Things We Love | Gwen's Favorite Things

To celebrate her birthday, Gwen’s ringing in another year with one of her favorite things: a Euro trip to a few of her favorite places. With so much to look forward to in February, including her birthday, her first anniversary, and Valentine’s Day – all within the same week – what better way to celebrate than with a winter holiday?

WHERE SHE’S GOING…

Gwen is headed across the pond to London - an old stomping ground – first. From there, she’ll head to the city of lights, Paris, to meet her husband James to see some old and new spots.

WHAT SHE’S PACKING…

Gwen’s bags will be packed with these items, and half empty of course, to fill up with treasures from her travels.

NAIL POLISH | TENOVERTEN
These polishes are cherished for their chemical-free formula. With so many gorgeous shades to choose from, it’s difficult to play favorites. Gwen loves Jane (her go-to summer polish), Carmine (which she wore to her city hall nuptials) and Church (a winter must-have).

CASHMERE TRAVEL WRAP | WHITE + WARREN
This classic 100% cashmere wrap is a must for every flight and can be worn as a shawl, shrug, wrap, snood, or blanket. Post flight, it’s essential for those foggy London days.

DELUXE BOYFRIEND SLEEPSHIRT | HANRO
Gwen loves HANRO – from pretty lace bras to their perfect cotton pieces. This sleep shirt is perfect for chilly winter hotel rooms.

FIJI CHAIN BRACELET | MONICA VINADER
Everyone needs a rose gold treat, and this bracelet is perfect for layering with other pieces. The curved bar can be personalized with complimentary engraving.

HYDRATING BEAUTY PRODUCTS | HERBIVORE BOTANICALS
Between the dry airplane and cool winter air, skin is prone to getting parched during travel. Gwen loves to stay hydrated with this lip set and face oil.

CURATED TRAVEL KIT | THE LAUNDRESS
Gwen never leaves home without her self-curated Laundress travel kit. It’s always packed and ready to go with Crease Release, Mawa Clips (from The Laundress SoHo store), Hotel Laundry Bag, Wash & Stain Bar, and packets of Delicate Wash and Stain Solution. She always packs by filling storage bags with different categories of items and includes an empty Hotel Laundry Bag for dirty laundry.

WHAT SHE’S DOING…

LONDON SHOPPING | PORTOBELLO MARKET
It's been a while since she has hit this market. Like all markets, you have to go early! Every Saturday, the stalls are buzzing with treasure hunters searching for antiques and collectibles. Alfie’s Antique Market is always a stop. You never know what you will find.

FACIAL TONING | FACE GYM
After checking out The Laundress goods at Selfridges, Gwen is heading to Face Gym to work on her facial fitness – for the first time. The face trainers here perform a series of lifting and sculpting workouts designed to tone and tighten the 40+ muscles in your face. Gwen has followed the founder's column in the Financial Times for years and she's excited to try out her venture. She's also now on Instagram.

RESTING | CLARIDGES
One thing Gwen won’t have to do in London is worry about any wardrobe mishaps. She’ll be catching up on her R&R at Claridges where The Laundress Ironing Water and Stiffen Up is now a hotel guest amenity.

LUNCHING | CHELSEA ARTS CLUB
Gwen is excited to catch up with friends over lunch at the Chelsea Arts Club – a private club that counts many artists, poets, and musicians as members. The mural outside includes a rotating display of artwork.

COCKTAILS | HEMINGWAY BAR / RITZ PARIS
After Dry January, Gwen is excited to indulge in a cocktail at the iconic Hemingway Bar located in the newly renovated Ritz Paris. Legends like Cole Porter, Gary Cooper, and, of course, Ernest Hemingway are all former patrons of this celebrated spot.

PARIS SHOPPING | PORTE DE CLIGNANCOURT
Always on the itinerary is a Saturday morning spent treasure hunting at the Paris Flea Market. It’s an excellent spot to search for one-of-a-kind finds, including art, antiques, furniture, and jewelry. It's nearly impossible to leave empty handed.