When I was first in touch with writer and globetrotter Natasha Nyanin a few weeks ago, I asked if she had a recent or upcoming trip that she’d like to base her responses on. She replied, “How about packing for an 8-week trip that went from Venice to Cortina to Sardinia to the Amalfi Coast to Milan to Rome to Paris to Champagne to Marrakech and to London?” Ummm ya, that will do! It’s always impressive to hear how people manage to pack for these long, multi-leg trips and look fabulous while maneuvering through airports, ferry terminals and train stations with a caravan of luggage. Natasha’s approach is equally whimsy and practical (albeit maximalist) and she convinced me that maybe I should start traveling with stationery and wax seal stamps.

What’s your go-to luggage and why?  

Before setting off to Venice, I knew packing for such an adventure would be, in and of itself, a journey. Why? Because Venice was to be only the first leg of a multilimbic sojourn across Europe (I’d be flying back to NYC from Heathrow after making numerous stops across the continent and North Africa), so packing required a deft balance of strategy and whimsy. Thankfully, I was afforded two 70lb checked bags on both my United flights: a relief!

I am an ardent believer that one should aspire to be whatever kind of packer that brings them joy, so I am not here to proselytize for packing one way or the other. That being said, I personally find it stressful to limit myself when packing, as getting dressed is an intuitive exercise calibrated by whimsical factors that I cannot predict far in advance, such as what colors might reflect my mood that day. So, as an unabashed, card-carrying member of the overpackers club, I travel with multiple checked pieces (especially on an extended trip, which is my preferred way to travel), a roll-aboard carry-on and a duffle weekender.

For my checked bags, I have found that luggage with a polycarbonate hard shell works best for my needs. I love my Floyd Check-in for its distinctive red wheels, which make it easy to spot coming down the carousel (and the magnetic closure of the case is a plus, but only if I do not have to overstuff the luggage). I am currently most enjoying my TUMI Extended Trip Packing Case in black for its durability, lightness and capaciousness, allowing me to pack even more while staying within the confines of airline allowances.

When it comes to cabin bags, I am in a rather committed relationship with the Globe-Trotter Centenary trolley, which I have in black with gold hardware but I adored the iteration I had before (which was sadly stolen somewhere at CDG). It’s a two-wheeled (ever the form over function girl here) Japanese urushi lacquered piece from their now-discontinued Orient collection (bring it back, Globe-Trotter!). I plop my camel leather Loewe duffle atop the Globe-Trotter and that’s how you’ll almost always see me rolling through the airport.

How do you approach the basics?  

Asking me to plan outfits in advance is akin to asking a fish to ride a bicycle: I’m simply not wired that way, unless there’s a particular event I’m planning for (a wedding or an invitation to the opera, say), in which case I’d likely have something specifically picked out and packed. I typically go through my closet and make a pile of “take with” and “maybes” which I whittle down as I pack. Making the piles on my bed helps me to visualize what I am packing so that I don’t take too many multiples of a similar thing.  

In general, I also keep a general packing list in my Notes app on my phone that I refer to each time I have to pack so I am sure not to leave any of the necessities like my laptop charger, steamer, socks, scarves etc. 

For this specific trip, since I was planning a black-tie celebratory event in Venice for my 40th birthday, the basics included a couple of gowns and other special occasion pieces, which I packed in a bridal garment bag that I carried on. 

Are you a roller or a folder?

I used to be a roller until working stays at St. Regis Venice and St. Regis Rome afforded me access to their butler service (they will pack for you!) and let me tell you, watching the maestri at work, I now am a believer in the flat fold. I was amazed and how they were able to fit all my suits so pristinely into my suitcase. And not only did they manage that, they even slipped a pair of St. Regis branded house slippers and personalized pajamas into the case!

Any other packing tricks or hero items? 

I always pack a number of silk kaftans (Moroccan djellebas) that I designed and had made by Aya’s Marrakech. They are lightweight, roomy, simple, and work well for a casual moment, but pack enough visual intrigue to be dressed up for dinner.

What’s your shoe strategy? 

For a trip like this that straddles the seasons and where I’ll be walking incessantly, I focus on packing flats. I have a go-to pair of flat Loewe mules that have been my travel companion for the last three or so years. I also packed one pair of flat boots for when the weather begins to dip. In this case, a pair from Gabriela Hearst that I got in 2021, when I was going on my first safari with Elewana and Asalia in Kenya and Tanzania, and which have been treating me kindly ever since. Because there were and will invariably be some formal events during my trip, I pack 1-3 pairs of heels, focusing on pairs that can work as a neutral. I also like to pack a pair of house slippers for lounging. A pair of red leather babouches I bought in the souks in Marrakech a million years ago are still doing that heavy lifting to this day.

How do you think about accessories?

I am not much of an accessory person and, by my standards at least, I keep them to a minimum. When it comes to jewellery, I stick to a uniform: two Hermès enamel bracelets that I stack, and a two-finger 18k gold ring made for me by New York’s Charlton & Lola are items I slip on daily, as a ritual. Add to this one pair of statement earrings packed into my carry-on for special occasions and you’ve got the whole formula. I used to carry my beloved large Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff on all my trips, but it disappeared in that carry-on that was stolen and my dream is to eventually replace it and add to it the Bone Cuff ring.

I literally own only two handbags—one old-school Celine box bag in blue, and a red classic Ferragamo top handle bag. They travel with me everywhere, along with silk scarves that I like to tie on my handbags for a change of vibe. I love sunglasses so I tend to pack a number of alternative pairs, but when I want to stick to one, it would be a black oversized pair like these Saint Laurent Kate SL214.

Do you have a great travel hat? 

I have a great hat! Is it a great travel hat? Probably not. It’s wholly impractical with its extra-wide brim and being wrought from fragile Filipino raffia. But it’s great for the beach and to add a touch of something extra to so many looks. My technique for carrying it is simple—the hat has an elastic band, so I just slip the band over the telescoping handle of my carryon suitcase and the hat rides hands-free. The piece was made by Australian milliner Stephanie Spencer (who does have more practical hats in her oeuvre).

What’s always in your dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit? 

Before I get to what’s in the dopp kit, let me talk about my dopp kit itself, which is one of those rare genius pieces that has revolutionised my travel toiletry experience. This is NOT hyperbole. I introduced a friend to the brand and she wouldn’t stop talking about it for 2 weeks. I am talking about the Parallelle toiletry bags that I have in all three sizes.

These kits allow you to stand your products up in them so your toiletries are each neatly nested for easy identification. The sides of the bags fold down when unzipped so you can easily access the array of things. This means I do not have to empty the bag to find items and so is invaluable to multi-leg trips where I have to switch hotels every couple of nights. I use the smallest one as my makeup bag, where I keep my Mac concealer, Lancôme Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, a trio of brushes, Fenty Lip Paint in the shade Uncensored, The Lip Bar Nonstop Liquid Matte lipstick in Bawse Lady,  and Dior Lip Glow Oil.

The medium bag (the perfect size) is the home for toiletries under 100ml. In it lives my array of Surya by Martha Ayurvedic skincare (The Balancing Face Oil, Calming Lip Therapy lip balm, and the impeccable Balancing Collagen Cream), as well as their Kansa face wand, a tool I have come to cherish. I also keep Tata Harper’s Water-Lock Moisturiser, some decanted Shea oil from R&R Skincare, and Supergoop Glowstick sunscreen in the bag. Because my Suri electric toothbrush comes with a carrying case that doubles as a charging case, I don’t have to stuff it into my dopp kit, which is a relief both for space and hygiene reasons.

