The New Year is here – and I, for one, plan to make good on all my resolutions. And to make sure I get off on the right foot, a weeklong stay at this award-winning health resort is on my list. With food and fitness experts, acclaimed classes, and plenty of pampering, there will be no slacking off for this girl (which may have happened last year…).

Try Something New
Cross-country skiing? Cooking classes? I’m jump-starting a year filled with learning – resulting in a better, more experienced me.

Get Fit
And I’m talking mind, body, and soul. From gentle stretching and rigorous workouts to soul journeys and spiritual dialogues, all ends of the living-well spectrum are covered.

Relax
Sitting by the fire. Putting my feet up. The holidays are over – and after a crazy season like that, I’m pretty sure I deserve it.

Our Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA: Resolve to Renew Boutique opens Thursday, January 3, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Sure, back at home, the most carefully assembled outfits are reserved for nights out on the town. On a warm-weather vacation, though? It’s all about the perfect beach ensemble. From a breezy tunic for snack shack runs to a straw hat for awkward post-swim hair, our Time to Get Away Boutiques pack everything you need to make that oh-so-satisfying splash straight into this year’s resort scene.

Our Time to Get Away Boutiques open Wednesday, December 27, at 3PM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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Trekking back to the lodge for that forgotten [insert essential accessory here]? Not so easy, nor in any way desirable. So we’re providing you with a little checklist to ensure you have everything you need to crush it out on the slopes – sans interruption.

Our Take to the Slopes Boutiques open Wednesday, December 19, at 3PM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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You finally booked that dream British vacation – first class flight and everything. Now, all that’s left between you and Great Britain (well, besides an ocean) is that empty suitcase.  Luckily, we’ve taken a look at your itinerary (and even included a few insider tips) and answered all your what-to-wear woes.

Edinburgh, Scotland
Hit the pub scene (try out Bow Bar for the best whiskey) with a cozy-looking clutch and a pair of sleek-but-not-too-dressy leather booties.

Manchester, England
Give a nod to Manchester’s punk-rock roots (it’s home to Piccadilly Records) with an edgy chain-link bag and biker boots.

Cardiff, Wales
When shopping in Cardiff, A.K.A. the city of arcades, look to smart flats and a crossbody bag (you’ll want both hands free for all those to-die-for finds).

St. Albans, England
Take a day trip from London and explore the scenic city of St. Albans. Just remember to pack comfy flats and a large bag you can fill with water, maps, and snacks.

For more British fashion and flights to these locales (and beyond), check our In High-Flying Fashion: British Airways & VisitBritain Boutique, opening Monday, December 17 at 3PM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Continue reading “Hopping the Pond? Time to Get Packing” »

When celebrating the holidays away from home, traveling with toys in tow can be a bit of a struggle. Whether you decide to pack, ship, or carry-on your gifts, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you avoid any unnecessary travel headaches.

To Wrap, or Not to Wrap?
Wrapped gifts are allowed in carry-ons and checked luggage, but keep in mind that TSA officials reserve the right to undo all your handiwork during security inspections. Gifts in your checked luggage are less likely to be unwrapped, but your best bet is to save the wrapping for your arrival – unless you’re flying on Virgin Atlantic, who (for just $2 per package) will wrap presents for departing passengers who have gone through security.

The Outlaws.
Wrapped or unwrapped, toys that resemble weapons are a no-no. And the same goes for sports equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks. Liquids are also prohibited – and yes, that even includes snow globes. For a full list of restricted items, go here.

Ship, Ship, Hooray!
Unlike your airline, FedEx Ground® includes insurance and tracking – so in most cases, you’re probably better off if FedEx loses your gift than if your airline does (plus, you can wrap them). Another smart idea is to order gifts online (Rue La La, anyone?) and have them shipped directly to your destination.

Home Sweet Home.
Remember, getting there is just half the battle. To bring the gifts you received back home, pack an extra duffle in your suitcase and surround fragile items with clothing.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

Have a tip for traveling with gifts? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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A Value Card for Travel through AuthentEscapes. Mom and Dad said that all they want this year is a card, right? Then give them that card – with one of these travel vouchers hidden inside. (Sneaky!)

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

It’s here – the busiest travel time of the year (it’s okay, just breathe). No matter where you’re heading, be it home to the family or across the country with a friend, take the guesswork out of packing with these colorful and convenient essentials so you can focus on things like inbound trains, layovers, and GPS signals.

