Two friends are heading off on separate trips to Barcelona next week, and I have to admit, I’m totally jealous.  I fell in love with Barcelona the second I stepped foot in the city, and not only have I not been back since — I’ve never seen any other part of Spain. In my head, I’m planning a trip that takes me from Barcelona to the Basque Country, where I would indulge in meals at the many Michelin starred restaurants and explore the coastal towns.  I already have my heart set on two charming properties, Villa Soro in San Sebastian and Hotel Iturregi (above) about 45 minutes away, where a friend stayed last summer and had a fabulous experience.  Since I already have so much of it planned out, don’t you think I should just go?  I wish I had the time this summer, but please let me know if you manage to get there!  I’d love to live vicariously through some of you — at least, until I make it there on my own!

I can already tell, these tropical shorts are going to become beach staples!

With all of these great stores to shop in, it’s no wonder I never come home from LA empty-handed.  But the truth is, when I’m there, I get so caught up in the laid back vibe, and quickly revert to my bohemian and more casual fashion preferences.  During this last trip, I picked up a few pieces that I know I’ll wear next time I’m on the West Coast, and I’ll also mix in with my more tailored pieces in New York for a slight infusion of California-cool summertime style.

I finally found a replacement for my Marc Jacobs sunglasses that went missing last summer!

I've been on the hunt for comfortable, metallic flats that can truly go from day to night for ages -- these will do!

I’m pretty sure this little light is going to make me a very happy traveler! It’s really not fun getting up to turn off the light just as you’re about to fall asleep– and not every hotel or guest house has a lamp or dimmer within reach of the bed. I have been absolutely loving my Kindle since I got it in December, and I had the luxury of reading on it late at night while in Michigan last week. I’m the type of person who only puts down her book when I can barely keep my eyes open a second longer, but alas, I had to keep getting up to shut off the light — totally killing my sleep-ready mood.  So I came back to NYC and immediately ordered this clip-on reading light, with the intention of bringing it on every vacation.  It should be here by the end of the week — and I really can’t wait to try it out when we head to the Hamptons Memorial Day weekend!

I spent most of my time in Michigan last week with my parents, helping my mom shop for all the occasions she has coming up.  Trips to Dairy Queen, dinner at my favorite pizza place, a day at the movies, and driving between strip malls in order to accomplish all our errands called for totally casual attire the entire time.  I wore jeans, t-shirts or blouses and either a leather jacket or blazer to the mall every day, and felt like I was in high school all over again (but hopefully a bit more stylish).  For a trip that took place from Tuesday to Sunday, here’s what I packed for Michigan:

• 2 pairs of ballet flats
• 2 pairs of flat sandals
• 1 pair of heels (for the Bar Mitzvah service)
• 3 pairs of jeans (1 blue, 1 white, 1 pink)
• 3 tanks
• 4 tees
• 3 blouses
• 2 blazers
• 1 leather jacket
• 1 tote
• 1 shoulder bag
• underwear/bras