The largest bag houses my larger toiletries that go into my checked luggage. In there you’ll find a bottle of MARA Algae Cleansing Oil, Surya by Martha Rose Petal body oil, Tatcha The Rice Polish (for exfoliation days) and a tub of Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask.

Pharmaceutically I make sure that besides my prescriptions I have an antihistamine (Zyrtec), Tylenol, and very importantly, an antiseptic throat spray, as it is easy to pick up little viral or bacterial infections on long trips where exhaustion weakens the immune system. 

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain? 

I always carry at least two books: one of poetry and one that is some form of prose, along with a journal and my Pineider fountain pen. I also keep stationery in my carry-on as I like to write letters on the road, especially notes of gratitude to people I may encounter who enrich my experience. Besides my Capri writing paper from Pineider, I even have my wax and stamp with me for sealing envelopes as though I were Jane Eyre, because that’s how committed I am to the fullness of experience or ridiculousness (label it as you will).

You’ll always find a couple of  bottles of perfume in my carry-on. If I’m taking only two, these days it’s likely Fredric Malle’s Portrait of a Lady and the intoxicatingly spicy Metamorphic by Kingdom of Scotland in collaboration with near-perfect hotel The Balmoral in Edinburgh.

And most importantly, I always fold a pair of silk pajamas into my carry-on as the sleep experience should not be compromised no matter where it’s happening.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics? 

I have a small bag of adapters for various countries and regions that I keep in my carry-on, which includes a car-charger that doubles as a bluetooth connector to listen to music, as sometimes the basic rentals don’t come with those bells and whistles, and good music is essential for a road-trip.

My Macbook Air is kept in a brown leather case I found in Mumbai from the Indian brand Nappa Dori. For earphones, I use the Beoplay Ex from Bang & Olufsen (a red pair from their Ferrari collaboration), but have my eye on their over-ear Beoplay H100, which delivers such crisp sound. 

Do you have a travel uniform?  

There was a time when I always travelled in a suit. I still like to do so, but have expanded that uniform to include any kind of smart trouser and shirt along with a MaxMara trench coat in tow.

Any other hacks?

The importance of a good travel steamer cannot be overstated. I’ve gone through several of them and done copious amounts of research before settling on these two: Steam One for Europe and other areas operating at 220V, and this Electrolux that I discovered while staying at The Madrona near San Francisco for US domestic travel and other 110-120V areas.

In West Africa (I am from Ghana), we have these lightweight, foldable, super cheap bags that come in a multiplicity of sizes that we call Ghana Must Go bags, and I became accustomed to traveling with one folded up in my suitcase (for the eventuality of acquiring a bunch of things on the road and thus needing an extra bag for the return). In lieu of the Ghana Must Go bag, it’s not a bad idea to pack something like this. It weighs nothing, takes up no space, but will rescue you if you find yourself needing to pack an extra bag for the return trip.

For eight weeks on the road, you must be traveling with more than one bag. Do you have any tricks for managing it all? 

When travelling with more than one suitcase, I have a system for getting them around. If an airport trolley is easily accessible, then sure, I’ll use the trolley. An airport employee at Newark once saw me stacking my luggage on the cart and came over to congratulate me saying “I know you must not be from here, the way you did that so expertly. Are you African?” It’s true, Africans are renowned overpackers. Usually though, what I do is place two suitcases back to back, so that their telescoping handles are next to each other, and wheel the pair with one hand (and do the same for a second pair to be wheeled with the other hand). I place my duffle or tote on top of one of the suitcases and might even use one handle of the duffle to yoke to the two suitcase handles together for even easier maneuvering.

I have also used the service Luggage Forward to send luggage unaccompanied with great success when I’ve gone a little wild on craft shopping in Tamegroute, Morocco, and they delivered my ceramics in perfect condition. 

I recently learned that Trentitalia has a door-to-door service for sending luggage ahead if you have a train reservation, and it costs about 20 Euro per bag. Considering how much train travel I do when bouncing around Italy, it is certainly an amenity I intend to take advantage of in the near future.

How do you approach packing for a multi-leg trip with different events and climates?

In this instance, I planned out all of my looks for the special events and packed them in a garment bag. I chose high-heeled shoes that were versatile and would work in multiple situations in order to keep the shoe number to a minimum.

Admittedly, when I was taking advantage of Booking.com’s feature that allows one to book multiple aspects of a trip (flights, accommodation, ground transport) in one go and adding leg after leg to this journey, I was too engrossed in it all, and was not thinking about having to bridge varying climates (Italian summer, French Autumn, Marrakech August heat, London just being, well, London). I solved that by packing layerable pieces such as linen jackets (like a khaki one from Another Tomorrow and a white one from Victoria Beckham x Mango) and two trench coats (a flowy one from The Frankie Shop and a classic tan one from Max Mara) that I could stack on top of each other for the cooler climes.

What’s your laundry strategy for a trip that long? 

For a long trip such as this one, I do laundry either at hotels during the stay that include it as part of the rate such as the charming Su Gologone, where I stayed in Sardinia. While I do not pack anything expressly for doing laundry on the go, I do try to always have a packet of M&S Stain Remover Wipes with me while I travel. They are incredibly effective.

Are there any hero items you found yourself reaching for throughout each leg of this trip?

The ultra-versatile Issey Miyake Madam T scarf/dress is a piece I reach for all the time at home and on the road. It’s this long scarf with a hole in the middle that allows you to tie it in ways for effects ranging from casual to formal. I first fell in love with it when I discovered it at the Pleats Please store in Soho in 2016. It’s a lightweight chameleon that I wear all the time, because I feel so free in it. I draped it like a cloak when a photographer friend suggested a conceptual shoot in a grand Hotel Excelsior Roma that he wanted me to model for; I wore it tied like a piece of origami, along with a tassel belt I had made in the souks of Fez, for long walks in sunny Venice while running errands; and layered with a trench coat over boots for the chillier London days: it saved me so many times that I actually have a children’s book idea inspired by the piece. I own the Madam T in black and red, while the white iteration I once found on eBay was lost in transit by an airline. I’m eyeing the gold version next. 

The post Packing for 8 Weeks and 2 Continents with Natasha Nyanin appeared first on Yolo Journal.

It seems like Lauren Ho, the travel director of Wallpaper*, practically lives on the road, bouncing from one far-flung corner of the globe to another. But she does, in fact, have an address in London, where she spends just enough time to swap out the contents of her suitcase between trips to Greenland or Uzbekistan. She shared her packing approach that’s equally glamorous and practical and some favorite pieces that pack flat, dress up or down, and never wrinkle.

Although I am technically based in London, I live most of the year bouncing around the world out of one suitcase. I try to plan ahead so that when I’m briefly home, I can pick up what I’ll need for my next trip, such as my winter wardrobe for a cold‑weather assignment or hiking gear for an outdoor trip. That said, I tend to chase summer, as warm destinations are easier to pack for and, if I’m honest, I dislike the cold. This year alone I’ve been in Australia, Fiji, Beijing, Bangkok, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Hong Kong, Dubai, Uzbekistan and New Zealand. My style is minimal and considered, built around a handful of reliable pieces that work together in different ways. 

What’s your go‑to luggage and why?

One of my pet hates is clamshell suitcases, as having to flip open a heavy side in a tight space –  especially at airport security or on a plane, is impractical. For this reason, my go-to is the Globe‑Trotter Safari Carry‑On, which has one deep compartment and a shallow lid that makes it easy to pack, quick to open, and doesn’t take over the whole bench or floor. I am also a fan of the brand’s timeless design that can fit in anywhere, whether it’s the Rosewood Hong Kong, Aman Tokyo or The Peninsula in Paris. 

