As I begin preparing for my trip to Vegas next week, I started a travel checklist filled with essentials that help me feel at home where ever I go.  Since most of the airlines charge an additional fee to check luggage, my goal is to pack everything in my carry on bag.  To avoid over packing, start thinking of those items you just can’t live without.  My must-haves are listed below and all are equally important.

1.  1154 LILL Studio PAULA Weekender is large enough to fit everything I need for my weekend trip.  It has adjustable, detachable straps and interior compartments to keep loose items organized.  Price: $210.00$168.00 at eBags

1154 LILL Studio PAULA Weekender

2.  Chooka Signature Slippersare cute enough to wear out, but I wouldn’t dare!  Trimmed in rhinestones and lined with sheepskin, they will definitely keep my feet warm.  Price: $49.95 at Nordstrom

Chooka Signature Slippers

3.  H2O Plus Hand & Foot Smoother Retexturizing Seaweed Therapy, Price: $20.oo at Beauty.com

H2O Plus Hand & Foot Smoother Retexturizing Seaweed Therapy

I am mildly obsessed with washing my hands, especially when traveling because there are germs everywhere!  The H20 Hand & Foot Smoother keeps hands from becoming dry and contains an exfoliating treatment that restores softness while improving skin texture.

Apple iPod nano 8GB MP3 Player

4.  Apple iPod nano 16GB MP3 Player, Price: $163.99 at Best Buy.  This is what I call entertainment directly at your fingertips. The iPod nano adds video to your music with a built-in video camera, which is great for posting on my blog, Facebook page or e-mailing friends.  I can also store thousands of songs and pictures!

5.  I rarely leave home without my laptop! Built NY Laptop Sleeve is stylish, functional and airport friendly. The neoprene material is durable and stain resistant, while the soft interior protects the laptop surface.  Price: $39.99 at Organize-It

Built NY Laptop Sleeve

6.  Betseyville Chain Reaction Cosmetic Bag, Price: $27.90 at Amazon

Betseyville Chain Reaction Small Cosmetic Bag

I always keep my cosmetic bag close by and fully stocked with my favorite lipsticks and eyeshadow when I travel because I need to have options. The Betseyville cosmetic bag has multiple compartments which makes it easier to sort through.

Cara Accessories Floral Bow Headband

Let your inner romantic shine with pretty feather headbands, rhinestone barrettes and flower hair clips. Hair accessories are a quick and chic way to freshen up your look days after leaving the salon. It doesn’t matter if you have long, short or curly hair, there are cute accessories that will complement your hairstyle. Instantly transform your bad hair days with some of my favorite hair accessories listed below:

Noble Lady Hair Comb

1.  Noble Lady Delicate Crystal Blossom Hair Comb,$7.95 at Amazon

The Noble Lady Crystal Blosson hair comb is great for both long and short hair. The cluster of pink crystals adds a little sparkle which most women love.

2.  Jennifer Behr Crystal Wing Headband, $98.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Jennifer Behr Crystal Wing Headwrap

The Swarovski crystal wing and satin band creates a very polished and elegant look. It makes a plain ponytail more sophisticated and is perfect for those special occasions.

3.  Willowbee Purple Swarovski Calla Lily Alligator Hair Clip, $20.99 at Amazon

Willowbee Swarovski Lily Hair Clip

There is so much detail in the Willowbee Calla Lily hair clip. It’s made of polished metal and Swarovski crystal.

4. Polka Dot Feather Flower Hair Clip, $8.00 at Hot Topic

Polka Dot Feather Flower Hair Clip

The polka dot feather flower hair clip can be dressed up or down. It adds a twist to this simple shoulder length hairstyle.

Show off your individuality by replacing your statement necklace with a romantic hair accessory. With so many styles to choose from, you can find one for any occasion. Just the other day I discovered an L.A. based label, Gloria & Beatrice, that has an exclusive collection of ‘GEAUX NOLA‘ headbands in honor of the New Orleans Saints making it to the Super Bowl!

