ve experienced this in Vegas. It was truly annoying as the people dressed similar to the hotel employees so asking a question may have gotten you a spiel. Some were also really really agressive. This did not happen at the Mandarin. I hated to be rude but it was really bad to be on the lookout for them and take a long walk around them.
Other than that, we had a great time and a wonderful anniversary.
Have a Great Day!

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Husband and I are heading to Vegas for a few days. We are practicing for our “Empty Nest”, which we have taken to quite well. I’m still sad though. I’ve seen The Boy become such a wonderful person and I don’t want him to go anywhere. We plan to lounge around the pool during the days and catch a show or two so I’m excited to pack different things from my October trip. The bulk of my wardrobe is from J Crew with some of my Tory Burch pieces thrown in.

Day 1 – Travel Day & Night Out

~ Dorado Necklace, J Crew (outfits) ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Swoop Blouse, J Crew (Factory) ~

Day 2 – Day/Night

~ London Blouse, Tory Burch ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~

 

Day 3 – Day/Night
~ Lidia Polo, Tory Burch ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (current, Factory) ~
Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Scalloped Shift Dress, JC Factory ~
Since I’m not sure right now which one I will want to wear I’m taking these swimsuits.
~ Saint Etienne Seductress, Nanette Lepore ~
~ Printed Halter One-Piece, Jean Paul Gaultier (review) ~
~ Windowpane Sculpted Halter & Bikini, J Crew (review) ~
Day 4 – Travel Day (Will also use this dress and the black one as a cover-up for the pool.)
~ Denim Jacket, old GAP ~
Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~
And the extras, in case I change my mind.
~ Stripe Linen Tunic, J Crew ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (currentFactory) ~
~ Cleo Silk Tunic, Anthropologie (on sale!)~

 

~ Cheers Tee, J Crew ~
~ Aberra Tee, Tory Burch ~
~ Cropped Skinny Jeans, Tory Burch ~
~ Jackie Cardigan, J Crew ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~
Follow me on Instagram to see if I stick to these outfits or switch them up.
Have a Great Day!