SPRING BREAK Part III: The Art of Travel
If you missed Part I: Women's Edition & Part II Men's Edition, check them out in our Substack Dashboard.
I know we can all agree that traveling is stressful. I cannot overstate how much better it is when you are pre-planned, prepared & POISED. Gone are the days where traveling itself was a fashion statement & flying was a luxury experience. Flight Attendants, then called, “stewardesses” were often presented as glamorous figures, further contributing to the idea of air travel as a stylish event. Well, it may not shock you that I am the daughter of a retired flight attendant- of 53 years! She was weight-checked in the 60’s, donned fake lashes & to this day, looks down on denim when flying.
I was in line recently at LAX & the woman in front of me turned around, looked me up & down (she was pretty much in pj’s..with heaps of overflowing bags) & said, “Dang…You look so good, I really feel bad about myself now.” My response was, “It’s not by accident I look like this, it’s what I do for a living…& if you really want to feel better about yourself, I can help you.”
Her reply- “Who are you, Glenda the Good Witch!?” This led to a much deeper conversation & a loyal Style Alchemist client.
I try to make an intentional effort in everything I do. NO detail is arbitrary. It may be my Mama in me, but I know that when we look good, we feel good & when we feel good, we do good. Why not have a leg-up on travel stress… & more legroom underneath that seat!
There is a calm confidence once you have mastered, The Art of the Pack.
LUGGAGE
RIMOWA- Known for its iconic aluminum hard-shell cases with grooved designs. High-end German craftsmanship with a focus on durability & style.
Popular with luxury and business travelers.
PARAVEL- Known for using eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic & sustainable fabrics. Lightweight & stylish designs with a modern aesthetic. Popular for both carry-ons and travel accessories.
AWAY- Sleek, hard-shell suitcases with built-in USB chargers & interior compartments. Direct-to-consumer brand known for quality & customer service. A go-to for stylish yet functional luggage.
BEIS- Known for its chic designs & thoughtful details (like weight indicators & expandable zippers). Popular with millennials & influencers for stylish, functional travel.
TRAVEL PRO- Known for creating the original rollaboard suitcase. Popular with flight crews & business travelers for its lightweight durability. Focus on smooth wheels, functional design & extended warranty. * Mama Rose rec.
QUINCE- Direct-to-consumer brand known for offering high-quality materials at lower prices. Simple, minimalist designs that are functional & stylish. Focus on affordability without sacrificing quality.
AMAZON COOLIFE- Stylish and durable, the set includes three lightweight, hard-shell suitcases designed for smooth travel. Featuring 360° spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and an expandable design, this set offers both security and flexibility for any trip. Perfect for family vacations or solo adventures!
STATEBAG (KIDS)- Known for its durable, colorful & kid-friendly designs. Focus on both style & functionality, with features like padded straps, water bottle holders & easy-to-clean materials.
LUGGAGE TAG- Don’t you dare rely on those ugly paper ones
APPLE AIR TAG- Never loose your luggage again
FAMILY PASSPORT CASE- Efficiency at it’s finest
FACT:
The best-dressed people I know ALWAYS have the smallest, tightest packs. Great style isn’t about overpacking- it’s about curating. Simplicity & Strategy are key to stress-free travel. Luggage should have some room to breathe so there is room to shop! One of our most popular sessions is the TRAVEL PACK.
ORGANIZATION & STORAGE:
PACKING CUBES
We suggest a different color for each family member
TRAVEL STEAMER- Who irons anymore? This steamer is a game changer, so fast & so easy!
TRAVEL JEWELRY BAGS- This is a must for your jewelry. No more tangles!
TRAVEL SHOE BAGS- I prefer prettier ones that match the shoe designer, but these are pretty efficient, I must say.
TRAVEL SIZE TOILETRIES
TECH ACCESSORIES
IN-FLIGHT COMFORT
BOOK- The 4 Agreements- The teachings are intended to help people live authentic lives. The book's message is that adopting these agreements can help people break free from limiting beliefs & create a life of fulfillment. I re-read this book every year.
SO FRESH & SO CLEAN, CLEAN…
SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS
TOOTHBRUSH KIT - *Mama Rose rec
GOE OIL INTENSIVE MOISTURIZER- Beautiful unisex smell. Use all over.
LUMION MIRACLE MIST- Sanitize, oxygenize & blemish blasting, 911 for all. (Used code STYLE20 for first time purchases)
SHILAJIT- (Health Hack) Shilajit is known for its high mineral count. In ancient times, they called it the "destroyer of weakness". This ancient superfood energizes, detoxes & balances the body by replenishing minerals.
KIDS (SHORT & SWEET)
Here are a few inspiring brands for your littles. Reminder- Wardrobe is a way for children to express their personality & individuality. I love exposing them to brands outside of the box.
I’ll wrap this up with a quote that I love:
“Remember that happiness is a way of travel- not a destination”
Bon Voyage,
Gara✨
PS… Insider tip, per Mama Rose~ if you bring the flight attendants treats, they’ll treat you like Royalty!🍬
…also the recommended items are always in order from high to low✨
I forgot to add this great video on how to fold & use packing cubes for your trips: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cK9Ko77nlwY