26 April 2013

Comforting

black + blue  black + blue

As much as I enjoy going to places, I hate the act of actually getting there - road trips aside though, I love a good road trip. I'm really talking about you, air travel. 

I've got a few long biz trips coming up over the next two months and as much as I should be appreciative about having a job that allows me to go to new places, I can't help but to loathe the prospect of having to be squeezed like a sardine in a long metal tube at 35,000 feet for seemingly endless hours. Flying for the majority of us nowadays is just not a single bit comfortable. Especially if you're traveling alone and don't have someone to commiserate with and happily share armrest space.

black + blue  black + blue

I don't think I am a high-maintenance air traveler but I kind of have a system down to maximum my own personal comfort on these trips - 1) bottled water so I am not at the mercy of the flight attendant on when I can get a drink, though honestly I don't hydrate as much as I should on a plane; 2) get an aisle seat so I don't have to climb over people to use the lav; 3) scarf for extra warmth, since the planes are often arctic cold; 4) moisturizer and chap stick - dry lips are the worst; 5) Kindle for reading or playing games; 6) head phones with the soft squishy ear pieces for comfort and so I can drown everyone around me out; 7) socks and slip-on shoes for ease; 8) jeans because I have the impression denim is thicker that most other materials and I want to have as much between me and that airplane seat as possible; and 9) my own snacks because honestly airplane food is sometimes just borderline edible. So yeah, I'm usually that lady hauling a computer bag and a big ole tote full of stuff.

What are some of your comfort must-haves when you travel?

black + blue

Jacket: J.Crew downtown field (worn here - sim, pricey, longer)
Top: LEC (sim, sim)
Skirt: Yoana Baraschi via Anthropologie gilded estate (worn here - sim, deal, w/red)
Necklace: J.Crew factory chandelier (worn here - sim, simpler, baubly, pricey)
Bracelets: J.Crew (sim, sim)
Belt: Asos plate detail (sim, w/ bow or peplum)
Bag: Dooney & Bourke cabrio (sim, sim, mesh, luxe)
Shoes: Zara cap-toe court (worn here - sim, sim, slingback, w/bow)

64 comments:

  1. I have to have at least three things to keep me occupied because my attention wanders when I'm so enclosed - so it's a book (yeah, can't get into that Kindle thing), my laptop and a small knitting project.

    Funny you mention flying because I'm going to be spending 7 weeks in Yale this summer and I've already begun to obsess with not only what I'm bringing with me on the plane, but what the heck I'm gonna pack to last me that long without full access to my closet. Argh! ;p

    www.myclosetcatalogue.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like an excellent opp to go shopping once you hit the town! ;o)

      Delete
  2. Oh man, that stinks that you have so many long trips for work coming up. I like to have a big ol' stack of magazines and a book to keep me entertained.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    $50 Target Giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unfortunately, I need motion sickness pills. And then I have to tell the chatty person who always sits next to me that I'm not trying to be rude, but I'm unable to talk to them because I'm focusing really hard on not spewing on them.

    I really love the print on this skirt. It's gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha - well, that's a great way to get a chatty person to stop chattering!

      Delete
  4. Let's see: iPad, snacks, juice boxes, books, crayons & paper, extra clothes, baby wipes, toys, bottled drinks, hand lotion & Chapstick, chargers...did I forget something? ;) I clearly travel with a toddler.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wish I travelled more for work, but people who do regularly tell me it's not as fun as I think it is. One of my things is I HAVE to be comfortable on the flight, so it's always leggings or some kind of stretchy pant, flats, etc. I also get motion sick so I use the motion sickness wristbands (they work well for me). Lately, iPad is also a necessity.

    You're looking very summery today, love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't read during take off or landing or I'll get motion sick. Though I'm usually one of those people that get lulled to sleep during taxi and miss the whole deal ... but then I'm wide awake during the entire flight.

      Delete
  6. I'm one of the geniuses that will think I'm doing myself a favor by wearing flats... but then I forget socks/liner so I have to walk barefooted through the security check. Gross!!

    That skirt is such a gorgeous print! Perfect for spring

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Been there, done that. And then my feet of course get cold on the flight. I am totally about loafers, socks.

      Delete
  7. I love the print of that skirt, and your gold belt is fabulous! And I totally agree with you about needing to bring your own snacks and water on the plane...that is a must have!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Im in love with your skirt!!is so beautiful!
    kisses from Milano
    http://sienastyle.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
  9. sorry you have to be travelling so much in the next little while. like you, i pack a lot of things too, like magazines, scarf, snacks, headphones and the like. no matter what though, i always end up forgetting something! lol.

    you look awesome. your skirt is one of my favourites in your gorgeous closet! xo

    ReplyDelete
  10. that skirt is amazing!
    i have a pair of fuzzy pants that i wear on the plane.. my DH always makes fun of me but at least i'm cozy and warm when we're flying, especially since airlines seem to not give out blankets any more. a good scarf, a warm sweater, my kindle, and headphones. and my longchamp bag, since it just travels so well.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I actually don't mind airplanes (or cars or trains, etc) - but my husband hates getting from A to B. We usually bring a neck pillow, an eye mask, and something to read. I also prefer to wear leggings and bring a pullover in case it's cold - it's the most comfortable outfit for me, especially on longer flights. Good luck with your travels!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I fly every few months to go back and forth from college to my parents' house, so I can definitely relate to this.