For trips under ten days, I only travel with hand luggage as patience is not a strong point of mine, and I don’t like waiting at airport baggage belts. I’ve also had enough bags go missing over the years to know it’s not worth the risk for a short trip.

How do you approach the basics?

I choose fabrics that don’t crease and pack down to almost nothing. Pleats are a favourite as  they lie flat, spring back into shape, and work in almost any climate. They are also great for evening formalwear, as I often get invited to red carpet events. My Issey Miyake pieces travel everywhere with me, and the pleated L’IDÉE WOMAN dress I wore for the last 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony takes up less room than a T‑shirt. I also keep a rotation of linen blends that soften rather than wrinkle, and technical fabrics that look like natural fibres. Everything can be dressed up or down and most importantly don’t need to be ironed, because unfortunately this is a skill I also do not have the patience for. 

Are you a roller or a folder?

Both, depending on my mood. Everything goes into packing cubes, which I swear by. I rarely unpack as most of my trips involve moving every couple of nights, so cubes make it easy to keep things in order and get dressed without dismantling my suitcase.

What’s your shoe strategy?

One pair for each situation: gym trainers, evening flats or heels, and a daytime pair. In summer it’s my beloved Amanu Studio sandals, handcrafted by artisans in Kenya with a 14k gold‑plated toe loop; in winter, it’s my worn Blundstones that I have had for many years. I also try to wear the heaviest shoes I have on the plane.

How do you think about accessories?‘

I like to keep it simple and also have one for each situation: for my carry on, I have a battered safari tote that has seen better days (but has a lot of stories to tell), during the day I use an old COS cross body bag that’s convenient for keeping my phone at hand, and in the evening I have a Bottega clutch that was gifted to me by the Fashion Director at Wallpaper* during my early days when I worked on the fashion team.

Jewellery is the exception—I travel with all my diamonds and antique pieces from my grandmother, which is probably not the most practical decision, but they make me happy and it’s the one thing I never edit down. Now that this is out in the open, I will not be posting my room number on Instagram in real time!

Do you have a great travel hat?

My go‑to is a custom piece by BxmBxm (pronounced BamBam), made by my friend Dave Robledo in Sydney. Dave taught himself hat‑making by reworking a plain cowboy hat—burning it, distorting it, and then re‑stitching it—and turning it into something entirely new. Each one is crafted from rabbit‑fur felt and recycled materials, dyed, distressed and hand‑stitched in his Bondi studio, finished with his stitched “X” mark.

They’re wide‑brimmed and structured, so certainly not foldable or easy to travel with, but I love it and it’s worth the effort. Mine has been with me from the beaches of Fiji to the deserts of Saudi Arabia—it has a presence, and it always feels like part of the journey.

What’s always in your toiletry bag?

I’m actually not precious about skincare and unashamedly will slap anything on my face that works. The only musts are my own shampoo and conditioner—hotel bottles ruin my hair—factor 50 sunscreen and Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, which I use as eye cream! 

On a plane, what’s in your carry‑on?

Silicone earplugs, my Slip silk eye mask, eye drops, HydraLyte sachets, hand cream, my Kindle, laptop, AirPods, spectacles, sunglasses and passport (obviously). Everything has its own place, so I can reach it without digging.

Any wisdom on travelling with electronics?

One universal adaptor, one foldable travel wireless charger for my phone, watch and AirPods. In other words, as few cables as possible as the tangles stress me out. 

Do you have a travel uniform?

I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing, as I have secret ambitions to one day be as flamboyant and stylish as Iris Apfel was, but I tend to wear athleisure. Leggings, a soft tank, a cashmere hoodie, trainers and a cap. It’s comfortable, it layers well, and I can go straight from the plane to a meeting without changing. As a side note, I interviewed Iris many years ago and she intimidated the sh*t out of me. 

The post Packing with Lauren Ho appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Nobody moves through the world quite like international man of mystery Zach Weiss. Trying to keep up with his whereabouts will leave you dizzy—one day he’s cannonballing into the Hearst Castle pool, the next he’s watching snow polo in St Moritz, then dashing off to a party in Tokyo or Doha—and somehow always has the perfect outfit for whatever niche situation he’s in. If you’ve ever wondered how the hell does he pack for it all?—same. Luckily, we caught him in one place long enough to share his hacks for shipping things ahead, squeezing in one last swim (without soaking your suitcase), and avoiding cowboy faux pas at the airport.

What is your general approach to packing? How do you manage packing for multi-leg trips with different events and weather?

First things first: I do not subscribe to the “carry on only” lifestyle, and I’m never impressed by those who swear by it. They’re often preachy and a bit smug about it, too. Congratulations to you for saving 20 minutes at baggage claim!

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I usually tackle my packing by making a Word document or note in my phone with an itinerary of things I should dress for, including any particularly important dressing guidelines to keep in mind, often for a wedding, such as *BLACK TIE* or *WESTERN FORMAL* or *OUTDOOR DINNER, BRING LAYERS.* If the trip doesn’t have a set itinerary, I break it up by picking one daytime and one nighttime outfit for each day, and try to take note of where I might be able to repeat a jacket or a pair of jeans to save room.

When it comes to actually putting the items in the bag(s), I start by separating my most valuable or irreplaceable items, and putting those in my carry-on roller bag—vintage clothes, jewelry, shoes, black tie. If there’s room left over, I try to put in one pair of underwear, one undershirt, and one full outfit for the day I arrive, just in case I don’t feel like opening my large bag and unpacking everything.

When I have multiple stops or climates strung together, I try to pack far in advance and use one of two baggage shipping services called SendMyBag or Luggage Forward. I check the price of the route on each, and go with the cheaper option. It basically just entails printing 3 documents: a packing list for the interior of the bag, a label to tape to the front of the bag, and a final set of labels and customs forms zip-tied to the bag’s handle. If you’re feeling weird about sending it ahead, add an AirTag in to keep an eye on its journey.

What’s your go-to luggage?

For my carry-on I use a duffle bag from MAS Brothers. Full disclosure, the brand gifted it to me many years ago, and I loved the way it looked, but over time I came to realize it’s the largest possible bag I’ve come across that could be considered a “personal item.” It fits under the seat in front of me when I’m in an economy seat, and it fits well on top of my carry-on roller bag so I don’t have to lug it on my shoulder through the airport.

For the carry-on roller bag, I use an old Rimowa Salsa trolley bag, which I scored during a press trip with the brand to Oshkosh, Wisconsin (that’s a story for another time!), just before they were acquired by LVMH. It’s an almost-hard-shell case with a little bit of squishiness, so I find it’s the best of both worlds and fits a lot more than the average carry-on sized roller.

If I’m really trying to be fancy, and I know I might be traveling with a group or encountering some folks right when I get off the plane, I use one of my small leather Globetrotter trolley bags. The only caveat when using one of these is that you need to be very, very sure you won’t have to check the bag due to limited overhead bin space. They’re too precious to be tossed around, but if you’re into nicks and scuff, go for it.

For my checked baggage, I use one of two Rimowa trolleys, which can take a beating and still look good. They both have the basic single clasp, not the hinged double latch, of which I’ve heard mixed reviews.

If I know I’m going to shop and need room for new items, I like the Victorinox Spectra collection that can be zipped open and expanded, or if I have a lot of soft winter coats and accessories to bring with me, I have a beat-up rolling duffle that never fails me.

How do you approach the basics?

