Dear readers, please accept an apology from deep down in my fashionable heart. I do know you wait in eager anticipation for your weekly dose of sophistication, but a surprise trip prevented me from filing last week’s story about sophisticated behaviour at holiday office parties.

Do not fret, my pets. I will tell you the tips next week, but for now, you simply must know how to pressure-pack when faced with a last-minute trip. This is a necessity for when you receive a holiday gift that may take you adrift or to a ski lift. You absolutely must pack efficiently to maximize your travel time.

Lucinda’s List: Crush the Travel Packing Rush

1. Ascent with Documents – Always keep your travel documents in a safe place and know where they are at all times. You can keep them stylish with hotel security in luxurious passport pouches and travel cases by m0851.
2. Crumple Rumples – To avoid wrinkles, the elegant traveller wears crease-free fabrics such as cashmere and jersey. Dresses and skirts are the intelligent choice since pants tend toward terrible creasing.
3. Be a Pack Rat – The sophisticate should always have a carry-on ready at all times for any travel emergency. It should contain copies of all current cosmetics and key wardrobe items for two days, should the airline lose your luggage.
4. Little Black Dress for Success – One key wardrobe item is, of course, the Little Black Dress. It does not necessarily have to be Chanel, but it must be chic. Plenty can be found – where else? – at The Little Black Dress Shop.
5. Get a Shoe Clue – At the barest minimum, you must always have at least two pairs of heels packed: party heels and walking heels. These should be black, of course, to match any outfit. Nobody should ever travel with only one pair of shoes.
6. Hipper Slippers – Executive Class on airlines always provide travellers with slippers, but nothing could be more of a fashion disaster. You can find luxurious in-flight footwear at your favourite spa.
7. Emphasize, Moisturize – Airplane air inflicts irreparable damage to the body. Ensure your body is moisturized with plenty of water, your face is sprayed with atomizing water, and your hands are treated to the very best skin cream.
8. Nap in a Snap – You must be rested upon arrival for any paparazzi who lay in wait at airports, so prepare for sleep. Bring a relaxing eye mask, fill your iPod with classical music, and have a sip of wine on takeoff. If the flight is over eight hours, the sophisticated traveller is permitted a muscle relaxant and a neck pillow.
9. Venue Menu – You are the client, so the airline and hotel must cater to your dietary needs. You must stay healthy during your trip or it could be ruined, so do not be afraid to ask for the smart food your body requires.
10. Men Make Passes at Women with Sunglasses – Oversized designer shades are absolutely essential when descending from an airplane.