I spend far more time waiting at the airport to pick up/drop off people than I do travelling myself. Don't worry I'm not too sad about it, I make myself feel better by scrutinising the attire of everyone who comes through those arrival doors. Looking good while sleeping upright and eating off your lap for 20 hours is no easy feat and most people either look totally awful or ridiculously over dressed. I believe looking good after long haul (or even short haul for that matter) is a fine art but totally worth perfecting. There are a lot of people on a 747 and you really do want to be the one the hundreds of other passengers stare at enviously as you strut down the aisle to depart (that's right, you strut now). Also, at the end of a long journey there are usually old friends waiting and you don't want their first thought to be ' Wow, she's looking a bit rough these days'.
So where to start?
• Firstly don't wear anything that will get excessively crumpled.
• Don't wear a skirt or dress, if you insist on it make sure you wear leggings. It doesn't matter how many times you walk up and down, you might still get swollen ankles (cankles) and will look totally awful. A nice pair of trousers or jeans will hold you in much better stead.
• Wear a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off, are casual but not slippers. Ballet flats are great for this. Heels are terrible and try hard.
• Wear a nice jumper/sweater. A stripy one always looks nice, cashmere is always great for that first class feeling (and budget). It won't crumple, you can pull it over your crumpled top and you'll look all casual and cosy which will help create envy amongst fellow travellers.
• Do take a neutral coloured pashmina/giant scarf. It's what magazines tell you to do but it makes sense. It can double as an extra blanket and an extra cover up while whizzing past the paparazzi (of course).
• Don't try and get on the plane with numerous plastic bags and don't take on carry-on luggage you don't really need. A nice, big lightweight handbag is the best because you can get everything you need it and still squish it under the seat in front of you. You can always add a proper carry on bag full of shopping on your return journey. You want to move through the airport effortlessly and you don't want to be that person dropping things from the overhead locker in the middle of the night.
• Never underestimate the power of mascara to make you look refreshed. Ditto, never underestimate the power of a dry shampoo (a travel can of Batiste) to make you look (comparably) like you just stepped out of a Pantene commercial. Also, I can personally vouch for those weird little disposable toothbrushes called 'Wisps', they are actually quite great and you can brush your teeth without water if needs be.
• Always buy yourself an indecent amount of m&m's or your preferred snacks. You're essentially going to be watching movies all day, you may as well make the most of it. Besides, you never know quite how bad the 'fritatta' is going to be.
Finally, if you've finished a magazine. Leave it in departures for someone else. They will love you for it.
What are your travel tips?
Linkys
Topshop striped jumper and Topshop apricot cable jumper both £38
Aqua canvas shoes £18 and Leopard print flats £25 also from Topshop
Skinny Jeans $34NZ
Pieces Virabello Canvas Travel Bag £38
Just wanted to say I ordered your "I would rather have champagne than real pain" print last week and got it in the mail today. To say you made my day would be an understatement.
ReplyDeleteFirst, there was the stamp on the package advising not to "set fire" to the package or "use as a football." But the fun little extras (love is--in fact--very rarely the answer on Who Wants to be a Millionaire) and note truly was first class. And, of course, the print is LOVELY.
SO my question is: how can I link to more of your stuff? (Etsy says you are on holiday ... but I'm not sure for how long.) I recently mentioned your sign in one of my blog posts and I'd love to link to where folks can find more of your goodness!