In addition to socks, underwear and undershirts, I have a few core things that I know I’ll wear on every trip: White jeans from RRL for no stretch but better fit, or Brooks Brothers for a little bit of stretch. Always white denim. Then navy trousers, a plain white button-down shirt, a striped button-down shirt, a navy turtleneck, and brown suede loafers. The brown loafers are either off the rack brown suede George Cleverley penny loafer with a small heel, or for no heel: the Emporio Sirenuse brown suede slipper. I also always try to remember to pack a black silk bowtie and bathing suit, just in case. I find that Thorsun and Frescobal Caraioca suits dry the quickest. Vilbrequin has fun patterns but they’re a bit slower to dry.

If I’m packing anything particularly bulky like a big overcoat or a chunky sweater, I try to make sure I’ll wear it at least twice to make it worth the space.

Are you a roller or a folder?

I fold, unless I am truly trying to cram everything in, and then I resort to rolling. It’s more efficient, but it’s an extra step I don’t always take. During a safari trip to Botswana last Thanksgiving I was limited to one duffle for 10 days. That required some creative rolling and repeating.

Any other packing tricks or hacks?

Bring a waterproof nylon swimsuit bag, or a few large plastic Ziploc bags, in case you go swimming the day you’re departing and don’t have time for your swimsuit to dry. One last swim is a great sendoff on a trip, and bringing one of these simple bags makes it that much easier to enjoy.

What’s your shoe strategy?

I lean heavily on one or two styles of brown loafers, and I go through my packing document to make sure they pair decently with each potential outfit. If I see an opportunity for a more fun and interesting pair of shoes, I follow the same “bulky item” rule and make sure I can wear them twice or more on the trip to rationalize the space and weight they’re taking up.

The one mistake I used to make, mostly due to my ego but also as an attempt to save space, was wearing my cowboy boots in the airport. I love when the airports in places like Texas and Colorado have a bootjack available for you to get them off, but most airports don’t offer it, and you end up looking like a fool trying to get your boots off. Not the most cowboy move.

Do you have a great travel hat?

I usually go for a baseball cap in the airport. I’ve amassed a couple hundred from hotel shops and dive bars and gift bags, and they’re always an easy accessory for the road that I don’t feel bad beating up. My hair’s also too unruly to get off the plane and greet someone, potentially a new acquaintance, without a hat on.

The one thing that always drives me crazy, and also in the cowboy category, is when I have to travel wearing a cowboy hat. It’s cumbersome and prohibits you from putting your head all the way back on your seat, so I try to avoid it at all costs by making room for it in my bag or shipping it ahead. If I don’t have any other choice, and need to wear the hat for the sake of space in my bag, I make sure I don’t wear sneakers. A man in a cowboy hat and sneakers just looks goofy.

How do you think about accessories?

My accessories are minimal, but I’m a big collector of sunglasses, so I bring one pair or more for each day I’m away so I can switch it up. I lay them all out in an effort to resemble Elton John’s sunglasses closet (Google it!), but my room usually just ends up looking like a Sunglass Hut. I have yet to find an elegant and efficient way to pack them though, so if you have any ideas please share them with me!

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?

The obvious things—toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant—none of which I’m precious about. After trying every boutique-y brand and venture-backed DTC “disruptor,” I’ve retreated back to the big box, Proctor & Gamble types.

If I splurge on a shipment of it, my friends Bari Baz and Saralynn Feinberg recommended two supplements you mix together in water, LivOn Laboratories Lypo-Spheric B Complex and Glutathione. They taste terrible, but they make you feel great, even if they’re a total placebo.

I just found these small pain relief patches in Tokyo called Nichiban Roihi Tsuboko; basically a cooler, smaller, international version of an Icy Hot patch.

I use the IS-Clinical Cleansing Complex, recommended to me after I saw the great facialist Cynthia Rivas.

I don’t always remember it, but I love when I have a bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser. It’s just fabric softener that saves you some ironing or steaming time. If I forget it, I just hang my clothes in the bathroom and run the shower as hot as possible with the door closed.

I bring a new Kaze face mask just in case I’m next to a sick person, and know I don’t have time to get sick when I get to where I’m going. I learned my lesson next to a sick kid on a flight last year who seemed to be parading his pneumonia around for everyone to enjoy.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry on bag always contain?

Eye mask, over-the-counter non-prescription sleep aid, glasses and contact lens stuff, chewing gum, two pairs of wireless headphones (one over-ear and one in-ear, you can swap them out when one dies on a long-haul flight), and one pair of corded headphones if you want to watch a movie on a cheap airline that won’t give you free headphones.

If I’m on an overnight flight, I bring a pair of thin sweatpants from Vuori that pack down to almost nothing. I put them on in the plane bathroom after we take off, and change back into my trousers before we land.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?  

I try to isolate all of my cords and converters into a small zipper bag inside my carry on. They always end up in a tangled mess, but I find it’s better to contain them than have them all over the interior of your duffle.

I’ve recently gotten hooked on the over-ear AirPod Max headphones, and if I’m traveling alone I put them on from the moment I get through airport security. They’re especially great to wear when boarding the plane to avoid anyone asking you which group number you are.

My laptop goes with me everywhere. I’m a bit of a boomer in that I bring it with me everywhere more so out of fear that I’ll need it to write something long form or to complete some task that can’t be done on my phone’s browser. I aspire to be an iPad person one day, but I’m not quite there yet. A boy can dream.

Do you have a travel uniform?

I wouldn’t say it’s a uniform, but I’ve found that I prefer some combination of…A lightweight piqué polo shirt, baseball cap, a chore coat with front pockets for easy access to my passport, wallet, and AirPods, a hooded sweatshirt over my shoulders to put on during a cold plane ride, with the hood for extra noise muffling. It can also be folded into a pillow. A pair of jeans with a bit of stretch in them or roomy trousers. I also never fly wearing shorts or wearing shoes without socks!

The post Packing with Zach Weiss appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Greek-born, London-based Maria Lemos is the creative force behind the Rainbowwave showroom and Mouki Mou stores, with outposts in London and Athens. Always on the move, she shares her emotionally driven approach to packing, the scents and staples that bring Greece with her wherever she goes, and the brand she always wears when traveling by boat.

What’s your go-to luggage and why?  

I am quite the chaotic packer as I am always on the move, mainly between London, Athens, and Patmos. I used to pack my favourite things and ignore all weather reports, but nowadays I have adopted a more minimalist approach and try to pack as little as possible. As I am constantly transporting things from one location to another, mainly household objects, I have little room left in my suitcase for personal belongings. I discovered PROTECA luggage on my last trip to Japan, on a recommendation from a very close friend, and I have to say I would recommend it to the whole world. Made in Japan, superlight and yet so robust, it’s a suitcase of dreams. I bought the trunk in black polycarbonate and it has changed my life.

How do you approach the basics?  

I always start with the shoes, and usually pack three or four options. Ballerinas in suede from Le Monde Beryl, trusted sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals—the Maria style is my perennial favorite, and a pair of heels, just in case. I always pack the most glamorous heels by Francesco Russo, but usually don’t end up wearing them. And I travel in trainers or Birkenstocks Arizonas, mostly their collaborations like the Pellicano raffia ones. Socks are important, so loads of socks from Maria La Rosa.  I believe in the luxury of little things so socks, underwear and sleepwear are what I pack first. Underwear from Eres, always packed in little nylon bags, and Tekla sleep kaftans or pyjamas. Sunglasses are essential, and my current favourites are from Kaneko in Tokyo. Then, of course, jewellery for all occasions. I always wear the set free diamonds by Raphaele Canot but pack a whole different edit when I travel as jewellery can change an outfit instantly and takes little space. These are my starting points. 

