What to you travel to work with?

I work as a buyer in the home furnishings area so I travel a lot for work - last year I traveled 32 weeks out of 52! Needless to say I make good friends with the hotel front desk and the nice people at the airlines. When I bought apparel I traveled on simple overnight trips to New York City so there wasn't much thought put into packing, especially my carry-on. In fact I threw everything into my purse (laptop, files, notepad, wallet, etc) which doubled as by briefcase during these trips. It left me with a sore back at the end of the day but I didn't have to carry two bags all day and it was still stylish. Plus, since it was only for only night it wasn't the biggest of deals. But alas, things have changed. In my new area I travel for longer periods of time so I really need a dedicated work case/briefcase. I just don't think my purse (although it is large) can do double duty anymore. So I'm reaching out for help. What do you ladies carry to work? Do you go for fashion or function, and is it possible to have both?

The "room" is lovely dark and deep...

But I have promises to keep...

And miles to go before I sleep...

And miles to go before I sleep...

So I just got back from a business trip and it was such a revealing experience as a new blogger. I wasn't able to post as frequently as I wanted to, in addition I felt like the posts I did add weren't as dynamic as I like them to be. It's due to many things, the room, the camera, the computer - all of which contributed to the same outcome. So what's a girl to do... well I've come up with some tips to help me on future trips.

1) Never leave home without your camera. I know, this should be a no-brainer. My camera isn't that big - it's not a fancy professional camera, it's just a point and shoot digital. I have no idea why I didn't bring it - I just figured my cell phone camera would suffice. I apologize in advance for the quality of the pics in this post. I promise I've learned my lesson.

2) Not all hotels are created equal. Let me explain; I stayed at the same hotel that I normally stay at, and I will admit that my room this time had some quirks like mirror location (as you'll see in my photos), but lighting and space to take pictures are all important to a fashion blogger. I have already made changes to my hotel selection for upcoming trips!

3) Not all computers are created equal. I am a Mac girl. I have a MacBook, an Iphone, an Ipod (before I got the phone), and as soon as it comes out, an IPad second generation. But since I was traveling on business I decided to just bring my work laptop (IBM). Now the IBM is great for work, but not so great for uploading, cropping, posting, and just general blogging. Unfortunately I really don't want to lug around a second laptop when I travel, and rumor has it the Ipad second generation won't be available until May. What's a blog-girl to do? Tip number 4...

4) Plan blogs ahead. If I am going to create the posts that you wonderful ladies deserve I can't do it on an IBM, so I'm going to have to plan/write some of my posts ahead of time. Even if it's a general idea/topic and the pictures are added later. This way I feel confident in the fact that I will be able to post at least every other day with a substantial installation on "A Mile". And if I have time (seriously it took forever!) to finagle with the IBM I can add additional posts.

J. Crew Skirt
Nordstrom Private Label turtelneck sweater
Sam Edelman Boots

Hue Tights

Yes - I am in a closet. Why? It is plainly obvious that a woman didn't design this room because the mirror is on the back of the closet door. So in order to use it I had to walk in the closet, close the door, and pray the picture gods were on my side. The lighting was awful!

American Eagle Necklace

I couldn't bring myself to get back into that closet, so on day two I tried a method I'd seen Kimmie, from The Kimmie Chromicals, use on her blog. Still, the lighting leaves much to be desired.

American Eagle Cardigan

J. Crew Long Sleeve Button-up

Kenneth Cole Skirt

Hue Tights

Sam Edelman Boots

Lia Sophia Necklace

What is your experience with travel and blogging? Any tips you can share??