Friends! I’m back from holiday in Jamaica and ready to take on the rest of fashion month, hitting the road for Milan and Paris on Monday night. As such, this week’s newsletter is going to tackle all things traveling. I’ve got a few updates to share about a new favorite carry-on bag, a steamer my good friend swears by, plus what else I’m packing to make this time on the road feel more like home.
Before we get into it, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our new beauty-focused issue, which launched on Wednesday. Hannah Baxter, Marie Claire’s beauty director, discusses the future of fillers (are they indeed dead?), Fiorella Valdesolo examines the return of CBD, and Jazmine Hughes sits down for pedicures with Tinashe to discuss what comes after a year of record fame. Check it out and let us know what you think. This is just the beginning when it comes to a big year for all things beauty at Marie Claire! Now, on to the task at hand.
My Suitcase Stack
Packing for five days in Jamaica with just a roller bag and duffle was surprisingly easy (and a test run for my carry-on strategy for Europe).
I went with the Dagne Dover Landon neoprene carry-all (extra-large) and was blown away. It’s so light, the straps are long enough to sling over my shoulder but not so long that the bag hits weirdly against my hip, and it holds so much: two extra outfits, a beach bag, a purse, toiletries etc. I’ll definitely use this for fashion month travel.
My roller-bag carry-on was my Rimowa that I’ve had for five years now. After a tune-up courtesy of the brand’s lifetime warranty, it’s running as good as new.
As for checked bags, I plan on using this Tumi rolling trunk and a large Away suitcase. A word of advice: Checked bags are where I would consider spending to the best of your financial ability. If you’ve ever seen those social media videos where suitcases are being tossed onto conveyor belts like ragdolls, you know what I’m getting at. Well-made ones can be expensive, yes, but can also last for years and years.
My Carry-On Kit
So what else am I packing? These are the items that are always in my carry-on kit for long-haul flights: a mix of wellness items, my favorite moisturizer, and of course, some good books.
Wardrobe MVPs for the Flight (and Beyond)
Last fashion month season, I traveled in my beloved Nili Lotan Shon jeans, a cashmere crewneck sweater, and a cropped leather jacket. I wasn’t as warm as I would have liked on the flight, though, so I’ll swap out the sweater for a hoodie and the leather jacket for a longer, heavier coat option. I also plan on packing pieces that can layer easily and won’t take up a lot of room in my checked luggage.
TSA-Friendly Wellness Staples
Hotel essentials to make 15+ days on the road feel like home: wellness, body, and skincare products (hotel lotion is simply not it), cozy loungewear, and my own slippers. Oh, and my personal steamer. Because there’s nothing worse than waiting 30 minutes for housekeeping to bring you an iron when you’ve overslept and have to be at your morning show ASAP.
Anatomy of an Outfit
This week’s is a special, beach-themed AOAO since I spent most of my time on a beach. (Have I mentioned that enough? 😉) I brought a lot of swim options but my favorites were from Left on Friday and new-to-me Faifthfull the Brand. These lightweight coverups doubled as going-out tops. And though I packed six pairs of shoes (I told you that Rimowa suitcase could hold a lot!), I really only wore two styles.
Reading List
First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.
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4 Easy Spring Outfits That Always Get ComplimentsSteal these streamlined looks for your own warm-weather wardrobe.
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4 Essentials That Are the Backbone of My Spring WardrobeFrom cropped coats to durable boots.
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3 Fashion Month Packing Hacks You'll Want to Save ImmediatelyThese strategies will simplify your vacation wardrobe.
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4 No-Brainer Outfit Formulas That Never Go Out of StylePrepare to wear these looks on repeat.
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5 Fashion Week Outfits I’d Wear All YearStreamlined uniforms that get the job done.
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4 European-Chic Street Style Trends I’m Trying ImmediatelyThese styles deserve a spot in your wardrobe, too.
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3 Fashion Week Styling Hacks Anyone Can WearThese tips and tricks can make a major difference.
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3 Rising Trends That Will Still Work Past Their Expiration DateYou'll wear these viral styles on repeat.
