Airport Guide 101

Hi my fashion readers, 

Have you ever heard of airport fashion? It is very peculiar part of the fashion world that I have discovered recently. Airport fashion has been around for the longest time, where celebrities stroll through the departure and arrival halls (of airports) in what most consider a fashion and a charm.

It must sound awfully delirious that guys should wear like a fashion star even when riding a plane and I couldn’t agree more. There really isn’t any need to copy those celebrities (as we aren’t one), but we should probably stick to something decent and relaxed even if we are in a plane or the airport, shouldn’t we?

Here are some suggestions that I would give (and wear) for guys when travelling.

1.       Cotton is travel perfection.

Cotton wear is comfortable. They snug nicely around your body and they absorb sweat. Cotton breathes gently and gives our body the ventilation it needs.

 

Cotton button-down over a casual tees are good combination for airport traveling

2.       Something to keep your hair in check?

You may look amazing during departure, but I’m not sure if you could keep that up all the way till arrival (especially if the duration of the flight is long). So, get a cap or beanie to keep your hair in check.

Best time to wear a beanie!

3.       A comfortable jacket/coat IS NOT luxury, its necessity!

It doesn’t matter if the airline provides you blankets during flight or otherwise. A comfortable jacket can give us the warmth we need in a cold flight and it has our very own scent! When it comes to the definition of comfort, I assess the softness of the fabric, its ability to keep warm!  The rule of thumb for choice jacket fabric is napped wool over cotton or flannel over brushed fleece over serge over soft denim over leather. Of course, there are many other fabric materials. 

NOTE: This doesn’t mean you should get a sweatshirt or wear something too loose! More guides on jackets in the upcoming jacket guide 101.

4.       Refresh!

There are three (3) ways how I stay fresh throughout the entire journey – cleanse, scented and shades. I always keep my travelling toiletries with me, so that I can clean my face, brush my teeth and smell great all the time. Also, I bring a pair of good shades to hide my dark eye circles during arrival.

 

5.       Dress down.

To the stylo-milos, please drop all the fancy gears. Simple is better. My best bet is to wear a jacket, tees or singlets, straight pants (not too tight), warm socks and comfy shoes. If you want to accessorise, try keeping them simple and light.

NOTE: If you want to wear collared shirt in a flight, I would advise you against a plain one. Creases love going in all the wrong places and no one looks good in that. Try to wear a checker-patterned one. 

Studded Cap; Ralph Lauren Black Polo Tee; Calvin Klein Jeans; Levi Cooper Casual Blucher

6.       Think Ahead.

Think about where you are going upon arrival. Is it going to be hot or cold? Is it culturally acceptable to wear particular clothing? What is in the traveling itinerary upon arrival? Make adjustments according to the plans.

There you have it, guys! This is my simple rendition of airport fashion. The key to good airport fashion wear is to look fresh and comfy! 

Earth-Brown Beanie; Prada Blue Shades; Fur Muse Necklace; Calvin Klein Pouch

Dreaming in the Land BetweeN riverS

I remember the few well-spent days I had in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Hanoi that I have gotten to know was and, perhaps still is, a touristy urban area that seems to be tied down by its third world development. When I visit places like these, I have a tendency to feel a strong sense of nostalgia and vigour about those cities. Everything turns into a piece of memory that seems to be connected to my past, but I am sure I have never been to places like Hanoi and Halong Bay before.

Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam that is historically laden.

 

  

Blue Shade from Prada, Blue Hooded Cardigan from Mijosu, Graph Checkered Toffee-hued Shorts, and Coffee Coloured Blutchers from D&C

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Water Puppet Show is a brilliant cultural theatre that showcases the spirit, belief and heritage of Vietnam

 

Paper Weaving Boxes

Hanoi can be best described as a city that promotes arts, crafts and culture. The crafts of weaving, pottery, stone-statue carving, batik, painting, and tree sculpting are the few well-known attributes amongst many of this beautiful 1000 year old city. Vietnam heritage runs deep in Hanoi. Temples are ancient and well-preserved amongst the French influences. Local cuisines are easily found with the multitude of restaurants available. As an Asian myself, I find their food highly delectable as they (the foods) are similar as ours in my homeland. It is a city that stimulates the mind for arts, creativity, innovation and philosophy.

Tile Painting

Cow-Chicken? How cute!

 Bonsai Plantings

 

 

Clay Dragon Statue!

 

After spending two days in Hanoi, we went on a short excursion to one of the most reputed bays in the country. As we moved to the renowned Halong Bay, I noticed the quick change of vista into patches of brown and green covering the sub-urban areas welcoming spring. However, the scenery at the bay changed once again.

 

 

I’d described Halong Bay with a two words – “Stunning beauty”. The landscape seems to be something sculpted out of an amazing painting. When we visited Halong Bay, it was the changing of seasons between winter and spring. Mist veiling panoramic landscapes of stony islands, adorned with lush emerald greens. It was as the locals would say “the beauty of Vietnam smiling back at us”. I was seriously bedazzled by the morning view outside the porch. She - Halong Bay, was and still is absolutely beautiful.

 

Our cabin during the stay in Halong Bay

I woke up in the morning and this was what I saw... Simply amazing

View from the top of a cavern

Looks like something I see in drawings

 

Knowing myself, I could carry on and on with embellished words on how amazing my trip to Vietnam was. I shall have some self-control and end the records of my travel experience to the beautiful land between river – Hanoi and bay of the descending dragons – Halong Bay.