Air Travel in Style

Traveling by air has been kind of a new thing these past few months. Usually, it’s road trips for us any time we head out on a family vacation.

Just this past year, a few changes have happened in my life personally - some of it requiring me or the family to travel by plane.

Airports and airplanes have proven time and time again that comfort is key and it's essential to wear something you can easily move around in. With all the walking you’ll do, you’ll need it!  Comfort doesn’t necessarily mean loose and schlumpy - you can still look cute yet feel cozy and relaxed.

At San Francisco Int'l Airport on a weekend business trip

LUGGAGE/CARRY-ON

I first laid eyes on the CALPAK Astyll luggage on an Instagram post by a blogger I follow and it was love at first sight.  So beautiful and I've already used them a few times.  They fit so many items and are easy to maneuver (these spin).  They've served me well, so far.  

There are few scuff marks on them but that's normal to me.  Some marks I was able to wipe off because they were more surface scratches; a couple areas, however, are a bit deeper.  I'm not too bent out of shape about that, though, because the graining of the print seems to make the deeper scuffs appear less obvious. 

Every single time - I kid you not - we have gotten double takes or we catch people admiring them.  Ava, in fact, will ask to use the smaller one when we travel together. 

You can find the set here: www.calpaktravel.com/products/astyll-2-piece-luggage-set-milk-marble  (the same set can also be found on Nordstrom's site).  

Calpak Astyll Luggage Set

I use the bag below for my carry-on...this is the Coach Crossgrain Leather Diaper Bag in black (though, I think it only comes in one color) and is the perfect size to hold a smaller purse, laptop, magazines, etc. to keep me occupied for those long (or short) plane rides.  Yes, you read that right...DIAPER BAG.  The saleslady assured me I could use it for travel if I remove the diaper pad inside.  It has all these outer and inner compartments that are perfect for keeping me organized!   

This bag is originally about $500  but I scored an amazing deal at our local Coach outlet.  I walked in with Ava with the intention of just looking around and found they were having one of their awesome sales.  I scored this baby at over 50% off.  I don't know whether they still have these in store but I found one on Etsy www.ebay.com/i/322551434292?chn=ps

THREE MUSTS I live by when it comes to my whole ensemble:

1. EASY to SLIP ON/OFF
2. LAYERS
3. COMFORTABLE yet STYLISH

SHOES

I've come to find that wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off is key when going through airport security screen checks.  Having to fiddle around with laces or buckles are "no-no's" for me especially when I want quick and smooth processing - the lines at these checks are (I swear) getting longer!  So not only am I making it easy on myself, I'm doing a favor for the peeps in line behind me!  
 
Since we need to remove our shoes, I make sure to have a pair of clean socks handy to walk through the body scanner - after all, you don't know what germs you'll be coming into contact with.  I'm assuming sanitation and cleanliness are not priorities in these areas!  

My burgundy shoes are part of the "Waylan" collection from the brand, 1 State.  These were purchased at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year.  They're no longer being sold there but you can probably find them at other retailers or something similar to these.  The blush pink ballet flats were purchased at the J. Crew outlet and, again, I'm sure you can find similar shoes, if you don't have flats already.  

Great travel shoes

OUTFIT & ACCESSORIES

Layers are important to me.  That way I can remove or add based on temperatures in whatever current city I'm in.  Sure, I can check the weather online but I can't really gauge how my body will react to current temps until I'm actually experiencing it firsthand.  For example, we flew to Arizona this past December and my mom told us to pack warm clothes because it gets cold.  Us being from the Pacific Northwest, we experience many cold (and wet) days so we're not stranger to chilly weather.  But, as soon as we arrived in AZ, we felt REALLY WARM and found we really didn't want to wear our sweaters at all.  That's why I recommend layering to make any adjustments to your outfit to help you get through your travels. 

Comfort is a MUST, as well.  There have been times I've seen people wear something that looks as though they're going to bust out at the seams, trying to look cute.  It's actually NOT cute if you seem like you're trying too hard...this is how I used to be, to be honest.  I'd try and dress cute (no matter if it was too tight for me because I thought it'd prevent me from eating too much) but it just slowed me and my travel mates down because I was SO UNCOMFORTABLE.  Why put yourself and everyone else through that torture?  Just my opinion.      

Still...don't let me tell you what's comfortable for you...if you find wearing a tutu with crop top and heels is "comfortable" then so be it.  To each their own...whatever your reason, just hope you're able to move around without having to think twice of a possible wardrobe malfunction.

Outfit details:

• White long-sleeve Top: Banana Republic Factory
• Sleeveless Mockneck Ribbed Sweater: Banana Republic Factory
• Moto Faux Leather Jacket: BNCI purchased at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
• Crossbody Bag: Vince Camuto purchased at Nordstrom Rack
• Faux Leather Leggings: Spanx | Find it here: www.spanx.com/leggings/faux-leather/faux-leather-leggings
• ​Rose Gold Hoop Earrings: Bought on the site, Hautelook, during one of their flash sales
• Libra Necklace: Zodiac Collection by Anna Saccone-Joly for Stilnest | Find it here: stilnest.com/en_us/collection-zodiac/

These tips can help you with any traveling you do, really - whether by plane, boat, or car.  I will say, though, the above tips are helpful in airplane situations because you're more restricted in your movement and air temps can get a little erratic in the aircraft cabin.

~ XOXO, Mari