Hat: FOREVER21 l Shoes: Nordstrom l Scarf: Joe Fresh (old, similar)


Sunglasses: Nordstrom l Striped Tank: J.Crew l Compact: c/o Charlotte Tilbury l Lipstick: c/o Charlotte Tilbury

Bikini: c/o Triangl

Shampoo: Kerastase l Conditioner: Kerastase l Sunscreen: Dermalogica l Deoderant: LOVEFRESH

Cosmetic Bag: Sephora l Pink Le Pliage: Longchamp

Perfume: Armani l Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington l Sweater: J.Crew


Lipstick: c/o Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Miranda May

Luggage: c/o HEYS (other fun designs here, here and here)

It’s been a long year coming, but this week my hubby and I along with our good friends are headed on a long-anticipated vacation – SANS CHILDREN. When our son turned one we left him for our first trip alone, and this time around – 2 years later – we will be leaving both our babies in very watchful hands as we take a little breather and escape to California.

When packing for family vacations over the past year, there was a lot (I mean a LOT) to plan, organize and coordinate, since travelling with a toddler and a baby is not an easy task. I remember I used to stress about packing before I had kids, but now that I’ve been there and done that – packing for one has never seemed easier.

Deciding on what to bring to San Francisco and Napa Valley has been fairly easy – pretty dresses, light layers, and lots of accessories. For the first time in a very long time – I’m packing what I want, how much I want, and planning my outfits. This has been made that much easier (and enjoyable) thanks to my super-cute new luggage from HEYS. I mean, how adorable is this Spotlight luggage series from the HEYS Fashion Spinner Collection? I was instantly drawn to the black and white glossy design, because who doesn’t love polka dots? And after 12 years of non-descript black luggage disappearing or being mistaken for someone else’s, there is no chance this will get lost in a crowd.

For a traveling fashionista, HEYS all important zipper-release expansion system allows me to pack an extra 20% more stuff, which means no scrimping on shoes or accessories. I also can’t believe how light HEYS luggage is? I’m used to heavy, bulky suitcases which already weigh half the baggage allowance – but not these pieces!  They are super lightweight, made from durable (very important) polycarbonate composite, and are impact resistant. Did you know this is the same stuff bullet-proof vests are made of? (They would have to be, to withstand airport baggage handling)

The large 30″ luggage weighs in at only 10.8lbs – that means TONS of space left for oh I don’t know … MORE SHOES! Something else that really stood out to me are the 360 degree spinner wheels which allow for smooth movement and easy handling. There’s nothing worse than maneuvering your luggage on an angle (with a tote on top) and as you go around a corner the bag falls off, luggage flips around and your stuff goes everywhere – been there, done that. With HEYS spinner wheels this is completely out of the question – and I’ll now be able to push two suitcases, totes and bags all at the same time without very much effort.  And I cannot forget to mention the TSA Approved locks which mean no more cut or unsecured bags because it can easily be opened and re-locked by airport authorities without any damage to your luggage.

Back to how pretty these pieces are! Not only is the polka dot exterior design right on trend and perfect for girly-girls like me – the interior striped lining is equally as impressive and on point. Something about pretty luggage makes you want to pack pretty things, amirite or amirite? Lots of colour, pattern (hello Triangl bikini) and this new Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips are just a few of the essentials which have made their way into my luggage!

Do you have any fun trips coming up in the next few months? How would you like to travel in style with your very own HEYS Spotlight 21″ Fashion Spinner Carry-On? Well, I’m beyond excited to be giving one away over on my Instagram! Here’s how to enter:

1. Be sure you’re following @themintedmama and @heysluggage on Instagram.
2. Tag a friend in the comments of the IG post, and tell me where your next adventure takes you.

Contest runs August 25 – September 1, 2016 and is open to Canadian and US residents.

* Thank you HEYS for partnering on this post. All opinions are my own.