Around those I build the rest. I do a basic count of the days and loosely pack a relevant number of garments, knowing I will hand-wash if necessary. I pack on emotion, not logic, so I do not always get it right, but I do think about where I have to go and what I will wear at precise occasions, even though I might change my mind when I get there. In summer, Dosa is the essence of what I pack as it is so light, can be layered, and works beautifully in hot climates. In winter, Extreme Cashmere is my go-to, their weird dress is a longtime travel companion, as are  boots by Legres.

Are you a roller or a folder?

Definitely an obsessive folder.

Any other packing tricks or hacks?  

Daniela Gregis has become my life saviour for glamorous dressing. Her dresses roll into a ball, do not need ironing, and always look great, so I tend to pack a lot of her clothes when travelling as they never come back unworn. Her taffeta pieces are so versatile and can be worn day to night.

How do you think about accessories?

I always travel with one small Lutz Morris Parker bag in cognac, and then stuff everything  else around it into an LL Bean tote, which is my carry on. Jewellery is how I accessorize every look, and I have a beautiful Isaac Reina pouch that carries my most precious pieces everywhere. 

Do you have a great travel hat? 

My Mature Ha hat is foldable and always in my suitcase, but as I am a hat lover and have lost plenty in many parts of the world, I tend to keep most of my hats in Patmos where they live year round. I still manage to lose them on the island….

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?  

I love a good chemist, so I pack the essentials in a very old toiletry bag and always visit a pharmacy on arrival, as I find it is a great pleasure to discover a country via the array of products in a chemist! I have a lot of Naxos Apothecary small travel bottles in Koronos with me to remind me of Greece wherever I go, UKA nail oil in small rollers for nail nourishment on long flights, and To My Ships Polygonum Hand and Body Wash as I am addicted to the smell of the cleansing gel.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain? 

A good book is essential on a plane. It’s the only time I can focus enough to read. At the moment I am rereading Kavafy’s poems. Love reading poetry on holiday, and going back to the classics. 

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics? 

I am obsessive about my very old black nylon Sonia Rykiel cases for chargers/converters and everything has to fit in those, otherwise it does not come with me. My laptop is likewise in an old Isaac Reina leather case. Sometimes I think the cases matter more to me than what is inside them!

Do you have a travel uniform? 

As it gets chilly on the plane, I tend to favour Extreme Cashmere for air travel, especially their dresses. I switch between cotton cashmere for summer to heavier cashmere in winter. When I travel by boat, my favoured mode of travel, I ALWAYS wear dosa. I think it is a state of mind, which says: I am in Greece, it is summer, and all will be great.

The post Packing for Greece with Maria Lemos appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Mélanie  Masarin’s childhood summers in the South of France—where apéro hour is basically built into the circadian rhythm—inspired her spirited personal style (and spirit-free brand, Ghia). Though she now splits her time between New York, Paris and the road, with only a carry-on in tow, she always nails the French cool-girl style. She shared her “accessories are outfits” philosophy that can rework a dress for several wears, the mesh shoes that work from day-to-night, and her favorite terry-cloth summer travel uniform.

What’s your go-to luggage and why?  

Carry-on always! You can fit a lot inside with the right technique (and tote to sit atop). I have the Rimowa carry-on plus and it’s one of my best investments.

How do you approach the basics?  

Everything has to work together in multiple combinations—I think of it like building a little capsule wardrobe for each trip. I take my favorite of each category within a range of colors. I have these boat-neck t-shirts from Eterne I really love, and a few Flore Flore tshirts, and my beloved Tibi grey tshirt, which really goes with everything. I love pants that are light and easy to pack, recently I’ve been living in these Chan Luu and Maria McManus. Highsport Kick Flares are also so great, washable, and they work day to night!

Are you a roller or a folder?

Folder all the way!

Any other packing tricks or hacks?  

A skirt is a full outfit, it takes up so little room but can be its own moment. Similarly, a silk scarf can be a top, a belt, a pop of color on your basket, a headwrap. I buy vintage ones as I go through life and inherited a box of them from my grandmother, but recently I fell in love with these from Milan. Another tip: one hour at the gym isn’t enough to deserve a dedicated pair of shoes in a carry-on. 

I pack all the clothes tightly in the largest side of my carry-on, fill packing cubes on the other side with socks, underwear, jewelry, sunglasses, swimsuits, and put shoes in a big tote with my laptop on top.

What’s your shoe strategy?

This is where things get tricky. I love sandals and mesh shoes that are day to night (right now I really love these), one pair of more active shoes—city sneakers or Salomons—that must serve different functions, but aren’t workout shoes you’ll only use at the gym. One dedicated pair of heels if you must, in a neutral color (so, silver). I love these from Simon Miller right now but also these Maurgaux ones, which are a bit more functional. Honestly if you’re going to walk a lot, the Rothy’s mary jane are your very best friend.

How do you think about accessories?

If packing light, accessories are your outfits! But I don’t travel (or own really) anything I’d be heartbroken to lose. I love a pair of chunky/fancy earrings to dress up a little black dress, for instance. Right now I’m obsessing over necklaces from Laoli.

Do you have a great travel hat? 

I love my Toteme straw hat and I’ve also been wearing my Charli XCX Sweat Tour baseball hat nonstop.

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?  

Moisturizer always! I love the U Beauty mineral sunscreen for my face and usually buy a bigger bottle of body sunscreen wherever I am. I was recently gifted a TRASK toothbrush and that quickly became my go to for travel. I really love it!

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?

Compression tights, my laptop and Kindle, an eye mask, a foldable Uniqlo down jacket (I’m always cold on planes), Dr Stolberg Rest + Digest tea, and sanitizing wipes. I force myself to work through flights so I can have more time to enjoy wherever I’m headed.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?  

Charge everything and download all your work ahead of time! Plane outlets are so unreliable. As a backup this Anker charger is light, has an integrated USBc and it fits even in my favorite clutches. 

Do you have a travel uniform? 

My go-to is a Suzie Kondi terry cloth set, impossibly comfortable and comes in beautiful colors so I never feel embarrassed showing up disheveled and can head somewhere straight from the airport. The Ayr High Hopes pants are also incredible: soft and comfortable but look put-together. The biggest game changer is that I started properly blow-drying my hair before flights a couple years ago so I don’t have to think about it for days after landing.

The post Packing with Ghia’s Mélanie Masarin appeared first on Yolo Journal.

The founder of Sentier—a family-run Italian shoe company that makes the coolest Friulane slippers and hiking boots—spends time on Pantelleria each summer with friends, arriving with minimal baggage: no makeup, no electronics, just a refreshing edit of time-worn pareos, a straw bag from a Formentera grocery store, and Levi’s cutoffs. Her carefree-yet-considered packing ethos is exactly the energy we’re striving for this summer.

What’s your go-to luggage and why? 

For the past several years, I’ve spent a week or two in July with friends in Pantelleria. Whether I’m staying in Pantelleria for one or two weeks, the size of my luggage is the same, just a little more packed. I started using the Eastpak soft trolley cabin bag, which is the perfect size for me for the summer, along with my no-brand straw shoulder bag, which I always buy at the grocery store in Formentera—very “payesa” style (but that is another story)!

I try my best to not check luggage most of the time, but if I take sunscreen, shampoo, and after-sun products, I have to check it in.

How do you approach the basics?

I follow a palette of two main colors that change every summer—never too bright, but basic and chic. This year’s colors are blue and chocolate, plus denim and white are always in my luggage, since they go with everything. 

