Insights • Inspirations • Destinations • Design

Monday, December 17, 2012

The Art of Travel, Part 2: The Glamour


If you still think travel is tedious and exhausting and packed (pun intended) with emotional nights, long days (and delays) and extended difficulties, let you persuade you otherwise...

Oh – and the next post – the last for the year – will be a beautiful one about Paris and France. It will also include some details of how you can see the best of it next year in a wonderful tour we're organising. Do stop by if you fancy a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the gardens of France. We'd love to have you come along with us.


The beautiful, whimsical, travel-inspired windows of Hermès' flagship store in Paris. I'm not normally an advocate of using taxidermied animals in store displays, but I suspect this was an old exhibit from Deyrolle on the Left Bank. Look how magnificent he is! Look at that luggage! {My photo from archives}


A wonderful, wonderful video about luggage and Christmas and coveted orange boxes that will make you laugh, also by Hermès. Link here or here – www.youtube.com/user/hermes


The sexiest camera ever produced... Leica's Hermès limited edition version. Would buy it, but would have to sell the husband for it. Then again... www.leica.com


Another fabulous camera... Paul Smith's version of the Leica. Look at the whimsical detail. The sketch of a light bulb that appears on top of the pop-up flash was drawn by Mr. Smith himself.  leica-camera.com {Via The Wall Street Journal}



And if you can't afford the tangerina Leica dream, here's a mobile / cell phone cover made to look like one of the coveted cases. Love this.


Louis Vuitton's windows in Paris: luggage stacked to look like the Eiffel Tower. Isn't this lovely? {My photo}



An uplifting video (so to speak) about the beauty of travel... Louis Vuitton's hot air balloon video 'L'Invitation Au Voyage', shot in Paris. Just beautiful... Link here or here – www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-JgJGU5wXo


Karen Blixen's luggage. This has also come via Hermès. It was specially designed for the author by the French company. There were two pieces made. Reportedly the latter consumed 368 hours of work and was an extraordinarily complicated piece of luggage, truly worthy of an aristocrat facing the demanding African landscape. This makes me want to read Out of Africa all over again.
{Via Luxury Insider}


Antique luggage used as bar carts and other irreverent things. We saw this at the Nomad Hotel earlier this year. Each room had a magnificent vintage steamer trunk upended to create a mini-bar. So inspiring... {Via Jennings and Gates' lovely blog}


A glamorous ONA camera bag, as seen on A Cup of Jo's blog. {www.onabags.com}


Be still my beating heart... Have you ever seen such a beautiful camera? This is an antique Leica from the early 20th century, which has faux-lizard skin and gold plating. There were only 95 of these early models made. This one was sold recently at Bonham's auction house, and expected to fetch $230,000. Still, that's a bargain compared to the rare 1923 prototype camera which a Chinese bidder paid $2.8 million for this year. I'll just breath out now.


More converted luggage, this time as wardrobes, although I'm not sure what they're doing out in the snow? {Via Jennings and Gates' beautiful blog – jenningsandgates.blogspot.com}


Mai Tai's Picture Book is one of the most instructive blogs on the Internet, full of great advice on how to travel without looking like a troglodyte who's just come out of a hole (or economy class). Her trick? A gorgeous scarf. She even takes special scarf holders when she travels. Her work is impressive. {maitaispicturebook.com}





More cheeky, irreverent travel stuff from Louis Vuitton. These are 'bag charms', which you attach to your handbag or luggage to identify it. Here's the video about them. I love the palm trees. Link here  or here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ5STIqA99Q


Me too.



And lastly, two Library readers challenged me (in good humour) to illustrated how you can pack for a 2-week holiday using just a carry-on bag. Put my money where my mouth is and all that... 

Last time I did a post on this I used mostly winter clothes. So here is how I'd pack for a holiday that encompassed city and beach, with some garden visits and perhaps a few evening shows scattered in between... Little tip: Pack hybrids, or clothes that can go across not just one, but two or three situations. I toss in oversized scarves that can double as beach wraps, frocks that can go from day to night, and handbags that can switch from casual to business meeting. It's difficult, I know. But it just takes some thinking... Here are some ideas.


Colour: Keep your colours to a minimum, so everything matches. I usually use navy or black as neutrals and then toss in a colour, such as orange or pink. Everything has to match with everything else. Everything. If it won't socialise with the rest of the clothes, toss it!

INVENTORY FOR A CITY/BEACH HOLIDAY WITH GARDENS VISITS AND EVENING SHOWS IN BETWEEN
Lightweight trenchcoat (orange for glamour; this was one $5 from Chapel Street). Essential for showers in London or Paris, additional layering on chilly days, or to cover a dress that hasn't been washed for 2 days and is showing the rigours of long-haul flights. (Only pack if you think the weather is going to be at all chilly, otherwise it just takes up space.)
Flat loafers. Flat shoes are essential for flights and walking. (Ballets are no good because they don't have adequate soles. And your ankles will likely blow up in-flight, making their tight curves hard to slip on for a day or so afterwards and therefore contenders for blisters.) Loafers are my choice, but there are lots of pretty flat shoes around,
Espadrille wedges. Brilliant 'cross-over' shoes that are smart enough for both daywear / beachwear and business meetings. (Well, my casual publishing ones anyway; you may wish to include a pair of 'proper' heels for more formal appointments.)
Smart sundress. Find one or two frocks that are dressy enough for evenings as well as daywear. Include a belt and accessories to jazz up for business meetings or shows.
Tailored blazer. I always, always include a blazer or jacket. It will immediately smarten up any outfit, and be a glamorous safeguard if you find you want to suddenly attend a tradeshow or business meeting, have a date with an ex-boyfriend, go to an evening play, or simply try for an upgrade in a hotel or flight. Try to find one that's well cut (this is my favourite Armani); that way, it will hide the cheaper lines of any $50 frocks. 
Navy linen 'boyfriend' shirt-dress. Shirt-dresses are great because they're easy to wear on planes (throw some leggings underneath if you're cold); they're smart for cities (enhance them with lovely chunky necklaces), they're fab for slipping on beside a pool or walking along a beach, and can, if desperate, be used for dinner wear. (Just wear some fancy jewellery – say, a gold cuff and some dangly earrings.)
Two colourful dresses. These are great to wear around the pool / on the beach, but will also suffice for city walks.
Coloured Bensimons. Pretty sandshoes are nicer than flip-flops, and will do double-duty for walking. (Flip-flops are not smart enough for cities.)
A cardigan. I love long ones that can do double-duty as wraps on planes. 
One pair of swimmers and two or three scarves, which can double as sarongs. (You can sneak in a second pair of swimmers, if you want.)

FOR THE CITY VISITS AND/OR FORMAL AFFAIRS (meetings, shows, etc): Wear the more-tailored dresses (with the blazer, if cold) and more formal jewellery and accessories.
FOR THE BEACH: Wear the brighter dresses (which can also cross over to the city; wear a cardi or trench, if cold).
FOR GARDEN VISITS: Wear the flat loafers or Bensimons (you won't need boots, unless it's winter or chilly; in which case pack pants too), with bright dresses and a cardi. Buy a cute hat somewhere to keep the sun off. Take the bright trenchcoat or bright scarves if it's cold.


Here's how it all fits into a small carry-on suitcase, together with toiletries and a travel umbrellas. (Note: You'll be wearing some of the clothes.) I can even squeeze in a tripod and a second handbag / clutch. This bag may be over the luggage limit so you may have to check it in, but it's still an ideal size for travelling.


Lastly, more than 40 people have emailed me to ask how they could help my dear friend Jane Green from Life on Planet Baby. (lifeonplanetbaby.com) Thank you so much. Your cards and notes will no doubt boost her and her family's moral this Christmas. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone. Your new year has certainly started off in the right spirit! Sending you all a hug. xx

Tomorrow or Thursday: Preliminary details of The Grand Tour of Paris and France...

14 comments:

  1. Love this post Janelle - I've always had a bit of a thing for antique campaign chests. Your packing is also inspiring, no doubt with all the travel you've done you've well and truly perfected it. Would you believe that when I went to Gwinganna on the Gold Coast there was one guest who had 2 suitcases, plus a carryon, for 5 days! As we spent most of the time there in exercise gear, I managed to get mine all into my carryon alone with no problems. When we went to leave I was standing next to her and she looked at my bag and said "is that all???" and I looked at hers and said "what on earth did you bring in yours??" !!

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    1. Did you know campaign furniture is coming back in fashion Heidi? Apparently it's ideal for tiny New York studio apartments, as it's flexible. multi-functional and easy to move around.

      As for luggage, I've seen people trying to lift huge suitcases up and around London's Underground, where there are few lifts. I feel for them. I wonder what that Gwinganna woman bought?

      Best wishes for a lovely Christmas. Sadly, I can't make it to Adelaide this year, so will miss you, but will arrange to get something (a little gift) to you, somehow., even if it's by delayed Australia Post! xx

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  2. Ok Janelle. your packing for me when we go on the Garden Tour!