The holidays came and went, and all you got was a damn Snuggie. Time to take care of yourself now, Mister. Here are some essentials to kick off the New Year right:

Diesel “On the Road… Again” Laptop Bag: You need something to carry around your new HP 2140 Mini-Note Notebook, and this sophisticated yet laid back look is perfect for the train, plane or sipping your Joe at Starbucks. And though a retail price of $170 isn’t anything to sneeze at, I love the 30% off deal at Zappos.

Jack Georges laptop bag

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, drop your computer into this sexy, supple Jack Georges laptop bag. The Generations Lite model, this is one that’ll certainly get second glances on your commute.

One of our favorite stores is Etsy, and you have to give them credit: they seem to know what you need, even if you don’t know it yet. The fates say that you’re soon going to be invited to Victorian costume party, but since it’s a little icy out there in January, this custom-made wool cape and cloak is a perfect merger of form and function. People will comment upon your arrival, and potentially your departure. It will also be custom cut for your height, all for $199.

Norko Fur and Wool Hat

The news has been aflurry with news reports of winter storms battering the east and midwest. If you live in one of those areas, then you definitely need a WWII bomber-style wool hat made with rabbit-fur trim of as you trudge your way to the car, to the office, and home during January. Fur Hat World is selling this comfy lined piece for less than $40.

Let’s say you’re not living in the frozen tundra of ice and snow, however. You’re going to want to check out the collection of men’s fedoras at Hats in the Belfry. Now’s your chance to get a little Sinatra going on in your life. Personally, I love the leather lambskin fedora for $98, but I don’t quite have the cachet to pull it off. If you do, let me know how it works out…

Lastly, as you head out into the cold January night, you can’t be without your scarf (or so mom says). We have opined here in the past about the importance of scarves and its impact on dating, but I’ve fallen in love with Ben Sherman style, and this Ben Sherman scarf in a woven plaid is absolutely the perfect complement to any evening outfit, and it’s a steal at $19.98.

Of course, if none of these accessories are quite your style this year, you can always fall back on your Christmas Snuggie present. After all, it seems to have worked for this guy:

Lounge Socks

What’s warm and soft and walked all over? Slipper socks (sorry – my capacity for creativity has been maxed out for the day. And anyway, what did you think I was going to say?).

I own about 500 pairs of chenille lounge socks, and they’re still one of the best gifts I can get. I wear them constantly in winter. One of the super things about these is – unlike ordinary slippers – lounge socks fold up like ordinary socks to fit in anybody’s suitcase. I always pack a pair or two for trips. This lets me bring the comfort of home anywhere I go. Love that. They’re great for long plane rides, too.

I even sleep in them. Come on, we all have relatives who are too cheap to turn up the heat and their house feels like a meat locker, (OK, sometimes I am that relative when rent money runs low). Slipper socks keep me snuggly and warm even when it’s colder inside than out.

Some lounge socks have little nubs on the bottom to add grip so you don’t go sliding, Risky Business style, across the room. But some people like that. Good thing you have a choice.

I choose either style, however I can get them. Cushy chenille yumminess. Warm toes. Heaven. Beso has just about every size and style you can imagine, so there is no reason to let your poor feets wait another minute – give them what they want. Give your feet some slipper socks (makes a super stocking stuffer, too – hint hint).

UGG Australia Men's Leather Gloves

Brrr, it’s getting cold outside. That could mean some stylish fur boots or a new winter hat; but, without question, you’ll need some men’s leather gloves for those chilly winter nights. For driving, for putting an arm around your sweetie, and for generally looking like someone who knows where they’re going in life, leather gloves are a must. There are a number of great brands and stores for men’s leather gloves. Orvis and Wilson’s Leather have a great selection of traditional hand mitts, and we all know that department stores are a great place for gifts for dad. But while the UGG boots craze has been running hard for the past 5 years or so, did you know they also make fantastic men’s leather gloves? You can be manly and stylish in these genuine deerskin puppies (yeah, that’s kind of a mixed metaphor, I realize), and while they’re a bit on the high end of the price scale at $95, your hands will be as snuggly as your sweetie’s feet are in her sheepskin UGG boots. Check out UGG leather gloves at beso today!