I'm notorious for having a neat and organized suitcase while I'm traveling for work (and for pleasure). If you aren't at all interested in how I stay organized on the road, you might want to move on. However, if you are interested, here's how it works!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I love living out of a suitcase. Everything you need is all in one place, and you can pack it up and move on at the drop of a hat. I will say this, the suitcase should be easy to move. In my case, that means that I need one with wheels. Some people prefer a large duffle bag, but I find that a little too difficult to drag in and out of hotel rooms and vehicles, and definitely harder to keep organized.
The second most important thing about your bag is the amount of pockets. I need many, many pockets. The top, mesh section is used for clean undergarments and socks. One of the two shoe pockets I use for used socks and undergarmets. The other shoe pocket keeps my flip flops, which need to be easily accessible since I wear them out and I also wear them inside to make sure my bare feet never touch the hotel carpet. I find that two mesh pockets in the main compartment are better than one, but you gotta go with what you've got. I use those inside pockets to keep my belts, large bangles (that don't fit into my jewelry box), spare face-cleansing cloths, a tiny clutch, and a small bag with things I don't need every day, but usually find myself needing at least once every trip. This bag has Band-Aids, Neosporin, Downey spray, Benadryl, and things of that nature.
The outside pockets (usually there are two on a roller-bag) are equally as important. The top, smaller pocket holds my chargers, my hotel-reward cards, and my gloves (if it's cold out). I like to be able to get to that stuff while I'm standing in line to check in. Keep in mind, though, that chargers should stay in your carry-on when your flying. You don't want to get delayed at the airport with a dead phone battery! The larger outside pocket holds my workout gear. This may or may not be true, but I feel like the clothes can air out better since its closer to the outside. Also, nobody wants their stinky workout gear mixing with all their clean (or semi-clean) clothes.
The main compartment is obviously the hardest to keep organized. But, with a little effort, its not that bad. I always have a bag for my shoes. There is no telling what germs are lurking on the bottoms of those shoes. You can also use shower caps to cover the bottom of your shoes. I prefer a large dust bag (you know, the kind that comes with nice purses) to keep all my shoes together. But, my slippers stay in a shower cap. I also have a larger, plastic, zippered bag to keep my full-sized hair products. I know that smaller, traveled-sized products are cute. But, when you travel a lot, you start to realize those little guys end up costing a ton! I just stick with regular-sized.
Now, break the main compartments into four smaller squares. In the right two squares, I made two stacks of clothes: work clothes and casual clothes/jammies. That's just how I like it. You could do tops on one side, and bottoms on another. Whatever works. On the left bottom square, I place my toiletry bag. The shoes go in the left upper square. In whatever spaces are left between the squares, I tuck in my hairbrush, jewelry box, and any other smaller items. You've got to make sure all the space is filled, even if you're only going to be gone a few days. Empty space in a suitcase makes room for everything else to wiggle around, and clothes will get wrinkled. Make use of those straps that hold your stuff in place, those will also help things stay put when the bag is being tossed around through airport security.
Once you've got an organized suitcase, try to keep it that way. Take the extra few seconds to fold your shirt and put it back in it's place. You'll appreciate it when you're running late for Check-Out.
Any and all paperwork and work-related stuff stays in my briefcase, which conveniently fits right on top of my suitcase. You'd be surprised how quickly I can pack up my stuff and get outta there (whether it be a hotel room, a burning building...whatever).
So, there you have it. Not a thrilling article, that's for sure. But, hopefully I've helped you organize your suitcase a bit.
The bag from Dillard's is a rich tan, buttery leather, structured handbag. It has a gold lock on the front. The lock became unattached to the handbag itself, and it skews aesthetics of the bag. I still had the receipt, but I purchased the bag on clearance. I knew in the back of my mind that Dillard's would not be able to have the bag returned, due to the time passed and it having been purchased on clearance. But, I was hoping they would direct me to the manufacturer of the bag and maybe they would be able to repair it. Getting through to customer service was not difficult. But, I was informed that there was nothing they could do. The brand name of the bag was, unbeknownst to me, a Dillard's brand. The representative said that if it were a different brand, she would encourage me to call the manufacturer. Unfortunately, it was a Dillard's brand, and purchased at Dillard's. There was nothing they could do about it. 
The newest bag - the one from DSW - had nothing wrong with the craftmanship. I had an issue with purchasing it. It was love at first sight. I saw the bag from across the room and ran (in slow motion, I'm sure) towards it. When I finally was able to hold its braided stitching in my hands, I looked for a price tag. Alas, no price tag. There was not a single other like it. I took it to the register and told the gentleman my problem. He didn't seem to have a clue what to do, so he called his manager over. As he explained the problem to her, she quickly headed for the handbag section to find another of its kind. "There isn't another one like it, I already checked", I threw out. She turned around and came back, looked at the purse for about 1 second and declared, "either $59 or $69. Do $69." With that, she was gone. I was slightly taken aback at her offering two prices, then immediately choosing the higher one. But, I did love that bag. 
The main compartment is obviously the hardest to keep organized. But, with a little effort, its not that bad. I always have a bag for my shoes. There is no telling what germs are lurking on the bottoms of those shoes. You can also use shower caps to cover the bottom of your shoes. I prefer a large dust bag (you know, the kind that comes with nice purses) to keep all my shoes together. But, my slippers stay in a shower cap. I also have a larger, plastic, zippered bag to keep my full-sized hair products. I know that smaller, traveled-sized products are cute. But, when you travel a lot, you start to realize those little guys end up costing a ton! I just stick with regular-sized.
Now some people might say that this is not very fair to your friend, but I beg to differ. Your friend was already carrying a big purse into the bar. Your choice to force her to carry your clutch is simply economical. Maybe your friend enjoys sitting at the table guarding her bag, while she watches you do the electric slide clutch-free. It's a maternal thing. And you are just giving her the gift of responsibility. 