    And seriously, how do you always look so perfect? This necklace is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, thanks. Take pics early enough in the day before I become a frumpled mess, I guess!

      Delete
  13. I always used to look forward to flying because it meant that I would exploring something new and different, getting away from the daily routine. These days, I can't even be bothered and the excitement of it is completely gone. In it's place are delayed flights, measly served drinks on the place full of ice with a splash of actual drink of choice, and rude folks. I think everyone's just fed up with the whole airline/furlough/lousiness and can be sorta crabby. I just make sure I always have my earphones, magazines in tow, and just like you, make sure I'm on the aisle seat so there's an easy exit ;)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I HATE flying. I don't like being in close proximity with people, so yeah, naturally, I detest getting on an airplane, especially now that they're always filled to full capacity! I order a drink and then doze off the entire way.
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! Gone are the days of empty seats and people being able to spread out!

      Delete
  15. I'm the same way, sort of. I hate road trips but love to fly.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am all about the layers when I travel. I hate being cold on the plane! I love your skirt and that gorgeous belt!
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ugh, I can relate. I'm on 4 flights a week, and I'm a germophobe, so Lysol wipes to go and hand sani are my friends. I try to not touch anything (trays, magazines) and not go to the bathroom on board. The flight attendants were telling me the other day that they've seen passengers go into the bathroom in their socks or barefoot. Ew.

    ReplyDelete
  18. That skirt is amazing, completely gorgeous. And I agree, planes are arctic cold!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love that skirt - looks great with the jacket!

    I hate flying so much. Usually, I just put on an eye mask and ear plugs and hope I can sleep through most of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm weird, but I can't wear eye masks on flights - I feel like that leaves me too vulnerable, haha.

      Delete
  20. I definately need a scarf, it is always freezing cold in the middle of the flight and I need something to cover my face when someone kept sneezing or coughing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sat next to a poor girl once who was very evidently sick - coughing, sniffling, sneezing, the works. Usually I am pretty subtle about leaning away from the sick but that time I could not lean far enough away!

      Delete
  21. If I am not traveling with family, I need the aisle seat too because I always have to go to the bathroom.

    Aubree from look.feel.be

    ReplyDelete
  22. Grrreat bling! Everything is so ornate and that simple white tee keeps it casual. I agree about flying...Claustrophobia can cause many a problems lol.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I used to be just like you- a big ol bag full of distraction for myself. Now I carry a big ol BACKPACK with a child strapped to my front. I miss the days where I could read or play a game on a plane. Now I spend the time sweating and trying to pull magic out of a hat so my kid isn't irritating everyone around her. I was totally "that woman with the (screaming!) baby" on our last flight. awful.
    Enjoy your big girl worldly adventures, I too hate flying but it's always worth it (mostly) once you get there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't help feeling a bit sorry for families traveling with young kids - if the kid starts screaming, you know those parents can't really do much about it and I feel awful for them.

      Though once on a flight, right after take off, a baby started crying and screaming and the mom ended up pressing the flight attendant call button and wanted the flight attendant to take the kid - I was astounded!

      Delete
  24. I also tend to not look forward to business trips.... but they will be here and over with before you know. You definitely have a good air travel system down! Now... on to your fashion... I love that skirt! So beautiful! You look fab!

    xo, Kenya

    www.kenyaldesigns.com

    Kenya L Fashion Blog

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love your belt! Have fun on your upcoming travels!!

    Taylor

    ReplyDelete
  26. I loved reading your list because I can empathize with almost every single one, especially the suggestion for chapstick. I always seem to get dry lips when flying. Also, sometimes on short flights I under-hydrate intentionally because I can't bear the thought of using the airplane RR. Something about being squeezed into a tight space like that makes me a bit claustrophobic. Aside from that, I love travelling!

    ReplyDelete
  27. i definitely agree with the must haves! but i always wear yoga-type pants for comfort. i love nothing more than my huge travel "scarf." its 6 feet long and about 4 feet wide and is a soft, thick cashmere. aka, blanket. i probably look odd.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've given up any concept of looking good on a flight, especially if it's going to be overseas (i.e., looooong).

