Bon Voyage

Packing for a trip always causes me horrendous anxiety. Normally, for a 3-day weekend in L.A., I literally pack my entire closet. I justify it by telling myself that, "I need options." I mean you never know when you're going to be in desperate need of that too-tight pencil skirt that has been hanging in your closet since high school, right?

So before I embarked on my two-week trip to Ecuador to volunteer with an organization called Medical Missions International (MMI); I was told that I could only bring one carry-on, as my checked in luggage would have to hold pharmaceutical’s being used to treat patients.

This was like A.A for over-packers anonymous. I knew that whatever I brought had to be both compact and versatile. I browsed through the Pink&Harmony merchandise, pulled some options, (did I mention how awesome it is to own a clothing store?)went home and nervously shoved everything into my pre-teen, miniature backpack.

This is what I brought:

1. The Alecia Dress $40.00

This dress served its purpose to the max. It was wrinkle-proof--I could literally roll it into a ball and shove it to the bottom of my backpack and it came out looking like new. It was lightweight, which was perfect for humid days and could also be thrown over leggings when we arrived in some of Ecuador's high-altitude, chilly cities.

2. Paige Tank Dress $60.00

Whether you're going on a hard-core backpacking crusade or luxurious get away, the Paige Tank Dress is an essential. I love to throw this over bathing suits while sunning at the beach, but I also wear it belted over leggings with a cardigan. Again, it's completely wrinkle-free and can be rolled up so small, you can even fit it into a fanny-pack. Not that you would ever have one of those anyways. :)

3. Scarves

(You can find a variety of scarves at Pink&harmony ranging from $5.00-$35.00)

Scarves are such a travel wardrobe cliché, yet they're so necessary. I like to bring heavy-duty ones that not only look incredibly chic, but can also be used as a blanket for those freezing airplane rides. Why are planes always so cold, anyways?? Whenever the flight attendant politely tells my neighbor that, "They unfortunately ran out of blankets" (Translation: "You didn't pay for a first class ticket, where we not only provide plush blankets, but we also serve butterscotch Sundaes just because we can, sir.") I simply pull out my scarf and carefully wrap my body up like a burrito, and attempt to fall asleep in the most awkward, uncomfortable position known to man.

4. Leggings by Kensie $28.00

Leggings are a no-brainer. Why? Well, first of all you can eat whatever you want, and they will still fit, albeit a little tighter, but that's no biggie. Secondly, these leggings by Kensie feel like pure heaven, they are almost silky, which I imagine heaven feels a bit like.

1st pic: Wearing the Paige tank dress in the city of Cuenca, a UNESCO world heritage site.

2nd pic: Wearing the Alecia dress while checking out a Banana plantation outside of Machala.

Images from Cuenca: An old church at dusk, and the view from a side-street cafe on a rainy afternoon.