I would very much like for you to believe that I embark from long plane rides looking something like a tasteful, vintage version of Our Lady of Controversial Couture, Mrs. Beckham:

(Credit: FabSugar)
Prude that I am, I would have added pants to this outfit, but - that trench! That bag!
Sadly, my un-Pretty, coach-class travel reality runs more along the lines of practical comfort. Unlike Posh here, I intentionally keep the clothes, the jewels, and the accessories low-profile while traveling. I'm definitely not one of those who thinks she is in harm's way once she leaves the good ol' USA, but it just seems sensible to leave the expensive goodies I can't bear to lose back home. Yes, on overseas flights, I dress myself for . . . comfort and warmth.
I know how you kids love the Polyvore sets, so without further ado, here are my in-flight basics - clockwise from the top left:
- "Bose Noise-Cancellling Headphones": (as stolen from the Anonymous Husband)
- "White + Warren Cashmere Wrap": this is the schmancy version of the pashminas I bring along for my perpetually cold self. Classes up the casual airport outfit all while keeping me warm & doubles as a more formal wrap while out & about.
- "Michael Stars 3/4 Sleeve Shine Shirt": just warm enough, but no wrinkling.
- "Merrell Arabesque Shoes": You don't want to be that girl holding up the dreaded security line, do you? These slide off & on easily. They're also insanely comfy while avoiding that whole white Reebok US tourist look.
- "Citizen Kelly Jeans": my go-to jeans
- "Smythson Travel Wallet": If I have a few vodka sodas en route & squint, my trusty old Coach travel wallet begins to resemble this beauty.
What I'm missing is a carry-on travel tote. Yes, yes - I just bought myself a bag (psst - edited the last post to show you which one), but a travel tote serves an entirely different purpose: it must be able to withstand frisky rounds of "Seven Minutes in Heaven"* with the TSA agents or the occasional spilled drink, and it must hold approximately 500 books and 500 more trashy magazines. My collegiate Vera Bradleys are no longer getting the job done, so I've traveled the internets to find some contenders:
*What? Like you never . . . hopefully not with a handbag or TSA agent, at least.
- "YSL Muse Travel Tote": This is a contender in the sense that "I love this line of bags and want to make wee babies with it, but unless I also make a wee fortune, it isn't meant to be." Not gonna happen during These Difficult Times, but a girl can dream . . .
- "Longchamp LePliage": I've long admired these utilitarian bags, but they seem to be everywhere. Can there be too much of a good thing, or does this just mean the bags are that good?
- "Briggs + Riley Baseline Satchel": I know, I know; this tote is as exciting as whatever millionth season of "Survivor" is still airing, but my friends assure me this is a top-quality travel line.
- "Tory Burch Chrissy Weekender": This is a bit more logo-y than I prefer to go while traveling, but I like the classic lines and prep handles.
- "LeSportsac Bouquet Print Large Weekender": like the festive print & reasonable price .
What travel basics am I missing? Any carry-on totes you like or recommend?









24 comments:
Hello Dahling, Love Love this travel fashion post. So helpful! And you are the QUEEN of Michael Stars 3/4 Sleeve tops. Looks so stunning with buff arms and gorgeous shoulders.
On a bag note, I have to recommend that bags have corners, e.g. not rounded tops like the gorgie YSL Muse Travel Tote because it fits so many more trashy novels into essentially the same amount of space the bag takes in the overhead bin.
I also find my backless loafers in red fake ostrich skin to be super helpful for travelling, the kind with lots of squish inside, essentially bedroom slippers with a harder sole.
Finally, all black so i don't even have to bother to blot myself when I dribble cheap red wine down my front on those trans-pacific flights.
And a gorgie shawl is SUCH a good idea. Maybe in red to match my shoes, while wearing all black, and carrying a fabulous rectangular statement bag...oooh.
Nope, probably will just stick with my tilo black workout suit, lazy git that I am.
Love you, IntlWmnMystry#2.
