"How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun." - Vincent Van Gogh

I always find that I'm the best version of myself when I'm traveling. I'm filled with less stress and less anxiety and both are replaced by more kindness, more patience, more laughter, and more love (and definitely more bread - what can I say? Carbs = life). Usually, this means that I'm also a lot less concerned about what I'm wearing. Traveling to Spain was different this time though. On my recent trip to Barcelona and Madrid, I packed my carry-on with tons of my favorite pieces in vibrant yellows, bold greens, and colors that I haven't seen making an appearance in my wardrobe for months (east coast winters can be rough!).

When I backpacked through Europe a few years ago, I made it a point to only pack neutrals and individual items that could be mixed and matched. Think wrinkle-resistant tees in shades of grey and navy paired with boyfriend jeans or a comfy pair of skinnies. I was all about a capsule wardrobe and definitely steered clear of statement pieces. This time around though, I reached for the pieces that felt more like sunshine in my hands. Bright yellow with a floral print and a deep v-neckline? A silk-crepe fabric that's dry-clean only? A ruffled hem in blue? Yes, please. Impractical, maybe. Fun, definitely!

"The best color in the whole wide world is the one that looks the best on you." - Coco Chanel

There's a time and place to be practical. And there's also a time and a place to throw caution to the wind. I would say that traveling is the perfect occasion to mix the two. Yes, you should pack the chambray shirt that goes with everything and the comfortable pair of shorts that you could live in. But, also pack those quirky earrings that sound like wind chimes when the wind blows or that one silk scarf that makes you feel like Audrey Hepburn. Or better yet, make it a mission to find one when you're traveling as a souvenir that you'll keep and wear forever (unlike that weird wooden clog keychain that you picked up in Amsterdam and promptly lost about 5.4 seconds after you got off the plane...ahem).

Reach for the yellows, oranges, and watermelon-rind greens. The pieces in shades that make you smile just by looking at them. The clothes or accessories that feel like a party in themselves. This Tanya Taylor midi dress pretty much jumped out at me as soon as I saw it on the rack. It was nestled between layers of simple black dresses and something that resembled a mumu. It was bright and bold. Fun and spunky. A little loud (understatement, I know) and definitely more of a statement piece than what I'd worn recently. I loved it.

The way I immediately felt about this perfect yellow midi dress when I saw it on the rack is the same way I felt when I put it on for the first time in Barcelona. And you know what? It was totally worth the extra space it took in my suitcase. Go ahead and pack the impractical. You'll be happy that you did.