{practicing.perfect}: Lessons learned from People Watching

Here I am ready to kick off my Labor Day weekend at the BWI airport.

Airports are the best place to do some solid people watching. Well, maybe second to a mall or Wal-Mart depending what you're looking for.

You can watch families, friends, and couples interact. I don’t personally know any of these people but I would guess they way they treat each other here is indicative of their overall relationship.

So far I have seen:

· A daughter roll her eyes as she explained to her mother how to “fly stand by.”

· A family laugh as they watched their flight pull away from the gate, without them on it. Now they have time for breakfast, the father exclaimed.

· A couple argue over carrying the bags. The young man stood firm that if it was too difficult to carry her bags and walk expeditiously she should have packed less and chosen more practical shoes.

Which brings me to my next point. Do people understand that an airport is a public place and not just an extension of their bedroom?

Trust me when I say, I am well aware that 6:00 am is early. I would much rather be at home in my pajamas too; however, spare the rest of us from seeing your superman flannels. I, and most likely the other flyers, am making snap judgments based off the way you are dressed.

{this.is.glamorous}

From my people watching I have come up with some keys to flying stylishly, comfortably, and practically. Hopefully these rules can help you get through security quickly, to your gate on time, and without everyone wondering if your house completely lacks mirrors.

1. A female acquaintance of my father & frequent traveler once told me that she always dresses to impress when flying. You never know if your future husband, business partner, client or customer will be sitting in the seat next to you. With that being said we all know, you only have one chance to make a first impression. Do you think someone so influential is going to talk to you if it appears you haven’t showered or taken the time to get dressed?

2. Conversely ladies, you are not working the corner. If your flight changes gates or you get caught behind the family of 12 that’s never flown, are you really going to run through the terminal in your 5-inch heels and mini skirt? You could be Heidi Klum and that probably still would not be attractive. Opt for something more practical, sophisticated and polished.

Even KK has problem with her shoes at airports.

3. Let’s start with the shoes: I usually opt for flip-flops, flats, or slides. I’ve seen several ladies working the wedges this morning. Whatever you choose remember that things happen; there is always the chance that you will end up having to rush, maybe even run through a terminal. Additionally, you will have to remove your shoes at security. It doesn’t matter how cute you look or how much they cost, so please don’t choose your Manolo lace-up boots that take 45 minutes and a friend's assistance to take off.

{fashion.by.he}

4. While we are talking about going through security, you will have to go through a metal detector, this means you will need to remove your belt and excessive jewelry. For our gentleman friends: if you remove your belt and your pants fall down, you need new pants. This is primarily a rule for life; however, it applies specifically to airports. Ladies, I love a good set of bangles as much as the next girl but again – METAL DETECTORS. I watched a woman walk by earlier with brightly colored, layered bangles. They were the chunky plastic ones from the 80s. GENIUS!

5. Perfect Flight Attire:

· Flying has become increasingly difficult over the past few years which often times makes for long days. Choose something your comfortable in. I prefer cotton - maxi dress during the summer, leggings and tunic for winter. If you're pants dig into after sitting for an hour or your skirt is too short when you sit down they probably don't make the best flight attire.

· In addition to a comfortable fabric and fit, I recommend dressing in layers. If you're anything like me, you're probably cold on a flight. Layers will also help you adjust to varying temperatures between departure and destination. I ALWAYS carry a cardigan and sometimes even a blazer.

6. My final piece of advice is regarding your "personal item." Ladies this is one of those times your b/f will love that oversized bag you call a purse. Of course I use a rolling suitcase as my carry-on but I even take an overnight bag as my personal item; with the right one you can fit not only your laptop, purse, layering items, and reading material but also anything that didn't fit in your larger carry-on.

Look at how some of these celebs are rocking their airport style: