Hello it’s that time again for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah. This month we are talking about travel and packing and what to wear. We are finally getting back to nearly normal travel and it feels like the whole world is going somewhere. This pic above right was the last time I was in Europe, Fall 2019 at Heathrow in London. I’d love to go back right now! Right now I have two trips on the horizon, a conference in Atlanta in July ( should be a challange to choose the right things with high temps and A/C), and a fall trip to France with Max if all goes well. That’s still in the planning stages.
I love travel more than almost anything, so just thinking about what to pack gets me excited. We have traveled a fair amount and I’ve gotten better at this art of packing. I really enjoy having my travel essential all ready to go. I have a system down and it takes the stress out of it!
Travel essentials are my TUMI case I’ve had now almost ten years. It never fails me and though has some exterior wear, works like a dream and I can really overload it if I have to with its expandable sides. This suitcase and my carry-on are probably some of the best investments I have made. Neither aren’t cheap, but they have paid for themselves many times over. I can’t tell you how many cheaper cases and carry ons I have gone through before I bought these. I can’t see needing to change them ever! Good investment pieces.
My bags for the last conference I attended prior to the pandemic..
My carry-on is a Longchamp large Le Pliage Tote that that I bought at Heathrow in Harrod’s duty free and I wouldn’t go anywhere without it. It’s tough, lightweight and I can get tons in it. If I’m limited to a carry-on and the suitcase, I’ll take it as my one personal piece and tuck a crossbody purse in it.
If I can check a bag, I take the Longchamp and a tote purse. If it’s a beachy destination, I’ll bring a basket bag as the tote with a crossbody in it. For travel involving trains, transit and multiple hotels, a small carry-on is less slogging and so worth packing efficiently in two pieces.
I stack everything vertically in this tote, so I can see it.
In this I fit a crossbody bag, my makeup bag, two to three pouches, an extra pair of shoes, a book and magazine, a cashmere wrap and a hat upside down with another scarf. I do the same with any handbag tote I may bring.
One of the best crossbody bags I have ever had is this Bombe bag by Tory Burch. IT is ultra light, has two zip pockets that can hold a good amount. . It now comes in many colors, but the black I’ve had for years and it is still so easy to pack and take..
I love zip pouches and packing cubes. Have you gotten on the packing cube bandwagon? Some people love to pack with full outfits in the larger ones. So far this is what I do..
My zip pouches hold-
1) Cords, chargers, plugs and convertors.
2) Kleenex, face/hand wipes, hand sanitizer, Tide wipes, masks, sunglass readers, extra earbuds with cords for movies, and an eye mask for sleeping.
3) A pair of black leggings, a black tank, and a long sleeve t-shirt, a pair of underwear, and a pair of socks. Love this from Target (orange pouch ) that fits those easily. (I like having an extra outfit or emergency pieces in case of a bag being lost or spilling on the flight.)
4) Jewelry roll. I try and keep to basics and just an extra necklace or ring and a pair of dangly earrings. I have a few jewelry cases. The box ones seem to be more popular now and I love this one by Cuyana and this by Mark & Graham.
5) Cosmetic/skincare bag. I love this Everlane bag that was a gift from a friend. It has many side pockets that hold products vertical and is well designed.
My suitcase packing method.
I have done the pants flat out on opposite sides forever and it works to prevent wrinkles- ( demonstrating below). I then fold shirts and dresses stacked together placed on the center, and then pant bottoms folded over all that.
On the zippered side of the suitcase, I use my packing cubes (love these eiffel tower travel bags ). I use one for underwear, another for pajamas and swim, and another for shoes or workout clothes. Everything else on that side is rolled.
Packing cubes are hugely helpful and I want more. I also just ordered these from Mark & Graham which come in three shades and can be monogrammed..
A less pricier option, Target has this nice smaller set online.
What to wear on the plane..
For the plane, I have a formula which is cotton tank, jacket, jeans, and a sweater. That makes me feel polished and gives me a jacket to wear when there. Once I sit on the plane I fold my jacket and store above in the overhead and wear my sweater. I wear slides usually and take my heaviest shoes in the carry on. If it’s winter, visa versa.
The jacket will vary.. This is one look with a navy jacket I own and a map scarf. I’ll wear a white tank and jeans or camo pants.
I have this heavier black Veronica Beard blazer for cooler times and the sweater gives me options and warmth on the plane. My new Mother jeans are the right length, leg width and comfort for this kind of trip.
The Cinq a Sept black top above is a light silk top with grosgrain trim and is perfect for all year layering. It feels great on and goes well under a blazer and pairs with pants and skirts.
A few different ways I wear a jacket traveling.. Always with a sweater for options. Right now in summer I love this linen Tommy Bahama jacket I bought in Hawaii. Going to Hawaii, I’ll bring the linen one or a black windbreaker from Lululemon (similar here.)
These jeans are Veronica Beard with elastic waist which are super for flying. I also have my eye on these Kinsey Cropped Boyfriend Stretch Comfort Jeans by AG that are the right pant width and look and sound good for travel. I also bring a pair of black pants or jeans in my bag.
Pack outfits, not items.
I pack outfits for each day, and not just pieces. In my head I make a mental plan of what I will wear each day to avoid overpacking and if it’s a longer trip, I will try all my outfits on in a mirror and take photos to remember what I’m wearing. To those outfits, I will add sleep clothes, a swimsuit, something to workout in (just in case), undergarments, a cozy cashmere wrap, a small robe ( I just got this) and socks. I also try and stay to 4 pairs of shoes.
A few pieces to consider
I love a good summer sweater for such trips and Banana Republic Factory has this light stripe in navy,(like I’m holding above) or tan. J.Crew has this beach sweater I have in antique white -on sale now. It’s a good option to wear on the plane and on chilly nights.
Button ups are good for coverups and to layer. This top from Anthro left, looks like a great material for travel and can dress up or down. This J. Crew one center, is a pretty option in chambray, white or navy and this button down can be layered with leggings or under a jacket or tied with a skirt. Speaking of leggings, my favorite Lululemon ones still look like new and I’ve had them five years and I take them on all my trips.
Another versatile travel piece recently bought is the pull on Savannah skirt with zip pockets from Athleta. It feel so light and would be perfect for city travel. Here I have it with the tank and the crossbody. You can pair it with a tank and jacket, or dress it up in the evenings, or down with sneakers and a sweatshirt.
A few more of the items mentioned in the post here..
I hope this has been helpful and I hope you have some travel in your future.
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Well, that’s my take on travel packing, now please see what Cindy and Sarah have for you in travel tips! I can’t wait to see their ideas. They always inspire me. Please share any travel tips- packing or style wise in the comments!
Thanks for being here!
Kim
You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on lipsticks, with new favorites and ones I have loved forever.
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