Nicole Parker King
Founder, Jet Set Candy
My luggage is Tumi (all black) and my carry-on is a large, black structured tote bag from Sophie Hulme which comfortably fits my laptop and so much more. I fantasize about luxe luggage all of the time. While I wouldn’t turn down a set from Louis Vuitton, my dream luggage suite would be from T. Anthony or Globetrotter. I probably shouldn’t confess this but my husband, Chris, typically does my packing for me! He’s very orderly and great with spatial relations – everything is perfectly in its place when he’s in charge of it. I do at least lay everything out. When I’m traveling by myself I typically do carry on, but when I’m traveling with my husband, we usually share one bag so large it has to be checked. I always avoid packing linen and other easy-to-wrinkle fabrics and make sure I bring only travel-sized cosmetics and toiletries – God forbid my make-up gets confiscated! I’m always looking for easy to pack, comfortable and chic staples that I can mix and match and layer. This usually includes J Brand jeans and solid colored dresses that I can accessorize in different ways, as well as patterned scarves to add some visual interest. I always fly with my good luck charm, my Jet Set Candy Chrysler Building.  My plane uniform usually consists of comfy leggings (mine are David Lerner), an oversized button down, flats and a hat (to hide “jet headâ€).
When left to my own devices, I usually get to the airport pretty last minute and usually make the flight by the skin of my teeth. When traveling with my hubby we are usually early…very early. I know the security drill inside and out so I usually make it through very swiftly. I try and do as George Clooney does in “Up In the Air†and make security lines a breeze by dressing and preparing appropriately. My day jewelry is all precious metal (from Jet Set Candy) and I’m not sure if it’s that it’s small enough or the fact that it’s precious but I’ve never set off any metal detectors with it. I always wear flats or, if it’s cold, my easy-to-slip-into Frye boots and I avoid shoes with buckles and laces at all costs. I’m always looking for inspiration in airports, so when I do have some extra time you’ll usually find me perusing souvenir shops. But whenever I’m at BKK I always make sure to get a chair massage from Chang Foot Massage and Spa…they give excellent massages and it’s a great way to pass the time during a long layover. And when I’m at HKG, my favorite snack is soup dumplings from Crystal Jade…they are the best ever. I crave them!
I usually start off the plane ride by working on my laptop. Still, I’m thankful that most planes are not yet equipped with plugs, so when my laptop runs out, I am forced to be off my computer — a rarity for me. I do some really good thinking on planes and always bring a pen and paper for brainstorming session in-between watching movies, reading and napping. I like the window seat so I can view the clouds. Isn’t it funny how people have certain drinks that they only ever order on planes? Mine is spicy Bloody Mary mix with lime. If it’s a long flight I’ll usually order a Heineken as the wine is often somewhat questionable.
My must-pack beauty items for the flight are the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 gel (the best at preventing your skin from drying out on long flights), SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense, Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder, ILIA lip conditioner, and a Mason Pearson pocket brush. You’ll find me wearing a cashmere cardigan and pashmina, as I tend to get cold. I’ll also bring a cashmere cardigan or pashmina and warm socks, as I always get cold! Sunglasses are necessary to hide my tired eyes post-flight…mine are black Karen Walker Number Ones. Oversized headphones are a must - mine are Beats by Dr. Dre —in addition to great sound, these are big enough to act as a great “do not disturb†sign. I also bring a magazine, a notebook & pen (I’ve had some of my best ideas 35,000 miles high!), a great book (I’m currently reading The Innovators by Walter Isaacson–I prefer the real deal to reading on a tablet), and a deck of playing cards to stay entertained on the flight. Rounding out my must-packs are this emergency kit, this 4-in-1 lens for my iPhone, and Berocca.
