3 Days in NYC {What I Packed}

[trip style = urban]

Whether I'm packing for an urban escape, spa weekend, or fam-jam beach trip, I edit and re-edit my suitcase contents as meticulously as Anna Wintour analyses the pages of Vogue before print. To me, packing is like fashion Tetris: When everything fits—in every sense of the word—it's beautiful. 

Following up on the Only Packing Tricks You Ever Need to Know hints I wrote about yesterday, my toddler is the one who inspired me to decode the details of how I packed for my three-day trip to New York. While he's more an aviation fanatic than a Tom Ford-in-training, he always wants to see photos of everything I do, see and taste when I travel. With his interest as my inspiration, I give you New York... through the eyes of my wardrobe. More NYC updates to come.

A snippet of my suitcase style based on the weather and my NY wanderings. 

My Vancouver --> New York airplane outfit, a go-to getup that is similar every trip {other than a few tweaks based on destination and trip type}. Slip-on shoes for security, comfy jeans, a soft T to "up" the cozy-factor on my red-eye flight. I finished it off with a lightweight blazer to befit my surroundings in Cathay Pacific's gorgeous YVR Lounge, in my Cathay Pacific business class seat, and my arrival the Four Seasons New York Hotel Downtown. 

Post-flight: Same jeans, new top. I love it when hotels offer a place to freshen up when you arrive in the AM before your room is ready. Here I'm in the Four Seasons' spa all spiffed following an early arrival.
Photo by @NomNomYVR

Loose and lightweight dress for a day of sightseeing starting at the Oculus transportation hub and upscale shopping space. Believe it or not: these shoes are very comfortable for the miles logged traipsing around New York's urban jungle. 
Photo by @NomNomYVR

In denim, yet again, on floor 101 of the One World Observatory at the top of the One World Trade Center.
Photo by @NomNomYVR

What I packed into my New York carry-on:
- Running shoes and workout gear
- Going out/chic sightseeing shoes
- Skirt
- 5 dresses
- Jean shorts
- 4 tops
- Other: toiletries, jewelry, belts, scarves, bathing suit, "crushable" hat, camera, hair straightener, clutch purse

Other Dispatches in this Series
Next Up :: NYC
Cathay Pacific's GORGEOUS New Lounge at YVR

[Photos by @TripStyler, and @NomNomYVR's incredible photo skills where listed]

The No. 1 Airport Apparel MUST

[trip style = any] 

Do you have an autopilot airport outfit? If not, you NEED to get onboard with the concept!  

Every frequent flier I know AND follow has a travel-day uniform, yet it was initially Mr. Trip Styler—who can pack and get out the door in 30 minutes—who inspired me to select my "getaway getup." Think: A neutral outfit comfortable enough for a 14-hour flight and classy enough for a last-minute upgrade.

Autopilot Outfit
WHO has time to figure out a new set of threads for every trip, especially seeing as airports and airplanes usually have similar temperature ranges, anyway?!? Plus, having a consistent wayfaring wardrobe shaves a ton of time off the packing process, and is one LESS thing to think about as you're rushing to the airport. With so many variables at play on a travel day, it's the one thing you can put on "autopilot." 

The Swap
Because every trip style is different—ie: urban, sun, adventure, spa—Mr. Trip Styler and I always wear a similar base {see photos below}, and swap our jackets, shoes or sweaters depending on the season or destination. For example, we both wore our warm coats to Sweden, instead of the jackets shown below, to save space in our bags.

What We Wear to the Airport

For most trips I beeline for black or blue jeans and a white T as my travel uni base. Depending on the trip's "fancy-factor," whether the little stylers are in tow, or my immediate plans when I arrive, I'll add jewelry. I never leave home without a scarf, and often pack a small sweater depending on where I'm headed. For shoes, it's always booties as for their easy-on, easy-off design. Socks are a must, too, so my bare feet don't touch the ground at security. On top, it's usually my leather jacket, which goes with everything in my suitcase.

Mr. Trip Styler also likes jeans as his base. On his feet he goes with a smart pair of lace-up booties, making sure he wears his biggest shoes to create more suitcase space. On top, he dons a white V-neck T, a button-up shirt, and a cashmere sweater, which he can add or subtract depending on the climate. For outerwear, his favored coat is his trench because it doesn't wrinkle and has lots of pockets to stuff airline tickets.

Trip Styler Tip: Find more packing pointers, check out my guides in the Expedia Viewfinder: 7 essentials for carry-on cool, 10 packing tips for blending comfort and class, and How to get from the plane to the pool, pronto!

[photos by @tripstyler]

How to Pack Like a Pro

[trip style = any]

Think you’ve read about every packing hack under the sun? Think again. One benefit of my job as a Trip Stylist is the access I get to the inner sanctums {aka: suitcases} of the world’s most well-traveled jetsetters.

Not only do their packing prescriptions constantly sharpen my own suitcase skills, but I'm often left thinking "Genius! why didn't I think of that."

Beyond the typical tactics—think: roll your clothes or transport your earrings in a pillbox—here are the most usable, useful and “ah-ha” packing hacks for your next adventure:

COVER IT
With every mile I log at 35,000 feet, my love affair with the plastic shower cap gets more and more strong because it always has me covered. Get it? Pun aside, I carry multiple hotel shower caps to wrap my shoes {or anything with mess-potential) so my soles don’t soil my garments.

