on board with style

Most people—with the exception of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, who seem to have cornered the market on private jets—find that flying is simply the miserable means to an end these days. What with junk-touching, radioactive look-sees, and flight attendants who are so fed up, they jump down the emergency chutes, it’s hard to remember the days when spending a few hours on a jet was considered glamorous. But if you, like me, are a fan of the iconic American designer, Michael Kors, you might actually believe that high-flying style still exists. (Might I remind you: This is the guy who dressed Rene Russo in the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. If you haven’t seen the movie, finish reading this post and click over to Netflix and place an immediate order. You will swoon over her jet-setting wardrobe as much as you will Pierce Brosnan’s looks. Maybe more.)   

“I don’t think anyone’s rushing back to the days of traveling in a skirt suit and pumps. Comfort is too important to us now,” says Kors in Rachel Zoe’s book, Style A to Zoe. “But there should still be a sense of looking good when you arrive. This is a very public moment, even if you’re not a public figure.” Actually, an entire page of the book is devoted to Kors’s philosophy on elegant travel; and if you read it, I swear you’ll want to hop on your next airplane in white jeans, a black blazer, and large aviator sunglasses (possibly, with a cashmere shawl stowed in your carry-on).

About that carry-on, I’m fully aware of the convenience of the easy-to-schlep, industrial black roll-on, which everyone seems to bring on board these days. But you might want to consider something a little more stylish…a little more monogrammed…a little more Thomas Crown-y: Optimally, that would be a piece of Louis Vuitton luggage—canvas, indestructible, and hopelessly chic. Unfortunately, it’s hopelessly expensive, too. The perfect, affordable alternative? Dooney & Bourke’s Extra Large Juliette Bag—just as canvas, just as indestructible, just as chic.  

Dooney & Bourke's "Juliette" bag, $345.

As Michael Kors says, “You might never end up on a tabloid cover, but a little bit of luxury can look good and make your travels more comfortable. And that’s very modern.” I completely agree. Don’t you?