For bottoms, I always pack a lightweight printed silk wrap skirt that’s old DKNY, a striped linen one from Soeur, and cotton poplin pants in khaki from Labo.Art. They all match with every top.

I bring two different colors of the pareo from Once Milano, which I use during the day to walk to the pool and in the evening as a shawl—their colors are just wonderful. I love wearing poplin men’s shirts (like this one from Crimson Cashmere) over a bathing suit with denim shorts during the day to go out on the boat, or with light jeans in the evening. My denim shorts are cut from an old pair of Levi’s 501s, and are also great for long inland walks. I pack two or three kaftans, my favorites are the striped ones from P.Lemoult and the printed earthy-tone ones from Tulsi Shop. I always get the same “Tibetan” style from Tulsi, which are comfy, chic and have pockets!

And I never travel without my favorite pajamas from La Veste La Veste or Tulsi Shop. They’re perfect for breakfast in the garden or paired with a men’s shirt to go into town in Pantelleria to shop. Plus several bathing suits, usually a mix of one and two pieces that are all from Lido Lido.

Are you a roller or a folder?

Mostly a roller but I fold too, depending on the item.

What’s your shoe strategy? 

It goes without saying that the shoes travelling with me are my Sentier Italia Friulana Principe in velvet. I take two or three colors because they’re easy to pack, go with everything, and work from day to night. I also pack my favorite Picon sandals from K.Jacques.

How do you think about accessories?

Besides my Sentier Italia silver and bone horn, I pack my Navajo silver and turquoise bracelet, coral necklaces, bead and shell necklaces from Four Beadden, and a mix of gold necklaces I always wear. And I’m never without my mini straw bag from Formentera. 

Do you have a great travel hat? 

Yes, an old faded Gucci straw hat that I can fold and put inside my straw bag always travels with me to any Mediterranean island.

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit? 

Pantelleria is freeing and no make up is required. I don’t wear much makeup anyway, and if we go out to dinner, I just use a natural Chanel gloss lipstick.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain? 

Day and Night cream from Comfort Zone, as well as their after sun too. My hair products are very natural from Cultum.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics? 

I don’t bring any electronics, besides my iPhone.

Do you have a travel uniform?

Denim or white jeans that are loose and comfortable, never tight, from Frame or Roy Rogers. A striped t-shirt from Cos or a denim shirt from Ralph Lauren, with a denim jacket from Ines de la Fressange. A pareo/shawl is always in my bag for AC in the airport/plane. For shoes I usually wear New Balance sneakers, which work on the mountainous part of the island.

The post Packing for Pantelleria with Roberta Segantin appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Pippa Small has spent the past 30 years traveling all over the world, working with artisans in areas of conflict to help generate secure livelihoods through jewelry design. On the road for half the year, she has her routine down pat—even if she’s still a self-proclaimed over-packer. No matter where work takes her, Pippa is never without her jewelry stack or signature blue wardrobe. She shared the versatile pieces she reaches for on every trip, and how she manages traveling with the bags of samples she brings along.

What’s your go-to luggage and why?  
First, I need to confess that I am an over-packer. I have traveled my whole life, and for the past few decades, I’ve spent at least half the year traveling—everywhere from Afghanistan to the Andes, the jungles of Colombia and Borneo, the deserts of Rajasthan and the Kalahari—working with communities of artisans making jewelry. I love my life and my travels, but I never know what will happen: an unexpected party or wedding invitation (in India, there is no competing with the splendor of saris, but you have to try),  a sudden temperature drop, or a cosmetic spill in the suitcase that results in mass oil stains. So I over-pack. I hate it, but I’ve grown to accept it.

With that confession made, let me tell you about the wonderful world of Lipault Luggage. It’s strong, the wheels roll well, the colors are delightful (very important after a bleary 12-hour flight when you’re trying to spot your bag at the carousel), but best of all, it’s stuffable. As I dash about my home at 3 a.m. grabbing books, shawls, and an extra pair of jeans, they somehow all fit into an already full case. Because they are soft-sided—not hard shells which demand organization and restraint—they somehow expand endlessly.

How do you approach the basics?  
I am a narrow-palette packer. I wash, iron, and carefully fold all my outfits in shades of blue. It works so well—every shade goes together. With a denim skirt, pair of essential jeans, and a blue shawl, I realize that I feel very safe in blue. It works everywhere—from deep indigos by Japanese label Arts & Science, to blue linen from Dosa (an LA-based brand), lightweight mulmul cotton by Indian brand Injiri, and soft cotton from the Italian brand Daniela Gregis.

Are you a roller or a folder?
A folder.

Any other packing tricks or hacks?  
Since many of the places I work require modesty and are often very hot, I’ve found the kaftan to be a brilliantly versatile piece. It’s modest, and easily goes from day to night with swapping sandals for heels. It can be slim-fit or loose, and it feels both feminine and respectful. Some of my favorite kaftan designers are Pero, Injiri, Dosa, Thierry Colson, Bokja, Eka, and Two New York. 

How do you think about jewelry and accessories?
I make, design, and love jewelry—it’s a huge part of my life. I always wear a mine’s worth and carry additional pieces for the artisans I work with, to reference textures, shapes, and forms. This inevitably leads to my hand luggage being searched, but I could not travel without my lucky charms and protective amulets, the jewelry I always wear, and the samples that help explain my designs. My clothes are often plain, so the jewelry dominates and makes the statement.

Any tips for packing jewelry or keeping it organized on the go?
I keep my pieces in small bags, and I’m very careful and conscious of keeping them protected and in order—placing small bags inside larger bags, always in my hand luggage, and always with me at all times.

What’s your shoe strategy?
Luckily for me, I’m not really a shoe person (having very large feet!). Sandals: Birkenstocks for comfort, Ancient Greek sandals for night, and trainers for riding horses with chaps and walking. The Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle in cognac is a favorite—perfect for slipping on and off when entering workshops, homes, or temples. The Ancient Greek Thalia sandals are beautifully simple and elegant—you can’t go wrong. I also love the Daphnae in Natural—the perfect neutral footwear.

Do you have a great travel hat?
I have such thick, curly, unruly hair that a hat has never really worked. I’ve only recently taken to wearing sunglasses—when I can remember.

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?  
In India, there’s a great Vedic skincare line called Kama—I love their rose-scented body cream, Himalayan cedar shampoo, and jasmine conditioner. They all smell wonderful and suit the climate. I bring Augustinus Bader face cream, as it really does work well. I always buy pharmacy products wherever I go.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?
Jewelry, at least three or four books (two novels and two books on the politics/religion/culture of the country I’m traveling to), a bag with a small Augustinus Bader face cream, thieves’ oil, lavender and mint oil for the flight.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?  
No headphones ever—I don’t like to be cut off. I carry an iPad full of reference photos for work, and world chargers always live in my carry-on. I also keep a dedicated wallet with currency for each country I work in, so I just grab the one I need.

Do you have a travel uniform?  
Loose, wide-leg jeans, trainers or sandals, and layers of cotton and wool. For jeans, I love the Odette and Audrey jeans from E.L.V. DENIM, whose recycling of denim is an inspiring business model for sustainability. I also love the RE/DONE High Rise Wide Leg Crop, which again explores the idea of taking the old and making it new again. I always pack PÉRO for when I want to feel instantly put together—their pieces feature beautiful details like hand-dyed fabrics, intricate embroidery, and artful patterns. And I always have one of my Andraab cashmere shawls—for wrapping up, warming up, and disappearing into on the flight. 

