There’s nothing worse than opening your suitcase to find your jewelry in a tangled mess and then spending half an hour trying to untangle it.

(Been there, not doing it again!)

In this post, we're sharing 3 of our favorite packing tips and tricks straight from our designer, Katy, an organizing guru who has traveled with hundreds of pieces of jewelry (trade shows, anyone?). Whether you're packing for a two-week trip to Maui or a weekend getaway to the coast, it's important to keep your jewelry safe, secure, and organized so you can stress less and still look fabulous!

Here are three of our best tips for traveling with jewelry and keeping it tangle-free, without spending hours searching for the perfect "travel roll" (trust us: they're all too small for die-hard jewelry lovers)!

---> BONUS: each of these methods costs under $10! <---

The Ziploc Method:

Zip each individual piece of jewelry into a sandwich Ziploc bag. Then, put all the sandwich bags into a quart sized Ziploc bag. Make sure to zip necklace chains right up into the “lip” so they don't tangle. This method is perfect for delicate chains or earrings with small stones or beads.

Tip: Pierce earring backs into the plastic zipper for added security.
 

The Bubble Wrap Method: 

Unroll approximately 2-3 feet of thin bubble wrap. Begin placing your smallest pieces, like stud earrings first, and end with your larger pieces, like statement necklaces. Be sure to lay pieces of jewelry on the bubble wrap about 1-2 inches apart. Once you have all your jewelry in place, roll tightly. Secure ends with 2 hair ties or ribbons. Your jewelry will arrive at its final destination completely tangle free!

Tip: Place the roll in a small dust bag from a handbag or pair of shoes, and toss in your carry on or purse! Your baubles will be snug as a bug in a rug (but prettier, obviously).

The Pill Case & Button Method:

Use pill case compartments to keep track of smaller jewelry items such as rings and earrings. You can also use buttons to keep earrings organized by fastening them through the buttonholes before putting them in your suitcase. 

Tip: Rings and earrings over the size of a quarter are a better fit for the Bubble Wrap or Ziploc Method!

     
What are YOUR favorite ways to keep your jewelry organized while traveling?

Tell us in the comments below! 

Are you looking at your day planner for the upcoming month and see your schedule swamped with business traveling?  Luckily you have that treat-yourself vacation getaway planned at the end of the month to rejuvenate you from all those conferences.

For those that couldn't make it to our Travel In Style fashion seminar co-hosted by the talented styling duo of Est Ovest Style, we have 4 packing tips you'll never forget to share with you!

With this cheat sheet you'll be the most stylish gal at the convention meet-and-greets!  Ready - Set - Take Off!

1. Establish your color pallete & build off this for packing.  

Pack neutrals plus ONE statement color - this will allow your wardrobe to be multifunctional and light, taking your office look to happy hour with a splash of color.

2. Split the difference & add the necklace. 

S H O P / Grayling Jewelry New Arrivals

Jewelry is key to achieving multiple looks from whatever's in your suitcase. You can wear the same basics by updating your attire with a fresh piece of jewelry.  A long necklace will also give the illusion of length.

3. Dress to create an hourglass shape.

A good jacket goes a long way...it's a gal's best friend when traveling!  It can act as a statement piece transitioning the work blouse from day to night.  Plus, by adding a layer that curves in at the waist, it'll give your body the proper attention it deserves.

4. Pack the right shoes & add more jewelry.

Shoes equal weight so be conscious of what you pack. A cute pair of flats are great for the airport and slipping into after a long day on your feet, while a pointier toed shoe paired with a v-shaped necklace will elongate the body. #winning!

TRAVEL PACKING TIPS:

• Use linen bags from your purse or shoes to pack tee and other light-weight items.
• Lay clothes flat stacking them on top of each other and then fold them all together. This helps to prevent creases in your clothes. NOTE - shoes go on bottom of the suitcase.
• Tuck socks and undergarments inside your shoes to save on space.
• Put dainty necklaces in straws and tape the ends to keep from getting tangled.
• Pack the heaviest items by the wheels of the suitcase and work your way up to the lightest. This helps keep your suitcase balanced and easy to maneuver.

WHERE WILL YOU BE TRAVELING TO NEXT? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR BEST PACKING TIPS! 
XO-GRAYLING GALS

Have you ever been told not to wear fashion jewelry with fine jewelry? Or that mixing metals is wrong? Well we're here to shake up 7 traditional jewelry rules.

1. You can't wear statement necklaces with casual outfits.

You can absolutely wear a statement necklace with something as casual as a t-shirt or sweater. Don't miss out on wearing your favorite pieces just because you don't have a formal occasion on the calendar!

Arabesque Necklace Black

Lyra Convertible Necklace Brass

2. You can't wear a watch with bracelets.

With the trend of bracelet stacks, watches and bracelets together are a must!

Menara Bracelet Silver

Etta Pearl Bracelet

3. No mixing metals

Break from tradition and buck this one-metal rule. Mixing metals keeps your look fresh and gives you more jewelry combinations to wear!

Zodiac Necklace

Crystalline Mixed Metal Bracelet

4. You need the matching earrings and bracelet.

Matchy matchy is out! Instead, look for sets that coordinate but aren't exactly the same.

Willow Set Brass

Kyoto Set Gold

5. Big earrings are only for going out.

We love statement earrings, so why not wear them all day? Wear your favorite pair to dress up an every day outfit.

Prism Earrings Gold

Oasis Earrings Tiger Eye

6. You can't mix fashion and fine jewelry.

Fashion jewelry is looking better than ever! Toss this rule and pair together your favorite pieces, no matter the price difference.

Basaltic Necklace Silver

Linnea Convertible Necklace

7. You're too young for pearls.

No more waiting for your 50th to wear these beauties. These new styles aren't your grandmother's pearls.

Billie Pearl Necklace

Dinah Pearl Earrings

Do you know what's hot and what's not? Test your style skills with this short quiz!