The CEO of the British fashion and homewares brand Toast has a travel routine as thoughtfully down to earth as the company’s signature soulful style: rustic-meets-refined boutique hotels, wool socks on the plane, and always a Smythson notebook in hand.
How often do you travel?
I try to reduce my travel by air each year. For work, this means I make the most out of each trip: visiting stores, spending time with the team, meeting customers, people watching—all my favourite pastimes. When it comes to holidays, I visit the South of France often—I lived there for a long time and it’s a second home to me. In recent years I have found myself travelling less and spending more time at home with my family. We are also lucky enough to have shops in beautiful parts of the UK, such as Bath and Oxford—I like to spend time there when I can.
Most recent passport stamp?
The USA
What’s your travel uniform?
You’ll always find me in a pair of TOAST trousers when travelling. They are comfortable without compromising on style. I’m currently obsessed with the cotton paper bag trousers in honey. The pleat detailing brings texture and volume to the wide silhouette, making me feel like Annie Hall from Woody Allen’s ‘70’s film! I’ll often pair my trousers with light layers, including a cashmere sweater.
Go-to luggage for a short trip? Long trip?
I’m a VERY light packer. For a short trip, I can get away with just packing some essentials into a tote bag – Kate Sheridan’s waxed cotton totes are ideal. For a long trip, I have been borrowing my daughter’s AWAY suitcase—it’s not big, but it does have a phone charger built into it which is rather handy.
Hardest-working item you bring?
Flower Mountain Yamano Kaiso trainers—I wear them with everything. The recycled and bio-based materials come in great colours and, most importantly, they are extraordinarily comfortable.
Airport routine?
When I’m at the airport, I like to browse books and magazines as I don’t usually have time to do this. Other than that, I’ll be getting a coffee and heading to the gate early.
Window or aisle? Go-to seat number?
Honestly, I don’t mind. Either way I will be striking up a conversation with whoever is sitting beside me. Sorry!
Any in-air rituals?
Most likely you’ll find me reading a good book. Maybe listening to a podcast. I do like The New York Times podcast, “The Interview.”
What’s always in your carry-on?
I find that long flights are a great opportunity to be productive which is why I’ll always have my Smythson notebook on hand for jotting down creative ideas. My noise cancelling Bose headphones are essential for blocking out unwanted sounds. My Falke Wool socks keep my feet warm, and I’m also never without Aesop hand cream.
Three favorite hotels in the world?
Chateau Voltaire, Paris, France.
Inness, Accord, USA.
Thyme, Cotswolds, UK.
Consistently favorite hotel brand?
I like to book small, independent hotels. Once I find one that I love I will often go back. The Marlton Hotel has become a home from home when in New York.
Most memorable meal you’ve had while traveling?
An amazing Thali I enjoyed on the seafront in Kovalam, Kerala whilst travelling with my mother and daughter. Sensational food and wonderful company. A treasured memory.
Any jet-lag wisdom?
I like to maintain my usual sleeping schedule when I’m travelling in different time zones. While that means I’m often up through the night, I am an early riser making it slightly easier to manage!
Go-to room service order?
I’m far too interested in local culture and meeting new people, so I’ll always go out and soak that up instead of ordering room service!
Tricks for making a hotel room feel like home?
Unpack properly.
Best hotel gym?
I truly don’t think I’ve ever been to one. I like to do yoga in my room. My husband loves the gym at The Newt—good equipment and great architecture.
Your dream airplane would have…
Lie down seats for everyone.
Best in-flight conversation/seat-mate encounter?
I recently met an old acquaintance on a flight who gave me a huge opportunity early in my career. We had a lovely chat, caught up on the past 30 years since we last met, and I was able to thank him for trusting in me. It would not be an understatement to say he changed the course of my life.
First thing you do when you get home.
My dog Boots greets me as soon as I’m through the door, so rubbing his ears is often the first thing I’ll do.
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