Great post! I'm all about comfort too :-)
Sadley comfort is last on my mind... but over the years of travel I have found that a cotten dress is really very comfortable on a plane... jeans are too restricting! BUT I love the outfit above.. cute and comfy is the best way to be!
Longchamp and Herve Chapelier have long been my go-to travel bags - both have zipper tops with inside pockets (perfectly sized for a passport) + you cab literally scrub them with soap and water and they look brand new -loooove that material!
I use my large longchamp for travel and I love it. The only thing is that the corners can get worn but it's not that noticeable. Get a dark color--I have light blue and I wish I didn't have to wash it so often!
Glad to see that Valentine's Day gift worked out for you ;-)
I think you've done a fine job here. I travel like you. All about comfort chic. Love the pic for Mrs. B. She just knocks me out!
YSL Muse bag is my favorite. I use my Longchamp bags for everything and they are the best. You can always roll it up and carry in a larger bag. Then pull it out- when needed.
Have a great day!!
xxxx me
I vaguely recall something in Posh's book about how she changes into PJ's while on the plane - then puts clothes back on for the papo's!
I have the LeSportSac and I love it.
Love this post - do hope you're going somewhere fabulous.
If you go sockless with those Merrells, I suggest packing a nice fuzzy pair of socks to put on during flight. I always get cold on flights too. Also, I am all about the snacks because it makes the time go quicker and you don't have to wait for the flight attendants to actually, you know, attend to you.
This isn't related to comfort, but if you're going somewhere you've never been before, I recommend bringing a little journal or notebook to record your trip. My husband and I always do a travel journal and I love to look back on them. It helps you remember special meals or fun things you saw that you might not remember otherwise.
Bon voyage!
Love your travel style. Esp for international travel, one must prioritize comfort almost as highly as style.
PS - loving your new bag. Tres chic!
I wear jeans and tennis shoes/cowboy boots on planes. I keep it redneck, ya'll.
Never too much Longchamp my lovely. Go for it You will love.
I think your travel wear choices look far more practical, comfortable and realistic than what the lovely Posh chose. Seriously, the hat? While lovely, my thought is 'really?'
And I want those shoes, too. I mean, I'm only traveling about as far as across the room, but still, a girl has to be comfy!
Pashminas are a travel lifesaver! And while I like cute during my travel, comfort is so important! LOVE the LeSportsac!
You are Tres Chic! I gave you an award that I think you'll like after your recent post about new bloggers. I'm new to your blog, and you are cracking me up! I love it!
Your travel outfit looks perfect, chic but still comfortable. I really cannot stand seeing so many slobs in the airport when I am traveling. Its not so hard to look put together and still be comfortable!! Thanks for posting this to get the message out :)
Love your travel outfit! For a carry-on bag, I just purchased the Lilly Pulitzer 5-Star Weekender Bag in the Pineapple What a Wonderful World print. It's lightweight, reasonably priced, and you can stuff a ton of items into it and it will still fit under the seat. I used it in Las Vegas this weekend and it traveled wonderfully. My favorite part is that it can be carried by the long white (leather?) handles or by the long adjustable shoulder strap.
I do TB flats as my slip on shoe.
Great post.
I guess the hat is to hide airplane hair?
citizen kellys are my go-to jeans, too! :) and i love to travel in merrells. since i started watching lost i've vowed not to fly in flip flops! (you know, in case we end up on an island. i'm going to need some practical shoes!)
and the bose headphones. i gave some to my dad a few years ago and think he needs to return the favor!
I too live in the Citizen Kellys, love those. I am really liking those shoes and may have to venture off into the internet to find myself a pair. The Bose headphones have been on my wishlist for 2 years and still I have none... and I don't have anyone to steal them from either. All in all it looks like you have your travel style down perfectly!
I love those shoes - I think they would look great with jeans when traveling and I need to find them!
I'm usually freezing on the airplane, so I normally dress in layers and include a wrap like you.
And I always make sure I have the following in my tote: wet wipes, face moisturizer, and lip balm. I get so damn dry while flying and it drives me crazy!
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