Spring break season provides a perfect opportunity to steal away with a gaggle of your closest girlfriends. For the ladies of the International Girl Crew—a group of creative entrepreneurs who convene regularly in exotic locales—the girl getaway is a distinctly stylish affair. Whether they’re jetting off to the Grecian isles, the lagoons of Jamaica, or the restaurants of Japan, in their hands, female bonding has never looked so fun, or glamorous. But then again, when you call models, nail-art pros, and denim designers your best friends, your vacation group pic is bound to be on point—and a lesson in how exactly to pack for an international jaunt.

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Never content to scramble for vacation essentials the night before, BFFs Madeline Poole (fashion’s favorite nail artist) and Paloma Elsesser (a model and activist) reveal that it takes a bit of pre-planning to cull the perfect spring break stockpile. Here, on the eve of their Moroccan adventure—a trek to pay homage to Poole’s late father, who spent time there—these jet-setters reveal the best in spring break packing tips, from waxing rituals to picking tunes help bring on the party (when in doubt, play Pitbull).


“I am known for being a very minimal and organized packer. It’s a joke between Paloma and I that I’ll show up with literally a backpack and she has a normal person’s amount of stuff. I’m impatient, so once I get off an airplane I’m like, “GET ME OUT OF HERE!” I don’t want to wait for checked bags. I have an Away suitcase, which has been amazing. It’s a carry-on size, and they are famous for the phone charger built into the bag. I am known for having a perpetually dying phone, so it’s a match made in heaven. ”

Set the Mood
“I’m also a huge nerd and I make Pinterest boards and mood boards that I send to my friends that I’m traveling with. It started as a joke really because I’m known for being an over-planner. Paloma and I are going to Morocco with all three of my sisters and I keep sending them inspiration pictures and color palette ideas. Like, ‘Yellow is a major color for our trip, keep that in mind when packing.’ ”

Shopping List
“I love Eve Denim overalls and Charlotte culottes for casual daywear; I have a pair of Miaou raw denim jeans that are more club-appropriate; and then Lorod’s denim outfits are sick. I have a joke that I get half my wardrobe at Mystique Boutique NYC or Necessary Clothing on Broadway. I also love Local Clothing; it’s a small vintage store on 9th Street in the East Village. I’ve gotten tons of iconic dresses there. I love the Space shop of Nordstrom for online stuff. There’s a Totokaelo and Opening Ceremony close to my office, where I can get a few special things. I also love to shop on Etsy, because I usually know what I want. And last but not least, I always try to get a fresh, clean pair of sneakers for a trip, especially a city trip.”

The More Swimsuits, the Merrier
“When we went to Greece last year, I brought every bikini I could find and bought more when I was there. I spent every waking moment of that trip in a swimsuit. I bought a couple of swimsuits online recently and my plan was to choose my favorite and send the rest back. I unfortunately ended up liking the most expensive one—this tomato red Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini!”

Stockpile Sunnies (And Use the Cases to Stash Extras)
“Sunglasses are where I get excessive. I have a very large sunglasses collection and I usually bring four to five pairs with me. They don’t take up much room so I’ve always felt like it was a good area to splurge on. I put the sunglasses inside of sunglasses baggies and then in the hard cases. That way I can put jewelry in the hard cases with them without scratching the sunglasses. My top favorites are these Moscot black-on-black Mangitos. Then I have a navy blue pair of Célines, and a round translucent yellow pair of Versace sunglasses.”

Beauty Prep
“I’m a big pre-vacation eyebrow threader, and the manicure/pedicure. Fortunately, I’m a manicurist, so if I don’t have time I’ll bring a little kit with me and do it on the trip. I usually wear gels, but I might even try gels on my toes. Is that crazy? I listen to whatever the prime color of the environment is. For Morocco, I think that bright Yves Klein blue will be perfect.”

Poolside Essentials
“I have really sensitive skin and I can sit in the sun and get some nice freckles. But I need to wear sunscreen head to toe, or I’m in big trouble. I don’t use anything chic because I feel like it always gets confiscated from me at airport security. Besides, I love foreign products, so it’s fun to try out an Italian sunscreen. I also like to bring oil. I really like the smell of the classic Neutrogena sesame body oil. I also bring this wireless speaker—it’s a UE Roll 2 and it’s incredible. It’s also waterproof, so you can bring it on a boat or to the beach without worrying. I literally can’t walk to the bathroom without music playing, so this is an essential for me.

Deep Cuts
“Pitbull and Ne-Yo’s ‘Time of Our Lives’ is my anthem! I honestly love that song, but music is really important to me and to all of us. We bond over a good tune, and music can also change the vibe quicker than any element. I always make sure I have a massive amount of downloaded music so I can play without WiFi. The real power of International Girl Crew is that we each bring something to the table and everyone has their deep cuts and their nostalgic songs.”

Paloma Elsesser, model and activist

Shopping List
“I like to check out Zara for basics—crop tops and off-the-shoulder tops—and scour websites like The RealReal for fabulous finds like the rubber Chanel slides I just purchased. I start acquiring things the weeks leading up and set aside prospects. I finalize everything the night before. I’m a chronic over-packer, so I tend to pack in outfits versus bringing things that can be reworn repeatedly. However, because sunny vacations require less, the dress-a-day theory comes in very handy. I bring about four bathing suits—I believe on beach vacations it’s all about the bathing suit. I love a high-waisted bottom paired with an off-the-shoulder top (à la Lisa Marie Fernandez) or a slinky bikini top. Statement jewelry is a major component of my vacation looks, and my Céline tortoise shell sunglasses match with everything. In theory, I leave tons of room for souvenirs! But in reality, there’s none.”

Outfit Planning Pointers
“I love to plot outfits in advance—it’s very helpful while on the go. It’s also considerate of people’s time when abroad. It’s never cool being the one who took too long to get ready. I don’t have a motif really, but I love inserting the cultural references of the place into my own style. When we went to Greece I tried a lot of blue and white; this time I’m going for rich reds and yellows.”

Flight Strategy
“I never wear heels on the plane, and nothing clingy—comfort is key! I tend to travel in light silk pajamas and a tank underneath in case I get hot. I love traveling with slip-on sneakers, like Vans. They’re easy at security and easy to get on if my feet swell! Ha! In my carry-on, I pack a book, my journal, my computer, lots of moisturizers and lip balms, and gum. I also take a sheet mask, an eye mask, melatonin, a stiff neck pillow, a scarf, Embryolisse, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, and hand lotion to ensure a smooth trip.”

Poolside Essentials
“For my everyday, I pack a book (I’m going to start Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie), some sunscreen (Lancer is best! It’s extremely breathable and doesn’t give a white sheen), a little argan oil or leave-in conditioner, headphones, and lotion.”

Beauty Prep
“For work, I have to always either have a clear or natural manicure. For vacations I love to indulge in colors or getting a little bit of length put on. This time, I think I’ll do a cherry red or a navy blue manicure and a bright white pedicure.”

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