I went on a whirlwind last week— from JAX to LGA for 8+ work meetings and many, many NYC errands. It was like going from Venus to Mars. Besides not fully brat-ting out from staying at a 90’s-esque Marriott in downtown Jacksonville, my greatest accomplishment was packing one carry-on for the week, and Tim Gunn “making it work!”

To be totally transparent, I did forget pajamas and was forced to get very creative in FL, but ultimately lived to tell the tale!

Let’s breakdown how I did it:

• Extremely pared down wardrobe despite two seemingly disparate cities and temps (spoiler alert: Jacksonville was not sunny and warm!). I stuck with a simple color palette, and left the things at home I knew I wouldn’t wear both places like jeans, heavy sweaters and leather pants.
• While I stuck with the same outwear, I made some key weather swaps— miniskirts for FL and fur accessories for NYC. I also packed more shoe options than normal to spice things up. Don’t worry, I will spare you from mentioning which Chanels came with ;)
• Shop Small— my grandfather lovingly used to refer to my wardrobe as “doll clothes,” so I have quite a sartorial reputation to uphold. I was able to slide in a lot of going out pieces because combined they are the size of a human fist (lolz). My favorite look was my 2000’s Bebe lace halter top with repurposed black BR trousers for a latenight sushi dinner. The top is so tiny I forgot I even packed it!
• Zero jewelry changes. I normally pack 2-3 earring options and bring a necklace variation, but I can be haphazard with expensive things (sigh) so kept it simple with one pair of earrings, my go-to pinky ring stack and my beloved Dorsey sapphire pendant.
• My new bigger carry-on by Away has been a dream to travel with, and honestly, does hold a ton more than the standard size. It was a Christmas gift that I didn’t even think I needed, but it’s already maximizing my packing. A great lesson to invest in top notch luggage!

Other travel tips while we’re here:

• Fly early in the day, when possible! I know, I know– no one wants to get up at 4am for a 6am takeoff, but after so many years of flying, I have discerned that shit falls apart rapidly as the day goes on. Just get up and get it done, and treat yourself to a great coffee/breakfast when you land. A bodega green juice and overpriced matcha are my NYC go-to’s.
• Re: the above, being able to knock out on the plane is critical to weathering the early flights. My formula is mummification– start with an eye mask and then cover your entire head with a scarf. Don’t be shy, really, just wrap your whole being in whatever covering you have. I can get wheels up to wheels down shut eye because I bring my own blackout curtains! I’m sure that neck pillows make it even more comfortable, but I personally will not be caught dead with one of those things.
• Packing cubes are key to organizing suitcase genres. I even use different colored cubes to distinguish work looks from my nutty going-out pieces, so I don’t walk into Goldman wearing the aforementioned Bebe halter.
• Snack wisely! I always bring an empty water bottle to fill at the airport and fruit or a bar that isn’t full of fake shit and sugar. I try my hardest to avoid airport food– the sodium and sugar alone…and the PRICES! Although I was still semi-hungover for the Jacksonville leg of this trip and succumbed to a pre-flight $4 beef jerky stick. #givinggrace
• STATUS! Work with whatever resources you got to get as much status as you can– airlines, credit cards, employee programs, TSA/Global Entry/Clear, whatever! Call anyone because having even a modicum of status can be the difference between Boarding Group 3 with carry-on safely onboard vs. Group 9 and going to baggage claim. Hot tip, if you have elevated status with any airline, dig into the status match offerings from their competitors. It was short-lived but I leveraged my Delta Platinum status to gain similar benefits with American and United ahead of a heavy travel season.
• Buy a portable charger ASAP. I was saved when I went from Nashville —> NYC with one charger cable (eek!) and had one overnighted to an Amazon locker. It’s just easier to give your phone, airpods, iPad a boost without reaching under the seat and brushing your neighbor’s leg! We’re not linking Amazon anymore, so here are some other options.
• This “tip” is annoying, but don’t be an asshole at the airport unless it’s an unavoidable last resort. A) You will absolutely be placed in airport jail if you take it too far B) Almost every single person from TSA to the Starbucks barista is doing their absolute best and deserve the same from you. Just smile and say thank you, and the Karma Goddess will hopefully take notice with a serendipitous upgrade.

Ok travel angels, let me know some of your fave on-the-go tips! Xx