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    1. I think you'd been adept enough on your own, Miss Claire, after hiking through Italy for a month!
      Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, and a restful New Year. Hope you get lots of reading done under those palm trees! xx

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  3. Dear Janelle
    Great posts! Love the carry-on packs - the wonderful clothes and accessories and colour combinations. That rose is fabulous - such glamour - and so light to pack. Do tell where you found it!

    So great to hear that over 40 people have emailed you about Jane Green. We have only one life and how we live it is so important. As one gets closer to the end than the beginning this becomes even clearer. We're all so busy with our own lives, jobs, homes, families and friends but sometimes opportunities come along to make a difference (even if in a small way) whether it's for friends, neighbours or strangers or for broader humanitarian causes like the welfare of children, democratic values or the environment and health of the planet. Sometimes we can make the opportunities ourselves.
    This month Janelle you've made a difference and not only for Jane. By asking for kindness to be shown, you've helped over 40 people to reach out to someone they don't know to offer encouragement in a difficult time. You've helped everyone to take the time to make a difference.

    I'm so proud of our son and DIL who believe passionately in doing what they can to make a difference. They work very hard running two businesses yet they give a significant percentage of their profits monthly to the charities they've chosen. As they have a young family, these are mostly charities to benefit children. Even their official business Christmas cards are UNICEF.

    Best wishes and a very Happy Christmas to you and your partner, Pamela

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    1. That's so kind of you Pamela. I'm so impressed by your son and DIL. I've always been very impressed by Dame Elizabeth Murdoch too. Did you ever see the interview Andrew Denton did with her on the ABC? (Replayed recently.) It might be on YouTube. She's such a believer in the value of kindness.

      The little beige rose is from Witchery I think? Or Sussan? I think it was Sussan? They've rebranded and have some amazing linen clothes this year. But you can find them in cheap accessory stores too. They always look cute on a jacket or dress.

      Wishing you and the family all the best for Christmas. Thanks again for being such a gracious and supportive reader of The Library this year. xx

      Delete
  4. Karen Blixen's luggage if such a pedestrian word can be used is just sublime. I can smell the leather.

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    1. It's in such good condition too, isn't it? How has it escaped the African dust and heat?
      Thanks for your email. Just rushing off to the State Library to do some research before a meeting tomorrow, but will answer later today if that's okay?
      All the very best Miss SMR. Hope you have a beautiful Christmas with the family, and a good long restful after beginning your exhausting new job. xx

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  5. It's amazing how little one really needs to take - have learnt the hard way from taking FAR too much stuff and then discovering, over the years, that I tend to live in just a few outfits which get rotated around. No need to take 3 jumpers, when one will only be worn.

    Love all the colour inside your suitcase. Instead of just black. Got to sneak in your favourite pinks and oranges I see!!! xx

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    1. Me too GM! We don't need HALF the stuff we take with us on holidays. And I think all that stuff weighs us down mentally too. Besides, there are always stores around to buy extra things if we need them. I've found ZARA to be a godsend on half a dozen occasions.

      Hope your family is well now. I'm sure you're looking forward to a quiet Christmas with them all. Hope it's wonderful! xx

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  6. I love all the luxury in this post and I've heard so much about the leica! I must get myself one. Even though traveling can be stressful I always feel so glamorous when I'm traveling!
    xo
    Sharon

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  7. In 1986 I got an up-grade from Cattle Class to First Class 'cos the Qantas Purser said 'We looked at all the other passengers in the check-in line & you were the only one appropriately dressed to move up to the front of the plane.' Ha don't you love it......moi of all people! I have kept that in mind at every flight I've taken since (& there have been 100's) & it has got me ZERO upgrades. Note to self - stop wearing the Chanel suit for every flight, you look like an idiot!
    Millie xx

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  8. So much to say about this post Janelle!
    Firstly, Travel is my greatest passion but packing is my true nemesis. Secondly, I'm seriously coveting that exquisite vintage Leica. WOW. Thirdly, KB's vanity case-I have a photo of it on my wall-talk about dreaming of Africa... which leads me to Campaign furniture...was it ever OUT of style?! I'm such a huge fan. I bought Bill Blass' Campaign book case from the auction many years ago. It sits in my living room and transports me to distant lands every time I look at it.

    Happy Hols & travels to you!

    xx Sp

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  9. Oh Janelle. So much to mull over here. You always have such superb food for thought on offer.

    I am so *not* an orange girl but that Leica could turn me.

    Ooh, I am fascinated by your wardrobe choices, my fellow nay lover. Fabulous.

    Ad finally, thankyou to everyone for their extreme displays of kindness over the last week or so. Words seem inadequate to convey my thoughts. J x

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Thank you for stopping by. It's always lovely hearing from The Library's readers.

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