Project suitcase
MUST-HAVES: For evening, I always bring one knockout pair of shoes, such as these Salvatore Ferragamo heels, left, or Nine West’s colorful sandals. With these art pieces on your feet, no one will notice that you’re wearing the same dress you wore earlier. I’m also a fan of Smythson accessories. Its travel wallet keeps my passport, tickets and receipts organized and doubles as a clutch for night. Patent leather “Pollyanna” heels, left, $695, at Ferragamo,
WELL-ARMED: I am fanatical about Longchamp totes. They pack flat, and the “Pliage” style folds up. I carry one to hold items I buy during the day (postcards, souvenirs) because it’s easier than managing shopping bags. Longchamp “Le Pliage BD” nylon tote, $140, at Fred Segal Baggage, Los Angeles. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
COLOR SPLASH: You can wear a scarf as a belt anytime, as a shawl at night or on your head during the day. Wearing one in spring’s ikat print is an easy way to make a basic jersey dress look trendy. And scarves are easy to pack-I stick them in a plastic bag and tuck them into shoes so footwear holds its shape in the suitcase. Clockwise from left: Metallic ikat scarf, $78, at www.echodesign.com; cotton scarves, $48 and $68, at Madewell,
CASE IN POINT: Black nylon used to be it when it came to rolling suitcases. But now, companies such as Newport Beach-based Halsea make practical luggage that’s also feminine. This sea horse-print style in laminated canvas is the perfect carry-on. Halsea roller suitcase, $335, at Flight 001, Los Angeles. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
ON THE RUN: Sneakers are so stylish today that you can’t even tell they are sneakers. Hybrids such as these Lacoste Mary Janes, left, look great with skirts and dresses. I’m not against lace-ups either, especially this yellow pair by Hogan, right, in a very now print. From left: Lacoste “Nima” Mary Janes, $110, at www.nordstrom.com; Stella McCartney for Adidas “Epesi,” $170, at www.shopadidas.com; and Hogan “Olympia,” $445, at (888) 604-6426. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
DAY TO NIGHT: Jersey is famously packable because it doesn’t wrinkle. I even have an Yves Saint Laurent black jersey evening gown that can travel for weeks and still look great. For day, I’ll throw a colorful scarf over a Michael Stars jersey dress, and at night I’ll trade the scarf for a bold necklace. Michael Stars “Farrah” dress, $162, at www.michaelstars.com. Madewell scarf. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)