I Packed Spring in a Suitcase—All the Beauty and Fashion Essentials I Took for L.A., Miami, and Palm Springs.

      (Image credit: @alyssabrascia; Discothèque, Revolve; H&M; MAC Cosmetics, Sephora)

      I’ve always been viewed as a somewhat laid-back person regarding travel, but that changes when it comes to outfit and makeup planning. I tend to procrastinate and only pull my suitcase out at the last minute, search for restaurants after I’ve already arrived at my destination (definitely too late, Alyssa), and I've even been scammed while trying to buy tickets to Versailles just 20 minutes before my flight to Paris. (True story!) However, when it comes to creating looks, you’d think I ran a military operation. Ever since I discovered the wonders of Canva in college, I’ve made it a habit to mood-board my outfits and beauty looks prior to trips (and I’ve even helped friends with these skills). I’ve developed a unique but highly effective planning technique—researching images of the interiors and ambiance of every hotel, restaurant, and activity on my itinerary—I document every lipstick, piece of jewelry, shoe, and bag I’ll need, along with different combinations to use throughout the trip. This not only simplifies packing; it gives me an exciting new project every time I open that suitcase. Since I travel to stylish locations quite frequently for work, I’ve perfected this routine. Therefore, it's no surprise that during the four trips I’ve taken this spring, I've found myself packing several of the same items (though styling them differently each time).

      In My Suitcase: Los Angeles

      (Image credit: @alyssabrascia; Ultra Violette, Sephora; Sephora Collection; Sam Edelman, Nordstrom) During my various trips to Los Angeles, I split my time between West Hollywood and downtown L.A., staying at the newly revamped Sun Rose West Hollywood and the Soho Warehouse. I was in town for different events—a trip to the 2026 Grammys and to attend Sephoria, Sephora’s premier beauty convention—but the planning process for both trips involved several of the same items from my packed wardrobe and makeup collection. Having grown up idealizing L.A., I wanted to embrace the enchanting silver screen fantasy of it all. I wore ruffled, tiered tops that swayed as I walked, pairing them with everything from lace-trimmed skirts to lightweight linen pants. Each outfit featured a striking but sweet detail—from mesh scarves tied around my waist to vintage-style jackets (as if I stepped off a film set, right?), and dramatic, Hollywood-style lips. I definitely lean into the extra.

      L.A. Outfit Essentials

      Free People

      My Little Midi Skirt

      This knee-length skirt instantly elevates any warm-weather ensemble.

      Sam Edelman

      Dollie Sandal

      A wardrobe essential I can't go anywhere warm without.

      Aritzia

      The Lodge Pant Cruise Linen

      A pair of linen pants I bought for this trip that I now can’t part with.

      DESTREE

      Amoako Cropped Faille Jacket

      The tan version of this jacket (my purchase) is currently out of stock, but I love the luxurious sheen of this faille style for spring.

      Free People

      Oh Hello Round Sunglasses

      I can’t stop wearing these sunglasses on my travels.

      AJE.

      Ophelia Lace-Trimmed Crinkled-Satin Camisole

      My original lace top is also sold out, but this striking, tiered design from Aje is very similar.

      L.A. Beauty Essentials

      I keep this moisturizing, glassy oil in my travel bag at all times.

      Sephora Collection

      Lip Tint Felt Lip Stain & Liner in Cocoa Swipe

      This deep lip liner gave me the retro pout of my dreams—ideal for a stylish dinner in Hollywood.

      Ultra Violette

      Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Serum

      Eadem

      Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm in Sakura Shaved Ice

      Everyone is raving about Eadem’s glossy lip balms, and after trying this Y2K-esque shimmery version on my trip to L.A., I now keep it in my travel purse at all times.

      Rare Beauty

      Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Happy

      M.ph

      Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation

      My secret for achieving the glowy, West Coast skin look, even if I was only there for three days.

      In My Suitcase: Miami

      (Image credit: @alyssabrascia; Jimmy Fairly; Josie Maran, Sephora) I flew directly from L.A. to Miami for a longer work trip this spring, meaning much of my California wardrobe carried over into my Floridian one. However, as mentioned earlier, I adjust my looks according to the surrounding environment—and vibrant Miami is a stark contrast to the breezy West Coast styles I had been sporting.

      My Miami outfits combined classic silhouettes with breathable fabrics; bold, layered necklaces with ‘80s-style