It’s 2023, Happy New Year! Life update: Airports and air travel are still problematic, you’re rocking at least one hen do a month and the majority are abroad (why did we choose such lavish friends?!) You reach for your diary, a Christmas gift from your Great Aunt titled “New Year, New Me” and whilst you’re tormented by the pressuring reminder, you’re determined to fulfil the role of your most organised, stylish, sustainable self this year. Here are 5 essentials you’ll need to conquer the bride-to-be mayhem and skip the queue with hand luggage only.
How To Plan Your Hand Luggage Hen in 2023
1. Bullet-Proof Luggage
“Travel in style”. A phrase that all too often loses its place in the packing pecking order. There’s been too many times I’ve stumbled into an airport followed by the loitering shadow of shame that is my younger brother’s beaten up suitcase with it’s broken wheel and scuffed exterior. Enough is enough. It’s time to invest in a little luxury. Instantly elevate your airport attire with a Rimowa Classic Cabin – after all, who said the Heathrow Airport runway was just for planes?!
Buy new on the Rimowa website or save the planet (and £160) with a second hand version from Vestiaire Collective.
2. Don’t Catch A Chill
Find comfort in the fact that you’re not the star of the show. You’re not the hen, you’re one of her little chicks so that makes outfit-picking a whole lot easier. You’re limited on luggage so you’re going to want a fail-safe item you can throw on day & night. The question still remains… leather jacket or blazer? Enter: the leather blazer, the outerwear hybrid we never knew we needed (until now). Size up once or twice for a cool oversized fit!
Buy new from The Frankie Shop or round up your spend and invest in a second-hand Gucci fit that will stand the test of time.
3. Above Board Boots
I’ve never reached for a pair of boots more than my beloved cowboys. Comfortable, cool and means you can wear that mini skirt all year round. Life is too short to stay in the safe lane so opt for metallic and bring the party wherever you go. My Isabel Marant boots have essentially moulded to my feet I’ve worn them so much – unnecessary information, I apologise.
Buy new with the most epic collaboration of 2022, Annie’s Ibiza X Terry de Havilland or follow my lead with a dose of second hand Marant!
4. Little Black Sequin Dress
Whilst wearing white is categorically out of the question, nobody said no to a little sparkle. Transform your LBD into an LBSD and ensure you appropriately represent your dazzling bride-to-be as you toast a glass of your favourite bottle of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque. Practicality is key when packing light but it doesn’t have to be boring. Throw your sequins over a chunky knit, paired with some tights & your cowboy boots – bottomless Bloody Marys never looked so good.
Buy new from Free People or up the anti with this incredible second hand Saint Laurent piece.
5. Feed Your Skin
Whether you had one too many sips of that Spicy Margarita (nobody blames you) or simply not enough hours of that all important beauty sleep, packing hydrating skincare is an absolute must. Fortunately, Typology have created the ultimate Travel Kit, equipped with a complete face care routine, all max. 50 ml so that you can slip it into your Rimowa Cabin Luggage. From a soap to a mask, there’s everything you need to exfoliate, purify and moisturise your skin on your glamorous getaway.
If you can’t separate yourself from your holy grails, take the sustainable option and fill up these super chic amber glass bottles from Neal’s Yard.
