These four jetsetters prove that just because you’re on your vacation doesn’t mean your style should take a break.
Destination: Koh Samui
For Carol Chen, 36, her trips to Koh Samui have become an opportunity to refocus herself, so she can return to her role as founder of dress rental business Covetella with fresh verve. Steal her packing tips for looking fab while on vacation:
“Koh Samui. Every year, I escape to Thailand on my own for a detox retreat. I’ll spend seven to ten days fasting, meditating, reading, sunbathing, and doing yoga. My life is usually quite hectic, so I love taking a break to physically and mentally reset.”
“People always wonder how I can go an entire week without food, but I always feel amazing afterwards. Not only do you feel lighter, but you experience more energy and your senses are enhanced.”
Sunglasses, $650, from Fendi.
“Always pack some fancy earrings in case you need to dress up an outfit.”
STYLE TIP: A linen skirt is a fuss-free addition, because it needs zero ironing!
"STYLE TIP: Find slim-fitted cargo pants to balance out the added bulk of pockets."
For some of us, the Great Outdoors might feel a little intimidating. No air-conditioning, no Internet, limited hot water… the list of creature comforts one might sacrifice runs on. But for Elyn Wong, 41, the creative director at her fashion label Stolen, her trip to Bhutan was just the spiritual remedy that she needed. The Lancôme Trendsetter Award winner of The Weekly’s Great Women Of Our Time Awards in 2017 shares her experiences in Bhutan, and the pieces she packed for her trip of a lifetime:
“I’ve wanted to visit Bhutan for years. I am someone who always prefers venturing off the beaten track, and the mystic beauty of this highly foreign land has always intrigued me. I was also at a very big turning point in my life: I just completed the most successful fashion show for my brand Stolen, but on the flip side, I had just lost the most important person in my life – my dad. So I was looking for an epic getaway, both physically and emotionally, and Bhutan felt like the perfect place.”
“…it heightens my senses when I experience new things and places. It helps fuel my imagination and rejuvenates me physically and emotionally.”
“Suicoke’s sandals are practical, stylish and authentic for an adventure.”
Shirt, $245, from Bimba Y Lola.
Suicoke sandals, $226, from Leftfoot.
Bag, $690, from Longchamp.
Destination: Lapland
Blame it on our weather, but we can rarely resist a trip to some wintery, far-flung location. There’s something so romantic and serene about snow-covered landscapes and the crisp winter air. Still need convincing? Just ask Melissa Celestine Koh. Earlier this year, the 28-year-old founder of fashion label Run After, travelled with her husband James to Lapland, Finland to hit the ski slopes and catch enchanting auroras at night. Here is her list of must-bring items:
“That was my most recent ski trip, which we took in February. We decided to visit the arctic because it was a place on our bucket list. We were there hoping to catch the Northern Lights and experience the magic of the Northern Arctic.”
“Definitely the sub-zero degree weather! The warmest it got during the trip was - 10 C. We had so many cool experiences— like riding on a snow mobile, catching the auroras by a lake, and trekking in the dark. One funny memory would be of James falling on his butt as he got off the plane. The falling snow during sunrise was so magical, and I think he got a little overly excited. I was vlogging with him next to me, and the next moment, he disappeared from my screen!”
Joostricot sweater, $750, from NET-APORTER.
STYLE TIP: Add texture while staying warm with a pelted faux fur jacket.
"STYLE TIP: Dress up your denim game by getting an embellished pair of jeans."
Destination: Seoul
Like they say: Once a city girl, always a city girl. Nicole Wong, the 29-year-old Founder of creative agency nplusc, can often be seen jetting off to bustling metropolitan destinations, bringing with her a suitcase of super stylish pieces and trendy accessories. Before she takes to the skies once again, she gives us the low-down on the items she’s packing for her next city vacay:
“I recently flew to Seoul to attend the bi-annual Seoul Fashion Week. It’s always exciting for me to meet and talk to new and upcoming designers. Apart from that, I love visiting new cafes, finding cool shopping haunts where I can stock up on cool finds, and indulging in a great meal of hearty Korean dishes. I always leave Seoul feeling super satisfied.”
“Firstly, I’d head to the Han River for a picnic. Unroll a little mat, lay out a few small dishes and bask in the sun! After that, I’ll get some shopping done at Cheongdamdong in the upmarket Gangnam district, where you can find plenty of indie fashion labels. Then, once I’ve got all my retail therapy in, I’ll head to one of the traditional banchan restaurants for dinner. Banchan refers to the small dishes that are served with a Korean meal, and I’m always impressed with the spread of choices most restaurants present.”
“A midi LBD is perfect for those lastminute nights out.”
Bag, $794, from Furla.
PHOTOS: 123RF.COM, CAROL CHEN, ELYN WONG, MELISSA CELESTINE KOH, NC WONG