The Duffel
Think ahead and bring two of these colorful carryalls with you. One for your presents (first for toting wrapped surprises for others, then for hauling your newly acquired goodies) and one for your holiday wardrobe. What to pack? These surprisingly spacious duffels hold it all, no matter what your holiday has in store:

First holiday with the in-laws: You’re part of the family now, so feel free to be more casual. Dark skinnies with a soft cashmere sweater and a little dose of sparkle should do the trick.

A family affair: Between chasing your brothers and cousins around and helping in the kitchen, comfort is key. Stick to leggings, a long, cozy tunic, and tall boots for a ready-for-anything outfit that’s also stylish.

Holidays with a friend: Can’t make it to your own home this year? Like any good friend, they’ve invited you to spend it with them. My best advice? Bring a little of everything: dressy, casual, and sporty. You never know what kinds of traditions you’ll encounter.

Jewelry Organizer
If there’s one time of year you can go all out with the baubles – it’s now. With all the gold, silver, and tinsel flying around, it’s only natural to want to match. Make sure to pack every last sparkly stud, bangle, and bib necklace – one way or another, they will be worn, and in this organizing carrier, they’ll arrive without a tangle or scratch in sight.

Clutch and Zip-Around Wallet
No matter where you end up spending your holiday, there are always a few last-minute presents that still need to be tackled. And you’re not the only one – so rather than fight the already agitated crowds with a hold-everything-you-own tote, take a compact wallet (with a wrist strap) for bulk-free, easy shopping. Once that’s out of the way? Let the fun begin: toss the wallet into a pretty patterned clutch and head out on the town for a drink with friends.

Our Vera Bradley Boutique opens Saturday, December 8, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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This time of year is no stranger to jet runways and road trips, so having the perfect travel accessories is a must – and our Tumi Boutique has lots of goods to ensure a smooth ride.

Store all your essentials in a stylish crossbody bag, keep your iPad® scratch-free with a protective case, or pack those tropical getaway outfits in a convenient carry-on (no lost luggage here). Whichever way you travel this holiday, you’re sure to arrive (effortlessly) in style.

Our Tumi Boutique opens Monday, December 3, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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From sleeping over at a Vanderbilt’s house to being greeted by cashmere (first thing in the morning), here’s a look at all the lovely things I’ll be snapping up off of Rue this week.

Clockwise, from top left:

1. A&R Cashmere slippers. Getting out of bed in the morning? With these buttery soft cashmere scuffs waiting, it’s that much less of a struggle. Our Soft & Bundle-Worthy: Blankets, Bathrobes, & More Boutique opens Monday, November 19, at 11AM ET.

2. Chan Luu wrap bracelet. I love this bracelet. Why? Because it excels at every play in the wintertime bracelet playbook. It’s snow white; it’s holiday gold; it’s neutral; it’s chunky. Our Chan Luu Jewelry Boutique opens Monday, November 19, at 11AM ET.

3. Tibi dress. Can’t wait to winterize this dress with some black opaque tights and a long-sleeved, tissue-thin tee (then wear it all by itself come spring/summertime). Our Tibi Boutique opens Monday, November 19, at 11AM ET.

4. Vanderbilt Grace Hotel. So quintessentially Newport, a stay in one of this restored mansion’s suites is nothing like that at a sterile hotel, and everything like that at someone’s beloved home. (That someone being a Vanderbilt, of course.)  Our Vanderbilt Grace Hotel – Newport, RI Boutique opens Monday, November 19, at 11AM ET.

You booked the resort and snagged seats in coach. All that’s left between you and miles upon miles of white sand beach? That darned empty suitcase. Fill it up – without a fret – with help from these handy packing tips.

Don’t want to plan outfits in advance? Pick an outfit base color: black, brown, white, or navy – and pack only things that match it. For beach escapes, I love packing things in shades of white, navy, and tan – with pops of coral and turquoise to keep things lively.

Pack three pairs of sandals: basic flip-flops, nicer flats, and a pair of espadrilles. One you’ll wear to the beach or pool, the second you’ll wear during the day, the third you’ll wear while sipping coconutty drinks under that gorgeous island starlight.

“If you go, take a sweater.” My mom says this so often, it’s become a running family joke. But goodness, is it true. I promise, there’s nothing worse than arriving on vacation and realizing that you haven’t packed anything warm. So please, take her advice – pack a sweater (or two)!

Don’t forget sun protection. Pack that hat (a floppy one looks chic), remember those aviators, and take the whole arsenal of sunscreen (these towelettes make toting a cinch). Wouldn’t want to spend the vacation red as a beet, would we?

Want a full packing list? Peep this one for ideas.

Find all you need for that resort getaway – and more – in our Time to Get Away: Resort-Ready Picks Boutique, opening Tuesday, November 12, at 3PM ET.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

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