Last week I got invited to the grand opening of LeSportsac on Melrose Place. A very high-end section of Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, Melrose Place is home to stores like Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and BCBG Max Azria. But get this, LeSportsac has great prices on quality travel bags and accessories. Who knew?

During the event, the lovely boutique employees let guests try on bags and then took pictures that would be featured on their Website (you can see us stylin’ in the image above LOL!). I got my hands on a shoulder bag that would inspire this entry. The bag is called the Brake Messenger in Ash $108.00, and if you have never felt how lightweight and well-made these bags are, find your nearest retailer and try one out. Plus, most of their bags come in fun prints to keep you stylish while on the road. Most definitely, LeSportsac bags have been added to my Things I like A LOT List! The favorite of most ladies at the event was the line done by Stella McCartney shown below. Which are made from 100% recycled material. HORAY!

So, if you travel with a LeSportsac bag which are super lightweight and multi-functional, then the things you put in it should be also, right? Here are my tips for packing light. Plus airlines are really cracking down on luggage weight these days. Here you go:

• Buy your favorite products in travel size. When you see them in stores stock up. Once at your hotel, snag any extra travel size toiletries you use. I even ask the housekeeper for extra! They always come in handy.
• Pack with a color scheme to avoid bringing too many items you will never wear. This will give you many more options to mix and match and make new looks.
• For short trips, plan outfits that allow you to wear the same jeans or pants more than once. Accessorize them to change it up.
• Roll your clothes as opposed to folding them—gets rid of air pockets in your bag.
• Pack a light sweater to allow for layering as opposed to a heavy jacket that takes up lots of space.
• Pack small items inside of your shoes, like your colognes or belts and accessories.
• Create your own packing list that you store in your suitcase. Every time you have a trip, refer to the list to make sure nothing is ever forgotten. Use this same list when packing to return home.

Happy packing!

(images from http://www.luckystylespotter.com & http://www.lesportsac.com)