      Delete
  28. For me it's Evian spray, a cashmere wrap, moisturizer, ipad, booklight, sleepmask.

    oh, I love that skirt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't find Evian spray to save my life - though on an overseas flight I took last year where I was able to book business, they offered Evian spray and it was sooooooo refreshing!

      Delete
  29. Love the skirt! Aww, I feel you! It sucks too when you can't go anywhere except to stay in your seat the entire flight hours.I always make sure i bring a scarf, socks, wipes, mp3, snacks and a neck pillow. Enjoy your trips!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Best item to travel with...that's easy...my husband! He is super elite which means when I travel with him I can take as many bags as I want, we eat and relax in the lounge, we get on and off the plane first, we often fly in first class and if not then we get the best seats in coach and he is always treated the best by all of the flight attendants so by association I also get treated really well. It pays to know people in high places : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Flying business or first is definitely nice - I actually look forward to the mealtimes, especially on the Asian airlines, and the amenities are very cool. Unfortunately most airlines don't really upgrade classes much anymore and most company travel policies have gotten stricter about when you can book something more than coach.

      Delete
  31. I understand how you feel Lisa. I hate traveling by plane for the exact same reasons. I don't carry as much as you haha. But I do bring a book, mints, medicine and a snack. It's so uncomfortable. You have a great job that allows you to travel but the process is daunting. Love your outfit! You look so good!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have a couple trips coming up too and I dread air travel. Can you believe there was a time when it was glamorous to fly? Dressing for comfort and warmth is my first priority so definitely a scarf and almost always a puffer vest and uggs, that's all I need is for the airplane icebox to put me over the edge and get sick, sick, sick.

    My own food is a must. I can't stand it when you have to resort to those salty snackboxes so you have to drink a lot and then have to use you-know-where.

    You look super cute in this outfit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, when I started traveling for work, I used to be a bit miffed that everyone dressed like they barely got out of bed, but it seems like airlines want to make your time on their planes as uncomfortable as possible, so yes, personal comfort is key!

      Delete
  33. I have a very similar list when I travel on a plane. Wait till you have kids - the load doubles!! I always love seeing this skirt on you - I need to find this on ebay.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa - how does this skirt fit? Is it true to size? I found it on ebay and just not sure if there's any stretch to it. I don't shopped much at Anthro so I am not familiar with their sizing. How would it compare to the sizing of J Crew? I am wondering if I buy a size larger (that's all they have available)...if I could take it in but I was curious if the seams are on the side and it would mess it up.

      Alice

      Delete
    2. Hi Alice - The skirt has absolutely no stretch but I ordered it in my normal JC size (I am typically a 2P/2 and ordered the 2) and it fits me fine. I wouldn't size down but the skirt isn't too tight for me - hope that helps a bit.

      Delete
  34. Ahh Lisa! I understand COMPLETELY! I don't really like flying either....I'd much rather drive if I could. Hope all your trips go smoothly and you get back home safe and sound! Love this look and how you added that metallic belt!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I don't mind flying for vacations too much but I hate business trips. I dress in worst clothes because I always spill things on myself. I need to have a book and wide shoes because my feet swell.
    I love your outfit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too - I just can't travel in business attire, I'd honestly rather change in the ladies room if I have to. For comfort and because I too, will inevitably spill stuff on myself in nice clothes!

      Delete
  36. Like you, must haves for travel include jeans, scarf, and snacks at the very minimum! Love the skirt as a center piece and the metallic belt as an accent. :)

    fauxionista.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Aisle seat, all the way! I get stir crazy stuck inside the row, and will instantly and constantly have to pee through the whole flight! I also have to dress up somehow- I just don't feel comfortable otherwise. Fortunately there are always some nice cozy knit dresses out there, and scarves...definitely scarves.

    Love the way the blue and yellow are like equal intensity- so pretty and springy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, if I don't get an aisle seat, guaranteed I will have to pee like 3x within two hours or something.

      Delete
  38. Great outfit - your skirt is amazing :) x


    www.ofbeautyandnothingness.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am in love with your skirt. So pretty! I always get a bunch of tabloid magazines to read on the plane. They'll keep me entertain during the flight =)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I wouldnt mind grabbing that lovely skirt from your closet....love the prints!!! I hear you on your flight musings!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. This outfit is totally my uniform for work. I usually will wear a plain white tee and a pencil skirt...but I usually add a cardi!!

    The skirt you're wearing is gorgeous. The detailing is beautiful.

    ~Jane B.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I must always have a big scarf/pashmina as I dread airplane blankets. They give me the cooties.
    Plus big sunnies..

    ReplyDelete
  43. My must have I realized from my recent vacation is a good comfortable jacket. Funny because I was pondering on getting THIS Jcrew jacket in brown before this trip and I so regretted it because it was so cold in Japan. Love the simple white top with the skirt. Can't go wrong with a basic white!

    Allison
    Reaches the Sky

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment if you like!
(Spammers will be deleted - sorry).