The Fly Girl Guide

I’m fresh off the plane from my super lit trip to London and Paris! I was a media partner for Africa Fashion Week London where I saw some great emerging designers coming from the African diaspora. Peep my recap of Africa Fashion Week London here.

I came back home refocused and inspired. It was a fabulous trip. I shared the tea behind my trip on my latest podcast and here, I wanted to give you another look at how I leveled up.

I've realized I need to get my money up because although my plane ticket was cheap, I am not about this long layover time or long flight time. I flew from Dulles International Airport to Istanbul, Turkey which was a ten-hour flight. I then flew from Istanbul to London which was another four hours. Dis Tew Much.

Flight Essentials.

A sleep mask is essential. I can no longer sleep without one. Here’s my fave.

Lather’s Clear Head Balancing Balm is a game changer. It’s seriously my new favorite beauty ting. It’s an aromatherapy balm made with lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. Throughout my flight and even after my travels, I dab a little to my temple and my back of neck or anywhere I feel tension. I then breathe deeply to promote a sense of balance and well being. Game changer.

The Girl on the Train - If you’re a fan of Gone Girl, then you need to add The Girl on the Train. I was definitely engrossed in this story. You cannot trust a drunk. That’s all I’mma say.

So I’m on the plane forever (shoutout to Turkish Airlines for having decent food) and I wasn’t trying to be all dolled up but bare faced to me means no foundation but lipstick. I love NXY’s Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick. It goes go creamy and then dries to a matte without being drying and it lasts! Oh, Put It On is my shade. Hello fall signature lippie. #thankmenow

What I Was Listening to.

Luckily, Fabolous’ Summertime Shootout 2 dropped which provided my tunes for most of the trip.

I also had Jeremih’s Late Night:Europe on rotation.

Where I Shopped.

Oxford Street was my jam. If you’re in London, hit up Oxford to shop River Island, New Look and Miss Selfridge IRL. And the biggest Lush is on Oxford. I could have spent way more time on this strip.

I keep talking about this dope coat I found at a flea market in Paris. A few blocks from the Notre-Dame de Paris, on Sundays, there is a flea market that happens. Laced with french books, vintage teapots, used shoes and clothing. And because, I know how to shop, I spotted this long dark green, Austrian wool coat for 7 euro. It is everything.

Where I ate.

I live for charcuterie and cheese. Before heading to a tour of the Eiffel Tower, I grabbed a quick bite at Le Garde Robe. It's a classic Paris wine bar with a great selection of charcuterie.

I had dinner at Le George V Alama. I ordered more charcuterie! SMH. Along with a veggie trio (salad, roasted veggies and gazpacho) and a bomb creme brulee.

Fly Girl Travel Tips.

Purchase a SIM card before your travels. Don't try to keep your phone in airplane mode or solely rely on Wi-Fi. Find a European carrier on Amazon and make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. Having access to emails, family and friends is much easier and cost-efficient when you use a local phone plan. #thankmenow
Buy an European socket adapter before your travels. I'm trying to set you for success! Your plane and or the airport may not have an American socket.
Inform your bank about your travels and talk to them about the fees that are associated with international spending.