The post Packing for Jaipur with Pippa Small appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Also! Alexa shared a special link so YOLO readers can get half off a paid subscription to The Perfect for a year: https://theperfect.substack.com/79d1aaa8

What’s your go-to luggage and why?

I bought myself the classic aluminum Rimowa Check-In when I moved back to NYC from London in 2015. It was a big investment, but ten years on, it’s probably one of the best I’ve made. Initially, I hated the sensitive three-buckle closure (it requires packing meticulously with little margin for error) and wished I had bought the cheaper zipper version, but this suitcase has made me a better packer. You can’t throw in the last-minute stuff you never end up wearing anyway. It was great for the long-haul trips I used to take for work to Europe, but nowadays I mostly use it as a suitcase for my three little girls who also love riding on top of it in the airport. 

For weeks-long sojourns, there is nothing better than the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 100L. Both of my partners in The Perfect swear by this bag, as does my mother, and if you break anything Patagonia will replace it for free.

For weekend trips, I love my old-school Mulberry men’s Heritage Medium Clipper duffle. It reminds me of a simpler time before ugly wheelie bags and just looks so pretty on your shoulder or in your room. They now make it out of a cool pebbled leather alternative, which is hardwearing and basically waterproof. 

When I travel with the kids, my go-to carry-on is an XL Land’s End Zip Top canvas tote. When I’m alone, I’ll do The Perfect’s vintage LL Bean tote, but with kids, Land’s End’s extra inside pockets are essential to staying organized. It also serves as my day bag once I get to where I’m going, and I’ll always include Oso & Me’s genius roll-up colored pencil case, a sketch pad and bag of mini Disney figurines (right now they’re really into this Moana set) to keep the girls occupied for long lunches and dinners. 

Just before spring break, I got the girls each carry-on suitcases that double as scooters from Roll Rider. They come with little neoprene cases for their tablets and headphones, room for coloring books and toys, the wheels light up and you can order these cute stick-on patches that decorate the outside. In the airport, the girls zoomed to the gate giggling the whole way. When you travel with three kids, you quickly realize there are not enough hands to carry bags (and crying children) between two adults, so these were a big help.

How do you approach the basics?  

Since I had my third three years ago, I’ve started keeping it ultra simple when packing for myself, because the process for the kids requires so much pre-planning. My warm-weather wardrobe is probably 70% white, so I almost exclusively pack white separates and dresses when I’m going somewhere tropical or in the summer. Right now, I’m packing Veronica Beard’s Dylan jean, Attersee’s Relaxed Pants, Dôen’s Sebastiane skirt, and an airy dress for dinners and another for daytime, a few white tees and tanks and one of The Perfect’s vintage men’s Brooks Brother’s Oxford Cloth button-downs (they’re very chic beach cover-ups). Then I’ll add in light-weight accessories like silk scarves, sunglasses and jewelry, which take up not much space but can transform an outfit just like that. Also: a wise world traveler friend of mine told me once that she never packs pajamas and instead wears a hotel robe to bed. I’ll try that someday.

Are you a roller or a folder?

I’m a roller—it’s more fun and you can see what you’ve packed better that way.

Any other packing tricks or hacks?  

I use a mix of large Paravel packing cubes and silk pouches from Leontine Linens that I got for myself as a gift long ago (you can have your monogram put on them, they’re so beautiful). I organize each cube by category: pants, shirts, sweaters, underwear, silk scarves and accessories and just mix and match rather than planning specific outfits—with all white you don’t really have to, everything goes together! 

I take a completely different approach to packing for my girls than I do for myself. This might sound crazy, but I swear it’s a life-changer once you get to where you’re going. I use extra-large plastic baggies from Compostic to pack complete outfits (undies and socks included) for everyday for each child. It has been a total game changer for me when traveling because there is no need to unpack anything, I just throw them in a drawer or keep them in my suitcase and the girls can just grab them and get dressed in the morning without me. And you can see everything that’s inside. I realize this is a totally excessive use of plastic bags (though they are compostable), so I always make sure to reuse them which means bringing them home and leaving them in an empty suitcase for our next adventure. 

What’s your shoe strategy? 

I try to pack shoes that are not event specific. I love my pink-on-pink Vibi Venezia slippers because they weigh almost nothing and can dress-up or walk around all day. Last summer, I got a metallic turquoise pair of huaraches from Espiritu that I like for the same reason. I’ve stopped packing heels entirely, they’re just too bulky. Instead, I’ll bring my K. Jacques Abako’s in silver that work as well with a dress as they do a bathing suit. 

How do you think about accessories?

I go long on jewelry and silk scarves (Dries Van Noten or Hermès) in the summer because they take up no space, look so great with all white, and can transform a daytime look instantly into a dinner one. A long pendant necklace is always with me. Right now, I’m wearing two diamond-by-the-yard-style Dorsey chains I’ve linked together with a gold-rimmed vintage French rose quartz heart. Hoops are also essential: my Ted Muehling’s with chrysoprase clusters are my all-time favorite, which you can wear to almost anything.

Do you have a great travel hat? 

I have yet to find an acceptable collapsible sun hat, so I always just pack one of our baseball hats.

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?  

I fill travel bottles with Rōz shampoo and conditioner, which I started using earlier this year and now can’t live without; a mini Tangle Teezer brush (the only one my girls will use); my RMS Uncoverup and mascara, and a fun lipstick that will juice up a look. Right now, I’m into this ‘80s Chanel frosty pink that Tilda Swinton wore at the Golden Globes. I also always bring Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om sticks which are sleep magic, and individual sandwich baggies filled with Sambucul Elderberry gummies (which the whole family takes), Trace Electrolyte Gummies and my Welleco Super Elixir powder, which I shake up with some water and ice each morning. It makes me feel like I can be bad for the rest of the day and eat and drink to my heart’s content. 

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain? 

For my wallet, phone and passport, I always use a beautiful little leather zipper pouch that Métier founder Melissa Morris made for me with my initials hand-painted on it. Lightly tinted sunglasses that I can wear inside are also a must. I love feeling incognito when I travel, and they cover-up a multitude of sins including post red-eye dark circles. Right now, I’m wearing aviators from Vehla. I have an old Pierre Deux pouch that I’ll stuff with my Weleda Skin Food cream, Rosebud Salve, Briotech—a sanitizing spray that’s pure hypochlorous acid and doesn’t strip your skin of all the good stuff like Purell does (and is nontoxic which is great for my middle child, who is a thumb-sucker! You can even spray it in your mouth!)—and a few packets of Yogi Tea, which I love having on the plane when they come around with the coffee and tea cart. There’s also always an outfit change for my three-year-old, who loves spilling drinks on herself mid-flight. And because I’m always cold, I’ll bring an emergency Uniqlo Pufftech bolero (one of my all-time favorite travel pieces) that packs into a softball-sized baggie that can be used by a kid as a pillow in a pinch, too.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics? 

If I need to edit or write, I’ll bring an iPad with an attachable keyboard, which is much lighter than my crazy heavy laptop. 

Do you have a travel uniform?  

I’ve been wearing some sort of oversized denim shirt for so long that it’s kind of a superstitious thing at this point. I’ll also usually bring my linen blazer from Guiliva Heritage, which comes in handy for evenings or fancy lunches. I also always make sure I am wearing a necklace my mother gave me that’s engraved with all my children’s star signs, and a Saint Christopher medal my husband got for me when we were in our twenties. A newer discovery is the Ribbed Kick Flare pants from Donni, which are amazing for the plane ride there and back (but also with a kaftan for dinner!) They’re thin, flattering, as comfortable as wearing pajama pants, and even work for a yoga class or a hike. Most brilliantly, you can wash them in the sink of your hotel room and they’ll dry overnight! 

