Travel Like an Editor: Dana Avidan Cohn Hits London for #LFW

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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In this feature,InStyle 's Senior Market Editor/Digital Correspondent Dana Avidan Cohn documents what she packed and what she wore for her trip to London Fashion Week.

Twice a year I get to travel to London and check out all that British designers have to offer. While I am there I stay at the Rosewood London and attend 40+ runway collections, scout new brands at showroom appointments, and take lunches and dinners with designers and publicists. This all takes place within a compressed 4-day mini fashion week. My days are 8 A.M--midnight and if I'm lucky there is a 30 minute break to run back to the hotel.

The Burberry show is one of the highlights every season in London. For years, the mega-brand has been at the forefront of digital innovation in the fashion industry. From Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne in the front row, to click-to-buy runway looks via Twitter, to Instagram-worthy installations—the whole experience feels like one big social media frenzy. The whole time, I kept my followers in-the-know via Instagram (@danaavidancohn).

Fashion-wise, I need to dress for a full day. It's tricky to pack because the weather is so unpredictable, so I pack something from every season knowing that the mornings may be freezing and afternoons may be hot. First, I commit to checking a bag. There is no way I am getting everything into a carry on. Instead of over stuffing a small bag, I decide to leave room in a large bag knowing that there are a few shops I intend to swing by (after all, it's fashion research).

I see my only block of time is a 2 hour window on Saturday morning which gives me just enough time to swing by Whistles, Matches Fashion, & Other Stories, none of which are not open in the United States yet. I score an oxblood Fendi bag at Matches and a pair of Nikes at & Other Stories—I also found a great pair of culottes and a pleated skirt at Whistles. Fraud protection notified my husband of the purchases before I get a chance to—(oops).

Even though I work in fashion, I shop very little. I pre-order a few pieces each season and that's it. However, every time I travel I get an urge to shop, partly because the pieces feel a bit more special and also because the pound always sounds more reasonable even though the conversion isn't!

My clothing strategy for London was the same for New York fashion week - black, white, burgundy, and navy with some cool darker prints mixed in. I brought a Belstaff moto jacket that I wore on and off the whole weekend and kept the same jewelry on everyday. This season, for me, has been all about separates. I like creating something instead of just wearing a dress on its own.

On the plane, I always wear track pants from Vince—they are so comfortable and look cute with a trainer and leather jacket. I also pack one flat sandal to swap in for when my feet are done with heels.

I am still learning about beauty. I have never been into makeup and too many products overwhelm me. I am trying to streamline my regimen. When I travel, I always pack the polish I have on for touch ups.

PHOTOS: To experience Dana's trip to London for London Fashion Week and shop her travel essentials, click through the gallery.

01 of 09

Hitting London Town

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"Getting to cover the British designers means an amazing trip to London twice a year. I always leave room in my suitcase knowing I will be adding a few new purchases while I'm in town."

Marc Jacobs sunglasses, $365;

02 of 09

Beauty Must-Haves

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"I never use hotel shampoo because my hair reacts so strongly to new products. Bumble and Bumble makes the perfect size mini bottles for travel."

Eau Thermale Avene spring water spray, $18;

03 of 09

Breakfast

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"A friend once told me she orders room service the night before and it really is the best tip. If you have an early morning you can schedule breakfast for 5 minutes after your wake up call. It saves so much time and allows you to plan out your morning more efficiently, which is key for a work trip."

04 of 09

Workout Wear

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"Before I go to a hotel, I always find out about the gym. If I'm in a city, I like to run outside in the morning when it's quiet. It's the absolute best way to get a feel for the city. For music, I download everything onto a Spotify playlist so that I don't waist any data."

Nike sports bra, $35;

05 of 09

What I Wore to the Tom Ford Show

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"I pack low maintenance clothing. I bring pieces that all work together and don't wrinkle easily."

Belstaff leather jacket, $2,495;

06 of 09

Lipsticks

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"Lipsticks are the only things I pack in multiples. Because I don't wear a lot of makeup when I travel, it's the only thing I use to change up my look."

From left: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Flamingo, $32;

07 of 09

Visiting Mulberry's Headquarters

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"I loved getting to see Mulberry's headquarters in London. I couldn't resist getting a shot with their super-sized Mulberry bag."

Sally LaPointe sleeveless coat,

08 of 09

Visiting Mulberry's Headquarters

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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"I also had to capture the moment with this shot of their incredible floral arrangements. They had over 3,000 flowers there!"

09 of 09

What I Wore to the Paul Smith Show

Travel Like and Editor Dana London
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