I have a mild obsession with how women travel: Are they over or under packers? What are their beauty essentials? Can they get it all in a carry on? Their favorite travel outfit? And more. To kick off what will hopefully be a series of these posts, I decided to share my packing list for my July vacation. I cannot wait to go. Travel is one of the most rewarding experiences, and being fashion-oriented, traveling well includes packing right.
My summer travel plans: Two weeks in Italy–Venice, Rome, a week in Positano and a few other stops I haven’t organized yet (!).
Luggage + carry on: Not as chic as it could be, an L.L. Bean rolling suitcase if I check luggage, a Tumi rolling carry-on, and a beat-up, old Vuitton LV logo tote which has travelled with me for over a decade. I am on the hunt for a tote with a zip top so things can’t spill out under the seat on the plane.
Over-packer or minimalist: Always too many shoes, but I need options. I am going to try to get two weeks of clothes into my Tumi and LV carry-ons (I can roll most of my clothes, plus that way they don’t wrinkle), but my running shoes always take up too much room and I never leave home without them. Running is a great way to get to know the area you’re staying in. No one in my family thinks I can pack this light. We’ll see.
Flight essentials: Aesop hand cream, Rodin lip balm, Kahina Rosewater Spray for hydration, socks for cold feet, Altoid mints and my toothbrush/toothpaste.
Entertainment material: Random magazines I usually don’t buy that I pick up at the airport, my iPod/running companion which thankfully hasn’t died yet, an inspirational read, The Obstacle Is In The Way, and a escapist read (this time one that’s set in Italy), Call Me By Your Name.
Favorite travel outfit: This is an area I need to work on. It’s usually jeans (vintage Levi’s), the simplest t-shirt, sweater and sneakers. I wish I had a “chicer” go-to, but I don’t.
My packing list: Three dresses for evening and day wear including the Vince version above and a James Perse (which I have both posted about), this Protagonist one for dressier evenings; this Isabel Marant Etoile top and skirt I can mix and match with other pieces and Isabel Marant high-waisted shorts; two or three lightweight Nili Lotan blouses; K. Jacques sandals in black and luggage leather; a chic cover-up from Su Paris; a simple Eres maillot; an old denim jacket and a I Pezzi diPinti cashmere shawl for cooler temps & evenings; two bags–a tiny drawstring Dragon bag and a larger tote (that is packable) I can use at the beach or wherever; Adidas Gazelles for serious walking days; Nike Pegasus running shoes and two running outfits; two sets of Kiki de Montparnasse pajama shorts and tops; and finally (in my dreams) these Dezso by Sara Beltran palm tree earrings.
from left: Grace Lee diamond bracelet, $390; Su Paris poncho/coverup, $400; Eres maillot, $345; Sophie Digard tote, $425; Nili Lotan top, $245; Isabel Marant shorts, $343.
Travel beauty essentials: Two weeks is too long to “wing it” when it comes to my beauty routine so I’m buying all my favorites in travel sizes: Bioderma Micellar Water to remove makeup; Elemis Cleansing Oil, Biologique Recherche P50 and Uma Oils Brightening Face Oil for my cleansing, exfoliating, moisturize; Soleil Toujours Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 for the face; Rodin lip balm, which is with me everywhere, always; Clarins Eau Dynamisante for a fresh summer scent and one or two SK-II Facial Treatment Masks (one to use first day post flight).
Room additions: A travel size Diptique Figue candle is always helpful.
Favorite souvenir shopping: It is always the less expensive, hand-crafted items that I love most. Sometimes you can find them in the most unexpected places, I bought a bunch of colorful hand-embroidered decorative pillow shams at the Mexico City airport. I also have a thing for nature’s small treasures–shells, pinecones, though sometimes they end up taking up more space than I imaged.
Favorite room with a view: I have two, Amangiri in Utah, because I love the Southwest and the landscape there is almost lunar, and the Boathouse at Manka’s Inverness Lodge on Tomales Bay, Point Reyes, CA. It is my idea of quiet beauty.
How I create trip memories: My Leica camera that my husband gave me that comes in a leather carrying case I can sling over my shoulder. And any printed material–maps, ticket stubs from museums, brochures, cards from stores. Someday I will make travel books. Someday.
Summer travel means: Slowing down enough so that you can appreciate every little nuance of your day and almost being lazy and indulgent about it. And on this upcoming trip pasta and wine everyday!
top image: K. Jacques sandals, $212; Dragon drawstring bag, $250; Isabel Marant top, $360, and skirt, $203; Dezo by Sara Beltran earrings, $2560; Vince dress, $345. Photo, left, Helmut Newton.
If they have the movie “Coco” on the plane, watch it!!!