If you resolved to travel more this New Year’s Eve be sure to do so stylishly. There’s no need to schlump through security is baggy sweats and flip flops and use the same old black carry-on and fleece blanket as every other traveler. We found a few fabulous pieces that will get your from New York to St. Tropez and back to the Hamptons in grand fashion.
Start with a great leather bag. Why leather? Leather is both sturdy and stylish and after a few years that travel-worn patina adds character. Look for something with a wide top zipper and plenty of interior pockets to stash scarves, ties, and jewelry. Roll belts and stuff those, as well as intimate apparel, into shoes to save space. Hen packing dresses, pants, and shirts, use dry cleaner bags and roll – not fold – clothes to keep the wrinkles at bay.
For the guys, we can’t get enough of the Stark Camo Lion Weekender from MCM. This one won’t get mixed in the all-black luggage shuffle with its bold styling. Grab it by the double handle or sling it over your shoulder by the removable strap, inside there’s a zipped pocket as well as a button pocket to tote smaller items. ($1,195. MCM Boutique, The Shops at the Plaza, One West 58th St, New York, 212-832-2626)
For her, keep it chic with a roomy Henley Duffle by Gigi New York. In soft, luxurious pebble grain leather, this bag has plenty of interior stretch and zippered pockets for jewelry and cosmetics as well as two exterior pockets so you can reach travel papers quickly. The bag comes in three colors – camel, navy, and black and they can all be monogrammed. How luxe! ($675. GiGi New York, 28 Jobs Lane, Southampton, www.giginewyork.com)
![]() |
Overpacking happens, When it does at least be chic. Pack those lat minute musts in this bag form Pikolinos and ward off the chill with an infinity scarf by Studio S. (Courtesy Photos) |
Because ladies try to pack light but, let’s face it, overpacking happens, add a big cognac-colored leather handbag from Pikolinos to your weekend adventure. Roomy enough for yoga clothes and a pashmina as well as souveniers the stylishly studded bag also has plenty of pockets to keep you organized on the run. A-listers Ryan Gosling and Jennifer Lawrence are fans of the brands bags and shoes and can be spotted jet-setting in style. ($231. Illusions, 78 Main Street, Sag Harbor, 631-725-5871 and at Pikolinos.com)
Add a touch of inspired bling that you can easily pop on and off through security and wear from day to night. We like the fun bangles from Jet Set Candy. Inscribed with quotes from the likes of JRR Tolkien and Hans Christian Andersen choose from “Not All Those Who Wander are Lost”, “I Haven’t Been Everywhere but It’s on My List” and “To Travel Is to Live” in either 14K gold vermeil or sterling silver. ($195. MyJetSetCandy.com)
The temperature from your door to the car/cab to the airport and finally into the plane will vary. A lightweight infinity scarf will ward off any chill and look fabulous with a t-shirt or casual dress while you jaunt around your destination. We love this infinity scarf from Studio S, the bright pop of color and fun geometric print give it an tribal, globe-trotting feel. ($24. Sears stores nationwide)
Celebrities like Kaley Cuoco, Nicky Hilton, Jamie Chung, Khloe Kardashian, and Katy Perry are in love with Barca beanies from Plush wearing them all over town to yoga and when traveling. The fleece lined knit hats come in a variety of colors like pink, black, heather gray, and more. Perfect for Aspen and the Alps. ($45. Plush-Apparel.com)
If you’re planning a little après ski and love to snuggle, the Chilly Jilly Wrapper Blanket is a must-pack. From the plane to the fireplace this lightweight wrap will keep you just warm enough to enjoy another glass of something bubbly. Available in black, brown, and slate gray it goes with everything and packs into its own little silk bag. ($45, ChillyJilly.com)
Finally, if you are doing a fab weekend and just bringing just the essentials remember to pack light, really light. The best hotels have all the amenities you need and top beauty brands have all-in-one kits, like the newest Naked On The Run by Urban Decay ($54. Sephora.com) that has eyes, lips, and mascara plus bronzer allowing you to pack light. Just add a few small brushes and you’re set.
Happy travels!
![]() |
A cozy beanie from Plush and blanket rapper from Chhlly Jilly pack neatly into this stylish weekender from GiGi New York. (Courtesy PHotos) |