Huffington Travel Style: What’s In Our Bag

                                          

It’s been a busy couple months chez Huff Harrington with plenty of work-related (and some not work-related) trips here, there and everywhere. Paris has been on the agenda several times which is always a huge treat for us. (Does that count as work?) Plus, we’re starting to think about our fun little trips to Provence which will be here before we know it.

There’s always a little bit of pressure to look presentable when you’re traveling. And if you’re traveling between seasons, it can be a real challenge (70 degrees and sunny in Provence, snowing in Paris…) Here at the store, we’ve always got our eyes open for travel products that are functional, practical and good looking.

We’ve gotten to the point where the packing part is the least stressful part of the trip. We’ve got plenty of tricks of the trade up our sleeve and they come in handy every time. No matter where the destination, we’ve found we’re in good shape if we stick to these rules:

Pack Lightly: Seriously. Plan ahead, limit your options and save room for all the treasures you’ll be bringing home. You’ll be thankful you did.

Color-Coordinate: you’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true: you can’t go wrong with black, black and black. Throw in some gray, white or beige and a colorful little accessory or two and you’re all set.

                                       The travel uniform for our next flight to Paris in April.

 

                                                       

                                     This is a perfectly chic travel outfit. From Glitter Guide.

 

Layer it On: one of us has it down to a carry-on for an entire week and the other is (ahem) not quite there yet. In any case, we both think in layers: tank tops to go under lightweight tees/tops to go under blazers, sweaters and heavier pieces. We also love boyfriend-cut jeans and black leggings or skinny black pants. For the summer, white jeans and cool sundresses or maxi-dresses are perfect and pack small.

                                                              

                                    We can’t live without leggings. These are from Spanx.

                                    

This is a great piece for layering. We’re crazy about them and never leave home without them.

                                                          Huff Harrington Home $295.00

 

                                              

                                  Another must-have: the raincoat. This one is by Burberry.

 

 

On the Feet: here’s the rule: easy-on and easy-off! Who wants to spend any more time than they have to in the security line waiting for laces to be tied, straps to be strapped or multiple sets of zippers to be zipped. We love ballet flats because they’re cute and easy. In the winter, we opt for low-heeled boots that slip on and off.

                                                  

            Gorgeous slip-on leather ballets flats (that come with their own cute little travel bag.)

                                            Bagllerinas from Huff Harrington $175.00

 

And, speaking of security, we always make sure we’re free of anything that might set off an alarm. That goes for jingly jewels or heavy-metal belts. Stash all those in your carry-on and adorn yourself once you clear security.

What we never leave home without: scarves, scarves and scarves! Right now we’re favoring these gorgeous and gossamer-like cashmere pieces in Springy colors. They keep you warm on the flight and add a little pop of chic-ness when you land.

                                        
 We adore these colorful, lightweight and warm cashmere scarves. Tip: never leavehome without the cashmere. Huff Harrington Home $148.00

 

 

If you really like to bundle up on the plane, try an oversize wrap. We love foutas, which are based on Turkish hammam towels. We carry them at the store and can’t keep them in stock.

                              

             These oversized foutas are perfect for wrapping up in on the plane – and on the ground.

                                                        Huff Harrington Home $42.00

 

 

And don’t forget socks: not glamorous but who doesn’t get cranky when their feet are cold? We stash them in our carry-on in case our tootsies freeze on the flight.

Jewelry and Accessories: ladies, leave the heavy artillery at home and travel with a few non-precious fashion pieces that add pizazz. Stick to wraps, shawls and scarves to make your fashion statement or plan on picking up a bauble or two on your trip.

The Carry-on Bag: it boils down to personal preference, but we like ours big and roomy. We usually have a laptop for staying in touch with the store and gallery as well as an iPad for downtime. Keep all your cords,chargers and adapters in one place (gallon-size baggies work great) And Ann’s tip: always pack a little overnight emergency kit if you get stranded without your suitcase.

 

We love big, roomy bags that double as carry-ons. This one is from Hobo, one of our favorite brands.

 

 

(Speaking of baggies, try them for corralling all your liquids inside your suitcase. That way if the shampoo bottle explodes, it’s an easy-clean up. Meg also packs a handful of extra baggies in her suitcase.)

Planning on Shopping? If yes, please repeat after us: pack light. That way you’ll have room for a fold-able bag that you can use to carry your loot home.
Keep your eyes peeled for the part deux of Huffington Travel Style when we share our secrets for looking chic once we arrive.

In the meantime, bon voyage…

Ta ta.