The post Packing with Alexa Brazilian  appeared first on Yolo Journal.

The brand director of Scottish menswear label Kestin has Paris Fashion Week down to a science. Between showroom meetings, dinners, parties and repping the brand, Gemma Hare packs outfits that work for days that start before breakfast and stretch past midnight. She shares the pieces that work double duty, her favorite packing cubes, and the shoes that get her through the week.

What’s your go-to luggage and why? 
For Fashion Week in January, I used my large North Face Base Camp roller. I’m a soft-sided fan because I think they last longer than hard cases, especially if you travel a lot and your bag gets bashed around. Plus, you can always squeeze in that little bit more if needed. My carry-on is always my trusty Porter Yoshida Force 2 Way Tote Bag in navy. It has lots of pockets to keep things organised and is big enough to comfortably fit my laptop and other essentials.

How do you approach the basics?
Organisation is key for fashion week—I need to rep our brand, and also ensure that my husband, Kestin (the founder and creative director of his eponymous brand), and I don’t end up wearing the same looks. And yes, it has happened! So we both plan and lay out our outfits at home or in the studio to check we aren’t accidentally twinning. Once the outfits are planned, that’s it—they’re set in stone and I don’t have to think about it again.

Everything has to be multi-functional—worn during the day at shows, then straight to dinners and parties in the evening. And everything has to travel well: Paris hotel rooms are tiny, and I hate ironing, so wrinkle-resistant fabrics are my friend. Colour is super important to our brand, and I always prefer tonal looks, playing with texture and cut. I pack one look for each day and make sure I have layers, since it’s cold in Paris. The showroom starts off cool in the morning and heats up as the day goes on, so I like insulated jackets (our Cuillin Jacket is super warm and light), and casual suiting, shirting and knits for the shows.

This season, I mostly wore SS25 with some knits and outerwear from AW24. When I travel for fashion week, I mostly wear Kestin, as we’re there to sell the brand. When I do mix in other brands, it is usually staples from Studio Nicholson or A Golde—like denim, tees, and fitted tops. One look I wore was our Ormiston jacket in navy floral jacquard over Studio Nicholson jeans with an Agolde tee underneath. I also packed a casual suiting combo in our 37.5 fabric: the Clyde Pant and Armadale Coach Jacket in navy. The 37.5 fabric has a soft, technical handle and looks smart but casual. I styled it with a tee, knit or a textured shirt underneath to mix up the fabrics and create some surface interest. I wore tonal trainers—function is key, since days are long and I was out of the hotel by 8.30am and not back until post dinner or even midnight.

Are you a roller or a folder?
I’m a folder, and packing cubes have made travelling so much easier for me. I’m a massive fan of categorisation—it keeps things nice and neat in my bag. 

Any other packing tricks or hacks?
I packed our KESTIN 37.5 casual suiting options—made from a cloth woven with sustainable temperature-regulating properties. It keeps you cool when it’s hot, and warm when it’s cold. Plus, It’s super light, packable and wrinkle resistant. Another tip: take a spare large packing cube for laundry, and one for gym clothes.

What’s your shoe strategy?
For me, fashion week is all about trainers and comfort, so I packed three pairs and rotated them. I like playing with texture and colour, so I took my Asics x Earls that play with suede and natural mesh overlays. My new favourite are my Salomon Snow Clogs that are so easy to slip on and off. And I like to have a pop of colour when it comes to trainers, these Amethyst New Balance in hairy suede are such a great colour. 

How do you think about accessories?
Most of my accessories are from our Made in Scotland range. I packed three colours of our double-brushed Balloch Beanie, and a couple Alva Bandanas, which can be worn multiple ways. I always bring two pairs of glasses (in case I lose one), and a pair of sunglasses. Prism makes the best sunglasses—the Sydney in Zebra Horn are my favourite. 

Do you have a great travel hat or go-to accessory?
I love my Atelier EB Cap, which my sister-in-law gave to me. I’m a big fan of what the designer Beca’s doing—she’s a brilliant Scottish artist. 

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?
I love skincare—I’m a real consumer and love finding out about new brands and innovations. I’ve been massively into Living Libations for about two years now and swear by their Seabuckthorn Oil Cleanser and Rose Cream. Medik8 Crystal Retinol has changed my skin—I use it every night. For under my eyes and on my lips, the Surya Collagen Cream is super rich and nourishing.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?
Caudelie Beauty Elixir to ensure my skin is hydrated, the Sisley Photo Lip Balm in Crush for a super hydrating and amazing natural tint. Plus my glasses, a notebook and pen, a book, my phone, headphones and laptop. 

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?
I always pack a multi-country adaptor for plugs and a portable phone charger. It keeps my cortisol levels down.

Do you have a travel uniform?
I hate being cold on flights, so I always travel with an insulated jacket—our Cuillin jacket is lightweight, warm, and breathable. I wear that with a soft wash denim button down, trousers, a cardigan, and socks for warmth and comfort, but the look is still polished enough to go straight to the showroom to meet with the team.

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Sarah Harrelson, the founder and editor of CULTURED Magazine, is constantly traveling for art fairs, events, award shows, basically all the key cultural moments—somehow always with just a carry-on in tow. She shares the basics that work for day-to-night and her “don’t overthink it” mindset for traveling light. 

What’s your go-to luggage and why? 

I don’t have time to lose a checked bag, so I exclusively carry-on. I use either my Rimowa or my AWAY carry-on suitcase. More often than not, I am going straight from the airport to a meeting, so I bring my extra-large Cultured canvas tote to hold everything I need for touch-ups and quick changes.

How do you approach the basics? 

The efficiency of my trip hinges entirely on the basics I’ve brought with me, so this is a great question. I try not to overthink it. I’ll bring a few pairs of Alaia jeans, a pair or two of black and gray Prada pants, and a long skirt. For tops, I’ll bring a few plain black and white tees, and two crisp white button downs (my favorites right now are The Row and Dries van Noten). I’ll also throw in a jacket and some sweaters from HighSport and Another Tomorrow. I bring about two pairs of socks and unmentionables per day and then I’ll throw in a few extra pairs just to be safe.

Are you a roller or a folder?

It depends. I would say I roll when I can, but I’m mostly a folder.

Any other packing tricks or hacks? 

I find that I can easily make a look evening-appropriate by throwing on a sexy heel and smudging some Victoria Beckham black eyeliner on my eyes. It’s chic and simple.  

What’s your shoe strategy?

Almost all my shoes are from either Manolo Blahnik or The Row, and when I’m traveling, I keep it simple. I’ll bring the most comfortable heel I can find, a pair of sneakers, and a loafer. Anything more would be excessive.

How do you think about accessories?

I don’t like having to take things off and on while I’m on a work trip, so I keep it super simple and just wear my everyday jewelry. I do need belts though, and a lot of them. Belts really pull together a look for me.

 Do you have a great travel hat?

Yes, this baseball hat!

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?

Biologique Recherche and Augustinus Bader are my go-tos for skincare, plus Dior lip oil, a Mason Pearson hairbrush, Chanel make up, and Arrae sleep supplements.  

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?

Hand sanitizer, an eye mask, Caddis glasses, and a fully charged computer.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?

I bring everything and it is bulky, so I am in need of wisdom, I’m not in the place to be giving it!

Do you have a travel uniform? 

Yes, and unfortunately it’s anything all black and comfortable, like a Max Mara sweater and loose fitting Levi’s. Sometimes, I have to prioritize comfort on these long flights.

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