How to Travel in Style and Why This Matters More Than Ever
There’s nothing better for recharging your batteries than a long weekend getaway: it’s fast, it’s simple, and it’s inexpensive, and the same should go for your clothes.
It’s easy to forget that one can only wear so many things during a two- or three-day vacation. The decision to travel light is usually dismissed from mind once the packing begins. Because of a momentary lapse of reason, you’re eventually condemned to hauling a large, tightly packed suitcase full of unnecessary stuff.
Achieve a lot with a little
To prevent packing too much, limit your wardrobe and other necessities to a small suitcase or duffel bag. Weekend getaways demand a practical, flexible approach, so opt for clothes that are fitting for your planned activities and can be worn to a variety of occasions.
By all means, resist the urge to bring your designer dresses and high heels: you don’t want to spend your vacation worrying about getting your clothes ruined. You want to relax, have fun, and be able to move freely, which is why your clothes should be simple, comfortable, and versatile. If they don’t fulfill all three requirements, they shouldn’t be included in the bag.
As a rule, stick to basic items that can be easily combined to create different outfits. Don’t go crazy with elaborate patterns: the safest bet is to stick to solid colors, but a striped shirt or a maxi dress with a delicate floral print will enter some variety into the mix and prevent things from getting too boring.
Use the power of details
Going simple does not entail giving up on being fashionable. Even a basic white shirt paired with denim shorts and a cute pair of flats can look chic if you know how to accessorize. If you add a pair of oversized sunglasses and a white, beige, or camel fedora hat into the equation, you will at the same time get protection from the sun and make a fashion statement.
Jewelry is an effective way to spice up your outfit without putting in too much effort. You can invoke your inner Grace Kelly by shopping for pearl jewelry online and getting a piece of timeless jewelry that will never go out of fashion. Add a touch of nonchalant elegance to your look by wearing a simple pearl necklace with a light pastel blouse, stretch jeans, and flat sandals. Or, combine a pair of pearl earrings with your straight-cut evening dress to achieve instant sophistication – think Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
Unite style with comfort
In terms of ease of combining, nothing beats a white shirt and black leggings, but take caution if you wear them together. Monochromatic outfits can come out as dull unless you break the pattern with a striking detail such as a bright red bag.
A basic button-down shirt, whether sleeveless or with rolled-up sleeves, matches perfectly with stretch jeans, slim pants, and striped maxi skirts alike. A pair of comfy loafers or sneakers and an added oversized sweater or cardigan for the evenings is all that you’ll need to complement the look.
If you are not into carrying large purses and handbags, a small zip backpack will make a fantastic combo with a plain graphic tee, a pair of casual shorts, and slip-on sneakers. In the evening, the shorts can be replaced by leggings, with a faux leather jacket added for full effect.
Layer up with confidence
Layered clothing is a necessity on short trips, and the easiest way to make sure you’ve covered all the options is to bring a solid-colored oversized jacket or blazer that can be worn with practically anything.
A casual navy blazer will look fab with either slim jeans or cigarette pants, a slim tee, and casual shoes, with an added tote or shopper bag. On the other hand, a denim jacket can be used in a myriad of ways: you can wear it over your crop or tank top and maxi floral skirt, or combine it with a loose-fitting tee and black stretch pants. A pair of flat gladiator sandals and a drawstring bag with an interesting print will complete the outfit perfectly.
To achieve maximum comfort while staying cool, it’s enough to throw an oversized tee over your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans or jeggings, with the addition of a chic statement scarf that will not only accent your look but can also double-serve as a great hair accessory.
Enjoy the perks of traveling light
Packing light and being forced to minimize on your clothing will make you an expert in combining things and achieving different looks with only a few select items. You’ll also learn to fully appreciate the importance of accessorizing by using decent pieces of jewelry, statement bags, and large hats or sunglasses. Finally, it will make your weekend getaway infinitely more fun and relaxed, which was, after all, the whole point.
Queens of Virtue was birthed through the desire to create a brand for multicultural women – to inspireHER, motivateHER, influenceHER, educateHER, empowerHER, and leadHER to make her passion and purpose, her paycheck. Travel has always been my passion and therapy, with beauty and style being my creative outlet. Originally, the brand was my blog – ‘Travel. Beauty. Style.,’ but I decided to plant seeds of expansion. I focused on becoming a certified travel consultant, but I wanted to create a platform where women can not only travel but connect through genuine togetherness. I did not want just another travel agency, so the brand operates as a DMC (Destination Management Company) and a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) as well.
As a blogger I noticed that influencers of color were being left out of the “influence” space, especially in the luxury sector. Campaigns continued to go to black and brown destinations, yet the message appeared extremely whitewashed. So, I became the change I desired to see! No longer did I care to come to the table. I realized that my entire life, I was a master chef. I asked myself, why sit at the table, when I am the createHER of the Michelin 5-star menu? Coming from a Caribbean culture, raised in Brooklyn, NY – I knew that it takes a village! So, I built one.
The ‘She Rize” movement is all about the ‘Power in the Pack.” We are Women of Power, uplifting multicultural women, helping them to recognize their role by unleashing their Queendom that exists within. The brand offers resources within pillars of motivation – through coaching and mentoring – for small businesses and entrepreneurship development. As a woman, one of the hardest things to accomplish is being mentored and/or coached by other women. Not too many women take the time to be our sisters’ keeper. I remember looking up to Toni Morrison, Terry McMillan, and of course, Maya Angelou. Their creative works gave me the inspiration and fuel I need to ‘rize’ when the world told me I cannot! “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise!” – Maya Angelou.
I work 1-on-1 with women aspiring to take their brands higher. For those who are interested in the travel industry, you will receive mentorship and coaching, in addition to training and job placement upon industry certification. In fact, you can expect my guidance and support throughout the entire process.
For the last decade, as a digital influencer, I recognized a void within the industry. The goal is to be the bridge that connects the not-so-invisible dots. Working with women influencers and creators of color, is my passion – as well as a privilege! This initiative works with top brands, professionals, and influencers/creators (by invitation only) to create content as storytellers! Throughout the year, this collective hosts exclusive FAMs (familiarization) and Press trips for influencers to experience destinations and events, saturated in luxury and style. I also create luxury campaigns in the Travel and Lifestyle arenas. The initiative also provides a luxury digital magazine for creators and influencers, by creators and influencers called ‘Shades of Beauty, Influence of Color,’ as well as a podcast series called the ‘Queen’s Qorner,’ training, courses, and virtual travel content – all launching soon.
The vision I have for Queens of Virtue continues to transform. I hope to impact over 1,000 women globally by the end of 2022, leaving a digital footprint of change and growth. By 2025, I hope to reach over 10,000 women. When I say impact – I mean to influence, inspire, empower, educate, lead – to shape in some way, helping HER to not just tell her story, but to manifest her dreams into a sweet reality. My goal is to have properties; Airbnb’s, resorts, and Inn’s in exotic destinations around the globe, in addition, catamaran(s), private jet(s) and thousands of sustainable women-led and owned businesses under my wing by 2030. I plan to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren. Queens of Virtue aims to be a household staple and world-renowned luxury lifestyle brand for decades to come.
