Styling the Journey

I’m often asked where I shop, and the truth is, everywhere. I shop everywhere. I shop online and in store. I shop designer and vintage. When I say shop, I am rarely looking for a specific piece, but I shop for possibilities. I am inspired by color and texture. I imagine what the silhouette of a dress will look like as I walk down cobblestone streets.

Before I pack, I imagine the destination, the architecture, the landscape, and of course the climate and itinerary.

I think;
London - bold colors, plaid, longer coats
Peru - earth tones, flowy fabrics,
Paris - collars and lavallière bow ties, berets, structure
Italy - soft colors, florals and paisley patterns
Safari - lightweight fabrics, neutral colors
Hawaii – bright colors mixed with bright white

Some might even roll their eyes if they realized how seriously I take the apparel planning. Knowing what I am going to wear on a trip not only takes the guess work out of getting ready each day, but it’s something I look forward to. And it’s a level of preparedness that keeps the flow of the trip very organized. If multiple destinations are planned, I can keep things packed neatly until I arrive at that second or third property.

There is power in preparedness. If we’re planning for a day of vespa riding, I don’t want to have a dress on. If I know it will be chilly towards the end of my stay (because lets be real- I do incessantly check the weather before I go anywhere) I will leave bring a warmer coat or scarf and save it for that day.

But the truth is, dressing for a trip doesn’t have to be as grandiose as I sometimes make it. A scarf loosely tied around your neck with a simple black dress is timeless. A tan trench coat over a monocratic look of black leggings and a black top with tan flats is classic. A white collared button up is so versatile and can be worn in many ways. Also, never underestimate how comfortable a flowy dress is while walking and eating all day.

We will have photos of our travels for the rest of our lives. I hope my grandchildren see photos of my travels and are inspired by them, and in the name of vanity, I hope to look as elegant as I am joyous in those photos.

jenna swan