STACK IT
Ever since you started putting clothes in a suitcase, you were probably told to roll your garments, right? WRONG! One of the best pieces of advice I've gleaned on the topic comes from Shaun Huberts, a Canadian musician who spends his life living out of a suitcase. His packing epiphany, which he writes about in his book, How to Pack like a Rock Star, involves arranging clothes in your case as if you’re laying bricks. {Think of it like a fold-roll hybrid.} This way, garments stay ultra-compact, and you can see every single item in your suitcase—sans rummaging to find “that” top you want to wear tonight.

STUFF IT
Think of your suitcase like New York City real estate—every available inch of space needs to be maximized. With this, wait until the end of your packing process to find a spot for your socks and undergarments {or anything small and malleable}. Whether you fill a fist-sized space with your small stuff, slot a few extra items into your shoe, or cram essentials in your clutch, wait until all your big items are in your bag first.

WASH IT
When you’re on the road for more than a week, and need to launder a few garments without doing an entire load, skip the sink in lieu of your own DIY washing machine. Armed with a freezer-sized Zip-Lock bag and soap, all you need to do is throw in your garments, add water and dash of soap, seal the top, swirl, and rinse. This method is quick, easy and there’s no mess.
Trip Styler Tip: If you swim on the last day of your trip, and need to store your wet swimsuit in a no-leak pouch, your wash-bag does the trick.

A video posted by Trish (Trip Styler) (@tripstyler) on Oct 22, 2013 at 9:16am PDT

DE-CREASE IT
Sometimes an iron is necessary for stubborn creases, but when your apparel is only lightly wrinkled, hang it in the bathroom while you’re having a shower to loosen the fibers. Once you’ve dried off, place your getup on top of your partially damp towel, loosely roll it, and leave it. Three minutes later, unravel your once-rumpled garment, smooth it with your hands and go!

ASSEMBLE IT
Whether you’re flying private, in a suite aboard a commercial jet, or in seat 75D, you know what products will make you feel good. Sure, the Jurlique amenity kits on Cathay Pacific and the Godiva chocolates on Emirates can help ease you into your journey, but nothing can replace the things that bring you comfort on cloud nine. So to feel really comfortable inflight, assemble your own small kit to slot into your first-class cubby or seat-back in front of you. My high-flying favorites include: pen, toothbrush, travel-sized hand or face lotion, eye cream, wipes or sanitizer, face mask, lip conditioner and tiny notebook.

---> A variation of this article originally appeared in Luxury Retreats Magazine, a publication to which I contribute regularly. <---

[Graphics by @HeatherLovesIt, video by @Tripstyler]

Jetset Style :: Everyday Travel Totes

[trip style = any]

I've mastered the art of carry-on travel with one simple trick: maximizing my personal item size. I push the limits on dimensions and place my heaviest items, like shoes and toiletries, inside my tote, and I stash a clutch inside for evenings and small outings.

But this column isn't just about function; it's also about fashion. And a beautiful, well-made black tote will never go out of style. Consider bag features like inside/outside pockets, zipper, handle length, cross-body strap, flat bottom and type of leather. Remember to spray the bag before use, condition it annually and store it in its dust bag when not in use.

GUYS :: This trick isn't just for women; men should travel with a versatile—and hands-free—canvas messenger case or small backpack. 

I've selected six black leather bags that are versatile enough to take you from plane to promenade in any city and climate. Chief Trip Stylist Trish recently purchased the Clare Vivier tote above in Los Angeles and I have my eye on the handmade kenza tote by Montreal-based The Stowe.

1/ Clare V. simple coated-leather tote, 2/ The Stowe kenza tote, 3/ Madewell glasgow satchel, 4/ Building Block business bag, 5/ Ampersand as Apostrophe sideways tote, 6/ Mansur Gavriel large tote

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Ode to Boyfriend Jeans
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets
Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Fall Weekend Edition

Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Fall Weekend Edition

[trip style = weekend getaway]

Shopping for fall hasn't been this fun since back-to-school, when my list of essentials included a Club Monaco logo sweatshirt {which they should really bring back for nostalgia}, a mini tee and a lace choker {proof that some trends should stay in the past}.

Our fall 2014 travel essentials are less trend and more casual-sophisticate. This list takes all the guesswork out of packing for a weekend getaway. We selected staples that never lose their luster, like a classic trench, white sneakers and this season's all-star denim pick—the cropped, relaxed-fit boyfriend jean you can carry with you from Montreal to Miami.

GUYS :: Your fall essentials include all of the same items, save the dress and the skirt {sorry Scotland and Marc Jacobs—despite your bravest efforts, the man skirt is still not happening}.

Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Fall Weekend Edition
1/ 90s denim skirt 
2/ Shirt dress 
3/ Bucket bag 
4/ Versatile trench 
5/ Cropped jeans
6/ Loafers 
7/ White shirt 
8/ White sneakers 
9/ Oversized sweater 
10/ Light blanket scarf

From top left: 1/ Mother high waisted patchie skirt, 2/ Acne Studios lash poplin dress, 3/ Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, 4/ Zara flowy trenchcoat with camo lining, 5/ Point Sur vintage cropped jean, 6/ Dieppa Restrepo penny loafer, 7/ Equipment margaux blouse, 8/ Converse chuck taylors, 9/ Apiece Apart anni fisherman sweater, 10/ Humanoid pop woz scarf, Bonus/ Want Les Essentiels de la Vie hartsfield weekender

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets
Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Summer Weekend Edition 
Homeward Bound :: Weekender Bags

[photo collage by @heatherlovesit]