Aurora James does not pack in outfits, but she does pack in palettes. The multi-hyphenate (designer, founder of both fashion brand Brother Vellies and the Fifteen Percent Pledge initiative, and author) leads a life as on the go as her various job titles suggest; she’s a pro at the carry-on lifestyle and well-versed in sticking to a sartorial theme for her various capsule wardrobes. With Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, she’ll be flying to Napa for the BottleRock music festival. “It’s an annual excursion I do with my work family,” she says. “Needless to say, a Napa music festival with your investor friends is a very different vibe than Coachella—but it’s fun in a much more adult way.”

To fit the theme, her palette of choice is comprised of mostly earthy tones in an array of materials and textures: crochet shoes and raffia bags, suede and leather accessories in various shades of cognac, a trusty pair of nutmeg-colored huaraches. There’s a bohemian bent—Chloé is a favorite, as is a trusty turquoise ring—as well as a subtle nod to the beach. From a pair of Chanel mules accented with starfish charms to a mother-of-pearl shell hair clip, there’s no doubt this is a travel wardrobe destined for a sunny spot.

We chatted with James ahead of her summer travels (she’ll be jetting off directly to Venice after her short stint out West) to peek inside her carry-on. Read on to hear about her best packing tips, her in-flight staples, and the importance of the ever-versatile going-out top.

Are you a pre-packer or a throw-in-and-go type?

It depends on the trip, but if it’s a weekend away, I’m going to throw in and go. Generally speaking I’m a carry-on girl–I avoid checked bags whenever possible.

Do you pack in outfits?

I usually pack in color stories. I also wear a lot of dresses, so the accessories tend to be the stars.

What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?

I love shopping resort collections, both current and vintage. The whimsy that comes out of designers during that collection is usually fantastic. Right now, I am very much in love with the Chloé À La Plage collection; the raffia, florals, and jelly sandals are perfect for a getaway.

What’s your go-to travel bag right now?

I am pretty loyal to my Virgil-era Louis Vuitton carry-on. It reminds me of him in a way that I appreciate when I’m leaving home.

Do you have a travel outfit formula?

I am a die-hard Suzie Kondi fan; her velour and terry sets are all I want to wear on the plane. They’re chic and easy but not precious. I like to pair a set with vellies or my favorite Miu Miu sneakers.

What are your in-flight non-negotiables?

My headphones, and every episode downloaded of The Daily, The Atlantic, and Pod Save America. Mine were a gift from Margaret and Katherine from Dôen, which I love for the plane because they’re easy to quickly find in my bag, and I don’t have to worry about an AirPod falling to the floor and getting contaminated. I also bring my Louise Carmen journal everywhere with me. It has a zippered pocket inside that carries my wallet and tickets… it can function as a handbag, almost.

Team travel scarf or travel sweater?

Travel sweater, from The Elder Statesman. I’m a germaphobe; a scarf is too much rogue fabric for the plane. (Although I love the idea conceptually!)

What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?

I’m all about skincare on vacation. I usually pack my Eighth Day serum, a wonderful all-purpose serum I use morning and night because it feels light and doesn’t clog my pores, and my Shani Darden cleanser and moisturizer. I always give myself a little love after I’m off the plane—a good bath and face mask (I like these from 111Skin) can only add to the aura. I also love the Control Corrective sunscreen, Augustinus Bader lip balm, and Eadem lip gloss for cocktails.

Finally, when I’m in and out of the ocean—and possibly also the pool—I need to give my hair extra love. I swear by the Highbrow Hippie hair mask once a week; on vacation, I will use it every other day.

Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?

Fun, not fussy. A clutch, a classic, and a beach bag. Jonathan Anderson’s Diorly Bag is a favorite of mine; this new shape is incredible and so easy to wear. (The magnet closure makes it carefree enough for vacation, and I’m excited to see how my suede patinas over time.) I also love a basket bag you can depend on, especially if you’re heading out to the local flea or farmers market. Sézane’s was handwoven in Madagascar.

For jewelry, I’ve been wearing this Dior turquoise ring non-stop this season; I love the pop of color and texture. My shell necklace is from Renata Q. I actually found the shell with barnacles at a flea market in Los Angeles and sent it to Renata so she could make this special necklace for me—I have many of her pieces that can turn any outfit into vacation attire. Then, this shell hair clip is perfect for messy, tousled beach hair when you want to clip it back.

Travel steamer: Yes or No?

I usually find myself arriving somewhere that has a steamer. Sometimes, if it’s a new hotel, I will actually call in advance to ask them to place a steamer in the room. But am I packing a Charvet shirt ever? No, probably not.

What has been your most-worn vacation item?

I am a devotee of the Brother Vellies summer lace-up huaraches. I have been wearing mine for four years in a row now, every summer and every vacation. They’re super versatile and unbelievably comfortable. I recently started adding some charms to mine that I’ve been collecting during my travels; they’re so fun and I love seeking out super special adornments at the markets.

What staple piece is always in your suitcase?

The huaraches are that piece for me: I can wear them with a linen dress at breakfast, but they also do well on boats—both fishing boats and yachts. I also think it’s nice to bring something you can dance all night in that isn’t super precious, so I’m bringing this vintage going-out top. I always want to have something I know I can run into the ocean in if it ends up being a certain type of night.

Overpacking or leaving room for souvenirs?

I leave room, but usually end up coming back with an additional bag if I’m going somewhere especially magical.

What’s the best packing lesson you ever learned?

I was into rolling things for awhile. But now I’m experimenting in the dark arts of packing cubes.