I usually keep travel and packing posts for paid subscribers, but this one felt useful to share more broadly ahead of summer travel season. And thank you, as always, to the paid subscribers who support A NOTE ON STYLE.
I've been to Italy several times, so I know what I'll pack in a general sense. The clothes are the easy part. It's everything else – the small things that keep the trip running smoothly – that takes more thought. This isn't a full packing list; that will be covered later. It's more of a checklist of the categories and things I want to have ready well before I actually start packing.
INFLIGHT - I have a system for long-haul flights. I’ve used a generous tote from Briggs & Riley for years that comfortably holds a wrap, headphones, iPad, chargers, pouches, a hat, and more.
The tote pictured above from Lo & Sons functions similarly but feels a little more refined, with leather handles and a slightly more polished look. Everything has a place and is further organized in small pouches and bags. I keep one tucked at the side of my seat for easy access in flight to the essentials I know I’ll want close by.
I’m using these orange Cuyana leather pouches on my next trip. I like a bright color so I can easily spot them in the dark. One will hold glasses, lip balm, a face treatment, hydrating mist (this is super light and refreshing), hand moisturizer, eye drops, electrolytes, tissues, medication I may need inflight, and AirPods. Side note on the face treatment - I LOVE the Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence - it does everything - hydrates, nourishes, treats, plumps - in a simple mist in the perfect size for a flight.
The other pouch acts as a catch-all with toiletries for freshening up before landing – micellar wipes (individually wrapped), a hair texture spray, concealer (I’ll use the Ilia complexion stick for multi-use coverage), SPF, and a tinted balm that works on lips and cheeks. I don’t leave home without my Drowsy sleep mask – pitch black is the only way I can sleep on a plane (and in most hotels), plus the wide sides cover my ears to muffle noise.
ORGANIZING - I’ve gone back and forth on the Cadence capsule system. My first impression was that they were more cumbersome than practical, but I’m giving them another try with a different approach. Rather than decanting shampoo and body wash, I’m using them for jewelry – rings and earrings – and the face products I can’t find in travel sizes. The new Jade colorway is beautiful. Worth another look with the right contents. Cadence has a 20% off Memorial Day Sale running, so it’s a good time if you’ve been considering giving them a try.
TOILETRY BAG - I’ve been looking for a new toiletry bag to organize all the products I pack. Etoile gifted me their Jet Setter Travel Case and I think it’s pretty perfect. At least it’s exactly what I was looking for. It’s large enough to hold almost everything, with pockets to keep things in place. I hate rummaging around. I’ll report back after my test drive.
Inside, I’ll have a streamlined selection of products I use. I don’t change my routine much when I travel, especially on a longer trip, but I’ll simplify wherever I can. I’m currently using the essence from Vintner’s Daughter (mentioned above) and Dr. Gendler’s DNA drops. I’ll bring Natura Bisse eye cream (love that they have a mini size) and a moisturizer too, since we’ll be in and out of air conditioning. The Anthelios UVMUNE 400 for my face is a given.
I always bring a body oil to supplement the hotel moisturizers, nail polish remover pads, and Londontown Illuminating Nail Concealer for a one-step manicure on the go.
MAKEUP - A light hand is the goal. The Versed Everything Balm is a great size to carry during the day for lips and cheeks. If I reapply sunscreen during the day, I’ll matte down any shine with a translucent powder. I have two favorites right now, both sheer with a beautiful finish – one from MAKE and the other from Givenchy. The Givenchy travels well, with a flat brush tucked neatly inside the compact. Sometimes I prefer a powder blush instead of a balm, especially if I’m going somewhere warm. This adds a warm wash of color and is so pretty. For lips, when I want more definition, the ILIA Lip Sketch (which acts as a liner and lipstick) topped with their Overglaze Gloss is the best combo. Victoria Beckham eye pencils, ILIA mascara, and a tinted brow color round it out. Any bulky, heavy products stay home.
POOL/BEACH - A raffia tote goes everywhere – to the beach, shopping, lunch. I like this one with leather handles for a more upscale look that feels less like a pure beach tote. It’s big enough to hold this pouch, which doubles as a small clutch. This week’s post talked about hats, so this may be repetitive, but it’s an area that’s important to me. A wide brim is a must. I also like a smaller fabric style I can roll into my everyday bag. This in navy is good. For shoes, I’m thinking about something fun. The Jimmy Choo jelly ballerina in toffee feels summery and the color acts as a neutral to wear with everything. I’m still obsessing over these and these -both are so good. A flip-flop is a must too.
BEDSIDE - I have a fold-flat catchall to keep nightstand necessities in place – lip treatment, eyeglasses, phone, and charger. Hotel rooms have too many distracting little lights, so the Drowsy sleep mask is a must – the same one from the flight. And a book on my iPad, which reminds me, I need a good recommendation!
The more prepared I am before packing, the less I bring, and the better the trip.
I agree with you re: Cadence. I was so excited for the system but found it cumbersome and unhelpful. Sad I wasted the money.
I enjoy your posts and recommendations and I also agree re: Cadence. It is a great concept but they are hard to open (especially if you’re in the shower and your hands are wet), they are heavy for the size of product they can contain, and the newer, flatter shape (they used to be smaller in circumference but taller) is not conducive to holding very thin liquids because you spill when you open it unless you are super careful. The older version is much better in my opinion. They are also very expensive to boot.
Also, fyi I love the Ursa Major individual wipes and have been using them for years, but they are more of a toner and def not a micellar water wipe. They are great for removing grime and oil, but I wouldn’t use them for removing eye makeup or anything like that. They are perfect for summer travel in particular if you have oily skin, but aren’t too aggressive. Excellent at the end of a long flight too!
Thanks for all your great posts!