Jeweler and Jetsetter Stephanie Gottlieb on her Travel Style –and How to Really Pack Accessories
Before we got to know Stephanie Gottlieb, we knew her Insta-famous engagement ring. The pavé rose gold sensation has launched hundreds of thousands followers for one of Instagram’s and New York City’s best-known jewelers. It’s clear why: Scroll through Gottlieb’s sparkling feed, and you’ll see plenty of irresistible SG signatures. She’s perfected dozens of original engagement ring styles, as well as the iced-out hand pose. That’s when Gottlieb holds out her perfectly manicured hand – tastefully adorned in stack after stack of shimmering diamonds – in front of a gorgeous setting like the Manhattan skyline, The French Riviera or a Hawaiian sunset. Yes, the jeweler is a jetsetter, simultaneously inspiring wanderlust and diamond envy in her loyal followers.
Gottlieb’s Instagram is an amalgam of the fantastical and aspirational – and we just had to know more about it. Here, we speak to the jeweler about her jetsetting tips, travel style and the absolute right way to pack jewelry.
Describe your airport style. What does your travel uniform usually look like?
I like to wear something I know I’ll be comfortable in for a long period of time, because you never know what will happen during a day of travel. I’m definitely not that girl who wears jeans and heels on the plane!
What jewelry do you keep on when traveling?
I always wear my go-to pieces, like my engagement ring, wedding bands, a few stack bands, diamond studs and an everyday necklace. I try to avoid any major pieces like chokers or wide bands because it’s easy to swell after a flight, and you don’t want to be wearing anything that’s constricting.
How do you decide which jewelry to pack for a trip?
I tend to pick pieces that are wearable day-to-night. Lariats look great with a bathing suit and are also elevated enough to wear for a dressy night out.
Big gold or diamond hoops are also a must. I actually just designed a pair of gold hoops with removable charms, which are great for travel because you can change them up from day to day.
What destinations have you visited in the past year?
I travel a lot! It’s one of my passions, and it really gives me time to decompress from work, as well as spend quality time with my hubby. This past year, I’ve been to Italy and the South of France – which is my annual summer trip – Bora Bora, Lanai and Los Angeles. I also have plans to travel to the Bahamas as my last escapade before my baby comes in July.
What are some of specific pieces that really speak to your airport style?
These Ganni pants are comfy and easy to wear on the plane. If I want to re-wear something like these on vacation, I’d have the hotel do a quick dry cleaning and then dress them up or down the rest of the trip!
Golden Goose are my go-to sneakers; they are super comfortable for long walking days.
This Alexander Wang tote is great because you can pack a lot into it. The bright color also makes it a statement piece.
I love traveling with a denim jacket because it’s super versatile. You can throw it on over a tank and shorts for day, or wear it over a dress for a cool evening look.
Can you share a few of your packing tips and secrets?
My packing secret is that I sneak things into my husband’s suitcase without him noticing when I run out of room in my own!
Are you a light packer? What is your suitcase of choice?
I always pack too much. I have a fear of not having the perfect outfit for every possible scenario. I’ve been using a Hartmann suitcase for as long as I can remember. It’s not sexy, but it’s really functional.
What are your top three vacations of all time?
1) Bora Bora was definitely a highlight. It is such a beautiful place, and nothing rivals sleeping in a room over the water. It’s an incredibly exotic feeling!
2) I travel to Europe every summer with my family—specifically to Capri and the South of France. Both places hold so many amazing memories of good times with family and friends. It just defines “summer” in my mind.
3) My husband and I studied abroad together when we were in college and explored different European destinations every weekend, with our home based in Seville. I think Seville is such a beautiful and interesting city, and a lot of people tend to pass over it!
How about your top three hotels or resorts?
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, The Four Seasons Bora Bora, and Amankila Bali.
Do you have an in-flight beauty routine?
Yes! I always make sure to drink a ton of water before and during the flight. My doctor told me to target drinking one bottle an hour, so I always sit in the aisle seat for bathroom breaks. I also load up on chapstick and hand lotion. As soon as I get to my hotel, I’ll put on a moisturizing mask to rehydrate my skin.
Name your favorite destination that’s…
European – Capri
Domestic – Los Angeles
Beachy – Anguilla
Do you have any other in-flight tips, like a favorite travel accessory or form of entertainment?
The first thing I do when I get on the plane is Clorox my seat – the arm rests, the TV, everything! Some people look at my like I’m crazy, but half of them end up asking if they can use a wipe. I always pack an extra pair of cozy socks, and I generally travel with a really big scarf to use as a blanket. I’m not a great flier, so the best thing for me to do is download a bunch of movies and just start watching as soon as I’m allowed to turn on my computer. If I don’t have a laptop or iPad, I go a little crazy.
Finally, what is the correct way to pack jewelry?
The best thing to do is to buy little plastic baggies so that each piece has its own bag.
You can then either pack all of those baggies into a larger Ziploc and keep that in a cute pouch – or buy a great travel jewelry box that has a compartment for earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces. I like to do a combination of the two and put baggies inside a nice jewelry box. It’s always a good idea to have a small pouch in your bag so that you can take off jewelry if needed and have a safe place to keep it, like when you’re putting on sunscreen at the beach, for example.