Because I travel a lot for work, and alone, I learned that a functional, small and (very) light cabin size suitcase is gold! It allows me to move easily through the endless airports’ corridors, helps to buy time as there´s no check in process and avoid the luggage to get lost, which is a nightmare in business trips. So, when travelling for work I’m minimal, but not basic, because in this case I’d have a boring and predictable look, which doesn’t suits me. For up to one week trip, I carry only my hand luggage. Some of the things I’ve learned and put into practice:

• What to wear; I prefer dresses (in neutral color) to two pieces outfits, because they take less space. Black is never wrong in the work environment, but in order to avoid being obvious I prefer pieces that allow for some “finishing touch”, such as a short coat or jacket or a scarf, which makes you elegant but not necessarily looking like everyone else..
• Accessories define the owner’s personality, and here I do the opposite: more is better.: I really exaggerate in my travels. Earrings, necklaces, scarfs. I mix a lot and do not spare in quantity. They also help to cheer you up when it’s time to get dressed as it gives the sensation that you have options to choose from.
• Fabrics: I like the light ones such as silk and light wool (cashmere, for instance). They occupy minimal space and work equally well in either cold or warm weather. A trench or a heavier coat in my hand, that’s all you need.
• Shoes: you must be extremely smart with them. They are heavy and occupy lots of space. I always take not more than two pairs and,a sensible comfortable one to wear in the airplane and to face the long walks pulling the suitcase!
• Smart beauty bag: I always have one ready for travel with basic makeup, toothpaste etc. because I hate having to think of that when packing. I add all free samples I get when I buy cosmetics. This way I try new things and do not stress myself with liquids, tubes etc. which one cannot take into the airplane.
• Solid shampoos are a really marvelous idea. Those by Lush, a British brand (www.lush.com), are super fragrant and combine quality with convenience. This one at the side is of Sicilian lemon, my preferred one.!

This is the suitcase I packed for my travel to a convention in Florida, a five days trip. I used a color code of white and blue, which coordinate between themselves and fit the place. My suitcase is a hard cabin size Longchamp I’ve had for years and is still perfect. That’s all I take, besides a small briefcase for the laptop and work documents. That’s it. The secret is to be light and practical, but still very personal in the way you present yourself. I believe that those small things add to a woman´s confidence and makes the trip easier and more enjoyable.